Romancing a Wallflower

by Anna St. Claire

  Harlow looked at him with alarm. “So, it was unlit when it fell? Thank goodness it was daylight. I cannot see a lantern the size of which you describe blowing itself out.” Could there have been an intended warning of some kind in this?

  “No, and we do not light it during the day unless it is gloomy, and we need light. My groom investigated and found nothing. Barney said the whole matter made his skin crawl. The man has good instincts,” the Earl responded.

  “We should like to look at the area, if you do not mind, especially considering what we have told you about the widow,” Max added, concern etched on his face.

  “I had been about to set out there to investigate this matter when Lilian came to see me. I did not want to alarm her, so spoke to her first. Since you are both here, perhaps we can investigate together. I am concerned. Your visit has made me realize there is more to be concerned about.”

  Harlow and Max leaned forward, setting their glasses down.

  “My wife and daughters chanced upon Lady Catherine Poinz this morning, in town. She came into the shop where they were being served and gave my daughter a message to give to you, Lord Harlow,” the Earl recounted.

  Harlow’s insides quaked. “I swear I cannot account for the woman’s interest, yet I refuse to dismiss it lightly. What did she say?”

  “She deliberately made her way to Lilian and begged her to give you her sincerest regards.” Lord Avalon stared down at his hands, and then looked up, his expression pained. “My daughters are very dear to me. Have you any idea what she is about?”

  Dread clutched at his heart. “I do not know why she would approach your family, except for the curious interest I described to you. We feel she is plotting something, and in fact, we discussed it with your son only a few hours ago. We would very much like to visit the stable with you, Lord Avalon.”

  “Do you think she could have something to do with this operation? That would make sense if she thought you were getting too close,” Lord Avalon ventured.

  Harlow glanced at Max. “Yes,” he answered. “I would like to speak with Barney.”

  The three men walked down to the stables. Harlow felt apprehensive and a sudden sense of urgency—and he speculated the others felt the same, based on their rapid pace and silence.

  As they approached the stables, Barney came to meet them. “My lord, might I show you something?”

  “Certainly. Lead the way, Barney. I would like Lord Harlow and Lord Worsley to hear what you have to say. We were just speaking of what you told me.” Lord Avalon motioned towards Max and Harlow.

  “’Tis this odd-looking paper I found. I cannot make out the writing. However, there looks to be a picture of the stable.” He came nearer and handed the paper to the Earl.

  “It appears to be a drawing of my stable yard.”

  “Where did you find this?” Harlow demanded.

  “M’lord, I found it right here…” Barney led the three of them to the entrance of the stable. “…near where the lantern fell.”

  Max walked to the building, appearing to scrutinize a spot at the entry. “Lord Avalon; Harlow?” He pointed to a faint chalk mark, almost hidden by the large trunk of the sessile oak that stood at the entrance. “It could mean nothing. Have you seen this before, Barney?”

  “No, m’lord, never. It looks to be an X. I ’ave no cause to make me mark on the stable wall. I ain’t never seen that afore.”

  Fresh concern washed over Harlow. “If you are still amenable to it, Lord Avalon, we accept your offer to stay here while we are in town.” He could hear the strain in his voice. “Max, I believe we should ride to town and retrieve our belongings.”

  Chapter 15

  Lilian waited patiently in the parlour, trying to read her book, while Cooper slept in his basket alongside her. She spent half of the time reading and half of the time watching the door, hoping Lord Harlow would walk in at any minute for a visit. Had anyone asked what she read, she could not have related a word. Her mind had been elsewhere. Not a soul had come through the door for the hour she had been there.

  Mother was lying down in her room with a headache, upset over the episode this morning. Despite being quizzed by Lydia, she had refused to enlighten them as to the obvious history between herself and Lady Poinz. Lydia and Lord Yarstone had departed to take a walk about the property, chaperoned by Clara. It would most likely be a short excursion as Clara did not care for exercise and made that clear in her complaints whenever taxed. Lilian bit her lower lip to keep from smiling, envisioning Lydia’s frustration with their maid.

