by Karen Lynne
Lillian met Lady Eliza in the courtyard, where a gig pulled by a beautiful dapple-gray mare waited. “What a striking mare.” Lillian admired the gait of the horse as Lady Eliza clicked the reins.
“Yes, she is my favorite carriage horse because she is fast. But I shall take a moderate pace for you. I do love the drive myself and feeling the wind in my face.” Lady Eliza picked up the pace as they entered the main road. The hood had been lifted on the buggy, but the chill of winter was showing. Lillian was glad for her new cloak as she pulled it tighter around her. It will be interesting to see what the aristocracy did to keep themselves busy in the country. She had heard the rumors of the London season and the many functions, balls, and parties every young girl attended. But the season wasn’t until spring.
“You will find the countess, Lady Susan, very warm-hearted and hospitable as is the dowager countess. Lady Susan and I were childhood friends, as was my husband, Sir William before we married. We have been planning the Christmas ball which is held on the second Saturday in December. Lady Susan started the tradition after her marriage to bring the community together. It is the highlight of the Holidays. We also gather clothing and provide food for the more needy families. That’s what we will be discussing at tea today.” Lady Eliza turned the buggy into a lane lined with large trees that seemed to stretch on for a mile.
Rounding a bend in the road, the trees broke open, revealing a large estate. “My,” Lillian responded somewhat breathless as they neared the home. It was as impressive as Sir William’s estate.
“I know, the estate is quite intimidating, but I promise the earl and countess are very easy to like.” Lady Eliza tied the reins to the carriage while the liveried groom came to stand at the mare's head.
A footman had come to their aid while Lillian, impressed, followed Lady Eliza to the door where a butler took their cloaks and bonnets. Lillian caught her reflection in a mirror as they passed in the hall. She resisted the temptation to tuck a stray curl into her chignon. It would do no good anyway, and she hoped these ladies could like her the way she was.
The tastefully decorated salon was filled with several elegant ladies. Lillian was introduced by Lady Eliza while she tried to remember all the titles and names. Lillian was thankful she was wearing a fashionable day dress bought by Mrs. Notley. She was the youngest in the room beside Miss Heather Stringham, who appeared closest to her age and invited Lillian to sit beside her.
“Lady Isabella will not be coming today, as she is awaiting the arrival of her brother.” Lady Eliza informed her friends.
Lillian's heart raced a little at hearing Mr. Dalton would be visiting his sister. She admitted she would like to see him again, for he had been most kind and amiable towards her and Lillian would like a chance to thank him again.
“Miss Wilson, are you visiting Lady Eliza for the Holidays?” Miss Stringham asked.
Lillian looked into Miss Stringham’s wide eyes, fringed with thick lashes. “I have come to stay until I find a husband.” Which will be a very long time, if ever, Lilian thought to herself. “Lady Eliza is helping me find a chaperon to escort me in my coming out.”
“Oh, how very exciting, I too am being helped by Lady Susan. I am most excited about the Christmas Ball.” Miss Stringham’s friendly and animated cheerfulness was infectious as she discussed the handsome gentlemen she hoped to meet. Lillian could not help but get caught up in her enthusiasm at the coming festivities. Although, handsome gentlemen she could do without.
The other ladies were talking amongst themselves, Lillian could only catch a word here and there, but they seemed to be discussing guest lists and particulars about the upcoming Christmas Ball. Lillian was content to listen quietly.
“Do you dance, Miss Wilson?” Miss Stringham’s eyes sparkled while her lips stretched into a wide smile.
“A little, I have not had much occasion as yet.” Lillian and her cousins had received lessons but had not been able to practice much as they had only been to a few small parties where dancing was part of the evening's entertainment. It was at one of these parties that she met the sly gentleman who shall not be named. She couldn’t say that her heart was broken, just her pride had been bruised. The girl he was to marry wasn’t even pretty. Her nose turned up at the end, and her eyes were too close together, giving her an odd look. That was when Lillian learned of the power of a large dowry and its ability to make a girl more attractive.
