by Karen Lynne
“She is a gentlemen’s daughter, the oldest of five. Her father is the vicar of a neighboring parish. Lady Eliza’s father, Mr. Grant, asked Lady Susan if she could sponsor Miss Stringham as the family only had modest funds and could not afford to bring her out. She arrived last year when she was seventeen. I will send Lady Eliza a note, and we can go over for tea tomorrow. You can ask her then if you like.”
“I should like that very much.” Lillian beamed, then turning her head down, she fiddled with her skirt. Should she ask about riding? Lady Eliza had promised she could.
“What is it, child?” Aunt Mary asked.
Lillian looked up. “It is just that Lady Eliza said that I could ride. I bought some new riding habits the other day in anticipation, and now I am here.” Lillian flicked her hand.
“I do not see why you cannot ride here. Do you, Isabella?” Aunt Mary said.
“Of course not, in fact my mare is in need of exercise for I will not be riding until my confinement is passed, although I don’t think it will hurt so soon, my husband wants me to be careful so I have promised to stay off my horse until after my time has come.” Lady Isabella laid a hand on her abdomen.
“A wise choice, my dear.” Aunt Mary agreed, sipping her tea.
“Congratulations, my lady.” Lillian smiled.
“Yes, well, we haven’t told anyone outside the family. I haven’t even told Benjamin or the girls. We wanted to wait a while, just in case.”
“I shall not say a word,” Lillian promised.
“Thank you. Aunt Mary, I have to run, there is so much to do before dinner. I will see you both this evening.” Lady Isabella left them.
Lillian had a feeling life would not be dull this next month.
Beatrix returned with Cyrus, Aunt Mary’s bulldog, where he happily laid at her feet upon being released from his tether. “Beatrix, will you show Lillian to her room so she may settle in?” Aunt Mary was showing signs she was due for a little nap as her eyes drooped.
Beatrix had kindly unpacked Lillian’s luggage and arranged her clothing in an oak wardrobe that sat at the side of the room. Two small beds with a side table separating them took up most of the space. A window looked out the back to an unruly landscape.
“Chamber pots are under the bed, miss, but there is a closet next door if you are not indisposed. Just ring the bell here by the door, or you may come and find me.”
Lillian nodded. “Thank you.”
Beatrix closed the door behind her. Lillian tested the bed. It was comfortable. She had shared a bed with her oldest cousin Rose, but it would be nice to have a bed to herself. Lillian opened the wardrobe fingering the gowns and mentally decided which ones to donate. She would need to shop for a new ball gown this week.
Chapter Nine
Lord Egerton sent a carriage to bring Aunt Mary and herself to the main house, although it was a short half-mile walk, it wasn’t something Aunt Mary could manage at her age. Lillian enjoyed walking and after visiting and shopping tomorrow, hoped to view the stables and Lady Isabella’s mare, for she was impatient to begin riding once again.
“Aunt Mary, I was hoping after our visits and shopping tomorrow I could walk over and view Lady Isabella’s mare.”
“You enjoy riding, then, are you a good horsewoman?”
“I rode every day when I was young until I moved to my uncles. He didn’t keep horses, so I am a little out of practice.”
“I too loved to ride when I was younger, but these days I am happy to take the carriage. Maybe Miss Stringham would like to accompany you. I dare say my nephew has more horses in his stables you two could choose from, I will ask him tonight.”
If Lillian could choose, she would ride every day. If Miss Stringham agreed to be her companion, she should have to learn, take riding lessons if she didn’t already know how, because Lillian refused to miss a single day on horseback if she had her choice.
The butler announced their arrival. The family had gathered in a large sitting-room. Lillian followed Aunt Mary, nervous at meeting Lord Egerton. Two small girls played with toys by the fire, a woman sat beside them. Lord Egerton and Mr. Dalton stood when they appeared.
“Colton, I would like to present Miss Lillian Wilson. I shall be sponsoring her over the next little while until she finds a husband or a place of her own.”
Lillian stepped forward. She liked the sound of a place of her own. Lord Egerton was immaculately dressed as an earl should be.
