by Fanny Finch
Three days after the ball, Liliana sat in the drawing-room engrossed in some needlework. She was in a particularly foul mood today. She had been since that night at the ball.
It was not difficult to tell why… she had gone to that ball with great expectations. She had expected Lord Longcross to flock to her side the moment she was announced, asked to be her first dance, and keep her by his side while they danced into the night.
None of that had happened, of course. Oh, many men had flocked to her side and as she searched the sea of them, she had quickly realized that the marquess was not one of those men.
Her eyes had searched further, naturally, desperate to seek him out. Perhaps, he had not seen her? Heard her be announced? Yet, she had thought that very unlikely. The entire ballroom had watched as they descended the steps.
But for Lord Rothwell’s steady arms holding her up, she feared she might have missed a step and made a fool of herself. Thankfully, that had not happened.
She had found him easily, standing tall, a smile in his face and eyes and her heart had skipped a bit. Then, the crowd around her had cleared a bit, and she had seen that he was not alone.
He had been in the company of another woman. Laughing as though they were old friends and she was the only woman he could see. The disappointment that had begun to clear, had quickly returned, and her heart had sunk.
Then, when she had felt his gaze upon her, moments later, she had felt a flip in her belly.
Seeing him, standing there, eyes only for her had made her feel things she did not fully understand yet. Warm, fuzzy. Almost, faint. She had gotten a hold of herself quickly enough- as much as anyone could have, under the attention of the man that was Sebastian Leighton.
Then he had begun to walk close to her, eyes holding her captive, his gait sure, strides long and firm, like a man who was on a mission. One by one, the men around her had cleared and she had been sad to see them go.
For no other reason than the fact that there was no one with whom to strike his envy as he had struck hers.
Then he had said all those wonderful words and continued to look at her like she was life’s essence, and his sins had been forgotten and forgiven. She had regretted giving her dances to other men until he had revealed that he had done the same.
Imagine the hurt! Still, Liliana was willing to put all of that behind them, understanding that he could have had little say in the matter as did she. So, she had gone away with that Lord, looking forward to when she would have the chance to be with him, alone.
She hoped to ask him about the lady Evelyn. Hearing that she had been spoken for had not entirely cleared her fears. She had also wished to speak of the meeting at the Lake.
He had been the one, she knew now. She had seen the secret in his eyes. A secret only two of them shared and she had been grateful when he had acted as though, they had not met outside the ball that had been held in his honor.
So, she had waltzed with the gentlemen, responded warmly, smile when it was right, and blushed now and then. In fairness, the men had not been terrible company.
In fact, many of them had been interesting, witty and kind enough to share interesting tales.
Liliana had simply been preoccupied with the man who plagued her thoughts and dreams.
Just when she had thought she would finally get to dance with him, he had disappeared. Gone, just like that, without a trace.
His mother, the duchess had shared that he had been called away to attend to some urgent business matters that had arisen. Liliana did not know why, but she was reluctant to believe that excuse.
What kind of business matters arose in the middle of the night that he had to run off, without thinking to bid her good night?
A sigh escaped her lips as she barely missed poking her flesh with the needle.
What was the matter with her? She had never been this way. What was it about Lord Longcross that bothered her so, and why did she have so many expectations of him when he had made no commitment to her.
Was this what falling in love felt like? Could it be? Of course not. It was too soon, after all. She had only met the man, twice.
Just then, the door to the drawing-room opened and she looked up to see Nora come in.
“I knew I’d find you locked away here.”
She was in no mood to make small conversation but she had been this way for days and it was not fair to anyone, much more her sister.
“You have been looking for me, then?”
“Not truly. Lord Danvil called on me today. I was in my chambers when news of his presence came. I met him in the hall and he suggested we took a walk in the garden. We have just returned and he has just left.”
Liliana watched her sister intently as she came to sit on the sofa just in front of her. She looked pleased. It was apparent that Nora was enjoying the attention. All too much.
“You seem to be having fun. That is the eleventh one in three days, is he not?”
“Fourteenth actually, and let’s not forget almost half of them had been here for you. Good thing I have a kind heart and I am given to theatrics, how else would I have been able to take your place, when your foul mood would have sent them on their way to never return?”
Liliana said nothing, not knowing what words would be right. Quietly, she returned to her stitching.
“How much longer would these blues last? I admit I am having my fun. Nevertheless, it is starting to wear me out. I cannot play you and be myself more than three times a day. Not to mention, you are terribly boring to be. Too clam, too cool-headed. Sometimes, I wonder if we shared the same womb indeed.”
Liliana smiled at that. “Sometimes, I wonder that too. Yet, we only have to look at the mirror that is each other.”
