by Fanny Finch
There was no better place than the lake.
Sound of rushing waters began to fill her ears and she smiled even harder, knowing that she was close. She urged Roel to go a little faster, suddenly impatient now.
Soon, the lake came into view. Stopping Roel, she dismounted and dragged the mare to a tree. After tying her securely, she found her way to the waters.
The swans had been happily minding their business but they knew the moment they had company. Noisily, they began to make their way towards her, certain that they would have their bellies filled this eve.
The sight of them caused Liliana to giggle aloud. The sound was beautiful, even to her ears.
Pulling her hood down, she retrieved the pouch from her reticule and untied it. Then, she began to feed them.
She made a game of throwing crumbs at each swan and seeing how many would catch.
She kept at this for some time, laughing happily each time a swan caught one or missed. It did not take long for her to acknowledge that her nerves had become relaxed, she was breathing better and her mood had significantly improved.
She had truly needed this time away.
Soon, she grew tired of the game, so she stood, watching them as they fought for the fresh bread crumbs she had thrown in for everyone.
They fought as noisily as ever and even that was delightful to see as they did so so queerly.
Liliana must have been lost in the scene, for she suddenly heard hooves pounding against the soil.
From how loud it sounded, she knew that she had heard too late and whoever it was, was very near.
Fear seized her heart. Could it be Lord Rothwell? Surely not? Nevertheless, she did not want to consider other possibilities. Like the possibility of it being a stranger, a roguish stranger!
If it was anyone other than her stepfather, then she was in imminent danger.
She tried to look around, frantically searching for a hiding spot but not one came to view.
What did though, was the horse and its rider.
Obeying reflex, she threw her hood back on, shielding her face. Then, she started to back away, needing to create as much distance as she could between the man and herself.
Yet as she did, a voice in her head refused stubbornly.
She should not be afraid. Whoever this was, she should face him. She had nowhere to run to or to hide. It would be terrible to let him see her cower, and she could tell from his frame on the horse and the rider was indeed, a man.
As his horse came to a stop, she saw him take notice of Roel. The look of surprise was evident and Liliana wondered if he had simply been about his business and had happened upon her.
If he was surprised to find Roel, then perhaps, she had not been followed? After all, the Lake was well known by many. Although she seldom had company, she was certain that many other villagers visited in her absence.
She kept her eyes on him, all the same. Tearing his gaze away from Roel, he began to search the lake, no doubt for the rider.
She knew when he found her. As his eyes zeroed in on her, the lump in her throat grew bigger, and she swallowed hard. Harmless or not, he was a man and she was a lady.
Simply by being here together, they were breaking many rules of propriety. If anyone happened upon them, a scandal could be made out of this.
What have I gotten myself into? Was the thought she couldn’t get out of her mind.
Chapter 7
Sebastian was grateful for the decision to leave the manor. The ride had been a welcome break and the woods, a breath of fresh air. Rather than hunting as he had intended, he had decided to spend his time scaring the animals instead.
That had proved more enjoyable. He had laughed as he watched the rabbits and squirrel scurry, believing they had got away when in truth, he had not wanted to harm them.
While that had improved his mood a great deal, it meant that he would be returning to the manor with no games. Not that it mattered, only Oliver knew he had gone for hunting, anyway.
As the sun completely disappeared from the sky, he had known it was time to begin his journey back home. Alas, the freedom and peace the woods brought were so endearing, he could not bring himself to end this moment so soon.
So, he had decided to stay a little while longer. It was then that he remembered the swan lake.
Hanson and himself had happened upon it on many of their adventurous rides, summers ago. It had easily become one of their favorite places in Widmore and they had visited often until they left for the grand tour.
Now that he was back, perhaps, he would find the time to visit even more often. The woods came with peace, the lake… it had always brought solace.
He looked at the sky and reckoned that it would be an hour more until nightfall would rule. Wasting no time, he got on Pius and began his journey to the lake.
Sebastian had hoped for solace and he had been entirely certain he would find it there. Perhaps, that was why he hadn’t paid attention to his surroundings as he neared the lake.
The same reason he hadn’t seen the white mare in time, or the lady for that matter.
Now, he stood atop Pius, staring at the figure shrouded in a hooded cloak. She was about fifteen paces away and it would appear that she had shrunk further away as he approached.
She watched him, eyes careful, shoulders tense, as though she was afraid. Not that he would blame her. The woods could be a dangerous place, especially for a lady who was alone.
Why had she come here? Who was responsible for her? Why had they let her roam so carelessly into danger?
