Cooper edged over, sniffing cautiously. He gave a quick look of appreciation and dived into his breakfast, nearly inhaling the bowl of food.
“Was that a smile? Clara, I am convinced he smiled!” Lilian exclaimed. “My dear little friend is just the tonic for me. He lightens my heart.”
“I think he does, but so does Lord Harlow,” Clara added softly, and her face coloured immediately. “Begging your pardon, m’lady.”
Instead of being upset by Clara’s remark, Lilian found herself comforted. John had shared a piece of himself with her; he had trusted her. His nightmares must be terrible to keep such a happy man from sharing his life with someone. A twinge of protectiveness coursed through her. I want to be that person.
Clara laid Lilian’s lavender and white satin day gown on her chair and placed freshly laundered undergarments on top.
“Finish breaking yer fast, m’lady, and I will be back in a jiffy to get ye dressed.” She patted Lilian’s hand and left the room.
Lilian loved Clara’s choice of gown. It was her favourite, mostly because of its small lavender and white floral print. Her father never failed to compliment her when she wore it, saying the dress made her eyes look turquoise. She knew from the many comments received over her lifetime that her eyes were an uncommon colour. Distractedly, she moved the tray onto her lap, and suddenly realized how hungry she was. Cooper would not be the only one to attack food this morning, she reflected as she chewed a piece of ham.
Dressed, with time to spare, she rang for Winston and asked him to help her sit on her blue velvet window seat, so she could read A Lady’s newest novel, Mansfield Park. She often wondered who wrote behind the pseudo name, A Lady, but felt fortunate to have acquired a copy in London, as most of the bookshops had already sold out. Reaching over to Cooper, who had curled up next to her, she softly scratched him behind the ears.
“Lady Bertram of Mansfield Park confines her little pugs to her lap. We shall not do that to you, my sweet boy. Perhaps this afternoon we may visit Danby again. I will take more apples.” His ears perked up at her voice and he wriggled closer.
Hearing footsteps in the hall, she placed her book down in the corner. “I believe it is time to leave for town, Cooper. You will need to behave while I am gone.” She playfully touched his nose. “Do not eat too much. I fear Cook is developing an affection for you as well, and that could lead to difficulty if you grow too portly!” The small dog whimpered, and jumped down from the seat, as if protesting her admonishment about Cook. The timing of his whimper amused Lilian. “There now, I did not say she would not feed you at all!”
The door opened and Clara came in, followed by Winston. “Are ye ready to go downstairs, m’lady?” She hated this exercise because of all it represented but was glad to have a wheel-chair upstairs and downstairs. It gave her a small amount of independence to move about the house on her own.
When Lilian nodded, Winston picked her up from the window seat. Cooper gave a short, protective bark and followed them to the stairs.
“I declare! I believe he’s looking after ye, m’lady. ’E clearly sees ye as ’is and his alone,” Clara commented in her usual lively tone, as she made her way behind Winston downstairs. Cooper followed closely behind Winston, which had quickly become his custom.
“Ah, excellent, my dear! I was just about to ring for you, Winston.” The Countess stepped back. “Lady Lydia is awaiting her sister in the carriage.”
The burly footman nodded, and carried Lilian to the shiny dark grey coach, placing her onto the dark blue velvet seat. It was her mother’s favourite coach, perhaps because of the greys that drew it. At least it is not the conveyance we arrived home in yesterday. They are probably still cleaning it, Lilian mused as she adjusted her dress. I am sure they will need to correct a permanent dip in the seat from my sitting there so long! She peered around the curtain and saw her mother hurrying down the steps, carrying Lilian’s bonnet and the pelisse draped over her arm. There must be a bee in Mama’s bonnet, she thought wryly. Her mother did not dally when she decided upon something, but this excursion felt rather rushed. The weather was still warm enough that it felt better to travel without her coat. She had planned to place it on just before they arrived.
“You look in high ropes today, sister,” Lydia spoke up from across the carriage.
“I do feel more rested,” Lilian replied.
“It seems a little more than that,” Lydia added in a droll tone.
“Really, that is all,” Lilian protested, keeping her voice light. She was unwilling to allow Lydia to draw her into a discussion about Lord Harlow, especially with Mama present. What if he has changed his mind about giving us opportunity to develop a connection? I would never hear the end of the subject.
“I did not mean to upset you yesterday, Lilian,” Lydia intoned, eyeing their mother. The Countess was giving last-minute instructions to Clara in front of the steps leading to the house.
“Beg pardon, I… Oh, do you mean giving me that cane? It is beautiful. I will try, but I do not want to disappoint everyone. I have no feeling in my legs. I am afraid to stand and fall.”
“I am convinced that will not happen. I would like to help you try, if you will let me.” Lydia moved the curtain on her side of the carriage. “Mama is coming. We will discuss it later.”
The Countess entered the conveyance and sat down
