A Graceful Swan for the Fearless Marquess: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance

by Fanny Finch

  Liliana, troubled? His heart was immediately with her, and he wished to be in her presence that instant. Yet, he knew he would have to wait a while, for the lady would have to prepare to receive a guest.

  “I do hope my lady is fine. Has she shown any signs of being unwell?” the concern in his voice was unlike the smile that had just graced his face, genuine.

  “Not physically, I’m sure. Oh well, you know women. She probably misses her parents. Their deaths have always been harder on her, you know. Nora, that one, she moved on quite quickly and well, but Liliana…” he sighed, “emotions… her curse and her blessing.”

  Ever since Sebastian discovered that Rothwell wasn’t the man he thought him to be, he had begun to see him in an entirely different light. However now, seeing the man almost genuinely concerned about Liliana’s welfare, he paused to wonder.

  Could it be that the man truly cared about his stepdaughters, or was it all an act?

  Masking his thoughts with a small, weary smile, he replied, “Whatever it is, I am certain it is nothing so grave, and I hope she shall share it with me.”

  “Ah… I am quite certain she just might. She truly cares for you, Sebastian. You are aware, are you not?”

  “Very much, uncle. I care for her just as deeply, even more.”

  “Hm. I know, son. Man to man, I see the look in your eyes when she is near you. It often reminds me of how I always looked at her mother. Ah… I loved that woman, with all my heart. A shame that death took her away so soon, mocking me for the second time.”

  Sebastian’s throat tightened, but he managed to croak out, “I am sorry, Uncle.”

  Was this man simply a good actor, or was he not entirely a bad person? Could someone be capable of all that he had done, and still manage to care genuinely for people?

  “Pshaw, no need to be. It was a long time ago and the pain is only numbing now. The ache, dull. Oh, pardon my manners, please, let us sit.”

  Grateful for the invitation, Sebastian took three steps and was on the chair, facing Rothwell.

  He looked at the man, truly looked at him. How had he been able to get away with such evils for so long?

  “How is business, Longcross? And the family?”

  “All wonderful, uncle. Thank you.”

  “Ah… it looks like you have managed to fill Hanson’s shoes quite nicely and here you were, afraid you wouldn’t come close.”

  Sebastian gave a tight smile, offended that this man would dare speak his brother’s name.

  “Hanson is Hanson, uncle. I am afraid, no one will ever be able to fill his shoes completely. Not even me. I have since learned that and I have stopped trying to fill those shoes. Instead, I wear mine with pride.”

  “Look at you! Back only four fool moons and already growing into a better man. I am glad. Your parents must be proud.”

  “Thank you, uncle.”

  There was a small pause as Sebastian glanced around the study again, trying hard not to make it so clear. When he looked back at the older man, he saw that he had in fact, been caught, but he brushed it away like it was nothing.

  “And you, Uncle? How has been business and the family?”

  “Great, oh great. The girls are wonderful, as always. The staff are all healthy and seemingly satisfied with their employment here. And business, business has never been better, Longcross. Although, I fear a storm is coming soon. We are doing all our best to prepare for it, lest it sweeps us away.”

  Rothwell said those words, staring deeply into Sebastian’s eyes, his voice laced with meaning. One thing became clear then, he knew. He knew that Sebastian was on to him, and he was issuing a warning.

  Sebastian’s insides grew cold and he wrestled with the urge to shift in his seat.

  Lord Rothwell’s gaze was like fire.

  “Oh, grand- about the household, I mean. As for the storm, I do hope it never reaches, and if it does, may the best man win.”

  Lord Rothwell chuckled, it dry and humorless. It made Sebastian itch, itch to teach this man a lesson.

  “Ah, indeed. I have always won, Longcross. Always. When you have been in this business for as long as I have, and be as successful as I am, it is inevitable to have enemies who would want to bring you to ruin. I have had my own share, suffered a few losses, but in the grand scheme of things, I always win.”

  “That is comforting to know, uncle. Mayhap, you shall give me a lesson or two, for I find it, I too love to win. I have always admired you uncle, you know this. For the longest time, I have looked up to you. Someday, I hope to be able to say these to someone who looks up to me, and teach them how to win as well.”

  “Ah, Longcross, you were always my favorite Leighton… no offense to the rest of the family. Alright then, I shall tell you these two things. Always watch over your shoulders, and never underestimate the enemy.” His eyes had grown cold, his voice, steely.

  Sebastian kept a small, warm smile on his face. “Sound advice, if I have ever seen any. Thank you, uncle. You are far too kind.” He would not give this man the satisfaction of seeing him riled.

  “Anything for my dearest cousin and in-law to be. You will marry the girl, will you not?”

  “Yes, uncle. You have my word.”

  “So what keeps you? The end of the season beckons.”

  “In good time, uncle. I beg you to trust my judgment. Let my word be enough for now.”

