L&A: 14

Richard had the reins of the carriage skillfully in hand as Archie and Lily sat in the back, Lily wrapped tightly in her cloak against any errant wind gusts. She loved the warm feeling of her hand in Archie’s, but she was glad Richard couldn’t see the wide smile of contentment on her face. She would feel foolish.

“I do hope it isn’t a total loss,” Lily said as they approached. “It would be horrid to have to start again.”

“I don’t think it will be that bad,” Archie said. “In fact I am confident it won’t be.”

“Are you a gardener, now?” she teased.

“I have access to some good ones,” he said. “The Manor’s gardens survived the weather in-tact.”

“They are sturdier than my small plot,” Lily noted. “You’ve seen my garden.”

“I must admit I wasn’t paying attention to the flowers.”

The carriage slowed and Richard set the brake and hopped out to secure the reins to the fence post. “Ready, Lily?”

She nodded and the two men helped her down. She braced herself on her crutches and looked about.

“Oh, it’s—“

The garden was neat and in bloom, the roses beginning to bud, and the flowers glorious. Some of the vegetables were sprouting and everything was tidy—there was no sign of the huge storms that had blown through days ago.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered. Slowly she entered and sat down on the bench, her eyes full of tears. “It’s like I never left.”

Richard whistled. “Someone must love gardening as much as you, Lil, to take care of it this way. Ben says it wasn’t him.”

“It wasn’t Ben,” Archibald said.

Lily’s gaze swerved to him. “How do you know?”

“I know.”

“Then who was it? No one else around here would come in without me, and if it wasn’t Ben—“

“It was me.”

Lily gaped at him. “You? But you were always with me.”

“I came out in the mornings, before you were awake. I brought my gardeners with me. About the only thing I knew to do was prune the roses.” He sat next to her on the bench. “I knew that it was important to you. I didn’t want you to see it in ruins. And it was a bit of a mess, immediately after the storm.”

Tears flooded her eyes. “You did this? For…”

“You. Yes.”

Lily gasped slightly and gave a beautiful smile. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

His hand cupped her cheek and he smiled. “You don’t have to.”

Impulsively she embraced him, throwing her arms around him. Archie stiffened at first, knowing she would feel for the first time the reality of his body, but she didn’t recoil. He allowed himself to relax into her embrace.

“You are wonderful, Archibald Craven,” she whispered. “Thank you.”

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?”

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.

L&A: 11

The next day, a carriage from the Spencers’, carrying Rose and Richard, arrived to convey Lily home—she had finally recovered enough for Neville to set her free from the confines of the manor.

Archie met them at the door. “Good morning, Miss Spencer, Sir Richard.” Calling a barely fifteen year-old boy “Sir” seemed pretentious, but he knew that it was well-within the boy’s rights as his father’s heir.

Richard puffed up a bit at being called “sir”—something that didn’t happen often— and shook Archie’s hand exuberantly. “Thank you for taking care of our sister, Mr. Craven.”

“No trouble at all. Come in, please. The maids have laid tea in the parlor for us.” Richard smiled broadly, but Rose’s expression was tight as she closed her lace parasol and stepped over the threshold.

“What a lovely home, Mr. Craven,” Rose said.

“Thank you. Our father takes a great store in its upkeep,” Archie said as he led them into the parlor. Mrs. Medlock had laid the tea things out on the mahogany table, and Archie stepped forward to pull back Rose’s chair.
The party sat and Rose began to pour, as was her place. “I am glad that Lily will be coming home,” Richard said. “It hasn’t been the same without her.”

“We will be sorry to lose her,” Archie added. “She is quite a lovely young woman.”

Richard beamed. “I know. She is really quite fun, isn’t she? Always up to something.”

“I’m sure Lily hasn’t been up to anything while she’s been here, Richard,” Rose said sharply. “She’s been ill.” She began to nibble on a piece of shortbread.

“How is Eton?” Archie asked Richard. “I attended there myself.”

“Really?” Richard’s eyes lit up. “It’s smashing. I love it. Although I do miss everyone when I’m away. Especially my hunter. You must come round and hunt with me sometime, when the season is here.”

“I will, if you’ll have me.”

“ ‘Course I will. And Mother and Father are planning a ball in two weeks—you and your brother must come,” Richard said exuberantly. He reached into his coat and removed a thick cream envelope. “Here’s the proper invitation; mother insisted you have one. She wants to announce Rose’s engagement before she has the baby.”