“Miss Lillian, my nephew Lord Egerton.” Aunt Mary introduced.
“Miss Lillian, we are happy to have you in our home, my wife has told me about your adventure.” Lord Egerton bowed over her hand.
Lillian curtsied, feeling a little out of her element. “Yes, my lord, it has been an interesting month indeed.”
Aunt Mary sat in an overstuffed chair by the fire, she seemed to make herself at home.
“Lillian, come sit by me.” Lady Isabella welcomed her to sit on the sofa. “Lisabet, Annalynn, I would like you to meet Miss Lillian. She is staying with Aunt Mary.”
The girls looked up, smiling.
“Miss Lillian likes to ride and will be exercising the mare for me.” Lady Isabella said.
The girls became animated at the mention of horses. “We have ponies, do you want to come and see?” Lisabet informed Lillian.
“After dinner, girls, then you may take Miss Lillian on a tour of the stables. You can introduce her to all the horses.” Lady Abigale admonished.
“They would live in the stable if we let them.” Lady Abigale whispered.
“I quite understand, I was just the same at their age.” Lillian smiled. “I look forward to visiting the stables myself.”
Lillian watched Mr. Dalton out of the corner of her eye. The air seemed charged when he was present, that’s why she avoided him at his mother’s. Lillian thought it was because of the tension Mrs. Dalton created, but it was still here, she’d felt it when he walked beside her that morning. She was too inexperienced to know what it meant. His dress matched his brother-in-law’s, although his coat was green with an expertly tied neckcloth and tan breeches hugged his fine muscled legs. It should be a crime for a man to look so good.
Careful, you are not getting married. Lillian’s inner voice warned her.
Men are evil, men are evil, she repeated.
All they care about is money, money, money.
They will break your heart to get it. Lillian played the thought out in her head.
Dinner was lively with Lisabet and Annalynn keeping them entertained. Soon the girls were clamoring to go the stables. Benjamin Dalton offered to escort them, and the girls dashed off to get their coats. “Benjamin, do not let them keep you long. The girls need to go to bed, if you let them, they will stay out all night.” Lady Isabella admonished her brother as they walked into the foyer.
“We will be back in two shakes of a stick.” Benjamin teased, putting on his greatcoat. The butler handed Lillian her cloak, and Mr. Dalton held it for her. The stable master met them at the door, and the small group followed the swaying lantern of the groom.
Freshly laid hay assaulted Lillian’s nostrils bringing childhood memories flooding back. The girls ran forward to a small stall. “This is Jasper.” Lisabet introduced her pony.
“Good evening, Jasper.” Lillian patted the pony's nose.
“My pony’s name is Copper.” Annalynn smiled, proud of her animal.
“Nice to meet you, Copper.” Lillian rubbed the pony’s mane.
The girls offered their ponies carrots they had brought from the house. Lillian moved down the row where a beautiful gray mare munched oats the stable hands had given her. “This here is my lady’s horse, but you may ride her, or any other you choose. We have several more that will be suitable.” The stable hand showed her the other mares, and Lillian found herself overwhelmed with the thought of being able to once again enjoy her passion.
“You have a passion for horses.” Mr. Dalton’s smooth voice startled her.
>
Lillian forgot he was there as she looked over her shoulder. He sat on a barrel, a smile creased across his whole face, the kind of smile that warmed the soul. She immediately responded with her own as the air whooshed out of her lungs at the sight of him. She nodded. He had left his hat at the house, and his hair was wind-blown, causing her to pause at the deliciously disheveled mess of golden waves. She turned her attention back to the horses trying to catch onto the feelings he evoked, but they darted away as the girls came running up beside them laughing as they chased around each other, their childish laugher filling the barn.
“It’s time we returned, I promised.” Mr. Dalton pulled himself off the barrel and scooped up Annalynn, causing the child to squeal in delight.
“Do we have to Uncle Benjamin?” Lisabet complained.
“If you fall asleep quickly, you’ll be back here in the morning for your lessons.”
The girls dutifully followed their uncle out of the stable. Lillian knew how they felt as she reluctantly returned to the house.
