Holiday Bride: A Sweet Regency Romance (Brides of Somerset Book 5)

by Karen Lynne

  “Ah, my dear, right on time. That’s an excellent start.” Lady Faden indicated for Lillian to sit in a chair by her side as her striking gray eyes took her in. Lady Faden was an imposing figure dressed in dark blue silk. A blond lace mob cap with silk ribbons dangling down the side covered her hair. Speckled gray curls peaked out of the ruffles around her face. Lillian was determined not to be intimidated as she sat down.

  “My dear Miss Wilson, do not look so severe. I will not bite.” The dowager gave her a crooked smile, waving a lace handkerchief toward Lillian.

  “I am glad to hear that,” Lillian replied, relaxing just a bit.

  “Why don’t we start with you telling me what it is, you expect for your future, Miss Wilson.”

  Lillian had not expected the question. Lowering her head, she fumbled with her gloves. “What I expect and what I want are not the same.”

  The dowager chuckled much to Lillian’s surprise. “I see your point. What is it you want then?”

  Lillian contemplated her answer, before finally lifting her chin, meeting Lady Faden’s gaze straight on. “I had hoped to be independent when I received my inheritance in two years.”

  “I see, two years, and now you found your aunt and uncle fobbed you off on Mrs. Dalton, who I understand has high airs for one without a title and only a merchant's wife.” Lady Faden shook her head.

  Lillian repressed a smile. Lady Faden had described Mrs. Dalton correctly. She had airs she didn’t deserve. “In all fairness, I have a cousin my age named Rose. Two other sisters were born close behind. My aunt found it difficult to add me to the mix of social obligations. But it was my choice to leave.” Lillian shifted at her little white lie.

  Of course, her aunt didn’t fob her off, and she adored her cousins. But Lillian chose not to stay and listen to the gossip and snickers behind her back all because of him, who she refused to speak his name.

  “Yes, no mother likes competition for her brood.”

  “Oh, I don’t think my aunt was worried about me.” Lillian protested.

  “My dear, I am old, but I can still see, you're a very striking young lady, although you are a little thin. I am sure it had everything to do with your looks.”

  Lillian could feel her cheeks warm at the offhanded compliment. It was a fact she had received her share of attention, but her cousins were every bit as pretty as she.

  A lady entered dressed in a modest charcoal gown. “Your tea, my lady.” She was followed by the butler carrying another tray filled with sandwiches and pastries.

  “Just put it here on the table, Beatrix. Thank you, Gilbert.” The butler placed the tray next to the tea set and retreated from the room.

  The lady she called Beatrix, poured a cup of tea and sweetened it before handing it to Lady Faden.

  “Miss Wilson, I’d like you to meet Mrs. Beatrix Burk, my companion.” The lady nodded as she poured another cup for Lillian.

  “Thank you.” Lillian accepted the drink, steam rising from its brim. Her brows net together, she looked to Lady Faden. “I thought you wanted to interview me?” Lillian murmured, confused-looking back to Mrs. Burk.

  Realizing Lillian’s meaning, Lady Faden quickly reassured her. “My dear girl, I do not need a young lady to fetch for me. Beatrix takes good care of those things. I would be your chaperone and escort so that you may enjoy the soirees and parties. If I cannot accompany you, I will make sure someone appropriate is there to protect your virtue.”

  Lillian blinked at this bit of news. So it was not to be a repeat of Mrs. Dalton. That was a relief. Lady Eliza had been correct.

  “Miss Wilson, it was nice to meet you.” Beatrix stood. “I shall be in the parlor if you need me, my lady.” She left them in private to finish their meal.

  Lillian almost giggled at the thought of someone protecting her virtue. “You must know, although I had hoped to be independent, my uncle informed Mr. Notley of the particulars of my inheritance. It shall be another five years before I can access the money or if I marry before that time. But I do have a generous sum for my clothing and such. Sir William is taking care of the account at the bank so I may access them.”

  “I see.” Lady Faden surveyed Lillian with her silvery eyes. “Do you intend to wait these five years? You’re not opposed to marriage, are you?”

