The Wraith and the Rose

by C. J. Brightley

  Theo waved a hand dismissively. “Never mind that. Let me know if you think of anything, if you please. I was going to take him around the estate so that he may be a little more comfortable here. You’re welcome to join us.”

  “I have a little magic for you,” said Lord Roche. “I doubt it’s much compared to what he can do, but I tried.” He gave a crooked grin.

  “Thank you,” said Theo. All the men but Lord Selby shook his hand in turn, passing him what small bits of binding magic they had managed to produce since their last meeting. Lord Selby had no binding magic to speak of.

  “What are you going to use it for?” asked Lord Selby.

  Theo hesitated, then said, “I think you’d better just trust me on this for now, please.”

  Lord Selby gave him a flat look. “I’m not best pleased with that. How dangerous is it, then?”

  With a cheerful smile, Theo replied, “That is a question I would prefer not to have to answer, my friend. The more magic I have, the better. My dear Juniper, I ought not be so pleased that you are here with us, but for entirely selfish reasons I am unspeakably grateful that you are.”

  Lord Selby’s eyes widened. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

  Theo clapped Juniper on the shoulder and said, “Come. Let us show you some of the most beautiful land in all of Valestria.” He whistled, and his two horses immediately began to amble back toward the little group.

  “Up with you, now.” He gave the fairy a boost into the saddle, then mounted his own horse. The others followed suit.

  Chapter 10

  The Garden Party

  At last the day arrived.

  Lily tried to ignore the flutters in her belly and the desire to try on six different dresses to see which one looked best. Instead, she held them up to look in the mirror and told herself that such a measure was less frivolous. She selected a lavender gown with a white satin sash. Indoors, she was afraid it was perhaps a little drab, but she thought it would show nicely against the green of the garden. She wove white and lavender ribbons into her braids before wrapping them about her head like a crown. The style made her neck seem slender and her shoulders elegant, though she was sure they were actually quite ordinary shoulders.

  She told herself she didn’t care whether Theo Overton the Fourth thought her elegant or lovely, but she knew it was a lie.

  Her mother checked to see which dress she chose. When she descended the stairs, she was delighted and amused to find that her family had dressed to coordinate with her. Her father’s jacket was a deep, dusky green, and his waistcoat was lavender. Her mother’s dress was a deeper purple than Lily’s, with cream lace and ribbons. Oliver’s jacket was a shade lighter than her father’s, and his waistcoat a similar shade of pale purple.

  “Was that entirely on purpose?” she asked with a smile.

  Her father said, “Of course. We want to look good together.”

  “We look like we belong at a fancy garden party held at a beautiful estate outside the city,” said Lady Overton seriously. “We do not want to look out of place. It’s discourteous to the host and hostess.”

  Lily thought privately that the rules of courtesy in such high society seemed even more restrictive than she had imagined, but she couldn’t fault her parents’ logic. She certainly did not wish to be discourteous to the Overtons, regardless of whether anything serious resulted from Theo’s interest.

  Their hired carriage arrived, and they climbed in. Perhaps Lily was the only one who was nervous; certainly her parents and Oliver seemed relaxed. Why should they not be? They would not have to keep their wits when someone was smiling at them with effervescent delight.

  Yet when they disembarked from the carriage, Theo did not meet them. Anselm opened the double doors and strode out to escort them up the steps.

  Sir Theodore and Lady Overton met them at the top of the wide front steps and personally showed them through the foyer to the garden in the rear, pointing out the rooms where they might see to the necessaries and where the ladies might adjust their hair or attire if required.

  “Theo was called away this morning on some business, but he should be back very soon,” Sir Theodore explained regretfully.

  “Is he called away often?” asked Sir Jacob. “I did not know he was so involved in your affairs.”

  “Oh yes, he’s involved in many of my investments and the running of the estate. He was not best pleased to be called away this morning, but it couldn’t be helped. All the same, he should have no trouble returning soon.”