  That left Mary to sit with Lilian in the parlour, in the event Lord Harlow did call in to pay court. The young girl made no noise and was sitting darning linens from the basket that Clara had handed her before she departed.

  Lilian sighed audibly.

  “Yes, m’lady?” Mary set down her darning and looked up. “Would there be anything ye need?”

  “No, Mary. I apologize. I sighed because I am not a very patient person.”

  In answer, the young maid bobbed her head and continued her darning.

  My sister is probably walking with Lord Yarstone among the apple trees. I should love to go there with John, she thought dreamily. Except, of course, I cannot move from this dreadful wheel-chair. There are no paths I can traverse with this awkward, cumbersome machine. ’Tis neither accommodating nor romantic. A sardonic laugh escaped her. Frustrated, she placed her book in her lap and wheeled closer to the window. A smallish man wearing a black hat stood in the shadow of the trees, staring toward her home. Alarmed, she wheeled backwards several feet.

  “Mary, come here, please.”

  “Yes, m’lady.” The young woman placed her basket down and moved to stand next to Lilian.

  “Peer out of the front window and tell me if you see a man dressed in black, standing at the edge of the lake,” she instructed.

  The maid leaned into the window space, searching. “No, m’lady. There be no one there.”

  “No? You do not see him? Truly?” Her words were more a sign of exasperation than questions. Lilian wheeled her chair closer and looked again. Mary was right. The man was gone. “Thank you, Mary.” She swallowed. “Perhaps the afternoon sun was playing tricks on me.” She stared in the direction she had seen the figure and saw no one. How had she imagined that? She was not wont to see things that did not exist. Maybe she should do as Mama suggested and read fewer Gothic novels.

  Not convinced, Lilian redoubled her efforts, squinting to spot anything that looked like the stranger she would have sworn was there moments ago. She could see only part of the lake and the beginnings of the orchards. Most likely, her sister and Lord Yarstone were further from the house, so no one could spy on them. Lydia knew, as Lilian did herself, that there was a good chance Clara would nod off after outside exertion. She had been known to do so on occasion, especially after walking.

  Grandmama had created a lovely reflection area amid the apple trees. On sunny days, the sun could strike the pond at just the right angle, making it sparkle. Two white, iron benches, framed by a small circle of lilac bushes, gave ample seating room. The bushes were often fragrant after the apple blooms had become fruit. Lilian and her sister would frequently sit there, with their horses tied up behind them, to read and watch the swans on the lake. More times than she could count, her governess had taken them there with their easels and paints.

  Lydia and Lord Yarstone are probably there. Lilian was happy for her sister and hated the silly jealousy which stabbed at her heart. Lydia, more than anyone, believed she would walk again. Lilian did not even believe that. She had resigned herself to spinsterhood and a wheel-chair—until John. Now she wanted more. She wanted him.

  Her father entered the room, and she looked away from the window.

  “Lilian, I am afraid Lord Harlow had to leave suddenly.”

  Lilian felt her face crumple in disappointment, and she twisted her hands in the folds of her skirt.

  “Be of good cheer, daughter. Lord
Harlow has accepted my invitation to stay here.” The Earl sat on the settee next to her chair and gave her hand an affectionate squeeze. “He and Lord Worsley rode back to the village to gather their possessions from the inn.”

  Her mood lifted immediately, and she bit back an exclamation of delight.

  Her father gave her a knowing look. “They should return before dark; they plan to join us for dinner. I will apprise your mother. I need to see how she goes on, anyway.” He stood up again.

  Mother will be pleased. I am pleased, too.

  Her father had barely left the room when she heard the sound of galloping horses. She glanced out of the window just in time to see two gentlemen disappear down the drive from the house. While she could not see them clearly, she assumed they were Lord Harlow and his associate.

  “In that case, perhaps I shall retire to my room for an afternoon nap.”

  “I will send Winston to assist you.”

  “Father, wait!” She was unsure whether she should reveal what she had seen, or not. “Father, I looked out at the lake a few minutes past and saw a man staring at the house.”

