by Maggie Ryan
He looked down and nodded. “Yes, but she doesn’t expect payment.” After a moment, he continued, “And, it is never too late to thank her for her generosity or to seek permission.”
“I couldn’t!” she said, her heart racing a bit. “She’d know!”
“Lilly, honey, you just admitted that you believe she does know. It might be a bit difficult but I assure you, not only would it be a nice gesture, you would feel much better if you did so.” When she didn’t answer, he slipped his arm around her waist and gave her a squeeze. “Just think about it, all right? Maybe next week you’ll be ready.”
“Next week?”
“Yes, I’d love it if you joined me again.”
She hadn’t thought further than this afternoon but at his invitation, she realized how thrilled she was. “I-I’d like that. I’d like that very much.”
“Good, then it’s settled.” A sudden roll of thunder had them both looking skyward. “It’s going to rain soon. Let’s get you home.”
“Just let me get Miss Bushy and the food.” She left his hold and ran back to retrieve her items. Turning, she saw he had her flower basket and reached for it.
“I’ll take it for you. We’ll return the picnic basket to Mrs. Yardley and then be on our way.”
“No.”
“No?”
“I mean, yes, you take it back. I need to hurry before it rains.”
“Lilly, as much as I’d enjoy watching you wiggle your way through the hedge, a gentleman escorts his lady home.”
“You didn’t bring me and I can get home by myself.”
“I wasn’t asking, young lady, I was informing you what would happen.” She watched as his eyebrow lifted. Was that some sort of sign… a warning? “Shall I also warn you what will happen if you continue to argue the point?”
She felt the skin of her bottom crawl and gooseflesh pop out on her arms as his words answered the question she hadn’t asked aloud. After their discussion, she had no problem understanding what that warning would entail. Looking towards the hedge, she fought against the desire to run and the desire to learn more about him and yes, perhaps discover answers to questions she’d yet to think of. Meeting his eyes, she shook her head.
“No… no, sir. I’d appreciate a ride home, if you are sure it’s not too much trouble.”
His dimple reappeared and he took her free hand, his other holding both her flower basket and the picnic hamper. “Good girl. You would never be too much trouble, little one.”
They’d made it halfway back to the house when the first fat drops of rain began to fall. He picked up the pace and she ran beside him, both laughing when they reached the shelter of the back porch. She was still smiling when he opened the door and ushered her inside. It wasn’t until she realized that they weren’t alone that her feet froze to the floor and her heart threatened to jump from her chest.
Chapter Eight
Phillip knew instantly what had Lilly freezing behind him like one of the dozens of statues scattered throughout Eleanor’s garden. He had attributed the dimming light to the storm but now realized it must be later than he’d realized, as the house was no longer quiet, nor were most of its inhabitants above stairs. When she attempted to tug her hand from his, he had no doubt that if he released it, she would turn to flee from the room and the people in it.
“It’s all right,” he said softly. “No one will hurt you here.”
“I-I can’t. I don’t belong here.”
His heart skipped a beat at her words. They were the ones he never wished to hear but he understood this wasn’t about what he wanted or needed; this was about one person and one person only, the small, beautiful woman who stood, trembling at his side. He set the two baskets down on a small table by the door and then, keeping her hand in his, turned to face her, squatting down until they were face-to-face.
“Just breathe, little one. I promise, everything is going to be fine.” Seeing the shimmer of tears in her eyes, his heart broke just a tiny bit more. “Oh, honey, please don’t cry. You are safe here. I’ve got you. I swear on my life I would never ever let anyone harm you.” He kept his eyes on her but was aware of the sounds behind him. He was grateful knowing that Eleanor, who had been in the room when they entered, was quietly and efficiently clearing the room of the nanny and her charge with whom she’d obviously been talking. He concentrated on slowly stroking up and down Lilly’s arms, soothing her with a soft touch and soft words as he continued to reassure her she was safe. He didn’t take his own deep breath until he felt her trembling slow and then stop. Only then did he move his hand up to stroke a fingertip down her cheek.