“You are engaged, Miss Spencer?”

Rose blushed slightly. “Yes, Mr. Craven. To Captain Alfred Lennox. He’s a member of the Army.”

“He’s stationed in India,” Richard said, awe in his voice. “I can’t wait to go and visit you there, Rose.”

“When do you set out?”

“Not for a few months after the wedding. We are planning to wed in December.”

“Congratulations.” Rose nodded and smiled. When she’s in an agreeable mood, she’s actually quite pleasant to be around, Archie thought. I wonder how often that happens.

There was a rap at the door and the party stood. Neville was escorting Lily, who had mastered the crutches, into the parlor. A huge smile took over her face as she saw her family and Richard ran to her.

“Don’t knock her down!” Rose scolded as she went to her siblings. “Lily.” She kissed her sister’s cheeks demurely, but Archie could see how attached she was to her. “I’ve missed you.”

“And I you—both of you,” Lily said. “It will be nice to be home.”

“You cannot allow your sister to do too much,” Neville cautioned as he guided her to the table, where she gingerly sat upon a chair. Archie fetched a small stool for her ankle and Lily smiled shyly as he adjusted it. No one knew of their intended courtship, not even Neville.

“I will watch her very closely,” Rose said, giving Lily a stern glance. Lily rolled her eeys playfully. “We don’t need you injured again, not so close to Mother’s time.”

“And you must dance at Rose’s ball, Lily,” Richard said. “No one dances like you do—sorry, Rose, but it’s true—and I must lead you out.”

Lily smiled at her brother’s impetuousness. “I am sure Miss Lily will be ready to dance with you by the ball,” Neville said. “As long as she is careful in the meantime.”

“Oh, I will be.”

“Shall we escort you home?” Neville asked. “I have sent for our horses, Archie. I thought you would wish to accompany us.”

He nodded. “I would. I must speak to Lord Spencer about some business matters.” The Craven brothers stood. “Seward will see you to the coach,” Archie said, gesturing for the butler to come forward as the brothers departed for the porch.

“It is a shame to lose her,” Neville said as they mounted their horses. Lily was carefully handed in to the carriage by Rose, and Richard grasped her arms firmly as he lifted her in. Her blue cape flapped about her in the breeze and made her look small.

“She’s a neighbor. We will see each other often. We have been invited to Rose’s engagement ball,” Archie said.

“Are you going?”

“You are surprised?”

“As I should be. You haven’t been to a ball since London.”

“Times change, Neville. Didn’t you say I should be more social?”

He nodded. “But I didn’t think it would happen so quickly.”

“It has. I find the Spencers to be a very agreeable family. And as we must have good business relations, it wouldn’t hurt to have good personal relations as well.”

Neville nodded slowly, thinking of Lily and the personal relations he had in mind for her. “Absolutely, Archie. Absolutely.”

L&A: 10

The medications prescribed by Neville’s teachers proved effacious, and soon Lily was doing much better, even with eating, which greatly pleased Neville. “I’ll be able to send you home soon,” he said as he took her pulse one morning.

She smiled. “I’ll be glad of that. I’m sure Rose is going crazy without me there.”

Neville laughed. “She is. She wants you home as soon as possible.”

“How’s mother?”

“Doing well. She’s due any day now; your presence at home will be a help. Rose is a bit squeamish.”

“She always has been,” Rose said as Neville began to pack up his medical paraphernalia. “Wasn’t there when Richard was born, although I was fascinated. Father wouldn’t let me watch.”

“This time you can be right there,” Neville promised. “I’ll need a hand.”

“Doesn’t Archibald help?”

Neville guffawed. “Archie? Help? No. He says he’s had enough medical experience. He doesn’t need to see more. Can’t say I blame him,” he added as an afterthought.

“Oh.” Lily seemed disappointed. Surely, Neville thought, she doesn’t want him there? She can’t be attracted to him.

“I would say, provided you don’t have any further problems, I can let you go home in two days. Is that all right with you?”

Lily nodded, smiling broadly. “That would be wonderful.”

“Excellent. Do you need anything?”

She shook her head, and Neville stood. “I will have lunch sent in soon.”

“I’m becoming spoiled. Lucy’s fare is something I’ll miss.”

“Archie says your cook is no slouch.”

