by Karen Lynne
“I am glad you are here, Lillian. We have missed you, but you are tired. Rose, help Lillian unpack and we will talk at dinner.” Aunt Margaret retreated back down the hall.
The younger girls followed them into Lillian’s old room, which she had shared with Rose.
A Rumford stove stood in the corner, radiating heat from the burning coal.
Phebe sat on the bed; she was the youngest of the sisters at fourteen. Chloe was sixteen and began opening Lillian’s trunks. Rose was just six months younger than Lillian and her closest friend. They shared their juiciest secrets with each other.
Rose emptied a drawer and made room for Lillian’s clothes in the wardrobe. Lillian slipped her carefully wrapped gifts in the top drawer. Chloe cooed as she drew out Lillian’s gowns twirling around, before hanging them in the wardrobe.
“Lillian, you had new gowns made. You must let me draft some patterns.” Chloe was the most clothes-conscious of the sisters and had learned quickly to copy dresses from the fashion plates. Her tiny stitches were the envy of her sisters. Lillian thought of Heather and knew she and Chloe would like each other.
A maid tapped on the door. Chloe, Phebe, your mother would like to see you downstairs. The maid set some freshwater down on the washing stand before leaving.
Phebe groaned as she rolled off the bed. “Lillian, Rose, you must not say anything juicy while I am gone.”
Rose laughed and turned the key in the lock after her sisters left and turned to help Lillian undress. Rose spent the next hour catching Lillian up on the gossip in the neighborhood. They giggled and enjoyed each other just like before they both grew into young ladies, and life became complicated. Lillian answered all Roses questions but didn’t mention Benjamin.
Benjamin, Lillian had a tightening in her heart when she thought of him. He made her feel things she had never experienced before. She enjoyed his company, but could you be friends with a gentleman that stirred so many emotions?
Chloe and Phebe returned knocking on their door, ending Lillian’s gossip session with Rose.
Lillian regaled the family of her adventures at dinner. Phebe was enthralled that Lillian had met two earls. Chloe wanted to know what the countesses wore.
Phebe’s eyes became dreamy. “Do you think you’ll go to London for a season?”
Lillian laughed, thinking of her and Heather in London for the season. “It is unlikely, Phebe; do you know how much it costs for a season in London?”
“You have to know people to be invited to all the parties,” Rose said.
“But Lillian knows two earls,” Phebe replied.
The family laughed at Phebe’s logic. Lillian was not that acquainted with lady Susan’s husband, but she was with Lord Egerton, lady Isabella’s. If she married Benjamin, her inheritance would become accessible. Lord Egerton owned a home in London. She could give her cousins a season in London, Lillian thought. Marriage did have advantages Lillian had never thought of before. Was she selfish? Lillian thought of Mrs. Bentley, and the image spoiled it all. Lillian could never compete with the beautiful and sophisticated widow.
Christmas Eve dawned bright and early as excitement permeated the house. The cook was baking delicacies and smells of gingerbread, and plum pudding filled the home. Servants had brought boxes filled with decorations down from the attic that had been carefully tucked away the year before. Fragrant evergreen boughs had been cut and piled at the back door. Everything was prepared to decorate for Christmas Day.
Phebe knocked on the door and peeked inside. “Rose, father is ready to leave for church.” Her pretty face disappeared. Rose finished tying her bow, securing her bonnet. Lillian followed her out the door. The chapel was only five blocks from her uncle’s home. Lillian and Rose walked behind her aunt and uncle while Chloe and Phebe followed. The chilly damp coastal air nipped around Lillian’s nose, and she pulled her hood tighter and hugged her muff closer. Baby Albert stayed home with the nanny. Aunt Margaret feared he’d catch cold.
Her younger cousins squealed and raced ahead of their small group greeting some friends. The echoes of happy Christmas could be heard. Lillian’s heart jumped at the sight of a well-dressed gentleman with golden curls, but when he turned, and she caught sight of his profile, she relaxed. It wasn’t Benjamin.
