by Dayna Quince
“Always the savior of propriety,” Devon grumbled.
“Some of us care for our reputations," Lydia snapped.
Chance followed them back into the carriage and seated himself beside Devon.
“Now, what’s this all about?” he asked sternly.
“I haven’t heard from Lilly. I am so scared for her, Chance. I tried to send her notes, but they were all returned unanswered.” Olivia cried into her handkerchief. “Where could she have gone? Daddy won’t let me help her and now she’s gone!”
“I’m sure she’s fine, Livie,” Devon said.
“How can we help her without dragging our own names through the mud? It’s too dangerous, Olivia,” Lydia stated definitively.
“How can you be so cold, Lydia? Our friend is missing!” Olivia nearly shouted.
“All you care about is your good name and reputation. Don’t worry, Miss Covington,” Devon sneered, “you won’t have to dirty your hands. I will help my sister find Lilly. Society be damned.”
Lydia shot daggers at Devon. “How dare you speak to me like that, you rogue. It is not that I don’t care. Lilly is my friend too. I just do not see what we can do for her. We do not even know where she is.”
“I know where she is.” Chance interrupted their hysterical arguing. “Well, I have a pretty good idea.”
“You do?” two feminine voices said in unison. For once, Lydia’s perfectly proper façade cracked as her true worry for her friend broke through.
“She’s with a friend of mine, possibly the only man who can truly help her. I believe he’s taken her to his country seat. He is the Earl of Redwick.”
“She’s there alone with him?” Lydia gasped.
“Lilly’s life is being threatened by her stepfather. I found out this morning that a rather nefarious character has been asking after her whereabouts. I’m hoping I can lead him away from Lilly and perhaps find out where Mr. Hollow has been hiding.”
“But how are we going to do that?” Olivia asked, her tears beginning to ebb as hope lit in her eyes.
“I’m not sure there is anything we as a group can do. I need to speak with Dominic before I can do anything. I don’t want to inadvertently damage his investigation if I can help it.”
“Dominic Coel?” Devon asked.
“The very same,” Chance answered.
“I thought he retired from the office.”
“He did but they can never seem to let go of a very good employee.” Chance snorted.
“Tell us know what we can do, Chance, if anything,” Lydia said.
“I’m not sure there is much we can do at this point. I’m going to set a watch for the man who was asking for Millie and have him followed.”
“Who’s Millie?” Olivia asked in confusion.
“Oh, it’s the name Lilly used while she was working as a servant.”
“She worked as a servant?” three voices asked at once.
“Oh, poor Lilly, she must feel so alone,” Lydia said tearfully.
“What can we do, Chance? How can we help? I cannot sit here while my best friend is being hunted for treason!” Olivia said fiercely.
Chance was quiet. He wished he could tell them more—at least reassure them that their friend was going to be okay—but at this point, Lilly’s future was very uncertain. At least until Chance could contact Dominic and get more information from him. He had to find out what Dominic’s plan was for Lilly and if he was going to help save her or persecute her.
“Just be patient. I will let you know when I know something.”
“And if we can help,” Olivia said.
“Yes, Livie.” Chance sighed. “For such a small woman, you sure are dominant of men considerably bigger than you are.”
“You can say that again,” Devon quipped.
“I will keep you informed if I can through messages to Devon. We will not let Lilly come to any harm, I assure you.”
“Give her our love,” Lydia said. “She’s in our thoughts and not alone. I want her to know we are thinking and praying for her every day.”
“Will do, Lydia.” Chance jumped down from the coach and waved goodbye.
“Well, look at that. The ice queen has a heart.” Devon smirked at Lydia.
“I would slap you, Devon Brentton, if I weren’t afraid of catching some vile, perverse disease from the mere touch.”
Devon winked devilishly. “You would have to be intimate with me to do that, love. If I had one, which I assure you I don’t.”
“Devon, Lydia!” Olivia gasped in shock. “How can you say such things to each other?”
“It comes quite naturally to me. Wouldn’t you agree, Lydia?”