Lady Isabella and Aunt Mary accompanied Lillian to Fyne Court, where they had a lovely tea with three ladies in residence. Miss Stringham, who was not much older than Lillian, Miss Hathaway, and Miss Brimley.
Miss Brimley poured tea, and Miss Hathaway passed a plate of pound cake to Lillian.
“Miss Stringham, we have come to ask you if you would be willing to come, at Aunt Mary’s invitation to stay with us. As my friend and companion.” Lillian smiled. “We could accompany each other to parties and such.”
Miss Stringham’s mouth popped opened and gave Aunt Mary a shy glance clearly intimidated by Lady Faden.
“Miss Stringham, we would be delighted for you to come and stay with us. Lillian needs someone her age to go about with to all these activities that young people enjoy, especially during the Holidays.” Aunt Mary reassured her.
“I knew we would be friends on the day I first met you.” Miss Stringham bubble over with enthusiasm. “I would love to come and stay with you.”
“How delightful. We shall send a carriage first thing in the morning, but now we are headed to town, for I require a ball gown for the Christmas Ball next week. Would you come with us, Miss Stringham?” Lillian offered.
“I would love to, let me tell Mrs. Baxter I will be leaving.”
The dressmaker in town was busy with finishing touches to patrons, all excited to have their dresses ready for the Ball. The ladies sat at a table flipping through the ladies’ catalog. Lillian found one she liked. Lady Isabella talked with the matron, and it was decided.
Aunt Mary rested while drapes of fabric were sorted through, and a dusky green silk was picked, it lent a gentle glow to Lillian’s soft green eyes.
“I like that one, it suits you.” Miss Stringham fingered the soft fabric.
Lillian agreed and felt satisfied to be making some choices of her own. She picked a lovely red sash, which contrasted with the green silk, perfect for the Holiday season.
Lady Isabella agreed, and the order was placed. Lillian would return in a few days for a fitting.
They left the modiste and walked to the bazaar where shops of every kind could be found. Aunt Mary begged a rest, so Lady Isabella sat at a table in the tea shop and ordered tea.
Lillian wanted to buy some gifts for the family, but she wasn’t sure what to buy. She had only known them a short while. It would be strange not being with Aunt Margaret, Uncle Wilson, and cousins for the Holiday. The warm fire, hanging the boughs, drinking wassail and singing her favorite songs around the pianoforte. “Miss Stringham, do you have any siblings?”
“Oh yes, I have two sisters and two brothers.” Please call me Heather. “Do you?”
“No, just cousins. Heather, that is a pretty name, and you may call me Lillian. You see, I thought to buy some gifts for Lady Isabella’s young nieces.”
Heather picked up a paper fan unfolding it, a pretty scene with peacocks painted across the front. Lillian spotted some small figurines of horses. Perfect, she thought. Picking a few, she felt the girls would love them if they were as crazy about their ponies as she thought they were.
Heather found some pretty ribbons and combs for her sisters, and toy soldiers for her brothers.
“I have heard a little about the ladies' academy, how did you come to stay there?” Lillian watched as the shop keeper wrapped the gifts.
“Lady Eliza’s father, Mr. Grant, suggested my father, request Lady Susan, to sponsor me. My father is the vicar of the adjoining parish and is good friends with Mr. Grant. So he sent a letter with a reference from Mr. Grant, and Lady Susan took me in. I am ever so grateful as my parents could not have managed it on their small income. I am very appreciative of the countess.” Heather took her package and tucked it under her arm.
“Let’s go to the candy shop next so I can purchase some treats for my family.”
“You will be visiting for Christmas?” Lillian asked.
“Yes, I will be leaving after the Christmas Ball. But I shall be back after Twelfth Night.”
Chapter Ten
Heather arrived the next day, and Lillian helped her settle into their room. It was like home, sharing a room again.
“Heather, do you ride?”
Her friend looked up. “You mean horses?”
Lillian laughed, “Yes, horses.”
“I don’t know, I haven’t ridden a horse before. We only had a donkey, and father used him to ride out for visits. The donkey was quite stubborn, so I didn’t think it worth the effort. It was much easier to walk, but I don’t mind learning.”
