by Karen Lynne
Benjamin’s eyes widened in mock horror. “Mrs. Bentley promised to be kind.”
They settled into a comfortable silence while the carriage swayed heading for home. Aunt Mary’s head bobbed, and soon the carriage wheels crackled on the gravel as it pulled up to the courtyard at the dowager house.
“Lillian,” her name slipped from Benjamin’s lips, giving her a start. “I have an appointment in town to see a home. I’d like you to come with me. Isabella will be busy with the girls.”
Lillian found herself agreeing although she was a little concerned, spending more time with Benjamin only made it harder. She was trying to keep her heart intact, after all.
“Excellent,” Isabella exclaimed. “I shall have Ellie go with you unless you would like to accompany them, Aunt Mary.”
“No, dear Ellie will do fine.”
The carriage came to a stop, and the driver had stepped down and opened the door. Benjamin quickly stepped down, helping Aunt Mary.
Isabella stuck her head out the window. “Aunt Mary do come to tea tomorrow afternoon before they go to town.”
Aunt Mary nodded and waved as she made her way to the door. Benjamin grasped her hand, helping Lillian step from the carriage. “Until tomorrow.” Benjamin squeezed her fingertips lightly dropping them before she entered the door behind the dowager.
Lillian spent the early morning riding. She managed to miss Benjamin and enjoyed a brisk ride in the crisp morning air with only a groom in attendance, and he kept a respectable distance. The solitary ride helped Lillian release pent up anxiety that had been building since last evening.
Lillian pinched her nose to warm it up as she entered the house, pausing by the small table in the foyer, she shuffled through the post. A letter from her cousin Rose had arrived.
“May I take your gloves, Miss Lillian?” Beatrix asked.
“Thank you.” Lillian removed her gloves and handed them to Beatrix along with her riding crop.
“I will just put them in your room, miss.” Beatrix turned and started up the stairs.
Lillian walked into the parlor with her letter tucked against her breast. She sat in a chair opposite Aunt Mary by the fire.
“You rode out early this morning.” Aunt Mary commented.
“Yes, I wanted to get my exercise in before our visit this afternoon. I received a post from my cousin Rose, do you mind if I read it here by the fire?”
“No dear, you go right ahead, don’t mind me.” Aunt Mary continued to work on her stitching.
Lillian cracked the seal on the foolscap. Her hand flew to her mount as she read.
Dear Lillian,
Oh, how I miss you. I do wish you would come home for Christmas; it just won’t be the same without you.
I had to write as soon as I heard, for you will be delighted to know that Miss Milton is no longer betrothed to Mr. Darlington. I am so glad you escaped him, although he never asked for your hand. That odious man made us believe he would, only to become engaged to Miss Milton. But you are very fortunate to have escaped his clutches for everyone is gossiping about the ordeal. Poor Miss Milton, her father sent her off to an aunt in the country until the gossip dies down. It seems Mr. Darlington was caught kissing Miss Reid in the cloakroom at the assembly Hall during the Holiday Ball by none other than his betrothed Miss Milton. It has all played out in the gossip sheets. Mr. Darlington is being forced to marry Miss Reid at her father’s insistence.
It has all been very exciting around here but is still not the same without you. Please write and tell me about your Christmas Ball.
Your faithful cousin,
Rose
Lillian missed her too, she folded the letter. She would write this evening after she returned from town.
Chapter Eighteen
Lillian took her time dressing for the luncheon, for she wanted to look her best.
Her cousin Rose had been correct, Mr. Darlington was apparently a man of dubious character, insufferably conceded and puffed up with his own importance. Otherwise, why would he have risked losing his betroths dowry for a stolen kiss? She was fortunate he had moved on to Miss Milton, although he had only damaged Lillian’s ego it could have been worse had her heart been attached.
Lillian wasn’t sure who she felt the most sympathy for Miss Milton or Miss Reid. The gossip sheets could be scandalous to one’s reputation. Especially if one was a lady.
Isabella sent a carriage to escort Lillian and Aunt Mary to the main house. Lillian felt pretty in her lovely day gown of white gauze. It had been embroidered with silver threads along the sleeve, neckline, and hem. The only color was in the velvet lilac underskirt and a ribbon at her bust line.