“I agree. Filth comes out of your mouth quite effortlessly.” She sneered. “You enjoy saying lewd and perverse things to women.”
“Only to you, love.” He winked at her.
“How dare you!” Lydia raised her parasol threateningly.
“Devon, please do not bait her.” Olivia moved to sit beside Lydia. “She may be the epitome of grace and elegance, but I do believe you could push her to become violent.”
Devon laughed out loud and Olivia thought she heard Lydia growl, so she put her arms around her friend.
“What are you doing?” Lydia asked.
“I’m restraining you,” Olivia replied, and Devon laughed even harder.
Chapter 10
Lilly feared she would die of exhaustion before they ever reached the grand manor that was to serve as her prison. With a weary sigh, she silently cursed the endless trees and rolling hillsides that would not end and expose the manor house that would be her gilded cage. The few hours of sleep she had managed to obtain at the inn had been deep and dreamless, but when she was awoken by Lord Redwick she still felt drained.
“We will be there soon, Lady Lillian. If you could hold on a little longer you will reach a fine bed in a quarter hour.”
“Are we really that close?” Lilly no longer had the energy to maintain her petulant silence. She smiled in pure joy at the thought of curling up beneath a fine coverlet and freshly laundered sheets. But where would she stay? Would Lord Redwick put her with the servants? "Where will I stay?" she asked timidly.
“You will have a room of your own befitting the station you were born into, and where I can easily watch over you.” He smiled knowingly.
“Thank you, my lord,” she said quietly.
“Thank you! Do I dare hope you have decided to cooperate with me?”
His sarcasm was not encouraging her best behavior, but Lilly chose to grit her teeth and bear it.
“I may not like my current situation, but I understand now it is the only option I have at this time. Provided”—she smiled sweetly—“that you can maintain a gentlemanly distance.”
“Dominic.”
“I beg your pardon?” She blinked.
“You should call me Dominic. Given the informality of our present situation, we should make use of our given names. Trust me, it will be far less tedious. Don’t you agree?”
“If you say so my—Dominic,” she said bashfully.
“Like music to my ears, Lilly.” He smiled in return.
Lilly felt a strange fluttering in her stomach when he smiled at her. It felt distinctly odd to hear her real name spoken from his lips in a pleasant way. She was filled with uncertainty—uncertainty about her life, where it was going, and exactly what place this man would have in it. It was hard to imagine, after all she had been through, that she could just return to the ton and her former standing as if nothing had happened. How could she ever go back?
And then there was him, always watching with those dangerous blue eyes that saw entirely too much. Lilly remembered the kisses, secret kisses stolen in dark halls, and now she was going to be alone with him in the country with only his servants as witness. A hot blush began to stain her cheeks, and Lilly looked away from him. The boyish persona he usually used to alleviate the tension somehow faded as his expression grew more somber.
The sensible, missish side of Lilly was relieved. Dominic was a man of his word, that much she could tell, but part of her inner self was disappointed. Lilly only hoped it wasn’t written all over her face. Everything about this man was dangerous—those eyes, those lips, and especially those hands. Again the blush came. Lilly kept her face averted and focused on the scenery outside the window, quite embarrassed by her body’s response to the mere memory of him. She felt like he knew her thoughts. Every time she blushed, he looked less civilized and more dangerous.
The carriage finally reached the manor house and came to a grinding halt. Dominic stepped out before the steps were down and quickly handed Lilly down.
“Welcome to Windcrest, Lilly.”
Lilly nearly stumbled in awe. The house was not a castle, nor did it surpass any other wealthy manor Lilly had previously seen, but the way it stood in the early evening light was like a dream. The soft gray stone and faceted windows were inviting. Pink climbing roses riotously scaled the walls, as if held on by sheer will, nearly reaching the four-story-high roof. Everything seemed to glow with a soft light, welcoming, loving. From the road, Lilly hadn’t been able to see the house. Ancient Oaks and Willows formed a tunnel over the long drive. The road opened abruptly into a circular loop to showcase the widespread house and elaborate gardens peeking around the sides.