Nora smiled at that too, her frustration was short-lived. “I couldn’t have chosen anyone better, Lilly. You have been the best. Now, you only have to permit me to write the marquess. It appears he is the only remedy for this malady that has plagued you.”
Liliana’s eyes flew open. “You would do no such thing!”
Nora’s eyes were twinkling, and her laugh hovered around her lips. Liliana knew she had been had, but that was a matter to ponder upon later. Nora could jest harmlessly, yes.
Still, she knew her sister well enough to know that she could hardly put anything past her.
“Ah-ha! So you finally accept that he is the reason for your foul mood.”
“I have made no acceptance, neither have I confessed to any sins. I have simply asked you not to write to him.”
“Why?”
“Because there is absolutely no need to. I am simply ail from my monthly flow, dear sister. This is no matter of a man.”
“Huh. I see,” Nora replied, apparently not believing the awful lie.
Ah… but truly, Liliana had to learn how to be better at lying.
There was silence for a bit and Liliana savored it, knowing it would be short-lived. She was proven right when Nora broke it moments later.
“Why would you not admit that you nurse affections for him, though? I am your sister and dearest friend, am I not? Since when did we begin to hide things from each other?”
The hurt in Nora’s voice broke Liliana. Though her sister had tried to hide it, she had heard it anyway.
Finally, Liliana dropped her needle and thread and gave her sister, her full attention.
Had Nora been feeling this way? But of course, she had every right to. Liliana had not given it much thought how much her silence was affecting her sister. She had simply been too engrossed in her thoughts.
“It is not that I don’t want to share this with you, Nora. It is all still new for me, and very confusing. I don’t know what it is I feel and I’m afraid that I’d look a fool if I said it out loud.”
Nora was by her side in an instant, taking her hand.
“You silly girl! Look a fool? Certainly not! Of the two of us, it is you who have always fancied and nursed romantic notions, not I. Given, I jest a lot, noneth
eless, you must know I would never make jest of matters concerning your heart. Lilly, how many fine young men has father brought home? I have never seen you this way over any of them, ever. If this man is making you feel these things, whatever it is you’re feeling, then you must share them with me. After all, who else do you hope to tell your heart ails? Elias?”
The mention of the stable boy who had been left back in the country made Liliana laugh. As she recovered, she realized that she felt better.
Searching her sister’s eyes, she saw love and care that was pure and true. Feeling the overwhelming urge to embrace her, she did just that.
“Thank you, sister. I am not certain if I can put my feelings into words yet. I am still sorting through them. However, I shall promise not to shut you out, anymore,” she vowed.
“That works perfectly,” came Nora’s reply.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. The ladies pulled away and busied with righting their clothing. When they were satisfied, they called out.
“You may enter.”
Mr. Hortcroft, the butler entered promptly. He took a bow and as he arose, he turned to Liliana, his brows quirked in an unvoiced question.
“There is a gentleman here who wishes to see you, my lady. Although he speaks with his lordship at the moment, your step-father has asked that you prepare to receive him. He believes this is one guest you would be happy to entertain yourself.”
The last bit had been added for everyone in the house knew that Nora had been taken her place in the past days. A pure stroke of luck, that they had not been called upon the same time, by two different men thus far.
“Truly? You would not happen to have the name of the guest, would you, Mr. Hortcroft?”
Liliana had a good guess who it was. Yet, she willed her hopes not to soar, lest they are dashed. Beyond that, if it was who she suspected, she did not think she wished to see him, anyway.
Smiling as though he knew something they did not, Hortcroft answered, “The Lord Longcross. Shall I give him a time when he is to expect your presence?”
Liliana was still trying to recover from the beat her heart had skipped and even as the thought she had had just a moment ago rang in her head, she found herself giving an entirely different answer.
“I must change into something more proper. About half an hour would, Mr. Hortcroft, I thank thee.”
With a nod and another bow, the elderly man turned to leave. The moment the door closed behind him, Liliana was on her feet, avoiding her sister’s gaze as she made her way out of the drawing-room.
Now, Nora would jest of her, surely, and she would be right to, for she could not hide her affections for Longcross, not even if she tried.
Just before she stepped out, she heard her sister call out to her, causing her to stop in her tracks.
“He is completely taken by you, dear sister, and you are smitten with him. It is just as well. You only need to play your cards well, and he would be yours by the law and by God by the end of the season, just as father wishes.”
Liliana frowned at those words and deigned them unbefitting of a reply. Saying nothing, she continued on her way.
She knew Nora meant well, but love would never be a game to Liliana. Much more, cards to be played and won.
Chapter 12
Sebastian kept his eyes on the wine, as it flowed from bottle to cup in all its richness. Yet, it was only his eyes that remained in the room, for his mind had wandered far away and for good cause.
He had come here today for two reasons- to see his dearest lady Liliana for he had missed her terribly, and to see Lord Rothwell, of course.