“No. But she’s not Lucy.”

Neville grinned. “Try to sleep a bit, before lunch.” She nodded and Neville left her. But she had no intention of sleeping—she’d been doing far too much of that lately. It was a lovely day, and the large grounds of the Manor beckoned to her. She was sure she could get dressed and head out for awhile before anyone noticed she was gone. This was a cavernous house—she wouldn’t be missed.

She timidly got out of bed, aware of her still wrapped ankle, and knew she’d have to use the crutches Neville had given her; the cast wouldn’t come off for another few weeks. But she was determined to get dressed.

Her legs were weak from the time she’d spent in bed, and getting into a fresh dress required an enormous amount of energy. She found a stocking and one of her shoes, and attempted to maneuver herself to the door without drawing unwarranted attention to herself and her movements.

She propped the door open and swung through it, glad that her room was on the first floor and that she knew where the scullery entrance was, so she could go out there and hopefully not run into Seward or someone else in the main hallway.

“Sneaking out?”

She turned, stumbled on the crutches and her body tipped toward the floor; Archibald sprang forward and caught her. “I don’t think you’re quite ready for this, yet.”

She turned crimson. “I want to go out…being stuck in here all day is not the most appealing thing.”

“I know,” he said. “But I don’t think you’re quite steady enough. Maybe I could take you out later? I know we’ve got a chair hereabouts…I just have to find it…”

“I don’t want to put you out,” she said, as she tried to right herself. “I’m sure you’re busy—“

“This place can run itself. And I know what it’s like to be stuck in here.”

“All right,” she said, trying not to sound too eager. “After lunch?”

He nodded. “Which should be soon, I imagine. Do you want to go back to your room? I don’t think we want Neville to find out about your escapade.”

“Probably not. He’d tie me down until he wanted to release me, I think.”

“A tyrant, that one,” Archibald said as he helped Lily with the crutches and the maneuvering back to her room. Gingerly she sat in a chair, her ankle propped up on an overstuffed ottoman.

“How have you been?” Archibald asked.

“Well. I think Neville will let me go home soon.”

The news sent a strange sensation through him. It would be odd not to see her everyday.

“I will miss not seeing you everyday,” he confessed.

“Is there a reason you can’t see me everyday?”

He paused. “Wouldn’t that be rather…forward?”

“We’re neighbors. I don’t think it would be too forward. And I’m not engaged. It wouldn’t be improper.”

“Your father…”

“What about him?”

“I don’t know if he’d approve. I’m older than you are. You’re barely out.”

“My father likes anyone his girls like. Well, who I like. I have better judgment than Rose.” She smiled impishly.

Archibald’s head whirled. It sounded as if she was suggesting he court her. Openly. He hadn’t done that for years. But she was encouraging him.

“Do you wish to be courted by me, Lily?”

She dropped her head and stared into her lap. She was not supposed to be this forward. She knew that. Archie was supposed to ask her and she was supposed to wait. But she didn’t know if he ever would. And she didn’t want to go home without some sort of understanding.

She looked up, eyes wide. “You are a good man. Kind, considerate. I feel…attached to you. Attracted to you.” She met his gaze. “Yes. I do wish to be courted by you.”

He leaned forward and picked up her hands, gently holding them in his own. Their gazes held. “I would like to court you, Miss Spencer. If you will have me.”

“I will, Mr. Craven.” The formality felt stiff on her tongue.

“I will speak with your father, once you have returned home,” he said. Her hands were soft and small in his and he could feel her pulse.

The moment was broken by the arrival of a maid with lunch. She set the tray down between them and left the room silently, although Archie was sure she had noted the feel in the air.

He began to serve Lily some of the soup and small sandwiches, and she sat there quietly, demurring to his actions. “Thank you,” she said, once he had begun to eat himself. “Not just for this…for everything.”

He smiled. “You’re welcome.”

L&A: 9

Neville road across the fields to the Spencers’ house, eschewing the well-kept roads for the longer route. He needed to think.