“Oh, I love dancing. We have been learning from Mr. Finch, our dance master. Lady Susan makes sure we are well versed in all the dances. We have a chance to practice each week at the local country dance held at the assembly hall in town, but I can’t wait for the Ball.” Miss Stringham clasped her hands in her lap. “For it is the biggest and is attended by all the gentry and town folks, I am told it rivals any Ball in London.”
The Dowager Countess laughed from across the room. “Miss Stringham, I don’t think our ball rivals those in London, but we enjoy hearing it compared to them.” Miss Stringham’s cheeks pinked at the attention.
“Miss Wilson, come and sit by me.” The older countess signaled Lillian to come closer.
“Excuse me, Miss Stringham.” Lillian rose and walked toward the matron, and sat beside her. Her sharp eyes seem to take her measure missing nothing. Lillian smoothed her skirt, trying not to be intimidated by this grand lady and her friend. Lady Faden, if she remembered right, looked quite ancient to her young eyes.
“Do not let us frighten you, Miss Wilson. Eliza has told us a little about your situation, and we just wanted to hear a little more about you.” The dowager countess tried to reassure her.
Lillian swallowed her pride. It appeared she would have to lay her troubles out to these strangers as her uncle had turned her care over to them. Why they would trouble themselves with an untitled miss, a mere gentleman’s daughter, she didn’t know, but Lady Eliza and her family had welcomed her, and she would make the best of it.
Lillian related her story as the two ladies listened. Lady Faden shook her head every once in a while, as Lillian continued, her mouth a straight line. Lillian was careful not to make her aunt seem the villain, for it had been her choice to leave, and her aunt and uncle loved her like their own. She did, however, relish finishing her tale with her unfortunate expulsion from Mrs. Dalton’s home.
The dowager countess’s eyes crinkled, nodding her head. “Well, Mary, what do you say?”
Lady Faden tapped her cane on the floor. “I think Miss Wilson should come to tea tomorrow and see how we get along.”
Lillian’s eyes widened as she looked between the two matrons. “Come to tea?”
“Yes, I think it best. I shall inform Lady Eliza. She can send you over tomorrow.” Lady Faden replied.
Lillian blinked. She certainly didn’t want to be a companion to an aging dowager, and Lady Faden was well beyond aging, at least Lillian’s young eyes thought so, and it hadn’t worked out very well last time, but she wasn’t sure how to refuse considering her situation. She would just have to speak her mind tomorrow. Her future was too important to leave in the hands of a couple of old society matrons.
Chapter Six
Benjamin managed to slog his way to his sisters in the south of Somerset. The roads had bogged down in mud several places prompting him to stop and help a stuck coach. Mrs. Notley informed him that Miss Wilson made the journey safely and was residing with her niece Lady Egerton. That relived his mind considerably as he plodded through the messy roads careful to avoid unseen holes made invisible by the rain.
The next day went quicker as Benjamin cut around the roads into the fields on his mount, soon making it to a coaching inn around five in the evening. An ostler took his horse, he would rest and eat a meal before making his way to his sister’s. “Can you tell me the direction to Lord Egerton’s estate?” Benjamin unbuckled his bag and threw it over his shoulder.
“Yes sir, we will be making a delivery there in just a bit, if you would like to ride out with the wagon, they will g
et you there.” The stable master nodded.
Benjamin handed the man some coins to water and feed his horse. “Where is a good place to get a meal?”
“The mistress here at the inn is a fine cook, she has a tasty venison stew today with crusty bread for only a few pence.”
“Thank you, I shall be back to follow the wagon.” Benjamin followed his nose and stepped into the inn. The aroma of bread made his stomach churn. He was hungrier than he thought and intended to fill his stomach and warm his bones before heading any further.
“What can I do for you, sir.” A buxom maid smiled at Benjamin, tendrils falling from her mop cap while he sat at a rough table.
“I should like the venison stew the stable man recommended with a pint of ale, and do you have the London post?”
“Aye, we do, sir,” the maid turned and talked to a waiter who soon laid a pint of ale in front of him as well as the paper.