“That’s my girl. Just breathe.” He watched her nod and take several shuddering breaths.
“I-I’m sor… sorry,” she whispered.
“Don’t be, you have no reason to be sorry,” he said. “I didn’t expect to encounter anyone. I promise, I didn’t try to attempt to force you into talking or even seeing another. I was having a wonderful time with you but it was my responsibility to keep track of the time. It is I who needs to apologize.”
She lifted her head and met his gaze. Though her eyes were shimmering, the sheen of tears was slowly disappearing. He used the pad of his thumb to swipe away the two that had fallen to her cheeks. “Forgive me?” he asked and with her nod, he bent forward and kissed her gently.
“I-I don’t mind getting wet. We could go back outside and walk—”
“I mind you getting wet. It’s far too easy to catch cold or worse after being drenched. I’m asking you to trust me, Lilly. These are good people. Trust and allow me to guide you through the house and out the front door. Though I hope you will one day wish to meet them, for now you do not have to speak to a single person if you don’t want to.”
She hesitated and then seemed to relax when the sound of a delighted squeal reached them. “That… sounds like Rachel.”
Tilting his head to listen, he grinned when he heard the familiar sound of his niece greeting the arrival of her papa. “Yes, she has a tendency to squeal.”
“And giggle,” Lilly offered as that sound reached them next.
“Yes, she giggles quite a lot as well.” Phillip thought for a moment and then took a chance, knowing he’d give her the choice. “Would you like to meet her?”
“Does she know I-I saw her?”
“No, remember my first note to you?” At her nod, he said, “I meant what it said. I will not tell either of your visit with the squirrels or the fact that you are a little gardener.”
“You mean a voyeur and a thief.”
He was pleased to see that her spirit was returning, but wasn’t going to allow her to denigrate herself. “No, young lady, I meant exactly what I said.”
She flushed, her teeth worrying her bottom lip before she nodded. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome. Are you ready?”
“I-I… yes, I’m ready.”
Straightening, he gave her a hug before taking the flower basket from the table and taking her hand. “Remember, you are safe here. Every person in this house has a good heart and would never harm you.”
“But you said even Mrs. Yardley spanks…”
He chuckled but also nodded. “Yes, she does. How about we talk about the difference between hurt and harm next week during our tea?”
“I’d like that,” she said and he knew she was going to be fine when she added, “as long as there is not any tangible demonstration involved.”
He was chuckling and she was smiling when they stepped into the hall and began to walk towards the front door.
*
The first person Lilly saw was Miss Summers. She was as elegantly dressed as usual. Though she also wore a blue dress, the bodice of hers contained many tiny pleats, and the scooped neckline enhanced her décolletage. The skirt fell from her narrow waist to her feet. Her blonde hair was twisted in a chignon, the tresses held in place with a pair of enameled combs. The woman didn’t approach but did give her a smile. “Hello
again, Lilly. I hope the rain didn’t ruin your tea party.”
“Um, hello, Miss Summers. No, we finished before the rain started. I’m sorry for entering your house without an invitation…” Understanding that it was rather ironic when she’d been entering the woman’s property for months without permission, she stopped speaking.
“You didn’t need an invitation, little one. Lord Carrington’s invitation extends to you.”
Instead of feeling relief, Lilly only had to look at the basket in Lord Carrington’s hand to know she owed a true apology. “I’m also sorry for stealing your flowers. I-I will pay you back but it will take a long time.”
“Do you really wish to repay me?” Eleanor asked.
Though she knew it would take months if not years to pay for the flowers she’d taken, Lilly nodded her head. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Then instead of coin, might I ask for a different payment?”
Lifting her head, Lilly looked first at the man at her side and then to the elegant woman. “Like what? I don’t have anything to offer.”
