“That is excellent news, Miss Lily,” she replied with a nod. “I am sure the three of us will have a marvellous time together.”
She did not dare look up at Lord Harford, choosing to keep all her focus on Lily. She would do this for the little girl’s sake. She would smile and pretend that all was well between her and Lord Harford so that she did not upset Lily.
All the while, though, Victoria would be swallowing her discomfort and confusion. This outing was supposed to be an escape for her, but in the end, it was going to be a torment. She was suddenly eager for the day to be over so she could be out of Lord Harford’s icy presence.
***
Emily
She gazed down at Edward, Lily, and Miss Clifford and could not fight her grin. Edward and Miss Clifford were walking on either side of Lily, holding her hands, but it was not just the care they demonstrated toward her daughter that had Emily smiling from ear to ear.
It was the way Edward looked at Miss Clifford when he did not think anyone was watching. She had noticed early on in Miss Clifford’s employment that her brother seemed interested in the lovely young woman. He had done his best to hide it, but Emily knew him too well. He could not hide it from her.
Emily watched the trio make their way down the drive and to the road, and only when they were out of sight did she turn from the window. Smiling gleefully, she clapped her hands together. Oh, it would be so perfect if Edward fell for Miss Clifford.
She was a delightful woman, and Lily loved her. Emily thought there was something particularly special about Miss Clifford that would be good for Edward. A kindness and sophistication that could appeal to his walled-off heart.
Emily hated seeing her brother so unhappy. So mean. She knew his heart had been broken, though he tried to act as though it had not been. He had fled England to get away from the pain he had suffered and, since returning, had made little effort to fully return to English society. He was short-tempered and unforgiving of slights. He avoided being around their family when he could and spent far more time out drinking at the clubs in town.
Edward needed someone to ground him. To heal him. To remind him that he was worthy of love and affection. The woman who had hurt him had done quite a number on him, but Emily did not believe all hope was lost for him.
The fact that he was so enamoured with Miss Clifford, despite how hard he tried to pretend he was not so, was a good sign in Emily’s mind. Perhaps the cure for her brother’s pains had been right in front of them all along. She only prayed he would allow Miss Clifford to actually help him. To heal him.
Perhaps even to love him.
***
Victoria
She was so very confused. Victoria had been certain that Lord Harford joining their outing to the village would be a complete disaster, and yet…it was just the opposite.
It was proving a rather pleasant time.
Lord Harford was being rather warm and engaging with her. No doubt it was for Lily’s benefit, but Victoria could not help but feel rather delighted at the change in his demeanour. At the same time, it was incredibly baffling.
Their walk to the village was filled with Lily’s excited giggles and Lord Harford teasing them both. Upon their arrival to the village, they made their way to a little sweets shop Victoria had discovered during her first visit.
Lily was practically vibrating with excitement when they stepped through the door.
“All right, Miss Lily,” Victoria said in a gentle but firm voice. “You may pick a few treats, but only a few. You also cannot run around the shop touching everything in sight, do you understand?”
The little girl nodded. “Yes, Miss Clifford. I understand!”
Victoria smiled. “All right. Mind your manners and be a good girl. You can look around now.”
Lily squealed in delight, but she did not rush off once Victoria and Lord Harford let go of her hands. She moved about the shop at a measured pace, looking in the cases and displays filled with chocolates and gummies and lollipops. Victoria followed the little girl as she explored, keeping her gaze locked on her charge. However, she was intensely aware of Lord Harford’s presence nearby. He seemed to be following her just as she was following Lily.
At one point, a display of chocolate truffles caught Victoria’s attention. She had not had such a treat in a long while, and her mouth watered as she looked at them. Tentatively, she reached out her hand to pick one. She was stunned when Lord Harford’s hand suddenly reached for the same candy, and their fingers brushed.
A gasp left her lips, and she glanced up to find Lord Harford standing next to her.
“Oh, excuse me, my lord,” she murmured.
He gazed down at her, his expression difficult to read, but it did not hold the anger it had when they had encountered each other a the pond.
“Would you like a truffle, Miss Clifford?” he asked her.
Slowly, Victoria nodded. “Yes, my lord. They look quite good.”