  Showing evident signs of alarm, he sat down heavily. “What did he look like, Lilian?”

  “I asked Mary to look, and she saw nothing, so I am not sure Mama would not be correct in telling me I have read too many Gothic romances.” Involuntarily, she shuddered. “He was standing on the edge of the trees, staring up at the window. All I noticed was that he wore black. I could not see his face, apart from a large moustache which seemed to take up most of it. Now that I think on it, it was most odd in appearance.

  “Your mother could be right, but it will not be a bad thing to have the matter looked into.” He patted her hand. “I will speak with Winston. He and Mary will settle you in your room.

  “Thank you, Father.” The Earl leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. Still curious, she was about to ask her father why her mother had reacted towards Lady Poinz in the way she had but changed her mind.

  Winston came in and assisted her to her room. Mary carried Cooper’s basket, and the two of them followed.

  Mary helped her from her day gown and placed a fresh gown for dinner over her chair in readiness.

  “M’lady, a nap will do ye a power of good. Can I bring ye a hot cup of tea and some biscuits?”

  “That would be nice, Mary. Thank you.” Lilian laid her head on the pillow and closed her eyes, planning to wait for the tea.

  The door had barely closed behind Mary when her sister came bounding into the room.

  “Lilian, wake up!”

  “I am not asleep, Lydia.” Cooper barked and leaped up on the bed as she sat up.

  “Richard plans to ask Father for my hand. He let it slip on our walk. Please be happy for me,” her sister pleaded gently.

  “Of course!” she said, her eyes moist with tears. “I am enormously happy for you! I am certain Father and Mama will welcome him into the family. He is perfect for you.” She wiped a rogue tear from her cheek, hoping Lydia had missed it.

  “You will find your prince, too, Lilian. I know it in here,” Lydia said, patting at her heart.”

  “I want to believe you, but I cannot. Although… Father did say John—Lord Harlow—and Lord Worsley plan to stay here for a few days. Mayhap…” She wanted to have faith in her sister’s words.

  “I know he has feelings for you. Whenever Lord Harlow looks your way, everyone can see it. Something seems to hold him back, but I believe he will come up to scratch soon.” Sitting on the bed, Lydia held her sister tightly and whispered, “I love you, Lilian.”

  Lilian looked at her twin. “And I, you! It seems as though we will have a wedding to plan. That will delight our mother to no end!”

  A knock on the door claimed their attention. “M’ladies. I thought you might both like some tea and biscuits.” Mary set the tray down and fished into her pocket. “Little master, I’ve brought you a biscuit too.” She held out the rusk made especially for Cooper who immediately abandoned the bed for the treat. “Do you require anything else?”

  “Not at the moment, thank you, Mary,” Lilian said in dismissal. The young maid bobbed a curtsy and left the room.

  “You should get some rest, Lilian. This could be an exciting evening. I do not think I could close my eyes for a moment.”

  “I am thrilled for you, Lydia.” She gave her sister a big smile.

  Lydia blew a kiss and left the room, closing the door gently behind her. Lilian once more laid her head on the pillow and gave in to the hot tears which coursed down the sides of her face. Whimpering with concern, Cooper leaped back on the bed and sat close to her head, licking her tears away.

  Lilian raised her head and looked towards the window. Noticing the sun had begun to set, she realized that she had slept for hours, despite thinking no respite was possible. Her sister would be engaged, and she would still be attached to a wheel-chair. A yawn on her pillow drew her attention to the small puppy that had stolen her heart. Within less than a fortnight, this little puppy had made himself at home, changed her mother into a dog enthusiast, and given her more reason to smile than she had known in a year.

  She relaxed and put her head back down on her pillow, content to snuggle a few more minutes with Cooper, and remembered her father's message—its content was a huge reason to smile. With a small shriek of delight, she reached for the cord and rang for her maid.

  A few minutes later, Clara walked into the bedchamber with a cup of chocolate on a small tray.

  “M’lady, I was just coming to wake you. I took a nap meself. ’Twas just the thing I needed.”