  “Of course, it is.”

  There was a small pause and Sebastian used the opportunity to look around again. This time, when he turned back, he caught Rothwell furiously scribbling again.

  Sebastian caught a small peek just before Rothwell signed up and closed the letter.

  It happened so fast and before he knew it, the older man was tucking the letter into his pocket for safekeeping.

  That was when he looked up and as he did, something caught Sebastian’s eyes…

  It was the same jewel as the last time. Once again, it gnawed at Sebastian’s memory. Why did it seem so familiar? And why did he believe that it had to do with all that was at play?

  “Correspondence for a business partner,” Rothwell explained.

  Sebastian nodded. “Of course.” There was a small silence, and he spoke again.

  “Uncle, I have been meaning to ask you about the gold mine that we found… how is the mining going?”

  “Oh well, very well. As I have told you, we share whatever we have mined, equally, after three full moons. Although, I fear, this might be the smallest reap yet. It would appear that the well is beginning to dry up.”

  “Ohh… that does not sound too good, but I suppose it has served its cause. Still, uncle, something bothers me…” before he could say more, the door opened and Hortcroft let himself in.

  “Her ladyship will see you now, my lord.”

  Hmm…. so they have been saved by the bell… Sebastian had been on to something but he found, he could not keep Liliana waiting.

  He wanted to see her, and he wanted to see her now.

  Deciding that it was just as good a time for this conversation to end, he rose.

  “Uncle, it has been wonderful conversing with you, as always. I am afraid I shall have to beg my leave now. When a lady calls…”

  “Her Lord answers,” Rothwell completed.

  “Precisely. I shall see you before I leave, uncle, to say my farewell.”

  “I shall wait on you. Oh, Longcross?”

  “Yes, uncle?”

  “The weather is a bit harsh today, don’t you think? I know how much you love your walks with dear Liliana. However, considering her disposition, I would rather you remained in the drawing today, away from the sun.”

  “Of course, uncle. As you say.”

  The man nodded, his smile back. Sebastian offered a curt nod in return and turned to go.

  Lord Rothwell wanted them in the house for a reason… Sebastian wondered why. Perhaps to eavesdrop?

  Chapter 30

  She was pouring tea when he entered. All of her itche
d to get up and go to him but she held her peace. Keeping her eyes trained on the pot and teacups, she filled both completely, before dropping the pot. Only then did she look up at him.

  “Sebastian!” she chimed, rising to her feet. Her lips had curved in a smile, all on their own accord. Not that she minded. She did not.

  When he smiled back at her, her heart flipped like it always did whenever he was near.

  “Liliana…” he responded. Nothing more was said as he closed the distance between them and came to stand in front of her.

  He took her softly by her arms and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. Now, her belly joined her heart in its flips.

  “Oh my! It feels like a hundred years since I last saw you, yet, it’s only been a few days.”

  Her lips grew farther apart and she knew if it continued this way, her cheeks would soon start to hurt.

  “I hear it often feels that way when your heart cannot bear to be apart from someone.”

  “Ah, did you now? Well, I suppose whoever you hear it from was right.”

  He stepped back then, to take a good look at her. She wondered what thoughts were going through his mind, if he liked what he saw, if he approved.

  When Hortcroft had come with news of his presence, she had been beyond thrilled. An unexpected visit- yes, nonetheless, very much welcome. She had been looking forward to seeing Sebastian.

  Another day and she might have written. Only, she had been trying to hold her peace until the next ball which was only a couple of days away. In all honesty though, she did not think she would have been able to tarry much longer.

  She itched to tell someone what she had just discovered. She had been trying to make sense of it all, unable to stop the echos of the words she had heard from resounding in her mind, over and over again.

  As she thought of them, several other thoughts came to her mind. Thoughts she could not believe she had conceived. Yet, the moment she had, like the letters, she had been unable to get rid of them.

  Something told her those letters were significant and there was something bigger at play here. Something had happened as a result of those letters. Something dreadful, she feared.

  She had not been able to tell Nora. Somehow, she had known that that would be a terrible choice. Nora adored Lord Rothwell. She would never believe any ill of him. Not even with evidence laying right in front of her.

  Oh no. Sebastian was the only one Liliana could confide in, she knew this. It was why she had been very quiet. Lost in thoughts that she could tell to no one in this household.

  So when news of Sebastian’s presence had reached her, she had been thrilled for more reasons than one. Seeing Sebastian was always a delight. Always. She enjoyed being with him.

  For this reason, she had taken special care with her appearance as she often did where the marquess was concerned. She had chosen a soft yellow dress. It brought out her eyes and the color was lovely against her skin.

  She had done her hair up in a knot. Nothing fancy… simple enough for receiving a day visitor, yet, beautiful enough to make one look more than twice.

  Her dress was quite simple too. A simple day dress. But it fit her quite nicely.

