L&A: 13

Lily was relieved when Archibald re-appeared in the room, his face calm but confident. She smiled as he approached her.

“Miss Lily, would you allow me to take you out to your garden? I gather you’re anxious to see it.” The formality of his language was odd to her, but she knew it was the tone he must adopt, in the presence of her brother and family.

“That would be lovely. You are right—I am anxious about it.”

“I’ll send for the carriage,” Richard said, smoothly dismissing himself and giving the pair some time alone.

“I take it the news was good?” Lily said as Archie sat beside her. He grasped her hands and nodded.

“Yes. Your father was agreeable. He seemed a bit surprised, but he is not opposed.”

She breathed a sigh of relief. “I did not think he would be.”

“I didn’t have your certainty,” he said. His face was solemn. “I was afraid I was too old.”

“You are not,” she said, her eyes alight. “Stop it.”

He smiled. “Your father is a good man. I am glad we have his approval.”

“Richard will have to chaperone us. I hope you don’t mind.”

“He makes a rather unique chaperone, doesn’t he? A boy of fifteen, shadowing his older sister and her lover.”

“Someone has to do it. Better Richard than Rose!”

They laughed, the sound echoing in the large room. “I love hearing you laugh,” Archibald said. “It’s wonderful.”

“I enjoy doing it. I enjoy anything that makes you happy.”

He squeezed her hands tighter and brought them slowly to his lips. His kiss made her shiver. “You make me happy. Just you.”

He stared at her with an unglazed intensity, and she met his look, holding the moment.

“Lily, mother says you’re—“ Archibald dropped Lily’s hands and rapidly stood, shoving his hands in his coat pockets. Rose was standing at the doorway, her face pale and her mouth open. “Mr. Craven. I didn’t know you were with my sister.” Her voice cut the room.

“I—We are waiting for your brother,” Archibald said stiffly. “He is bringing the carriage for us.”

“You are going out?”

Lily nodded. “Archibald has offered to take me to the garden.”

Rose stood erect and glanced at him. “I am sure Mr. Craven has more pressing matters to handle this afternoon.”

“He has asked me, Rose. And I am going.” Lily met her sister’s eyes calmly. “Richard will be with us.”

Rose nodded stiffly, turned sharply and went out, the door shutting firmly behind her. Lily sighed and turned her face to Archie. “Will you help me up?”