  “No.” Lillian shook her head. “Five years is a long time to wait. I just don’t want to be forced to marry.” Placing her cup on the table, she gave Lady Faden what she hoped was a determined look. Lillian knew she was at the mercy of those around her, it wasn’t like she could support herself.

  Lady Faden placed her cup down as well. Reaching for her cane, she rose jostling the dog aside. “Come, I want to show you something.”

  Lillian rose and followed Lady Faden over to a bookshelf littered with memorabilia of days past. “When you have lived as long as I have, five years is not so long. This is my husband and parents.” Lady Faden pointed her cane to some gilded frames. A handsome gentleman stared at her from the distant past. Her eyes moisten as she struggled with a memory. Clearing her throat Lady Faden regained her composure.

  “I have outlived them all as well as my income. My sons are too old to care, and my grandsons have married silly women I could not abide, even if they welcomed me. If it were not for the generosity of my grandnephew, Lord Egerton, I would be in the poorhouse.” Lady Faden returned to her chair by the fire sitting slowly, laying her cane next to her.

  Lillian followed, regaining her seat, wondering at her honesty.

  “So you see, I know some of what you feel, being left by your loved ones. I think we shall get on well. If you want to marry or wait out your inheritance, it matters not, as long as I am alive, you shall have a place with me.” Lady Faden nodded.

  Astounded at this women’s support for a young girl she had just met. Lillian blinked, trying to keep her eyes from tearing. “I would like that.”

  “Don’t you start, you will have us both bawling shortly.” Lady Faden handed her a napkin.

  Lillian laughed as she dried her cheeks. “You may call me Lillian if you please.”

  “Very well, child, and you may call me Aunt Mary.” Lady Faden’s sliver eyes shimmered. “Eat up, Lillian, your carriage shall be here shortly. Have your things packed, and Lady Eliza will have a wagon deliver them. We have a standing invitation to dinner at my nephew’s. It seems tomorrow they are welcoming Isabella’s brother, Mr. Dalton, who is visiting for the Holiday.”

  For the first time in several months, Lillian felt hope. She wouldn’t have to be jostled about or married off to someone just because it was expected. Could Lillian really make a home here? She hoped she could.

  Benjamin strode to the stables, having changed after the morning meal. He had enjoyed a family breakfast where his newly acquired nieces asked all kinds of questions. Astonished at their young age, Annalynn four, and her older sister, Lisabet, had turned six this summer, yet they seemed older for their years. He had quickly become Uncle Benjamin, and they had extracted a promise from him to be at the stables so they could introduce their ponies.

  Isabella had left to meet with Lord Egerton’s Aunt Mary about the charity clothing drive they were organizing to fill the Christmas boxes. He would meet the aunt at the evening meal.

  Benjamin stood at the fence and noticed the girls had already started their lesson. Riding with much gusto, Annalynn was trotting around the fenced enclosure. While Clara, the nanny, stood watching Lisabet at the far end of the stable yard. Isabella told him the girls had been riding for a few months, they were learning quickly.

  Benjamin found Isabella’s household ran smoothly with a general calm feeling. His sister had taken to her new responsibilities like a seasoned aristocrat. He chuckled, thinking how vexed their mother would be if she were aware of Isabella’s new circumstances. But his mother stubbornly refused to acknowledge Isabella’s successful marriage, which Benjamin could not begin to understand. It was a good business arrangement, and his father was delig
hted with his new son-in-law, but his mother unrelentingly believed she was always right.

  Benjamin was just now appreciating his sister’s qualities. She was forever cheerful in the face of her difficult upbringing, choosing to look at the good in people. Lord Egerton had encouraged him to ride out and inspect the estate. Although it was a little wild, it was being improved each week. By spring, the earl had said the landscape would be improved.

  Benjamin continued to watch Lisabet and Annalynn trot around the corral, waving each time they passed by him amused at their childish exuberance. As they finished their rides and dismounted, he was urged to help brush down the ponies, amused at Lisabet’s sage advice on how it was done. He patiently listened, not wanting to dampen their enthusiasm. The girls were on their way to becoming fine horsewomen. Finishing up their chores, Clara escorted the girls back to the house, and Benjamin turned to his own mount.