All that melted away when Lillian entered the parlor amongst laughter, and there on the sofa next to Isabella sat Mrs. Bentley, in a beautiful burgundy tea gown with a delicate black lace skirt overlay. Gone were her mourning colors.
“Lillian,” Isabella exclaimed, “come see what Mrs. Bentley has brought us.”
Lillian sat in a chair next to the sofa. Isabella handed her a sketch. It was a drawing of Benjamin, rather than a caricature, she had caught his likeness in a very flattering way. Mrs. Bentley had use watercolors to bring out the blue in his eyes and the glint of his golden hair. A flutter of a smile crossed Lillian’s lips as she handed the portrait back to Isabella.
Benjamin leaned against the mantle in his close-fitting breeches and polished boots. His blue waistcoat made him look even more handsome and elegant than usual.
“I shall have it framed.” Isabella declared, “and we can put it on the mantle.”
Benjamin sputtered at his sister’s suggestion. “You would have my mug staring at you every day?”
“Of course, I would.” Isabella protested. “I have no likeness of you. Mrs. Bentley, you and your niece must join us for lunch today.”
Lillian groaned inwardly but maintained a ladylike composure that had been drilled into her since childhood. Never show how you feel on the outside, a Lady controls her emotions, her aunt had admonished Lillian and her cousins.
Lillian managed to get through lunch as she kept up a conversation with Mrs. Bentley’s niece, Miss Linden.
Benjamin pulled a pocket watch from his waistcoat. “Ladies, Miss Wilson, and I have an appointment to keep you must excuse us.”
Benjamin didn’t know how Mrs. Bentley did it, but she managed to insert herself into his trip to town along with her niece Miss Linden making Ellie’s attendance redundant.
Without appearing obtuse, Benjamin was at a loss at how to extract himself from Mrs. Bentley’s suggestion that they all go to town together, since she and her niece were going the same direction. She kindly offered to share her carriage, maneuvering the seating so that she sat next to him with Miss Linden and Lillian across from them.
Mrs. Bentley proved to be an exacting chaperone. Benjamin had hoped to get Lillian alone so he could get her opinion of the house, but every time he met his desire, Mrs. Bentley popped in, and he never got a chance to find out if Lillian approved of the townhome.
Benjamin made an excuse to cut the trip short with just a quick stop at the haberdashers, where Mrs. Bentley purchased a few fripperies before returning home.
Chapter Nineteen
Lillian knew Mrs. Bentley was chaperoning her niece Miss Linden, but why did she have to be so perfect. It had been a week since she’d gone to town with Benjamin, and they hadn’t had a chance to speak to one another alone with all the parties and festivities leading up to Christmas.
Christmas, Lillian sighed. She missed her cousins, especially Rose and her new friend Heather. Both were spending Christmas with their families. Lillian took off her coat and sat down on her bed. Tears of frustration filled her eyes. She was so homesick, and it was her own fault, not that she regretted striking out on her own. Lillian reached for her letter from Rose she had stored in the night table and reread it.
Mr. Darlington had received his comeuppance for his bad behavior. There was no reason L
illian needed to torture herself over it. She dried her tears clutching her letter and went downstairs to talk with Aunt Mary. Lillian found Aunt Mary consulting with Beatrix over the household laundry. A laundry maid had been hired, and Beatrix was in charge of overseeing her work.
“Aunt Mary, when you’re finished with Beatrix can I speak with you in the parlor?” Lillian held Rose's letter crumpled in her hand.
Aunt Mary gave her a concerned look. “I will be there in a moment, Lillian.”
Had aunt Mary noticed she’d been crying? Lillian examined her reflection in the mirror before moving into the parlor. She picked up a lady’s journal to flip through the pages while waiting.
“Now, Lillian, what is the matter? I can see that something has upset you.” Aunt Mary sat in her favorite chair, Cyrus circling before settling next to her feet.
Lillian smoothed out the letter she had crushed in her hand. “I miss my family, especially my cousin Rose. I would like to go home for Christmas.” Lillian stared into the fire, afraid to look at Aunt Mary. She’s been so generous to her what would she think?