Benjamin perused the paper while he waited for his meal, he turned to the land notices. He looked forward to his visit with Isabella and enjoying a happy household for Christmas. Benjamin regretted his actions over the years at ignoring his sister's sufferings at the hand of his mother. His world had revolved around business and planning for his future as he worked alongside his father, learning all he could about business and investing until Benjamin became independent of both his parents.
Benjamin put aside the paper when the grinning maid laid a steaming bowl and crusty bread before him. The ostler was correct. The bowl was filled with hardy chunks of potatoes, carrots, and meat swimming in a thick gravy. He was quite satisfied when he finished his meal and left the inn to retrieve his horse.
The wagon was leaving loaded with sundry supplies for building and repairs. Isabella had said the estate was run down, and that she and Lord Egerton had been working since she married to repair and refurbish the estate, determined to bring it back to its former glory.
The last time he had seen Isabella was at her friend Lady Abigale’s wedding. Benjamin had promised to visit his sister for the Holidays. Benjamin thought If he liked the area, he just might purchase a home here. It would be nice to live close to his sister's family.
Nearing the estate, Benjamin could see the wild landscape that had once been sculptured and cared for. The wagon pulled to the back of the property, and he followed and saw what was a newly build stable. Leading his mount over toward the building, a groom came out and stood at the horse's head. “Mr. Benjamin Dalton here to visit my sister Lady Egerton.”
“Yes, sir, my lady is expecting your arrival. Billy, show the gentleman to the house.” A young man around fifteen popped out of the stable. The groom handed the boy Benjamin’s saddlebags.
“An excellent horse you have, mister.” The youth watched the groom lead Benjamin’s horse away.
“I think so.” Benjamin chuckled. “You have a fine stable here.”
The boy brightened. “Yes, and the master has bought some mighty fine horseflesh for her ladyship and the young misses.”
“Lady Egerton rides?” Benjamin was pleased.
“Oh yes, and the little misses are taking lessons, although they only have ponies, they sure love them.”
Benjamin was satisfied Isabella was able to own her own horse and ride. He would love to ride out with her and the girls. He noticed a small wooded area off the north of the property. Stone walls had tumbled down in places while the lawn had gone wild. A portico extended off the back of the estate, and he followed Billy into the house, where he stopped by the door removing his hat and sat Benjamin's cases down.
“A gentleman to see her ladyship,” Billy told a passing footman who stopped and came over.
“Off with you now, Billy.” He picked up Benjamin’s bags.
“This way, sir.” The footman proceeded him.
Benjamin suppressed a smile as Billy replaced his hat and scooted out the door, anxious to return to the stables.
“Mrs. Neal, the gentleman, has arrived.” The footman announced and then continued up the stairs with Benjamin's bags.
“Mildred, I see you're still the housekeeper.” Benjamin was happy to see his mother’s former employee in good health.
“Mr. Dalton, you're a sight for sore eyes. Lady Isabella has been awaiting your arrival.” The housekeeper smiled up at him. “How is your mother?”
Benjamin sighed. “The same, I am afraid.”
“Ah, well, I didn’t expect it to be different. Your mother just has a disagreeable soul.”
“I believe you are right, Mildred.” Benjamin agreed.
Mildred had been his mother’s housekeeper and all-around servant, for his mother used all the help, requiring them to assume as many duties as she could get away with. Mildred was one of the few staff that stayed as the rest of his mother’s hired help rotated out of the house at regular intervals.
Mildred had helped Benjamin get his sister out of the house when his mother tried to force Isabella to marry a much older man. Mildred had accompanied Isabella here where Lady Eliza helped her settle. She met Lord Egerton, and they married. His sister deserved happiness after living with his mother all those years.
Mildred opened a door, and Benjamin followed. “Your brother has arrived, my lady. He was found sneaking in the back door.” She gave him a teasing look before leaving him with his sister.
“Benjamin, let me look at you.” His sister came forward, taking his hands. “How was your trip?”