The family sat toward the front, and Lillian sat next to Rose preening her neck to get a look at the people she had left a few months before. The Milton’s were absent, their pew in front was empty. Had the whole family left town as well? She would ask Rose later.
Lillian’s pulse increased at the sight of another blond gentleman only to be let down at the sound of his laugh, turning he escorted a lady to her seat. Lillian tried to relax as the service began.
Visions of gray-blue eyes and warmth filled her as she remembered Benjamin’s embrace, the feelings of that brief moment in the carriage rippling through her like lightning. Her cheeks warmed at the thought. Shaking the memory from her mind she attempted to concentrate on the sermon.
“Rose,” Lillian whispered as the two left the church. “Mr. Milton’s family was absent. Have they left town?”
Rose looked behind them. “Papa doesn’t like us gossiping, but Mrs. Hale, our cook, said that the family is spending the Holidays with Mrs. Milton’s sister. There has been talk of Miss Milton being taken to Bath for the season.”
“Rose, Lillian.” Chloe was winded when she and Phebe caught up with them. “I have just heard from my friend Miss Kent, that Miss Reid was left at the altar. Mr. Darlington never made an appearance.”
“No.” Rose breathed.
“Yes, Miss Kent heard it from her maid, who was told by the footman. It appears it was all hush-hush, and Reid’s footman said that Miss Reid and her father emerged from the chapel without Mr. Darlington and returned home still unmarried.” Chloe replied.
Rose slipped her arm through Lillian’s. “You are very fortunate, Lillian; Mr. Darlington is a disreputable gentleman.”
Lillian agreed but felt Mr. Darlington was no gentlemen. It occurred to her that she had judged all men by his measure, and it was a leading reason she had decided to remain unmarried and in control of her living. But was that really fair? Lillian had met many honest and sincere gentlemen at Lady Isabella’s. Lord Egerton was very devoted to his family, and Benjamin appeared to cherish his nieces.
They had almost reached her uncle's home when she noticed a familiar horse with a rider in the distance. Lillian shook her head. She was being silly again, imagining Benjamin at every turn.
The aroma of roasting goose filled the hallway as the girls entered their home. They had left Aunt Margret with her uncle at the chapel talking with friends. Lillian hung her cloak on a hook and joined her cousins in the warm sitting-room. The yule log crackled in the hearth.
“Miss Lillian, a package came for you while you were out.” The butler brought the package forward.
Phebe’s eyes widened. “You must open it now, Lillian. Who could it be from?”
Lillian sat on the sofa as her cousins gathered around her. She gently opened the brown paper to reveal a beautiful handkerchief box. Slipping off the silk bow, Lillian found seven cotton handkerchiefs with delicate lace along the edges. She lifted them out one by one.
“These are beautiful.” Rose fingered the delicate ribbon embroidery worked into the corner.
“Look, each one has a different flower,” Chloe remarked.
Lillian’s initials had been worked into each corner, LW. A small card fell out of the last cloth.
Lillian,
You never seem to have a napkin when you need one.
I hope these will be used next time you find your nose cold.
BD
He remembered, she always seemed to be without a hanky, using her gloves to warm her nose. He had handed her a handkerchief when she was tangled in the underbrush to wipe the dirt from her cheek. She warmed at the memory.
“Who is BD?” Rose asked, peering over Lillian’s shoulder.
“A friend.” Lillian smiled.
Christmas dinner was the traditionally roasted goose with potatoes, carrots, and a rich creamy gravy, served with chestnut dressing, and ending with Mrs. Hale’s famous Christmas pudding and mulled wine. Full and satisfied, the family gathered in the sitting room.
Small tokens of handmade gifts were handed out.
Lillian had thought hard on her gifts. Heather had helped her improve her stitching. She made a lace cap with bows and ornaments of ribbon adorning the crown, and two long lappets of lace meant to float over the shoulders for Aunt Margaret. A new pouch for her Uncle’s watch, a bolt of silk ribbon for Phebe who loved to adorn her straw bonnet, five yards of fine cotton muslin with pink flowers for Chloe, to use on a new dress, and a woolen shawl with carefully embroidered edges of ribbon flowers for Rose, in a lovely shade of blue, her favorite color, and a small tin soldier for three-year-old Albert.