He was attracted to Lily, that was undeniable. Who wouldn’t be? She had freshness, youth, and a vitality that he didn’t see in too many girls. He had wanted to marry for years, but had put it off as he established his medical practice. Lily was just the kind of girl he wanted to marry. She was, perhaps, a bit headstrong, but he was fairly sure she would calm down after they were married. Running a household as big as the Manor would take up enough of her time. As the youngest son, he should be looking for a place of his own, since Archie would inherit the Manor once their father died. But he was certain his brusque, solitary older brother would never marry, and he would need someone to run the household for him. Perhaps he could talk Archie into allowing some more social events at the house—in fact, any social events would be more than they had now. He missed the activity of their life in London. Perhaps Lily would like to live in town, after a few years. He could certainly afford a house there if his practice kept expanding, or if he took up his old professor’s offer to join him at the Royal Hospital. With a wife like Lily, they would certainly be among the crème of any society. Her name and our money would make a formidable alliance. And she is quite beautiful.

His arrival at the Spencers’ house these days brought a great deal of excitement, since he was their only contact with Lily. He was still not allowing them to visit her, on the grounds of her being contagious and potentially dangerous to Lady Spencer and her unborn child.

“How is she?” Rose asked as Neville began examining her mother. “I wish I could see her.”

“In due time, Rose,” Lady Spencer said from the couch.

“She’s doing better,” Neville said, his hands moving slowly across her Ladyship’s taut abdomen. “You are doing quite well, Lady Spencer. Although this baby seems to be breech...positioned bottom-first,” he explained to Rose.

“What does that mean?” she asked.

“Hopefully the baby will turn about before he—sorry, she—decides to appear,” he said, remembering Lady Spencer’s certainty that the baby was a girl.

“And if not?”

Neville shook his head. “We’re going to think good thoughts,” he said, standing and smiling. “Don’t worry, Lady Spencer. I’m sure we’ll be fine. Not too much longer now.”

“Any day, I imagine,” she said as Rose helped her to a sitting position.

“I believe you’re right. And remember to call for me as soon as you feel anything,” he said.

“Of course.”

“Mother’s got the servants on constant alert,” Rose said. “She’s even posted Charles outside her room at night, so he can come straight away.”

Neville chuckled. “Anything to report? Complaints? Anything?”

Emma shook her head. “No. But I am quite anxious for her to be born.”

Neville nodded. “That’s understandable. Not too much longer.”

“When can Lily come home?” she asked.

Neville picked up his bag and adjusted his glasses. “Soon, I hope. A week at least. She’s weak and needs to be eating a bit more before I’ll let her come back.” Emma nodded, but Rose paled. “Don’t worry. We’re taking very good care of her. She’ll be fine. Archibald has madder her recovery his top priority.”

Emma smiled and Rose tried to hide a grimace. “I’m sure he’s doing an excellent job. He does a very good job keeping the Manor running while your father recovers,” Lady Spencer said.

Neville’s face went blank and he nodded curtly. “Yes. Well we don’t know how much hope there is of that.”

“I’m so sorry,” Emma said. “He is a wonderful man. I miss him. He would come to visit often when the girls were small.”

“I remember,” Rose said. “He brought us those china dolls, once. From Paris.”

“Yes,” Emma said, smiling. “And he brought Richard the pony!”

“He loved that pony,” Rose added, laughing. “He rode it every day, rain or shine…until he got too big for it.”

Neville laughed. “Yes, I remember seeing him on it. An excellent rider.” He headed for the door of the parlor. “Well, good day, ladies. I will tell Lily you are doing well.”

“Please, let us know when we can see her,” Rose pleaded. “I miss her.”

“You miss having her to torment,” Emma chided. Rose glowered.

“I will let you know the moment she is recovered sufficiently,” Neville said. He tipped his hat to them and let himself out, then headed to the village.

* * *

Lily paged through the copy of King Lear that was left on the bedside table. It was one of her favorite plays, and she found comfort in the familiar words, their constant rhythm. “ ‘I cannot heave my heart into my mouth…’” she said, feeling the taste of the words on her tongue, remembering the time she and Rose and Richard had acted out various Shakespeare scenes for their parents in the morning room.

“ ‘ I love thee—‘”

“ ‘According to my bond, no more, no less.’” She looked up, startled, as Archibald entered the room, finishing the lines. “ ‘Why have my sisters husbands if they say they love you all?’”

She smiled broadly and he was glad to see the color and animation in her face. “You have quite a memory,” she said.

“I love Shakespeare. Especially Lear.”

“My siblings and I used to act out scenes for our parents when we were children. Our governess made us memorize several passages, but Lear was always a favorite.”

“And you were Cordelia?” He asked, sitting down near her.

