L&A: 12

The carriage ride home was smooth, and Lily was grateful. Even though her ankle was healing well, it was still sore, and her body was still weak. She hadn’t regained the stamina she’d had before her illness, and she was looking forward to some walks in her garden to restore her.

“I can’t wait to get to the garden,” Lily murmured. “I miss it.”

“Ben went out yesterday. He said it looks like someone’s been taking care of it for you—magic-like, he said,” Richard volunteered.

“Well it wasn’t me,” Rose said in response to Lily’s arch look. “You know I’d never dig around in dirt, not even for you. And it wouldn’t please Father to have two of us ill.”

“I wonder who…that’s odd,” Lily mused. “I can’t think of anyone other than Ben who would care enough to do it.”

“I’ll take you out, if you’d like, later,” Richard said. “I can use the old open-top carriage, you’d be comfortable.”

“Don’t push her, Richard,” Rose said. “I’m sure she’ll want to rest.”

Lily held up her hand to stop the argument. “I do want to the see the garden. I’m sure it will do me good. I won’t stay out too long and there’s no chance of rain today. Look how glorious it is!”

“It’s May, Lil. It’s supposed to be this way,” Richard said wryly. Lily shot him a sharp glance and he laughed. “I’m kidding, Lil, kidding.”

The House soon came into view, and Lily sighed happily. “I’ve missed the house so. How are mother and father?”

“Mother is huge,” Richard said. “This is going to be a big baby.”

“Dr. Craven says she’s going to be fine,” Rose said calmly. “But we did move up the ball, so mother can attend and not have to worry about he baby.”

“She’ll go?” Lily was surprised. Her mother was one for following etiquette precisely, and a woman nine months pregnant did not go out in public, especially to balls.

“It’s my engagement party,” Rose said. “It’s at home. Of course mother will be there.”

Lily acquiesced as the carriage entered the drive. Mother and Father were waiting on the porch, and, after Rose and Richard had alighted, her Father reached in and lifted Lily off the seat, holding her in his arms as he carried her into the house.

“Father, really, I can walk with the crutches,” she pleaded.

“Not worth taking any chances,” he said as he settled her down on the parlor’s settee. “Just relax there.”

Neville and Archibald stood behind the Spencers’, Archie looking nervous at the prospect of talking to Lily’s father.

“How are you feeling, Lady Spencer?” Neville asked.

Emma patted her broad stomach. She had grown much stouter since Lily had left. “Oh, I’m fine. Still have an active one here. She can’t wait to get out.”

“Would you permit a quick examination?” Emma acquiesced and she and Rose followed Neville into the morning room adjacent to the formal parlor.

“Lord Spencer, there are some matters of business I would like to discuss with you,” Archie said rather formally. “Is this a convenient time?”

Lily’s father nodded. “Certainly, Mr. Craven. Richard can stay with Lily. Come to my study, we can talk there.” He winked at his children and took Archie to his private rooms.

Richard looked at his sister, who was pale and fidgeting with the fringe of her cloak. “Is he going to ask for you?”

“What?”

“Is Mr. Craven going to ask for you,” Richard repeated.

Lily looked at her younger brother, wide-eyed. “What gave you that idea?”

“He’s obviously attracted to you. And you are to him. It seems natural. Rose is engaged. You are eligible.”

“How did you learn all this?”

“I may be younger than you, but I am aware of how the marriage market works,” Richard said wryly. “I am not so stupid.”

“I didn’t say you were, but—“ she broke off, flustered. “No. He is not going to ask for my hand. He is going to ask Father is he can court me.”

Richard nodded. “So I shall play chaperone when I am home, and you will be engaged by Michaelmas.”

Lily blushed. “I hope so, Richard.”

“He seems to be a good man, Lily. Not overly social, but a good man. You’re not worried about his back?”

“What is it with you and Rose and his back? It is of no concern to me. I hardly notice.”

“Lily. I know you are a compassionate sort, but don’t say you ‘hardly notice.’ That’s impossible.”

“I don’t, Richard. I know that he is good to me. That’s all I see. And he is handsome.”

“Except for the back,” he muttered. “Peace, Lily. I’m just saying. It doesn’t diminish my liking of him. Just curious. You could marry anyone—and yet you choose one of the most reclusive, solitary men in the country.”

“If you knew him—“ she stopped, not wanting to betray his confidence. She was silent for a moment. “We spent much time together at the Manor while I recovered. He is a good man. I like him very much. I want to marry him.”

“Rose will have a fit.”

“Rose will be all right once she knows how much I love him,” Lily said blithely. “Besides, she will be in India. She can completely ignore my wedding if she chooses.”

“Rose will never ignore something as ostentatious as a wedding,” Richard said. The siblings laughed.

“But you like him, Richard?”

“Father and Mother do. I like what I’ve seen of him. You know him better than I do, and I’ve always trusted you. Not like Rose who falls for anyone with a large income and a nice waistcoat. I am looking forward to being your chaperone.” He executed a small bow with mock formality and Lily laughed.

“I hope Father gives his permission. Without that…” But Lily could not imagine her father denying her this. He had never denied her anything she really wanted. And she wanted to be Mrs. Archibald Craven more than anything.