“I see, and what about your aunt, dear?”
Lillian’s head popped up. “My aunt?” Aunt Mary was scrutinizing her. “Oh yes, my aunt is very high-strung, but that wasn’t the only reason I decided to strike out on my own.” Lillian handed Aunt Mary her letter and waited, twisting her hands in her lap.
Aunt Mary reached for her spectacles on the side table and put them on.
The minutes ticked by.
Aunt Mary laid the letter in her lap as she peered over her glasses. “This Mr. Darlington sounds like a very unpleasant fellow. Could he be the reason you left your family?”
Lillian nodded as her lungs deflated. “My aunt struggles, and I found after Mr. Darlington turned his intentions to Miss Milton, my pride was bruised. It had never occurred to me that a gentleman would only marry for money.”
“A lot of them do, my dear, but this Mr. Darlington is no gentleman, more like a scoundrel, and one day, you will appreciate your escape.” Aunt Mary handed Lillian her letter and placed the spectacles on the side table.
“So, you ran away.”
Lillian hadn’t expected that as she looked into her chaperone’s eyes.
“And now you’re ready to return it to face them. Yes, a trip home would be good. Do you plan to return after Christmas?”
“Of course,” Lillian replied. “Heather will have returned after Twelfth Night.”
“You miss Heather, too, I see. I thought you and Miss Linden are becoming friends.”
“We are, and I like Miss Linden very much if it wasn’t for her aunt, Mrs. Bentley. She seems to be everywhere, no matter which party I attend. If she wasn’t always in attendance, I could enjoy Miss Linden’s company much more.”
“Mr. Dalton appears to be in attendance as well.”
“Yes, and it’s very annoying, for Mrs. Benson is a terrible flirt. Benjamin and I haven’t had a decent conversation since she appeared.”
Aunt Mary smiled. “Will dear, I think a visit to your family would be a very nice change of scenery. At this late date, I’m afraid the only reliable transportation will be the mail coach. They are unpleasant smelly things, but you should arrive on time. I’ll send a footman to procure a ticket on the morning coach.”
“Thank you, Aunt Mary.” Lillian’s eyes teared at the thought of seeing her cousins again.
Aunt Mary had secured a seat on the coach, which left early the next morning. Lillian was so excited to see her cousins. Her only regret had been not notifying Benjamin of her departure. Aunt Mary promised to let Isabella and Benjamin know of her leaving, after all, she would be back after the Holidays.
The coach was almost full, and Lillian was thankful Lady Faden had procured an inside seat. She was, however, squeezed between a fat woman and a noisy child.
Lillian didn’t feel a prick of guilt, leaving Benjamin in Mrs. Bentley’s clutches, as far as she could tell, Benjamin hadn’t done anything to discourage her attentions.
Lillian hadn’t time to write a letter to her family, but it wouldn’t have made any difference since she was riding on the same coach that the letter would have been. She would have arrived before the message did.
Benjamin got up early to enjoy a ride in the brisk air knowing that Mrs. Bentley wouldn’t be stirring this early. He hoped he might be able to see Lillian, but when Benjamin got to the stable, she was nowhere in sight, so he rode into town alone, which helped clear his head.
Mr. Jenkins was negotiating the sale of the home in town for him. He hoped Lillian had chosen to ride early this morning as she sometimes did. Benjamin wanted to show her the house again and get her opinion. He knew she liked it. She had commented on how pleasant it was situated.
A suburban villa, a detached house located just a mile from town. It boasted a winter garden and a small carriage house with stables where horses could be kept. It was much more practical than the gothic country home they had viewed earlier.
Benjamin returned to the stables after coming from town. He would talk with Lillian at luncheon. Lady Faden and her were invited. They could speak without interference from the persistent Mrs. Bentley.
As Benjamin neared the dining room, he could smell the cook’s roast beef. It whetted his appetite. He was hungry and certainly enjoyed the meals at his sisters. They were so much better than the barely palatable stuff his mother served.