“Wet, but I managed much better on horseback than some coaches I passed.” He squeezed his sister's hands, and she led him to a couch where they sat. His sister looked radiantly happy, almost glowing, and she had put on a little weight since he had last seen her. Gone were the dark patches under her eyes. “You look well, Isabella. Your marriage is happy? Lord Egerton is a good husband?”
“Yes, Colton is a perfect husband.” His sister’s cheeks colored, “and his nieces are a joy. You shall meet them after we have had a chance to talk. Are you hungry?”
“No, I had a delicious venison stew at the inn before coming here.”
“I received your letter, and you will be glad to know your Miss Wilson arrived safely. I met her the other day at Eliza’s. She is quite pretty but a little thin.”
Benjamin laughed out loud. “She is not my Miss Wilson. All I did was take her to Eliza’s aunt. Mrs. Notley took care of her, but I am glad she arrived safely.”
His sister’s assumption that there was anything between himself and Miss Wilson had unsettled him a little. Benjamin had only been polite while she lived in his mother’s house. She reminded him of a little bird, wilting under his mother’s harsh treatment. Miss Wilson hardly spoke to him. Only after Benjamin initiated a conversation did she acknowledge him. Benjamin felt compassion when he had found Miss Wilson on the cold bench in the park. Although he was glad to hear she finally spoke up, even if it caused her dismissal. His mother wasn’t a proper chaperone for any young lady.
His sister giggled. “Well, I am glad you helped. You must tell me a little about her history. Why would she come to mother?”
Benjamin took a breath. “It seems her uncle wanted to find her a place, and a Lady’s companion for mother was arranged. Mother was to escort her in finding a husband. I don’t think her uncle knew of our mother’s reputation. She did manage to last a month before his mother was insulted that Miss Wilson had an opinion of her own.”
“Well, I know how poor Miss Wilson feels. She is lucky to have escaped.” His sister stood and pulled a rope. “It’s time you meet my girls.” Isabella smiled.
“Yes, my lady.” Mildred entered the sitting-room.
“Mildred, would you have Clara bring the girls? I want them to meet their newest uncle.”
Lillian spent the late morning at the dressmakers with Lady Eliza fitting several new riding habits along with some more gowns and accessories. Lady Eliza made sure Lillian arrived at Lady Faden’s for four o’clock tea and had ordered a carriage to convey her.
“Lady
Eliza, I can’t say I am thrilled to be meeting with Lady Faden today. It reminds me too much of my last position.” Lillian put on her gloves. “I will not be coerced into accepting Lady Faden if we do not get on well.”
“Lillian, my dear, of course, we would never force you to accept Lady Faden’s invitation, and you are not to be hired. This is not a position. She only means to offer you an escort and chaperone. She will help put you in the right company where you may meet people and protect your reputation. But of course, it is your choice. Besides, this meeting is only to see if you two shall like each other.” Lady Eliza tried to reassure her.
“I know Lady Faden is older. She is Lord Egerton’s great aunt and only came to help with his nieces. Lord Egerton has settled her into the dowager house, and she is very much improved and had been quite amiable since she has a place of her own. Lord Egerton’s nieces turned out to be quite young, and they didn’t suit a lady of Mary Faden’s age. I think you will be more to her liking.”
“I shall be near Lady Isabella?” Lillian brightened at the thought. She had really liked the lady, who was Mr. Dalton’s sister.
“We must get you off. We don’t want you to keep Lady Faden waiting.” Lady Eliza walked Lillian to the carriage. “I will see you when you return, and you must tell me what you truly think.”
Chapter Seven
The carriage meandered past a large estate and down a newly graveled lane with wild fields on either side. The carriage rode into a small corpse of trees to stop at a large stone manor house.
Lillian took a deep breath and stepped up to the door where a butler opened and escorted her from the small foyer into a comfortable sitting-room. Lady Mary Faden rested in an overstuffed chair by a crackling fire, a bulldog rested at her feet, his nose sniffing the air as Lillian entered. Finding her not very interesting, the dog settled his head back down on the carpet, keeping her in his sights. She hadn’t even warranted a bark.