All of those questions would never be answered- at least not tonight. Nevertheless, he knew he had a duty to assure the lady of her safety.
He was a gentleman, noble through and through and he would cause her no harm, God forbid.
He thought of getting off his horse and walking to her but decided against it. That would only scare her the more. So, remaining atop Pius, he cleared his throat and called out in the loudest way possible.
“Greetings, my lady. I do understand that you have good reasons to be afraid. Nevertheless, you have my word that I mean no harm. I have simply come to enjoy some quiet by the waters. If you would wish that I go away, then I shall respect your wishes. Although, I would advise against that. It is a dangerous thing for a lady such as yourself to be alone in a place like this. Not many men out there are noble. If you would still want some time, then I beg that you let me stay and keep watch over you until you are ready to take your leave. I shall be of no trouble, I assure you. My word is as good as gold.”
Sebastian thought of telling her his identity. Her heart would rest better if she knew that he was the marquess and her Lord. She would know that he could be trusted.
Still, he did not think it would be a good idea. He doubted she would be able to recognize him as he had not been in the village much since he returned and at the ball, he had been masked.
The quickly falling darkness would also serve him in hiding his features. The thought of being unknown to her thrilled him. He would hide his identity then, he decided. And he would not ask to know of hers.
He waited, watching her as she gave his words much thought. He wished he could see her more clearly. He wondered what she looked like, truly. But the hood would not afford him that opportunity and the darkness that served him, served her too.
Finally, she raised her chin and called out in response.
“If you have come to the lake to have some quiet, then I mustn’t make you leave.”
Something struck Sebastian. That voice, it was familiar. He had heard it somewhere, had it not?”
Oblivious to the thought going on in his head, she continued.
“After all, the lake is for everyone. And yes, I still wish to remain. It would be a while before I am missed and I would be better off stealing into home when all is dark and calm. I must also express my gratitude over your thoughtful kindness. You are right, this is a dangerous adventure for a lady. Nonetheless, I could not re
sist. It has been so loud at home lately. I felt I would go mad if I had to stay for another hour.”
There was a pause as she began to move away from her place of retreat, getting closer to Sebastian. She stopped right in the middle of the lake and turned, so her back was to him.
“I suppose what I am trying to say is, your presence would not be of any annoyance. In fact, I do believe I might welcome the company.”
Now, Sebastian was certain that he had heard that voice somewhere. It reminded him so greatly of the Lady Liliana. Yet, it could not be her. Perhaps, this lady and the Lady Liliana simply sounded alike.
For this lady’s voice was a wee bit bolder like the violin, where Lady Liliana’s had been soft as a petal.
Aware that her fear was gone and all was right, Sebastian knew he could finally get off Pius.
His foot landed on the ground in one smooth swing. Then, he led Pius to the tree where the mare stood. There was no need to tie Pius. The horse was a good lad. He would stay put.
After making certain that the horse was well, Sebastian turned and began to walk towards the lake.
In five strides, he reached the lady’s side but made certain to leave a safe distance between them.
She had begun to feed the swans- he suspected that this was not their first meal since she had been here.
Endeared by how at peace she appeared, he turned to watch her, mesmerized.
Her hood had fallen back now, but her dark hair covered her lovely face. Her long delicate hands extended now and then to throw crumbs into the water and when the swans flapped and chirped noisily in a bid to catch their meal, she smiled…
Occasionally, she giggled.
Again, the sense of familiarity was overwhelming as the soft voice filled his ears. Yet, she did not quite seem like his Liliana. He did not think that he could be her- not entirely.
Lady Liliana had struck him like a lady who was prudent and sensible. She would not have embarked on such a foolhardy journey.
Could she?
He held his peace, content to watch her. Beyond that, he had indeed come for calm and that was what he was getting. The silence was comforting and the lady seemed to not mind his presence in the least.
Save for the occasional tilting his way, he might have believed that she had forgotten his presence.
Sebastian did not know how long they stood there, side by side in the silence, but in no time, the sky grew completely dark and the stars and moon came out of hiding.
Now, the lake glistened with their lights. The air got cooler and the wind began to hum its soft tunes.
It was all very comforting to Sebastian. Closing his eyes, he let all the soothing sensations seep into his being.
The air cleansed his lungs and as he exhaled, he felt his heart become lighter, freer. He had indeed, made the right choice to come here.
Stealing another glance at the lady by his side, he noticed that she had stopped her feeding, and now had her eyes closed, face tilted to the heavens. Her raised chin caused her hair to fall back and he could see the side of her face.