Although Lillian came home unexpected, her family gave her small gifts in return. Satin slippers from her Aunt and Uncle, a small glass figurine of a horse from Phebe, a nightcap from Chloe, and a pretty cotton apron from Rose, but Lillian’s favorite gift was the handkerchiefs from Benjamin. She had tucked one into her sleeve, and the rest was in her drawer by the bed she shared with Rose.
The nanny took Albert to bed early, and the rest of the family stayed up later than usual, enjoying mulled wine and games by the fire.
Chapter Twenty-One
After breaking their fast the next morning, the servants lined up in the parlor to receive their Christmas boxes, which were the highlight of the year. Not only did the boxes contain articles of needed clothing, but they included sweetmeats and money, which was spent on much-desired items in the bazaars on Corn Street.
Lillian’s Uncle Wilson was very generous to the help and much respected. Lillian and her cousins gathered their cloaks and walked to town with Aunt Margaret to spend some pin money while her aunt delivered more boxes to her favorite merchants.
Returning from an afternoon of shopping, Rose and Lillian relaxed in their bedchamber, talking about what to wear to the assembly hall that evening.
Phebe knocked on the door excitedly, before sweeping into the room. “Lillian, another package has arrived just now.”
“Did you see who delivered the package?” Rose asked.
“It was a delivery boy,” Phebe replied.
Chloe must have heard the commotion, for she joined them on the bed as Lillian unwrapped the package containing floral tissue paper wrapped around sweetmeats, sugared almond, and marzipans. A small card read.
Lillian,
Though I am miles away, my heart is with you.
BD
“That is very romantic Lillian, it sounds as if your being courted,” Rose whispered.
Lillian felt breathless and couldn’t deny the spark of excitement at the prospect.
Chloe and Phebe chatted excitedly. Lillian shared the treats, and they giggled together, talking of gentlemen until Aunt Margaret found them. “Girls, if you want to attend the assembly, you need to dress.”
Lillian slipped the card into the drawer with the first one. Her chest tightened. She and Rose helped each other dress. Would she see Benjamin tonight?
Everywhere Lillian turned, she hoped to see the familiar blond head with the penetrating blue eyes, but she was disappointed as the evening wore on, and she didn’t see him. What did she expect? Benjamin’s note said he was miles away. Lillian tried not to let her disappointment ruin the fun of dancing.
Aunt Margaret let Lillian and Rose sleep late the next day, and they stayed in resting from the last few days. Mrs. Hale, the cook was visiting her sister, so Lillian and her cousins spent the day making shortbread biscuits and managed to spread flour about the kitchen.
“What do you think your beau will send today?” Phebe voiced what they all were thinking, and Lillian had stopped arguing with them. It didn’t do any good.
“I have no idea, Phebe.” Lillian shook her head.
A bell rang in the kitchen. “That's the front door,” Phebe exclaimed, dropping her spoon. She raced out of the room. Chloe at least took off her apron and wiped her hands before she followed her sister.
Rose laughed. “You would think the gifts were for her the way Phebe anticipates a new package arriving.”
Phebe burst into the kitchen, holding a small package. “Another one, it’s for you, Lillian.” Chloe followed behind.
Lillian felt a ripple of excitement as she wiped her hands on her apron before taking the package from Phebe. Her cousins sat at the table and watched Lillian unwrapped the package. It was a delicate crystal jar labeled rose water, tied up with a pink ribbon with a note.
Lillian,
Roses are not in season, so I send you this in its place.
Believe me to be your most affectionate admirer.
BD
Her heart beat wildly, Benjamin was chipping away at her resolve. Lillian tucked the note into her pocket, no longer wanting to share the intimate messages. The mood in the kitchen was suddenly buoyant as her cousins discussed what the gifts could mean.