The former, he owed an apology and the latter, a promised discussion. The ball had been perfect to meet with Lady Liliana and Lord Rothwell. He had counted the dances until he could hold Liliana in his arms, staring into her beautiful eyes and listen to her lovely voice.
He had also been very eager to speak with Lord Rothwell, for he had more questions for the old man.
He had been unable to do any of that because a note had arrived for him. A certain Mr. Larry Pickle was waiting just outside of the mansion, waiting to see him. Sebastian had known who it was at that moment, and he had known that it was a man he could not keep waiting.
So, he had begged his excuse and went to meet with Mr. Pickle, the best bow street investigator anyone could find. In a bid to avoid suspicious looks and dangerous conclusions, he had invited Mr. Larry into his carriage and they had ridden away to a safe place where they had spoken.
It was their first of many meetings. Afterwards, it had been too late to return, but Sebastian had no regrets, for he had realized how much difference, bringing a professional on the case, made.
Mr. Pickle had had many helpful insights, and he had also given Sebastian hints on how to go about his own end of the investigation. The right questions to ask, and who to ask.
Lord Rothwell finished pouring the wine in that moment, and he handed Sebastian’s cup over to him, then picked his.
Toasting to the air, they began to drink. Sebastian savored the sweet taste of wine as it washed down his throat.
Lord Rothwell was smiling at him with a knowing gaze when he looked up.
“Fine wine, is it not?”
Sebastian smiled in return. “I must admit, it is the finest I have had in a long while. Ah… must be from your vine, is it not?”
“Indeed, it is. I am thinking of taking the wine beyond Europe come next summer. Perhaps, to America? Maybe the Indies? Do they drink wine there, Longcross?”
“Not so much, uncle. They love their milk, I must confess. They say it keeps them healthy. Although, there are many others who are taken to drunkenness.”
“Ah. Men will always be men. It is settled then. I shall ship a few crates to the Indies and see how well it is received. It would only be a shame to hoard such fine wine when it should be shared with the world.”
“You have always been a generous man, uncle.”
Lord Rothwell chuckled at that, as though it was almost comical to think of himself as a generous man. He ceased his chuckling and went quiet for a moment, his eyes staring into nothingness, causing his brows to furrow in thoughts.
“You know, in a way, I suppose I am generous,” he continued, breaking the silence. “Nevertheless, I would not have you think of my person as gracious or chivalrous. I am a man of business, Sebastian. Rest assured, every gesture of charity, is an investment for an even bigger return. It is how we men must operate. If not, the legacy we have managed to build thus far would crumble from giving out too many favors. Not to worry, you are young still. As you grow older, you shall come to understand.”
His words were things to think about, Sebastian was aware. So, he tucked them away to someplace safe. When he had the time, he would ruminate on these words.
Settling for a small smile, he took one more sip of his drink, and said, “I have only ever known you a wise man, uncle.”
Pleased by the praised, Lord Rothwell beamed. “And you are the kind of son every man wishes for, Longcross. Your father is a lucky man.” There was a pause as he took supped from his cup. Then, “You call me uncle, still. I am your cousin you know. Third, once removed.”
“Still, it feels odd calling you anything other than an uncle. It is what I have all my life.”
“Ah. Yes yes. Your father must be very proud. You know I have always wondered what it would be like to have a son, an heir you can call your home. Legitimate, worthy enough to be shown to the world. Your father had two. It is only sad that the hands of death wickedly snatched the other. Well, good thing he was given two.”
His words this time rubbed against Sebastian the wrong way but he decided to let it go. Lord Rothwell only ever meant well. Perhaps, it was the winemaking him a little less conscious.
If he was such a light drinker, Sebastian believed it was best they did away with small talk and got on to the business that had brought him here, lest Rothwell became drunken with wine and unable to help.
“Speaking of Hanson, uncle, I have come because of him. The other day, at my ball, we spoke of how big the shoes he had left behind, were to fill. We also spoke of how you could help me with any knowledge you have regarding the many other businesses he was in here in London. Mayhap, a better understanding of them would help me settle into my newly acquired duties well.”
“Ah. Yes, yes, I remember. How has it been by the way? Managing the firm and estates?”
“I am more concerned with the firms for now since Father is still hale and hearty. He manages the estate affairs.”
“A good agreement. Your father has always been a wise man. Oh well, back to Hanson…” he paused and a deep sigh slipped free. “It still feels odd, referring to him in the past. Some days, I wake up wishing it were all but a dream and I’d run into Hanson on Bond street one of these days, that he would smile in that his wholesome, charming way the ladies thoroughly loved, and he would remind me of a meeting I had completely forgotten about.” Another pause and Lord Rothwell tore his gaze away from the nothingness to look at Sebastian.