“It’s beautiful,” she said in awe.
“Thank you. I’ve had it kept just the way my mother did. The pink roses remind me of her.”
“Oh,” Lilly said. She couldn’t remember ever being introduced to the Countess of Redwick. That must mean…
“Has she passed on, then?” Lilly asked hesitantly
“Yes… When I was eight years old.”
“I’m sorry, Dominic. I didn’t mean to bring up difficult memories o—”
“It’s quite all right, Lilly. I have nothing but fond memories of a loving, spirited mother.”
“You are lucky then,” Lilly said, turning toward the front entrance.
“Lucky she died?” Dominic quickly followed behind her.
“Oh no!” Lilly spun around, inadvertently colliding with him. Dominic grabbed her arms to keep her from falling back. “That’s not what I meant at all.”
“I know what you meant, Lilly, I was teasing you.” He looked down into her eyes. “Were you not so lucky?”
“Well…I guess I could say I grew up in a rigidly formal household. One would never use the words ‘loving’ or ‘spirited’ to describe my mother, awful as that is to say. But I know she loved me.”
“Then where did you learn to cook?”
“In the kitchens with the cook." She shrugged. "I said I grew up in a rigidly formal house. I never said I behaved.” She smiled warmly, remembering the sweet afternoons baking with Ellie. Her eyes lost focus as if she was lost in a bit of joyful past, then they refocused on Dominic.
“Come, Lilly, I will show you inside, and we can finally get some real food and rest.”
Once inside the manor, the housekeeper—Mrs. Esme—escorted Lilly up to her room. There were never any questions as to why Lilly was there; in fact, Lilly felt quite welcomed. Very unusual.
Lilly wondered if it was common for Dominic to bring unknown women into his household. Why it bothered her, she had no idea. There was no intimate or romantic affiliation between them anymore. Dominic was holding her here, in lavish comfort, but she was still not allowed to leave. She was a prisoner, a comfortable one, but a prisoner nonetheless.
Her room was decorated in soft ivory and violet. Her coverlet was decorated with the most intricate floral lace; Lilly hesitated to even rest her hand upon it. Opulent was the only word to describe it. Her window overlooked the eastern gardens, and in the distance, she could see a path winding its way in and out of view to a summerhouse nearly overrun with ivy. Lilly didn’t know such wild beauty could still exist.
“Will you have a bath, miss?”
“Oh yes.” Lilly sighed in bliss. “I mean, if it isn’t too much trouble.”
“Not at all, lass. I can tell you need it, and I will have a supper tray brought up as well. It won’t be the grandest of meals, but a hearty stew will do you good after a long day of travel.” Esmeralda winked and left Lilly to inspect her new room.
A few moments later, Mr. Gibbs arrived with the tub, followed by his daughter Jenny with steaming buckets of water. Lilly felt guilty for receiving such a luxury when the house was clearly understaffed, but her pleas to help were politely denied. Esmeralda had her undressed and soaking in the tub within the hour, refusing to let Lilly lift a finger. Once Lilly was finished bathing, Jenny brought in a supper tray bearing a steaming bowl of beef stew with vegetables, accompanied by a warm buttered roll. Lilly’s mouth began to water as she quickly pulled on her nightgown and dressing gown. She sat down at the small table thoughtfully placed in front of the roaring fireplace and began to delightfully indulge her hunger when she heard a soft knock on the door. With Lilly’s permission, Jenny promptly opened the door, admitting Dominic.
“Thank you, Jenny, if you could excuse us for just a moment?” Dominic said politely. He left the door wide open as Jenny left.
“Good evening, Lilly—please don’t get up.” He halted her before she stood from her chair. “And don’t stop dining on my account. I know how delicious the stew is tonight, I wouldn’t want you to have to eat it cold. May I sit?”
“Certainly.” She smiled nervously.
“I just wanted to see how you were settling in and wish you a pleasant rest. Hopefully we can start fresh in the morning.”