She nodded. “Of course. I am the youngest daughter, after all.”

“I do not think that Rose is as fiendish as Regan and Goneril,” he said.

“No,” she agreed, “but she is not exactly all sweetness and light. I am too much of a tomboy for her.”

Archibald laughed. “Yes, I can see that.”

“She fears for my matrimonial prospects.”

“As Neville fears—or feared—for mine. I imagine he’s given up by now.” He stood and removed a package from his coat pocket. “I thought you might like this.”

Intrigued, she unwrapped the brown paper parcel and removed a small book. “The Horticultural History of England,” she read. She turned the pages carefully; it was an older book, and some of the edges were a bit yellowed. “Mr. Craven, this is—“

“I saw it in a shop, thought you might like it,” he said. “I believe books and gardens to be your great passions.”

She nodded, a smile spreading slowly across her face. “You are right. This is wonderful.” She ran her fingers lightly over the cognac-colored cover, and smiled. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” Gently he laid his hand atop hers, and their eyes locked. Neither of them moved. Suddenly Lily grimaced.

“Is it time for more—“ she began to ask, then coughed.

Archie poured some of the bottled medicine, conveniently located on the night table, into a glass. “Here,” he said, pressing it to her lips. “You should’ve told us it was time for more. I don’t want you to be in pain.”

She swallowed quickly, the coughing dying away. “I don’t want to be a nuisance, and I didn’t feel that bad.”

“I don’t care. You should have it as soon as—“

She raised her hand. “Archibald, really. I’m fine. I’m not as fragile as you take me for.”

“You should rest,” he said, standing and reaching for a fresh washcloth. He dipped it in the basin, wrung it out, and placed it gently on her forehead.

“Thank you,” she said as she closed her eyes.

“Once you’re rested, I’ll bring you some paper and a pen, so you can write your mother.” She nodded and he stroked her hand for a few minutes, until she was truly asleep.

Once she is strong enough, I will take her to the garden. That will help her, maybe more than any of these tonics Neville can turn out, he thought. He vowed to go again tomorrow morning, to continue the progress he had made the other day.

L&A: 8

The next morning, before Lily was awake, Neville met his older brother in the main hall as he was putting on his heavy cloak, preparing to go out.

“Where are you off to?” Neville was shocked to see him anywhere but the East Room, keeping watch over Lily.

“That’s my business,” he said evasively. “If Lily asks, tell her I’ll be sure to be back by luncheon.”

“That’s hours from now. Archie, what are you doing?”

“It’s private,” he said, more sharply now. “Don’t worry about me.” He swung open the main door and Neville saw one of the stable hands holding Orpheus’s reins. Neville shook his head and went down the hallway to check on Lily.


* * *

Lily was right to fear for her garden; the storm had made a fearful mess, and even with the help of a few of the Manor’s best gardeners it was likely to take some work to revive it. It was obvious no one had been there since Lily had left it a few days ago.

Archie was not much familiar with the workings of gardens, but he had always found them beautiful and had often watched his mother tend to the massive grounds at Misselthwaite when he was a boy. He opened the small tackle box full of tools and began to work on the roses in the far corner while the others took the more fragile plants.

Mrs. Craven had often asked Archie to prune her roses, since his hands were smaller and therefore could get in the prickly bushes better than hers. He had since grown, and it was harder to prune the bushes than he remembered, especially since he had no gloves and the stems seems exceptionally resistant to any cutting. Still, he made the best attempts he could, knowing that he was no gardener, as Lily seemed to be instinctively. Her father had been right to give her this little plot.

The roses took longer to prune than he’d imagined, and by the time he was done with the modest group the sun was high. Straightening, he turned to evaluate their progress. The few men he had brought with him had cleared the debris left by the storm and replaced some of the loose soil around the flower beds. Tree branches that had fallen had been removed, and even the benches had been cleaned of leaves and petals.

He drew his pocket watch and realized that Neville should’ve returned from town by now. His brother’s religious tendencies didn’t both Archie as much as they amused him; he had given up on all of that long ago, when their mother died. Neville, however, still clung to their Anglican upbringing, even though Archie was fairly sure it was out of habit and not inner devotion. And it couldn’t hurt business, he thought sardonically.