“You most certainly do,” Eleanor countered. “You have a love of flowers. I’ve considered that part of my garden to be yours ever since the day your face showed your delight when you first visited. The first rose you cut came not from my beds, but from yours. If you’ve noticed, my gardener has a great deal of work to do attending the grounds and if you’d like to repay me, I’d ask that you tend to your garden to ensure it continues to bloom.”
“You mean like weeding and pruning?”
“Exactly. Would you agree to doing just a bit of work each time you come for the flowers?”
“Yes, I mean, that’s not really work.”
The woman’s laugh was delightful like the notes of a song. “I disagree. There aren’t too many who like to work in the dirt. Oh, and there is one more thing I’d like to ask.”
Here it was, Lilly thought. She was struggling not to pull her hand free and wondered who would be doing the spanking. Lord Carrington or Miss Summers. Still, she managed to nod.
“While a bit of pruning and weeding will improve the garden, I’m afraid that if you continue to crawl through the hedge, instead of a young woman who loves the blooms, an animal might decide to visit and wreak havoc. I’d like you to use the front door. Would you consider allowing the hedge to heal?”
That was it? Surely a woman who was supposed to be guiding women along a submissive path, and a woman she had absolutely no doubt knew that corporal discipline was a part of that journey, wouldn’t truly be offering to let her get off scot-free?
“I think that is a very fair offer,” Phillip said. “What do you say, Lilly?”
“I can walk around the side of the house and go through the gate,” she offered. She couldn’t bear the thought of dropping clods of dirt, or bits of leaves and stems to sully the beautiful carpet she was standing on or the marble she could see beyond the doorway.
“Lilly is quite the little negotiator,” Phillip said.
“I accept your offer but any time you’d like to come inside, for a bit of refreshment or just to take a break, you are welcome to do so. Perhaps on one of your visits, you’d like to join us for dinner? It might not be as fun as a tea party, but I promise, there is no possibility that the rain will disturb you as you dine.”
The possibility had never occurred to her. In fact, nothing that had happened this day had been like anything she’d expected. Lilly was relieved when Lord Carrington answered for her.
“That sounds lovely and perhaps one day soon, we’ll take you up on the invitation.”
“Uncle Phillip!”
The girl’s cry had all three turning to see Rachel racing down the hall. Lilly got a glimpse of the other side of Miss Summers when she said, “Rachel, young ladies do not run in the house, nor do they interrupt a conversation to which they haven’t been invited.”
Lilly almost giggled as the girl’s arms flailed a bit as she attempted to abort her flight. She watched color spread across Rachel’s cheeks when she finally came to a stop. “I’m sorry, Miss Summers.”
When another person appeared, Lilly knew that unless she wished to be considered extremely rude, she needed to actually meet the couple she’d seen the week before. Looking up, she saw that Lord Carrington’s eyes weren’t on his friend or niece, but on her. She gave him a little nod and was rewarded with a smile that had her heart skipping.
“Rachel, Douglas, I’d like you to meet Miss Lilly…” Phillip began.
Lilly gave a little giggle and whispered, “Lancaster.”
“Yes, Miss Lilly Lancaster. Lilly, this is my friend, Lord Douglas Martingham and his fiancée, my niece, Miss Rachel Tarton.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lancaster,” Douglas said, giving her a smile and a small bow.
“I’m sorry for interrupting,” Rachel said, coming forward when Douglas motioned for her. “Oh, I like your squirrel! It looks so real! What’s her name?”
“Thank you.” Lilly didn’t know what possessed her, but she turned her face to Lord Carrington’s. “Maybe it takes a girl to recognize a female squirrel.”
He chuckled and nodded. “I think it does. Rachel, may I present Lilly’s friend, Miss Bushy?”
When Rachel clapped her hands and said it was a perfect name, Lilly smiled. “I like your dress. It’s very pretty.”
“Oh, thank you, I do so love pink,” Rachel said, her entire face lighting with a smile as she ran her hands down her pink and white striped dress.
“Are you joining us for dinner?” Douglas asked.
“Oh, please do!” Rachel said, practically bouncing on her toes.