“Thank you.” Lilly looked timidly toward the dancing flames instead of meeting his eyes. After an awkward silence, Dominic shifted restlessly then moved to get up.
“Well… I will leave you to your meal, then.”
Lilly finally looked up. She didn’t want things to be awkward between them. She was going to have to learn to trust him and be comfortable with him for the time being. After all, she didn’t know how long she would be here.
“Thank you, Dominic,” she said earnestly. “Your staff is wonderful, and I am grateful for the chance you’re giving me. I don’t want to live in fear or spend the rest of my life pretending to be someone I’m not. If there is any way you can help me, I will be eternally grateful to you.”
“I will help you Lilly, you can trust me,” he said stoically.
She waited for him to say more, but he only watched her intently until the minutes stretched. She looked down at her plate and pulled her napkin from her lap.
“Goodnight, Lilly,” he said quietly, and then silently left the room.
Hearing the soft click of her door close, Lilly sighed in relief. She finished her supper and climbed into bed just as Jenny came in to remove the dishes.
“Will you be needing anything else, my lady?”
“No, thank you, Jenny.”
Jenny didn’t seem to be out of sorts, but Lilly noticed she didn’t look at her as she bid her goodnight. In fact, she quite obviously kept her eyes averted from Lilly in the bed.
Lilly flushed in shame as she realized Jenny probably thought she was Dominic’s mistress. In fact, the whole household probably thought that, as well as the staff that would soon be joining them. Under normal circumstances, Dominic and Lilly would never be left alone. It would be entirely improper, but nothing about Lilly’s life could be considered normal now. Those rules she used to live by just seemed ridiculous now, but no one else knew that.
The servants would say nothing, of that Lilly was sure, but the possibility that they may be thinking something indecent was going on was enough to make Lilly want to scream in frustration. Instead, she settled for angrily pulling the covers over her head and burrowing underneath them. Lilly would never call herself a prude; she had tested enough boundaries during her seasons to attest
to that, but never in her wildest moments would she have ever risked her reputation to such a degree. She had morals, she had values that were cemented within herself, and most of all she had her dignity. As if it wasn’t enough to be associated with a traitor, she didn’t want to be labeled a strumpet as well.
Somehow, she would have to make them understand. Even though they were just servants and the manor was miles away from London, her life would be permanently destroyed if even a whisper escaped of her presence here. Lilly agitatedly rolled onto her stomach and tried to get comfortable. Belatedly, she realized a candelabrum was still burning on the far dresser, still casting meager light. Groaning, she hurriedly got up, blew it out, and jumped back into bed, curling up beneath the covers. She sighed again, praying sleep would come.
“Just think, Lilly,” she said aloud to herself, “last night you were sleeping in a carriage, and the night before on a small, hard pallet in an even smaller room.”
Things could be worse, much worse, but at this point, all she could do was hope. Hope Dominic could save her, and hope she could save herself from him.
Chapter 11
The next few days were strangely comforting. Lilly awoke every morning to the aroma of hot chocolate, cinnamon oatmeal, and a warm, fresh roll. She thought her days would be filled with tense or argumentative interrogations. Much to Dominic’s chagrin, his steward found him that first morning and alerted him to the mountain of correspondence, unattended accounting, and tenant grievances that had been ignored for far too long. He was trapped in his study for hours upon hours of the day. When he wasn’t hunched over his desk, he was out riding the estate, ordering fences repaired, crops rotated, roofs patched, and other necessary, but aggravatingly tedious chores he had inherited.
Lilly had been granted a reprieve. Not wanting to waste a minute of it, she enjoyed every day as if the horrors of the recent past had never occurred. Every morning after breakfast, she washed and dressed then strolled among the gardens in the early morning light. She leisurely read in the library, took luncheon in the conservatory, and rode in the afternoons if the weather permitted. On days when the heavens would open and shower the countryside with a cleansing rain, her voice could be heard throughout the hall, accompanied by the tinkling of the pianoforte.