After rounding up the crew he’d taken out, he rode back to the Manor, hoping that lunch was ready and that Lily was doing better. He didn’t relish the idea of Mrs. Medlock watching her while both he and Neville were gone, but he supposed that wasn’t to be helped. He certainly wouldn’t have been able to talk Neville out of church-going. And at least one of them should be on familiar terms with the Almighty.

* * *

Lunch was served by Lucy in Lily’s room, with Archibald and Neville finishing their lamb joints before pressing Lily to take some of the chicken broth Lucy had prepared by the kettleful. Neville sat near the bed as Lily slowly took the soup from the shallow bowl, which was precariously balanced on a wooden tray.

“It’s good,” she said tentatively as she sipped the broth. “But I’m not very hungry.”

“That’s to be expected, but you have to eat,” Neville said, somewhat sharply. Archie caught Lily’s eye and shrugged. Neville was in full-fledged doctor character, and would not hear a word of contradiction against his plan of treatment.

She swallowed another spoonful. “How’s my mother? And Rose?”

“They’re both fine, or at least they were yesterday. I’ll be going over tomorrow to examine your mother,” Neville said as he fidgeted with the silver buttons of his waistcoat.

“Is Rose helping? I know she can be reluctant.”

“She’s been fine. Very anxious about you.”

“I wish they could visit,” she said quietly.

Neville shook his head adamantly. “No. You may still be contagious, I don’t even want Archie—“

“Perhaps you could write a letter?” Archie broke in. He didn’t need Neville blabbering on about his health. Lily looked sharply at Archie as if she’d detected the sudden interjection was meant to cover something more. “Then Rose and your mother could know how you get on. I could take dictation if you don’t feel capable of writing.”

“Perhaps I could manage a pencil,” she said, smiling at him. “I make a mess with my pens even in a normal state.” She laughed. “That’s a lovely idea. Thank you, Mr. Craven.”

Neville stood. “I’ll bring in some supplies. I will take the letter with me tomorrow.” He headed for the door. “I’m going to get your next draught. Finish that,” he said sternly, indicating the half-full bowl.

She nodded. Archie took the chair that Neville had vacated. “You may call me Archibald, you know. We do not need to stand on formality.”

“Are you sure?” She didn’t want to be presumptive.

He waved her concerns away with his hand. “Positive. Mr. Craven is my father.”

“It does seem to suit you, as well,” she said. “You can be quite formal.”

Archie was quiet for awhile, and she was afraid she had offended him. “I’m sorry—“

“I have always had much responsibility in the manor,” he said. “My father has never been in good health and I was brought up, from a very young age, to know and execute the responsibilities and duties that fall to the Manor’s owner.

“I don’t socialize much with others, partially because I was so busy when I was young. I don’t enjoy parties or balls. I never have. Your sex does not look very favorably upon me, Lily. I’ve known that since I was young. In many ways, having so much work to do is a blessing. Formality is the only way I can deal with people, and since I do so much work for my father, the only interactions I have are often ones of business.”

“What happened?” He knew that she was obliquely referring to his health.

He shrugged. “We don’t know. The hunchback began to manifest itself as I grew. There’s no treatment. I’ve often thought it’s the reason Neville entered medical school. Mother worried constantly, and Neville took up that mantle once she died. It causes some tension between us,” he admitted. “I won’t pretend pride and vanity haven’t had something to do with my love of solitude.”

“Is that why you went to London?”

He laughed derisively. “No. That was father’s plan, to get me married off. He thought I’d have a better chance in London, more women, maybe some desperate girl who was in her last season and wanted the wealth and prominence that a marriage to me would supply. We aren’t titled, but we have more land than many of the gentry, and my inheritance, as I’m sure you know, is not insubstantial. He wanted me to have an heir to the place. He knows Neville doesn’t understand it the way I do, and that he has never really loved the Manor.

“Neville wanted to go to London for school, so he supported the move. Father needed to settle some business. We stayed two years. The first year was essentially a loss—father was very ill, and I had to run the accounts.”

“And no desperate debutantes in the second?” she asked, aiming for levity.

He hesitated. “One. Amy Moore. Although she wasn’t desperate. It was her first season, and I was amazed that, as pretty as she was, she seemed to have chosen me. Her family owned land in Hertforshire, her father was a naval captain, there was talk of an elevation to the peerage. I was happy. I thought she was, too. I was planning a proposal.

