Her mood lifted immediately, and she bit back an exclamation of delight.
Her father gave her a knowing look. “They should return before dark; they plan to join us for dinner. I will apprise your mother. I need to see how she goes on, anyway.” He stood up again.
Mother will be pleased. I am pleased, too.
Her father had barely left the room when she heard the sound of galloping horses. She glanced out of the window just in time to see two gentlemen disappear down the drive from the house. While she could not see them clearly, she assumed they were Lord Harlow and his associate.
“In that case, perhaps I shall retire to my room for an afternoon nap.”
“I will send Winston to assist you.”
“Father, wait!” She was unsure whether she should reveal what she had seen, or not. “Father, I looked out at the lake a few minutes past and saw a man staring at the house.”
Showing evident signs of alarm, he sat down heavily. “What did he look like, Lilian?”
“I asked Mary to look, and she saw nothing, so I am not sure Mama would not be correct in telling me I have read too many Gothic romances.” Involuntarily, she shuddered. “He was standing on the edge of the trees, staring up at the window. All I noticed was that he wore black. I could not see his face, apart from a large moustache which seemed to take up most of it. Now that I think on it, it was most odd in appearance.
“Your mother could be right, but it will not be a bad thing to have the matter looked into.” He patted her hand. “I will speak with Winston. He and Mary will settle you in your room.
“Thank you, Father.” The Earl leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. Still curious, she was about to ask her father why her mother had reacted towards Lady Poinz in the way she had but changed her mind.
Winston came in and assisted her to her room. Mary carried Cooper’s basket, and the two of them followed.
Mary helped her from her day gown and placed a fresh gown for dinner over her chair in readiness.
“M’lady, a nap will do ye a power of good. Can I bring ye a hot cup of tea and some biscuits?”
“That would be nice, Mary. Thank you.” Lilian laid her head on the pillow and closed her eyes, planning to wait for the tea.
The door had barely closed behind Mary when her sister came bounding into the room.
“Lilian, wake up!”
“I am not asleep, Lydia.” Cooper barked and leaped up on the bed as she sat up.
“Richard plans to ask Father for my hand. He let it slip on our walk. Please be happy for me,” her sister pleaded gently.
“Of course!” she said, her eyes moist with tears. “I am enormously happy for you! I am certain Father and Mama will welcome him into the family. He is perfect for you.” She wiped a rogue tear from her cheek, hoping Lydia had missed it.
“You will find your prince, too, Lilian. I know it in here,” Lydia said, patting at her heart.”
“I want to believe you, but I cannot. Although… Father did say John—Lord Harlow—and Lord Worsley plan to stay here for a few days. Mayhap…” She wanted to have faith in her sister’s words.
“I know he has feelings for you. Whenever Lord Harlow looks your way, everyone can see it. Something seems to hold him back, but I believe he will come up to scratch soon.” Sitting on the bed, Lydia held her sister tightly and whispered, “I love you, Lilian.”
Lilian looked at her twin. “And I, you! It seems as though we will have a wedding to plan. That will delight our mother to no end!”
A knock on the door claimed their attention. “M’ladies. I thought you might both like some tea and biscuits.” Mary set the tray down and fished into her pocket. “Little master, I’ve brought you a biscuit too.” She held out the rusk made especially for Cooper who immediately abandoned the bed for the treat. “Do you require anything else?”
“Not at the moment, thank you, Mary,” Lilian said in dismissal. The young maid bobbed a curtsy and left the room.
“You should get some rest, Lilian. This could be an exciting evening. I do not think I could close my eyes for a moment.”
“I am thrilled for you, Lydia.” She gave her sister a big smile.
Lydia blew a kiss and left the room, closing the door gently behind her. Lilian once more laid her head on the pillow and gave in to the hot tears which coursed down the sides of her face. Whimpering with concern, Cooper leaped back on the bed and sat close to her head, licking her tears away.
Lilian raised her head and looked towards the window. Noticing the sun had begun to set, she realized that she had slept for hours, despite thinking no respite was possible. Her sister would be engaged, and she would still be attached to a wheel-chair. A yawn on her pillow drew her attention to the small puppy that had stolen her heart. Within less than a fortnight, this little puppy had made himself at home, changed her mother into a dog enthusiast, and given her more reason to smile than she had known in a year.
She relaxed and put her head back down on her pillow, content to snuggle a few more minutes with Cooper, and remembered her father's message—its content was a huge reason to smile. With a small shriek of delight, she reached for the cord and rang for her maid.
A few minutes later, Clara walked into the bedchamber with a cup of chocolate on a small tray.
“M’lady, I was just coming to wake you. I took a nap meself. ’Twas just the thing I needed.”
Lilian bit back the smile that threatened. Clara would