The gifts continued to arrive in the early afternoon. Some gifts were practical, a new pair of riding gloves, a riding crop with Lillian’s initials engraved in the handle, and others were frivolous, a silver trinket box, but always a love note. Lillian began putting them into the silver box tucked into the drawer by the bed.
Each day ticked by until January fifth. The eve of Twelfth Night. The Christmas season would be over, and the decorations would come down. Lillian needed to make plans to return to Lady Faden’s. What would she say to Benjamin?
Benjamin’s last gift arrived the afternoon before. It contained a small silver heart pendant worked in delicate filigree, with a note.
Lillian,
My heart burns for you, but if you don’t feel the same,
I will save you the trouble and commit it to the Flames.
BD
Confused, Lillian pondered what it could mean. The afternoon slipped by, and no new packages arrived. Lillian went to her room to change for dinner. She chose a silk evening gown with an embroidered tulle overlay. Rose touched up her hair, weaving pearl beads through the barrel curls arranged at the back of her head.
The butler met them at the top of the landing. “Miss Lillian, the master asked that I give you this.” He handed her another package wrapped in plain brown paper.
Lillian’s stomach tightened. She sat on the top step with Rose beside her.
“Maybe he will declare himself,” Rose whispered.
With trembling fingers, Lillian unwrapped the parcel. Folded into tissue paper lay a small gold framed miniature done in delicate pencil strokes colored with pastels. Benjamin’s gray-blue eyes gazed at her. The frame fit in her palm.
“Is that your friend?” Rose asked.
Lillian had forgotten she was beside her. “Yes, this is Benjamin.”
“He is very handsome.”
“Yes, though he is much better in person.” Lillian giggled, releasing built-up tension.
A door opened below.
“Lillian, would you come to the Library, I would like to speak with you.” Uncle Wilson stood at the bottom of the stairs.
Standing, Lillian handed Rose the wrappings and slipped the miniature into her pocket beneath her skirt and followed her uncle.
Lillian saw a gentleman standing by the mantle when she entered the room.
“This Gentleman has asked for your hand.” Her uncle nodded toward Benjamin. “I told him it was up to you.”
Lillian uttered her consent, and her uncle left her alone.
Alone with Benjamin, dressed in evening wear that fit his perfectly formed shoulders, which needed no padding. He gave her a tentative smile, and she knew in that instant she didn’t want to be single.
She didn’t want to be independent of him.
She loved him.
She wanted to be his wife.
Benjamin had whittled aw
ay at her resolve over the past twelve days with his sweet romantic notes, making her realize how silly she’d been all because of Mr. Darlington.
He stepped forward, taking her hands in his. “What will your answer be? Will you be my wife?”
His gaze set her on fire. Overcome with emotion, her eyes pooled, and a tear of happiness slipped down her cheek. Benjamin reached up and cupped her face in his warm hand, brushing away her tear with his thumb. Lillian nodded. “Yes Benjamin, I will be your wife, for I fear I cannot live without you.”
He let go of her hand and slid it along her hip, and encircled her waist as he drew her near. Benjamin’s fingers clasped the soft column of her neck, kissing her forehead. His soft lips moved to her temple, then to her cheek driving her mad. She turned seeking his lips. Lillian shivered and wrapped her arms around his neck drawing him closer.
“I love you.” He whispered against her lips.
He crushed her to him, kissing her with a passion that could not be repressed. A fire leaped into a flame as she responded to it.
He held her body captive.
Time stood still.
Lillian didn’t know how long they stood in each other's arms, but when Benjamin pulled away, he left her wanting. He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. She could see the desire in his eyes. Never had she felt such fire in her belly.
Benjamin placed her arm in his and guided her out of the library. “You better introduce me to your family before I compromise you right here.”
Lillian giggled as her heart, fluttered with happiness.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Lillian knew the family would embrace Benjamin, and they did. Her cousins were giddy, and who could blame them, for Benjamin had won them all over with his unusual courtship.