  Content to have the groom ready his horse, he still checked the cinch straps on the saddle before mounting. Benjamin swung his horse in the direction of a gravel drive to the rear of the property. A figure in the distance walked alongside the road as he neared, it appeared to be a lady dressed in a warm coat and sturdy fashionable boots. As he was still on the earl’s property, he wondered who might be walking on this cold morning.

  He slowed his mount on nearing the lady and tipped his hat as he came alongside her. A bright face with curls framing her pinked cheeks looked up at him.

  “Mr. Dalton, I see you have arrived. Your sister said you were coming to visit.” She tipped her head, shading her eyes from the morning sun.

  Bewildered, this miss knew his name. He was unaware any women in the vicinity knew him, yet she was vaguely familiar. “I am at a disadvantage, have we met?”

  Her golden-brown eyes widened. A smirk played about her mouth. “Mr. Dalton, have you so easily forgotten the maiden you rescued from your evil mother?” She giggled, taking the sting out of her words.

  “Miss Wilson?” Could this be, she had changed in the short time he had left her at Mrs. Notley’s door. Her cheeks were brighter, and her clothes had been updated. There was not so much despair in her eyes. “I confess, I hadn’t expected to see you walking out this morning on my sister’s estate.”

  “I am just on my way to Lady Faden’s up the road from here.”

  He turned to look behind them then back to Miss Wilson.

  “Alone?”

  “Lady Eliza’s curricle was transporting me when the horse threw a shoe. I told the driver I would walk the rest of the way. It is only a short walk up the drive.” Miss Wilson pointed ahead of them.

  “Might I offer you a ride, Miss Wilson?”

  “Oh no, Mr. Dalton.” Her eyes widened as she backed away. “It wouldn’t be proper to share your horse.” Her hands flutter by her side.

  Of course not, what was he thinking. Benjamin dismounted and began walking beside her. “I do apologize, you are quite right. May I walk with you?”

  Miss Wilson nodded as he came in step beside her holding the reins of his horse, the animal walked behind them. After his apology, Miss Wilson seemed to relax, and they shared a laugh and polite conversation about what had happened since she had left Mrs. Notley’s. Lady Eliza had given her shelter and introduced her to Lady Faden, Isabella’s Aunt Mary who offered to be Miss Wilson’s sponsor into society. He felt a charge of current in the air as he walked beside her. Benjamin wondered if Miss Wilson felt it too.

  “I find that very kind of Lady Faden.” Benjamin hoped Miss Wilson was not put through the same treatment from the dowager that his mother offered.

  “Oh, she is the most interesting lady. I worried at first after leaving your mother's house, but Lady Faden was quite entertaining for one her age and only hoped to help me in some way. She looked forward to having something to keep her busy. We shall be coming to dinner at the main house this evening, I am told.” Miss Wilson had stopped. “Thank you for keeping me company, Mr. Dalton.” She dimpled before walking to the entrance of the nice-sized stone manor. She tapped the door knocker waiting. Finally, the butler opened the door.

  “I look forward to more conversation at dinner.” Benjamin tipped his hat and watched Miss Wilson enter the manor. He turned after she disappeared and mounted his horse. A little spark of interest to know some of Miss Wilson’s history floated around his brain. She certainly had improved from the quiet little miss at his mother’s.

  The air warmed as the sun drew higher in the sky. Benjamin continued his ride, circling the property before returning to the stables. He wanted to ask Lord Egerton about a land agent. It was the first time he had given life outside of business any thought.

  Benjamin had no personal life, completely devoid of adventure, he didn’t drink to excess or gamble, not even at cards. Benjamin had learned at an early age of the exactness of his father and pettiness of his mother. He had kept his self-centered head down, determined to learn what he could from his father in business, and acquire his own wealth. Even ignoring his sister's poor treatment from his mother. It was his road to independence, for he knew his father would never hand over the reins until he was dead in his grave, and even then, his partners would take the bulk of the import business his father worked so tirelessly for even at the expense of his family.