“One night she happened to see me as I was taking off my coat. You know the season in London is during the fall and winter,” he said, “ and I often wore several layers of clothing when dancing, to attempt to mask the hump. It was fairly successful. Of course I never waltzed,” he said, “but the set dances often worked to my advantage. As did the low light of the ballrooms, and the sheer number of people one sees at Almack’s.

“She had accompanied me home. I was going to introduce her to my father. Seward was helping me off with my overcoat, and then my jacket, and she seemed to realize exactly what it….what I…looked like.” His voice broke and he settled it before continuing. “She pulled me into a side parlor and asked me what had happened. If it would affect our children. I didn’t know. Who did? There was no family history of it before me. No one knew.

“She said I had tricked her. She had wondered why I was as old as I was and never married. Now she knew. And she said that all the money in the treasury wouldn’t convince her to marry me.” He closed his eyes, sighed, and continued, his voice heavy. “She left immediately. I never saw her again. Of course, she told all the other ladies of her acquaintance, and London was ruined for me.”

Lily’s heart cried out for him, for the intense pain the rejection of the pretty Miss Moore had brought him. Fortunately she didn’t know the girl, so she couldn’t incur Lily’s wrath. The hump was noticeable, certainly, but it wasn’t overwhelming. He had a handsome face and warm eyes. He was a consummate gentleman. She thought Amy and Rose must be of the same mold.

“I’m sorry,” she said, hating the inadequacy of the words. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

He was quiet for a few moments. “It was a long time ago. I’ve too much to do to think about the past.”

“I think you’ve thought about it quite a bit.”

He looked at her, as if she had unmasked him. “Why do you say so?”

“It’s clearly had an effect on you,” she said. “Everyone around here has always heard that you do not like company, or the society of others. I think it’s because of her.”

“She certainly didn’t help,” he said. “I’ll give you that. But I was always quiet.”

“Not all women are like her, Archibald.”

“That’s what Neville tells me. But then I imagine them to be the fortune hunters. As unpractical as it sounds, I would like to know I had other qualities besides money.”

“That’s not unpractical. We all want that,” Lily said.

“You will have many options, I assume, now that you are on the marriage market.” His voice was tinged with bitterness.

“And, like you, some will only see the material gain to be found in marrying me. Even though my father does not have as much money as before, there is still the name. The desire to be a member of the peerage.”

“Then we are in similar positions,” Archie said. “Although I think Neville is the only chance we have for any sort of matrimony. I’m getting too old for it.”

“You are not,” she said, as she took another sip of the broth. “Men have a much longer time for marriage than the women do. Rose was practically frantic when she wasn’t engaged by the time she was nineteen.”

“But she is soon to be married, isn’t she?”

Lily nodded. “To Albert Lennox—he’s a captain in the army. Stationed in India, wants to move up in the ranks and then come back here and settle down.”

“Rose is going to India?” Archie didn’t know much about Lily’s older sister, but he knew she liked her comforts. “She will be in for a surprise.”

Lily shrugged. “Rose wants to be married, and Albert is a nice man. I don’t think she’s really thought about India yet. There are to stay here a few months while Albert gets a new assignment.”

“And you?”

“I don’t know,” she said, toying with the spoon. “Marriage, I suppose. Helping mother with the new baby. Trying to stay out of trouble. I’m not nearly as ‘marriagable’ as my sister, or at least my family says.”

“I think you have many fine qualities,” Archie said, trying to keep his voice even. If she showed any interest in him, he would…

She smiled shyly. “Thank you. Although you don’t know me very well.”

“I can tell a lot about people quickly,” he said.

“You must be able to, given that for most of our acquaintance I’ve been unconscious, delirious, or otherwise out of my senses,” she said. Her wit was endearing.

The door opened and Neville returned, carrying another draught. “Here you are,” he said, handing her the glass. He eyes the soup bowl suspiciously. “Not much eating going on there.”

“I’m sorry, we’ve been talking,” Archie said, standing. “I should leave you,” he said to her as she drank Neville’s concotion. Neville picked up the bedtray and set it by the door.

“Will you stay, until I fall asleep? It is still very odd being here alone,” she said to Archibald. Relieved to have been asked, he nodded.

Neville stood awkwardly at the threshold. “Well I’ll head over to the House, then,” he said. “Go check on your mother.”

“I will try to have a letter for them tomorrow,” Lily said as she closed her eyes. “Thank you, Dr. Craven.”