Lilly wasn’t ready but didn’t know how to decline without hurting Rachel’s feelings. “I can’t, but perhaps Lord Carrington…”
“No, not tonight,” Phillip said, retaking her hand. “We’ve had a rather full day and I promised to get Lilly home so that she can prepare her flowers. Perhaps next time.” He chuckled, released her hand again in order to give his niece a one-armed hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t pout, your papa likes to see you smile.”
“I’ll miss you, Uncle Phillip.”
“I’ll see you soon, honey. Now, we really must take our leave. The storm is only growing in intensity.”
Lilly followed him down the hall, no longer too terrified to take in her surroundings. The house might be a school, but it was beautiful. They passed a library that had her wishing she could read one of the hundreds of books that filled floor to ceiling shelves. When they passed another room, she saw a long table set for dinner and a few other girls and men conversing in small groups. Every girl was dressed like Rachel—in beautiful clothing but all meant for girls much younger. Her steps only faltered when a sharp yelp was heard as a man reached out and swatted the bottom of the small woman beside him.
“It’s all right,” Phillip said, giving her hand a squeeze.
Seeing a woman dressed in a long grey skirt, white blouse, and a crisp white apron told Lilly that not all the women dressed as girls. This almost appeared to be some sort of uniform. The woman smiled as she met them at the door. “Have a safe journey home, Lord Carrington, Miss.”
“Thank you, Nanny Margaret.”
Before Lilly could assimilate the words he’d used, they were out the door and he was pulling off his jacket. “I’ve got you,” he said, dropping the coat over her head. She was about to push the fabric from her face so she could see way to run for the carriage, but before she could, she squealed as he swept her off her feet. She couldn’t cling to him as her hands were full but she had no fear that he would drop her. Before she knew it, she was being lifted into a carriage and he was stepping in behind her. While she could stand, he was bent over a bit and she giggled as he shook his head, rather like a wet dog would to rid itself of the rain. Before he seated himself, he took a blanket off one of the seats and then pulled his coat from her, replacing it with the blanket. Tossing his wet coat aside, he sat and pulled her down ont
o his lap.
“I want you to stay warm,” he said. “Oh, and give me your address so I can inform James where he needs to go.”
She had no intention of giving him her address. Thinking quickly, she told him the address of the only other place she knew. After repeating it to his driver, the young man shut the carriage door and they were soon rolling down the streets. It had been quite a while since she’d been in a carriage, and never one as nice as this. The seats were a plush burgundy velvet that matched the color of the tassels hanging from the shades at the windows. The interior was lit by a lantern mounted to one side of the door. Her squirming was obviously noticeable when he loosened his hold.
“Are you comfortable? Am I holding you too tightly?”
“No, I-I like the way you hold me, but…” Lilly hesitated, not wishing to reveal her anxiety.
“But what?”
“No, it’s-it’s silly.”
“Lilly, what’s silly is for you not to tell me what’s bothering you.”
“The light… it’s shining in my eyes.”
“Ah, that is easily remedied,” Phillip said, reaching up to turn the knob to extinguish the lantern. “Better?”
“Yes, thank you,” she said, relaxing into him.
She felt his arms tighten again as he squeezed her a bit. “I’m very happy to hear that you like sitting on my lap, as I certainly enjoy holding you. I’m very proud of you, Lilly. I know that it was hard for you but you did a beautiful job apologizing to Miss Summers.”
“I like her,” Lilly said and then giggled. “I really like the fact that she didn’t see fit to have me arrested.”
“She’d never do that,” Phillip said. “At the most, she’d paddle your bottom.”
Hearing him confirm her earlier thoughts didn’t surprise her. Squirming a bit, she changed the subject. “I also like Rachel.”
“I’m glad. And I’m sure you’ll come to like Lord Martingham as well, the more you get to know him. I’ve known him since I was a little boy. How do you feel about Miss Summers’ invitation to join them for dinner one evening?”