  They began with croquet on the lawn. Oliver triumphed and was thoroughly congratulated by all.

  After croquet they rested in the shade and enjoyed flavored ices while deciding on teams for lawn tennis. Just as they were about to begin, Theo strode across the grass to meet them.

  “Forgive me for only just arriving. It is a pleasure to see you again, Sir Jacob, Lady Hathaway, Oliver, Miss Hathaway.” He bowed to each in turn. His hair was damp, as though he’d just bathed and dried hurriedly, and his cheeks were slightly flushed. He bowed over Lily’s hand and brushed a kiss as light as air against the tips of her fingers.

  “Good afternoon, Theo,” Lily murmured. She had not expected to feel so shy, but when he straightened and gave her that delighted smile, her insides felt fluttery.

  “You’ve played croquet already, I see. I am sorry to have missed that. Have you had a chance to explore the garden yet?” He looked at the others, including them in the invitation.

  “We have not.”

  “I would be most glad to give you a tour, if you would like.”

  As the ostensible host, it was appropriate for Theo to offer to escort Lady Hathaway, and he did so with perfect courtesy. She demurred politely, saying, “I thank you, but I am sure you would prefer to escort my daughter. My husband will escort me.”

  Theo then turned to Lily and offered her his arm.

  Lily had all she could to contain her expressions of enthusiasm for the garden to a ladylike admiration rather than the unbridled delight she felt. White pebbled paths wound through banks of pink and white rose bushes in full bloom. Yellow, coral, burgundy, cream, and fuchsia roses filled the air with their sweet fresh scents, and the soft breeze carried the sound of birds singing.

  Theo murmured to her, “Do you like it?”

  “It’s lovely,” she breathed. “Do you come here often?”

  “Not as often as I would like to.” He smiled down at her. “Would you like to see my favorite nook?”

  “Yes, please.”

  He said softly, for her ears alone, “You are so lovely when you smile, Miss Hathaway.”

  He led the group past a little pond where a mother duck shooed her six yellow ducklings farther away from the people. They turned down another graveled path past a weeping willow, and entered a hidden alcove surrounded by rhododendrons that were a riot of pink and purple blooms. A lilac at one end scented the air, and low-growing heather and dianthus fought for space beneath the taller bushes. A wooden bench sat between two peonies which were covered in a profusion of round buds.

  “The peonies here are a pale pink; I’ve forgotten the name.” He frowned in gentle frustration. “The rose there is Maiden’s Blush, from which the one I gave you was propagated.”

  Lily covered her mouth, wishing she could hide her blush as well. She had assumed the gifts were merely exceptionally thoughtful, not personal as well. “Thank you,” she murmured.

  Sir Theodore said, “I believe the refreshments ought to be ready by now, if you would like to lead us back by way of the covered path, Theo?”

  “Yes, Father.” Theo assented readily and led them through a path covered by trees that trailed ten thousand purple blooms down through arched trellises over their heads. The light dappled their faces as the leaves above them moved in the breeze, and the effect as they walked was magical.

  When they reached the tables set up near the tennis net, the refreshments were indeed ready. They spent almost an hour telli
ng amusing anecdotes and enjoying cucumber sandwiches, salmon in green sauce, lobster salad, grilled chicken, grapes, melon, peaches from the south, lemonade, wine, and flavored ice. The interlude might have been awkward, but the Overtons were delightfully entertaining hosts.

  When everyone was satisfied and ready to begin the long-awaited lawn tennis, Theo said, “Sir Jacob, may I speak with you privately for a moment?”

  “Of course.” Sir Jacob rose and followed Theo some distance away, where Lily lost sight of them behind a willow tree.

  Some time later, Theo and Sir Jacob returned. Sir Jacob looked bemused but happy, and when he caught Lily’s eye, he smiled proudly. What did that mean?

  Theo asked, “Miss Hathaway, would you honor me with a short stroll? We will stay within sight of your parents.” This assurance was unnecessary, for Lily trusted his sense of propriety absolutely.

