They had been on their way to the cliffs when a shot rang out. Crossing the road in front of them, a dark bay, ridden by a woman, raced out of control and ran down an embankment. Max and he galloped to catch up with the horse but were too late. They found Lilian DeLacey—Lady Lilian DeLacey—on the ground near a boulder. Her horse carried on running in the blind manner of frightened equines; although scared, it seemed to be unhurt and he had turned his attention to the girl. Seeing her sprawled on the hard earth, he thought the worst, until he found she was still breathing. It was shallow but steady and they returned her to her father. The poor man and his wife were deeply shaken. Only a short time earlier, that lady had mentioned both her daughters while they were taking tea with her. Neither of her daughters had appeared to meet Harlow and his friend as Lady Avalon had hoped. Now it was clear they had escaped the machinations of their mother in order to take a ride.
Returning to the present, Harlow was glad to see Lady Lilian DeLacey appearing much improved. She had been bruised and broken; however, he recalled the doctor examining her and telling her family he felt sure she had avoided injury to her spine and would walk again. What had happened?
Harlow walked towards a footman carrying the champagne and refreshed his drink, and then walked in her direction. Hearing pieces of conversation emanating from the group of older women ahead of him, he was suddenly reminded of his lack of formal introduction to Lady Lilian DeLacey. Deftly, he moved beyond the row of sitting debutantes towards a gaggle of hopeful mothers, amongst whom he recognized her mother.
“Good evening, Lady Avalon. Ladies.” Effortlessly, he gave an elegant leg.
“Lord Harlow, a very good evening to you.” Curtsying, the five women responded in unison, their turbaned heads covered in feathers and jewels that threatened to tip them over when they curtsied. Lady Avalon nodded, giving a practised smile and stepped forward, giving him her full attention.
Good God! The group of anxious mothers converged behind her, making him feel as one might if a piece of cooked mutton with forks poised to partake. He was no longer sure he wanted to meet anyone.
“I trust that you ladies are enjoying yourselves,” he began, willing calmness to descend upon them.
“Truly, we are, my lord. And you? Are you enjoying yourself, as well, Lord Harlow?” Pointedly, Lady Avalon looked from him to her daughter on the dance floor. Smiling tightly, she invited him to follow her gaze. She seemed determined to bring her daughter to his notice, and he chided himself for what felt like a lapse in his own judgement. He should excuse himself now—he wanted to excuse himself. Unfortunately, the only way to meet Lilian was through her mother, at least for the moment.
“I am, indeed.” He nodded and tossed a smile in the ladies’ direction. “I wonder, Lady Avalon, if you would find it unseemly in me to ask for an introduction to your daughter? It occurred to me that I have never had the pleasure.”
She smiled demurely, straining to look casually to her daughter on the dance floor.
“Certainly, Lord Harlow.” She moved towards him, fairly gushing. “Your timing is impeccable. This dance is ending, although I feel certain she would enjoy your company…”
“Please.” He held up his hand imploringly. “I apologize for the interruption, but you misunderstand, my lady. I am referring to your other daughter.” He turned and nodded towards Lilian. She was still sitting with the other wallflowers, across the room from the dance floor, where her sister was just completing the final steps of a Cotillion, and away from the musical entertainment. Without reason, it pricked at his heart to see the young lady wearing a look of boredom and staring aimlessly at the dancers moving in front of her.
Startled, her mother glanced hesitantly in Lilian’s direction and back to him, in a clear moment of bewilderment, before smoothly responding.
“Yes, of course, Lord Harlow. Please follow me.” The two approached the row of wallflowers. Her daughter’s bored countenance was fixed on the door to the veranda, and she did not notice their approach.
“Lilian…” Lady Avalon leaned forward and gently touched her daughter’s shoulder, gaining her attention.
“Oh, Mama, please forgive my impertinence. I did not see you.”
The Countess smiled broadly at her daughter. “My dear, please allow me to make known to you Lord Harlow, an associate of your father’s.”
Harlow noticed a sudden change in the older woman’s eyes, as if recognition dawned as she spoke.
“You must remember Lord Harlow. He was the gentleman who rescued you a year ago and returned you to us after your fall,” she continued smoothly without waiting for Lilian’s response. “Lord Harlow, please allow me to introduce my beautiful daughter, Lady Lilian DeLacey.
Harlow winced, comprehending the flicker of pain which crossed Lilian’s face at the mention of the accident. Nevertheless, he mused, from a wholly selfish point of view it gave him leave to ask questions of the accident and for that he was grateful.
He flashed a warm smile at her anxious face and bowed gallantly. “Lady Lilian, I thought I recognized you and your sister when I arrived. Two such beauties always light up a room.”
She nodded at his words, her expression one of torment.
I understand that emotion, he thought to himself. “This chair would appear not to be taken. I wonder if you would mind if I sat next to you for a few moments?” He struggled to order his thoughts as he spoke. He did not want