Benjamin could hear Lisabet and Annalynn telling Lord Egerton their morning activities when he entered. Disappointed at not seeing Lillian, Benjamin sat next to his sister across from Lady Faden. Lord Egerton carved the roast beef, and Isabella began passing the vegetables.
“Is Miss Wilson detained?” Benjamin asked as he spooned potatoes onto his plate.
“Lillian has returned to her home in Brighton. I put her on the mail coach early this morning.” Lady Faden casually mentioned as if it was quite reasonable for a young lady to just up and leave on the mail coach, and at this time of year no less. Benjamin was stunned, he would have asked more questions except this wasn’t the place at the family meal.
Lord Egerton’s wards were talking excitedly about decorating the mantle with boughs. Christmas was four days hence, and on Christmas eve the girls were to decorate. Their uncle had promised to bring in a tree in the German tradition, which they would decorate with paper ornaments they had been making all week.
Benjamin managed to make small talk until the meal concluded. Clara gathered the girls and took them back to the nursery. As soon as the door closed behind them Benjamin wanted answers.
“Why has Lillian return to Brighton so suddenly?” A flicker of apprehension coursed through him. Had something happened to her family? He felt a momentary panic as his mind imagined the worst. Why else would Lillian leave so quickly, not even a word of goodbye?
Isabella’s eyes widened at the intensity of his words. “It seems Lillian was homesick, that is all Benjamin.” His sister relaxed after her initial surprise. She seemed to be enjoying his discomfort.
“Homesick?”
“Yes, homesick.” Lady Fadden replied. “And can you blame her? Miss Stringham has left and gone home to her family. She knows only us. She received a letter from her cousin Rose, it appears one of the reasons she left was because she was having trouble with a beau, but that seems to have resolved itself according to her cousin.”
Were Lady Faden’s eyes twinkling? She seems to be enjoying delivering this news to him.
“Lillian did mention that Mrs. Bentley had an infatuation with you, so she felt if she left, it would leave the field open if you wish to pursue Mrs. Bentley.”
“That’s utterly preposterous,” he exclaimed in irritation as he jumped to his feet. “Surely Lillian knows I have feelings for her?” he gritted his teeth. “Not Mrs. Bentley.”
“Apparently not,” his sister replied in a gentle voice. “The solution seems simple to me, if you are fond of Lillian as you say, the only solution is to
visit mother and father in Bristol.”
“Why would I want to visit our parents?” His voice trailed off as understanding dawned. A broad smile crossed his face. “You’re right, Isabella.”
Benjamin turned to hail the butler. “Notify the groomsmen to have my horse ready. I’ll be leaving in an hour.”
Benjamin could hear his sister and lady Fadden laughing from the other room. They enjoyed that he could tell.
Chapter Twenty
Lillian found the coach extremely hot and very uncomfortable as the elderly lady across from her refused to open a window, causing the child to become ill, losing her lunch in an untimely manner. Fortunately, the quick-thinking fat lady procured a bowl from beneath her skirts in time to catch the child’s meal. Opening the window, she tossed the contents into the street. “The child always gets carriage sick.” the woman explained.
Lillian helped nurse the child, in consequence, she was so tired that she fell asleep instantly on the hard bed provided at the Posting Inn, thankful she didn’t have to share a room.
Lillian slept peacefully, having passed an undisturbed night. She awoke bright and smiling at five A. M. the following morning. A tired and surly waitress served a hurried breakfast before the passengers boarded the mail coach once again.
By late afternoon the posting coach arrived in Bristol, where Lillian hired a hackney to transport her home to her surprised but excited family. A servant unloaded her luggage while her uncle paid the fare. Lillian was ambushed by her cousins who were so excited to see her. Rose embraced her swinging her in a circle.
“Girls, give Lillian room to breathe.” Her aunt's concerned voice touched Lillian.
Cupping her cheek, her aunt’s brown eyes studied Lillian’s face.
“I am well, Aunt Margaret. Rose’s last letter made me realize how much I missed you and wanted to be here for Christmas.” Her aunt's concerned face relaxed at Lillian’s words. “I would have written, but by the time I decided to come, the letter would have arrived at the same time I did.”