  She rose and put her hand upon his arm. He led her around the tennis court at a leisurely pace. Robins and other birds Lily did not know sang above them, and from a distant part of the garden she heard the distinctive call of a peacock.

  They turned at the far corner of the tennis court and proceeded a little farther, until Theo drew her to a halt in front of an enormous purple rhododendron. He turned to face her and took her hands in his.

  He took a deep breath. “Miss Hathaway, you must have perceived that I am entranced by you. Will you honor me with your hand in marriage?”

  Lily blinked in wordless shock. He smiled at her, though his eyes were unwontedly serious. “Before you deny me, thinking me too impulsive or precipitous, I beg let me tell you a little more of my heart.

  “My eyes perceive that you are beautiful, from your lustrous hair to your dainty feet. Your eyes sparkle and your smile is sweet and kind. Your family loves each other, and the lure of marrying into a family that is as loving as my own is powerful. Moreover, you are generous; I was informed that you and Oliver have visited the children’s home more than once and were kind to the children.

  “In short, my first impulsive feelings have been borne out by what I have learned of you. Please, Miss Hathaway, accept my adoration.” He bowed over her right hand and kissed each fingertip, then repeated the gesture with the other hand.

  Lily blushed furiously. Her hands were shaking, and she felt Theo’s hands tighten ever so slightly upon hers, as if to steady them. He straightened.

  “I… I… you hardly know me, though,” she managed. “You are too kind, and you are overly generous in your estimation of me.” Now why had she said that? She did not want to put him off; she wanted to understand.

  He smiled a little, his eyes warm and bright. “I think not. I am delighted in your presence. I know there is much I have yet to learn of you, and much you have yet to learn of me. If you do agree to marry me, I pledge to spend my life learning how best to please you. I want to love you well.”

  She swallowed. “What did you tell my father to convince him to agree?”

  Theo laughed low under his breath. “Only the truth, Miss Hathaway. That love is a choice, and I am determined to love you as well as any woman has ever been loved, in body and soul and spirit.”

  Lily was charmed, despite her best efforts. “I can find no objection, Theo, except to say that I don’t want to disappoint you, after you have made such flattering assertions about my character and beauty. You are aware, I presume, that my family is not the equal of yours in society.” The last statement was her last, futile effort to talk sense into him, because she realized, as she said it, that she didn’t want him to change his mind.

  He blinked. “Why on earth should I care about that?” He grinned, his eyes twinkling with irrepressible good humor. “Have you really no further objection?”

  “None, sir.” Her blush deepened further when he bent to kiss her fingertips again.

  “Then you have made me the happiest man alive,” he murmured.

  Chapter 11

  Planning Commences

  The wedding date was set for early fall three months hence, when the sun would still be warm but the breezes cool. Not only was it the first announced engagement of the season, but it would be the first wedding, and undoubtedly the most fashionable and extravagant celebration.

  The wedding preparations took up much of Lily’s time and attention over the following months and after the word of her engagement spread, she suddenly received dozens of invitations to tea, garden parties, dinner parties, and balls from families of high social standing.

  While the son of a baronet was barely even considered hereditary nobility, the Overton family wealth had long kept them elevated in society and far more popular than their rank justified. Theo’s father Sir Theodore had apparently been friends with the king for years, although Lily did not know the story behind that; that relatively recent connection to the throne also had given them more status than their rank would indicate. Theo’s parents, and indeed the whole family, was considered not only likable but imminently respectable, and Theo’s sparkling personality had only added to their popularity.

  Oliver, too, became suddenly more popular, and was invited to go riding with various young men eager to show off the quality of their horses.

  Oliver did not own a horse, and this might have been a social impediment among his new circle. The first note arrived from Lord Selby inviting him to go riding with Theo and several other young noblemen, and Oliver was about to write a polite, regretful refusal when another letter arrived from Theo.