  Lilian bit back the smile that threatened. Clara would have been rebuked, had Mama heard her remark, and perhaps she should censure her, but the old woman’s declarations amused her at times.

  Mary had laid out a pink floral silk and matching shoes. Clara approved of the choice and helped Lilian to dress.

  “Is there a longer style I might wear tonight, Clara?” Unravelling the plait she had started, Lilian snatched up the already heated curling-tongs and made gentle cascades of curls. “Something like this?” she asked, hoping Clara would approve.

  “That could work, m’lady.” Clara gently worked the rest of the hair into torrents of ringlets and then, pulled back the sides in loose braids and finished it with jewelled pins. “Ye look lovely, my lady,” Clara offered.

  She had to admit, she felt beautiful. “Thank you, Clara, my hair is perfect,” she enthused, her tone light as she forgot her now customary diffidence. “I think I am ready.”

  “You surely are, m’lady. Lord Harlow will have a harder time than usual not to stare at you.” Her maid babbled on about her hair while Lilian had already begun to think about dinner. Winston helped her downstairs to the first floor.

  Lord Harlow gave an elegant bow when he saw her. “You are a vision, my lady. May I escort you in to dinner?” Leaning sideways, he whispered softly in her ear.

  “I would like that,” she replied, happy to see him at last, and thankful that her handicap made no difference to him. Winston stepped aside, allowing Harlow to push her chair into the dining room. Her parents, sister and the Viscount walked ahead of them while Lord Worsley walked alongside.

  “We appreciate Lord Avalon’s invitation to stay. The accommodations are far better than the fare we received at the inn,” he said.

  “We are happy to welcome you, my lord,” she responded. Lilian noticed she and her sister had been placed across the table from the gentlemen, making it very hard not to stare in their direction.

  The first course of turtle soup was removed, but before the servants could carry in the next dishes, her father rose from his chair and sounded his spoon on his wine glass. It had always been his preference as a dinner bell.

  “We are very fortunate this evening to have with us Lord Harlow, Lord Worsley and Lord Yarstone. As to that,” he paused, smiling happily, “it is my great pleasure to announce the betrothal of my daughter, Lady Lydia DeLacey, to
Richard, Viscount Yarstone.”

  Everyone responded with felicitations of good cheer, clinking their glasses together.

  Lilian caught Harlow’s eye as her father finished welcoming Viscount Yarstone, and he inclined his head in her direction as the toast proceeded. She was genuinely happy for her sister. Even her own, annoying, green-eyed monster had vanished. There would be a buzz over the upcoming nuptials throughout the village, plus it would give Mama a new focus. The rest of the evening feast comprised plates of fish, boiled meats, mashed potatoes, and a variety of oysters, vegetables and sweetbreads. Desserts filled a small sideboard at the end of the room. With the presence of their guests, Lilian’s interest in dinner increased. With the happy news, there was no other focal point for the company. Even Lilian, between bites of food and snippets of conversation, found herself drawn into the preparations for Lydia’s wedding and what role she would play in the organization.

  When the meal ended, Lord Worsley, Viscount Yarstone and her father retired to his study for the customary glass of port. She was about to join her sister and mother in the parlour, when Harlow approached her and asked to spend a few minutes with her. With Mama’s permission, they moved outside on to the veranda, which opened from the dining room, leaving the doors wide open for chaperonage.

  The veranda had a smooth stone floor and thick white columns to the ceiling which were interconnected by white wooden railings. Steps led to her mother’s garden; filled with colourful flowering bushes, trellises of pink and red roses covered the white fencing that surrounded it. It was a warm evening making Lilian miss even more the ability to walk among the lovely plantings.

  Harlow grabbed a white wooden chair that had been resting next to the wall of the house and placed it at a slight angle to Lilian’s wheel-chair before taking a seat.

  “It was kind of your parents to invite Max and me to stay. Admittedly, it is much more comfortable than the accommodations at the inn in town.” A grin pulled at his lips. “I think we are alone, and I do not know how long that will last.” He leaned over and brushed her lips softly before then covering her mouth with his own. His tongue tapped on her lips, urging them open.