  If the glimmer in his eyes as they washed over her was any indication, Sebastian thought so too.

  “You look very lovely, Liliana. As always.”

  Ah… it was nice to know that her efforts had indeed, paid of.

  “So do you, my lord. Charming, I mean. It appears, that shade of blue becomes you.”

  Today, he had chosen a suit the darkest of blue. His shirt, grey, and the cravat that graced his neck, the softest shade of blue. His hessian boots were as black as the hat that he now held by his side.

  Sebastian was truly a man of fashion. He chose his colors so carefully, like a woman would. It was one of the things she admired about him.

  “Why, thank you, my lady.”

  His voice smiled as hard as his eyes shimmered. It made her feel good in more ways than one. When she spoke, her voice was smiling too. Such was the effect this man had on her.

  “Please, my lord, do sit. I have served tea. We can leave the wine for dinner.”

  He took the sofa right in front of the one she had chosen. The table laid between them, and gladly, he took his cup of tea.

  “Ah… if the tea tastes this lovely, then you shall hear only gratitude from my lips,” he said, after taking a sip.

  Liliana lifted her cup to her lips to attest to his word. Ah again, Marie had outdone herself. It was an excellent tea.

  “I see what you mean. Marie has always known how to brew perfect tea. I envy her, sometimes.”

  “You could ask her to teach you a thing or two. Not that you would have any need for the lesson. Soon, you shall become a lady of your own household and have maids to see to all of these.”

  “Yes, you are right. Nevertheless, as you have said, it would not hurt to learn. Perhaps, I just shall.”

  There was a pause as she took another sip, dropped the cup, and settled into her seat.

  “How do you fare, Sebastian? I see tired lines around your eyes. Pray tell me, have you been getting little sleep?”

  “Ah… you finally notice. I was afraid you would point it out, the other day at the gallery but you were…”

  “Lost in thoughts, yes. Accept my apologies. Pray tell me, what have you been up to? Is it that business?”

  Her eyes spoke what she meant and he quickly understood it.

  “I am afraid so. Nevertheless, sleeplessness has been worth it. We have managed to uncover many substantial records that would serve as evidence…”

  His voice had gone lower, and she suspected he knew that the drawing-room was no safe place for such discussions.

  “Oh? That is great news!” she exclaimed, keeping her voice low too. “Then it shall be over soon?”

  He nodded. “Yes. Then I shall be able to get enough rest, and spend more time with you, my lady. My heart yearns for you whenever we are apart.”

  Unable to help herself, she flushed crimson. The warmth suffused through her entire being.

  She cleared her throat and reached for her cup. It suddenly felt dry. As she sipped, she stole a glance at him from the rim of her glance.

  His laughing eyes told her all she needed to know. Those words had been said with purpose, and he was happy to have achieved that purpose.

  The tea did some good, though. By the time she dropped the cup, she was less flustered.

  Thank goodness, he saved her the embarrassment by moving on to another subject.

  “Lord Rothwell tells me you have been distant since yesterday. I have also seen it in your eyes since the moment I stepped into this room. Something bothers you, my lady, does it not?”

  She knew stepfather must have noticed that she was withdrawn. Had he sent Sebastian to get the truth from her?

  No… what was she thinking? Surely, she trusts Sebastian, without a doubt. Lord Rothwell might have perhaps, simply shared this with him, out of care and worry for her.

  She cleared her throat once again, shifting in her seat so that she would inch closer to him.

  “I’m afraid so, my lord. Do you have an attic in your home?”

  The question earned her a nod from Sebastian. “Yes. We do. I have also noticed there is one here. Almost every building has an attic, these days. It’s in fashion.”

  “Ah. So it is. And yes, we do. Oh well, I was bored one day, you see. Curiosity took the best of me. I ventured up into the attic and I saw that it held many old things. I found a chest and letters in them. I recognized the letters to be from my father, as they bore his handwriting. He might have died when I was only but a child…”

  “But you will always remember. Things like this don’t get forgotten so easily, I understand.”

  “Yes, I suppose. I was going to read the letters but I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. For some reason, I know I did not want to be found with them, so I quickly moved away from the chest, found a book
and pretended to be occupied with it by the window. It was only a moment later that Lord Rothwell entered. He believed I had simply wandered, and sent me back to my chambers. I thought nothing of his timely presence, you see. Not then.”

  She paused and he nodded, urging her to continue.

  She swallowed then and inched even closer, aware that she was getting to the interesting part.

  “Ah yes. Yesterday, I suddenly remembered that I was yet to return. I was home alone. Father had gone to attend to business and Nora had been out with one of her suitors. I found my way to the attic yet again and I saw that it had been cleaned and rearranged. On father’s orders, I presumed. Well, I sought the chest once more and I found it, luckily. This time, I got to read the contents of those letters. Sebastian, I made a shocking discovery…”