  Dear Oliver,

  I was delighted to learn from Lord Selby that you would be joining us on our excursion next week. Allow me to offer you the use of one of my hunters. If you come to my family’s estate an hour before the time noted in Lord Selby’s invitation, I would be honored to have you meet them and select the one you prefer. Lord Selby’s estate is a very short distance from mine, and we can ride there together.

  Respectfully,

  Theo Overton, IV

  The following week, Oliver returned from the outing with wide eyes and a shocked expression.

  “I take it you had a pleasant time,” said Lady Hathaway.

  Oliver seemed at a loss for words. “He gave me a horse.”

  “He did what?” said Sir Jacob in astonishment.

  “I thought he meant to merely let me ride the horse for the afternoon, which was more than generous. His horses are beautiful, Father! They’re all so well-trained and friendly. I selected a dark bay gelding named Dandelion, which he said was his newest hunter.

  “I tried him out in the ring, then we trotted over to Lord Selby’s estate, which is only three miles down the road. It is beautiful!” He smiled at the others. “There are rolling hills behind the two estates, so we took the horses on a long ride across the hills and back and forth over a little stream. Dandelion was a dream, nice and responsive, and eager to run.

  “When we got back, we had ices on Lord Selby’s lawn before Theo and I headed back to the Overton estate. We unsaddled and brushed down the horses, and while I was at Dandelion’s head, Theo said, ‘What did you think of him?’ I said, ‘I’ve never ridden better. He’s beautiful.’ Theo said, ‘Would you like him?’ And I said, ‘Of course I would! Who wouldn’t?’ I thought it was just conversation, you know. Then Theo said, ‘He’s yours, then.’ I tried to refuse, Father, I really did, but did you know that Theo can be quite stubborn? I didn’t. He’s always been so agreeable, and yet he would not take it back.

  “Of course I did say that we had no place here in the city to keep a horse; I didn’t exactly say we couldn’t board a horse somewhere, but he may have figured it out from my panic. He said he would be happy to keep Dandelion in his own stable until we had a place for him, but he’s mine, and I should come and ride him whenever I wish. He told the groom to let me come and take him out at any time, because Dandelion is mine.”

  Poor Oliver looked as if his surprise still outweighed his glee, though the delight of riding such a lovely horse was sinking in.

  “Tha
t horse must have cost a fortune,” said Sir Jacob.

  “Undoubtedly,” Oliver agreed. “I asked him why he would do such a thing, and he said, ‘Well, we are to be brothers, are we not?’ What was I to say that? He’ll be sorely disappointed if he expects an equivalent gift in return.”

  “I don’t think he does,” said Sir Jacob thoughtfully. “I really don’t think he has any expectation of reciprocity, other than genuine friendship. I think that’s just how he is.”

  Oliver looked at Lily across the table. “If it’s a ploy to win my approval, so far it’s working.”

  At a private ball a few days later, Lily heard a little more about the Wraith. Apparently, Lord Willowvale was beside himself with rage at the latest foray into the Fair Lands by the clever hero.

  Araminta was not sure on the details, as the rumors had diverged into several versions, and Lord Willowvale had probably not provided much detail to begin with. What she had heard was that the children were dancing as usual, and a fairy they did not know came and waltzed them one by one off the dance floor under the noses of their overseers. Not all of them had disappeared, of course; even the most negligent fairy prison guard would notice if they had all disappeared. But eleven children out of some thirty had been slipped into the darkness.

  No other details of the children’s escape had made it to public knowledge. Lily happened to have visited the children’s home that very morning, and although she had not seen the most recently rescued children, she had heard that the children had arrived the previous night.

  Although she had visited the home several times by now, she was not entrusted with any information about the children, other than their names, or about their rescuer. Indeed, the very location of the children’s home was meant to be a secret. However, this time she had heard Essie talking to John only by accident as she walked past a door with a little girl in her arms. The woman had said, “He takes too many risks.”