“Wonderful, Lady Isabella has graciously provided the use of her stables, and I want to ride every day. There is a riding master that teaches her nieces. Let us see if you can join them.”
“Riding and dancing lessons, I shall be quite the proper lady.” Heather giggled.
“I have an extra riding habit that you may borrow.” Lillian went to the wardrobe and threw open the doors, pulling out a blue velvet habit. “I think it will fit.” She moved toward Heather.
“Lillian, it’s beautiful.” Heather’s eyes brightened. She ran her hand across the fabric as she laid it across her bed.
“Let’s walk over this afternoon and talk with the stable master.” Lillian leaned over and took a gown from Heather’s trunk smoothing the fabric, she hung it in the cabinet as they finished unpacking.
“Cook has made some marzipan and sugared almonds. I am sure she will give us some if I ask.”
Lillian approached the gray mare reaching for its nose, scratching the horse between the eyes, her head flicked. Heather was getting used to her mount as she was starting her lessons today, leaving Lillian to enjoy a short ride. The groomsman had readied her mount. Lillian eyed the sidesaddle. It had been too long, not since she had left her childhood home to live with her uncle.
“You ready, miss?” The groomsman held the horse's reins.
“Yes.” Lillian approached the mounting block. Shifting her weight onto the saddle, she gently lifted her leg, adjusting her knee over the pommel, settling her balance atop the horse. She nudged the horse forward, taking it slow, gripping her riding cane between her fingers.
Lillian rode Isabella’s mare past the manor, and its large enclosed garden with its half tumbled down ancient stone walls, a riot of wildflowers thrived where once grew cultivated rose bushes now nearly dead for want of care. Lillian followed a trail that led to a small brook she had seen coming through the other day on her way to Aunt Mary’s. Feeling more confident in her seat, Lillian urged the mare into a canter enjoying the feel of the wind in her face. This had made all the trouble with Mrs. Notley worth it, to be free of meddling and enjoying the air through her hair again breathing in the country breezes.
Slowing down, Lillian reached the brook, she walked the horse between the trees. A mewing sounded ahead. She followed the sound, there it was again, her eyes scanned the brambles. There it was, a small cat, a kitten really, perched on a branch not far from the
ground, yet it must seem such a great distance for one so small.
“How long have you been there, little one?” Lillian moved closer. “You climbed up that tree, can’t you find your way down?”
The mewing continued as the kitten watched her. If she dismounted, could she remount with her long skirt? Lillian looked around, spotting a small stump, yes, that would do. She swung her right leg over the pommel and slid to the ground, looping her riding cane on the saddle. The mare waited patiently nibbling grass as Lillian moved toward the kitten.
Lifting her skirts so that they wouldn’t drag in the dirt, she moved between the undergrowth. Reaching the small tree, she stretched out her hand for the kitten. Just a little out of reach, the cat watched with wide eyes. Lilian dropped her hand and unlooping her skirt from her arm, she placed a hand on the tree. Moving onto her toes, Lillian scooped the kitten who didn’t offer any resistance, into her arms.
“You poor thing, how long were you stranded?” The kitten shivered as she brought it closer.
Lillian leaned down to retrieve her skirt and grabbed the loop only to find it was snagged. She tugged, hearing a tear she stopped. Great, her new riding habit torn the first day out, she stilled trying not to damage her skirt any further. “This is your fault, if you hadn’t climbed the tree, I would not be in this mess.” She scolded the kitten.
Lillian slowly leaned down, placing the kitten at her feet. “Promise me you will not climb the tree again while I untangle myself.” She stood twisting to see what damage was done. A strand of hair wrapped around a bramble. She reached up to untangle the-wisp only to snag the ribbon of her bonnet on another twig. The more Lillian tried to untangle herself, the more hopelessly she was caught, as if tiny little hands were determined to keep her in place.
“This is your fault.” She told the kitten.
“Miss Wilson is that you? I heard you talking.” Mr. Dalton looked around as if to see others were around.