Sebastian’s heart caught, then it skipped, and he found himself taking in a sharp breath.
It was a beautiful sight. One that he knew was now engraved in his memories. Oh, but she was lovely. Gorgeously so.
Aware that he could no longer stand the silence, needing to hear her speak once again, perhaps, look him in the face, he broke the spell of silence.
“I thought I would go mad. I needed an escape. This is why I came to the woods.”
That got her attention. She dropped her head then and as she did, her lips curved in a smile. She still wouldn’t look at him, but Sebastian knew it was the prettiest smile he had ever seen.
“So, you understand my plight.”
He nodded, a part of him hoping that she found him just as intriguing and, in some way, she was watching him too.
These emotions were strange to Sebastian, so he made a promise to examine them later.
He returned his attention to the skies. “Although for me, it was not too loud. It was simply too… busy.”
From the side of his eyes, he saw her nod.
“That too, I can understand. Do you come here often?”
“I used to, once upon a long time ago. Then, I stopped. Not much has changed, yet, so much has. I do believe I shall return, soon. Perhaps, I shall begin to visit again. Often. And you, my lady?”
He could not tell her he had been away. She would easily guess who he was then.
He heard her soft chuckle.
“You easily assume that I am a lady.”
The jest in her voice made him smile.
“It is not hard to tell, my lady. You have an air of elegance about you. You walk with the grace of a swan and your speech is seasoned with nobility. Not to mention, you are dressed as no commoner.”
“Fancy clothing, proper language… I could simply have borrowed the former and learned the latter.”
“Ah, true. Nevertheless, I think not. It comes naturally to you, my lady. It shows years of practice.”
“Now, you shall make me believe that you have been watching me too much, in the time since you have arrived. Perhaps, I was wrong to let my guard down and believe you harmless?”
Not many women could tease so easily and as Sebastian’s lips remained perked up at their corners, he realized that he was enjoying this more than he enjoyed chasing rabbits.
“Forgive me, my lady. Nonetheless, I am afraid you cannot fault me. It is not every time a man happens upon a woman of such beauty. It is only human to steal more than a few quick glances.”
And that, he did again. Though she stood about seven feet away, he could see the faint flush on her cheeks. That sense of familiarity stirred in his heart once again.
Could it be that this was Lady Liliana’s twin? He had been told they were identical still. Lady Liliana was unlikely to attempt such a dare, but Lady Nora had seemed the flighty type.
Perhaps, he was speaking with her now? Was that why she seemed awfully familiar?
“Flattery at his finest. If I did not know better, I would have thought you sincere.”
His eyes widened in pleasant surprise.
“Indeed? For the reason that you know better, my lady, then you must know I jest not. My words are true as the stars are true, my lady. You are the one who wakes up to your face every morn. Certainly, you can attest that I tell no lie.”
When she would not say anything, instead, hid her face, he smiled even harder.
“Ah… so we shall agree then, that you were simply being modest? Pardon me, my lady, for I do not think it becomes you. Thank God for that.”
This time, she giggled, covering her lips to stifle its glorious sound.
“It is one thing for me to know how fair I am. However, you have not had the chance to gaze upon me properly, till this very moment. How can you tell what the other side of my face looks like?”
“I cannot… not without evidence. Yet, I feel it in my heart with a certainty that cannot be shaken.”
“I see.”
“Yes, my lady… you have such lovely eyes. It would be a shame for them not to be seen.”
She turned to look at him then, and his heart stopped.
Her eyes twinkled, the soft glow of embers. They were not the orange of Lady Liliana, no. And they were not quite the amber of lady Nora. Perhaps, Liliana’s eyes darkened with lack of proper light? Was that possible?
Who was this woman?
Her voice was smiling as hard as her lips and she replied, “I accept that you have your way with words, my Lord. A dangerous combination, seeing as you are easy to look upon, yourself.”
His heart began to beat again, slowly.
“You would mean I am not hard on the eyes? Why, thank you. That is such high praise, coming from a woman of unmatched beauty such as yourself.”
He had traveled far and wide, and Sebastian knew that those words were true in his heart, for he had never seen another, q
uite as beautiful. It was not just her looks, it was her soul which shone through her entire being, effortlessly.
He could tell that this lady was a wonderful woman.
“I accept your thanks, my lord, and I consider your praises just as high.”
She dipped into a shallow curtsy then and as she rose, he too bowed.
“I never quite affirmed that I am a lord.”