  Chapter Eight

  Lillian listened for Mr. Dalton to retreat after he commented on seeing her at dinner, but the sound of his horse shaking his reins remained. He was waiting for her to go inside. She was tempted to turn and see but resisted the urge keeping her head held high. The butler answered her knock and let her in.

  Beatrix came through from the parlor into the foyer. “Miss Wilson, let me take your cloak. I will take it to your room. Lady Faden is waiting for you.”

  Lillian entered the same sitting-room as before, Lady Faden reposed in her chair a shawl wrapped around her against the chill, her bulldog sat on her slippered feet. The animal didn’t even lift his head, only watching her with his eyes as she came in.

  “Lillian, you're just in time. Isabella and I were planning the Christmas boxes. I have told her you will be staying with me.” Aunt Mary welcomed her.

  “Miss Wilson, I am so pleased you will be staying with Aunt Mary. We were discussing the Christmas boxes, but I am in charge of the clothing drive and would love you to help. It would be a wonderful way to be introduced to the people in the community.” Lady Isabella’s bright blue-gray eyes watched her.

  Lillian couldn't resist her happy, cheerfulness. “I would love to be of use where ever you need me, and please call me Lillian.”

  Beatrix had returned with tea; she poured a cup for each of them. She left the room, returning with a leash. Aunt Mary wiggled the dog with her foot till he reluctantly rose from his nap. “Go with Beatrix, Cyrus, it is time for your walk.” Aunt Mary spoke as if the dog could understand, and perhaps he could, for when the lead was attached, he waddled out of the room, his stomach practically dragging as his well-fed body followed Beatrix.

  “That would be perfect, Lillian. We have started a clothing drive this year to help the misses at Lady Susan’s academy, and I have taken charge of it. Many of the girls have little to wear or money to spend, and we wanted to help by gathering clothing they might use.”

  “Lady Susan’s academy?” What would a countess be doing running an academy? Maybe she was the patroness, Lillian wondered. “A school for girls?”

  “Lady Susan inherited from her grandfather a substantial income as well as her family home. She has turned it into an academy for young ladies who need help.”

  “Miss Stringham, you met the other day, lives there.” Aunt Mary said.

  “Miss Stringham, yes, she mentioned that Lady Eliza was helping her as well when I told her of my situation.” Lillian found her quite friendly. It was starting to make sense. “I have some gowns that I could donate.”

  “Perfect, I will send Ellie over to help you sort it all out.” Lady Isabella brightened. “Aunt Mary tells me you do n
ot have a lady's maid.”

  Lillian glanced at Aunt Mary. “Yes, that is correct, at my aunt’s, I shared my cousin’s maid, or we helped each other when things got hectic. I am not quite sure how to go about the process or whether my allowance will be enough to hire one.” Lillian looked back to Lady Isabella. “Sir William has all the particulars on my income.”

  Aunt Mary had put her finger to her cheek, tapping it lightly. “Isabella.” She raised her finger as if an idea had come to her. “How about one of the young ladies at the academy? There seemed to be a few who may need help in training in the graces of a lady, Lillian could use a companion as I will not be able to escort her everywhere.”

  “Aunt Mary, that is an excellent idea.” Lady Isabella clasped her hands. “With the Holidays starting, there will be plenty of activities and parties to attend.”

  Lillian had forgotten with all the activity over the past month that the Christmas Ball was only a week away, Lillian now understood why Miss Stringham was so excited about her dance lessons. She admitted she could use some brushing up in that area herself. “What exactly do you have in mind, Lady Isabella?”

  “What Aunt Mary means is for you to pick a young lady from Fyne Court, the ladies home sponsored by Lady Susan, as a companion. You can help each other, so it saves the expense of a lady’s maid, and you will help her learn the proper decorum for a young lady coming out in society, a fair trade, I think.”

  A friend and companion, Lillian, liked the idea. She would have someone her age to be with, taking away the sting of leaving her cousins. “Do you think Miss Stringham would be willing, or has she already been brought up with proper training?”