“Perhaps he should have asked more questions,” Adrian said. He met Matthew’s stare openly. “I understand a mutual acquaintance of ours, Miss Carlisle, was most disappointed that you refused to pay her annual pension. I, on the other hand, am prepared to reward her handsomely for her assistance.”
It was time to end this conversation. Matthew stood from the table and looked down upon Adrian. “Lies and stories will not change what is. I am the Earl of Arnsbury, and nothing will alter that.”
Adrian rose from his place and gave a mocking smile. “We shall see.”
Chapter Thirteen
It was a hard truth for Lily to accept that her mother was not getting better. Although Iris had experienced periods of melancholy before, none had been as bad as this.
The leaves had fallen from the trees, and Lily admired the beauty of autumn as she walked through the estate at Penford. Her mother had secluded herself from the outside world, although Lily had tried to coax her to take walks. Her sister had promised to visit from Ireland soon, and perhaps that would lift Iris’s spirits.
In many ways, Lily rather wished she had Sebastian with her, for the dog had been a gentle presence in their lives. She still felt the ache of loss, though she knew he belonged with his owner. One day, she would get another dog of her own.
She shielded her eyes against the morning sunlight and saw a rider approaching. The sight of Matthew made her smile. True to his word, he had accompanied them here to Yorkshire, and he was staying at the residence of his cousin Amelia Hartford, the Countess of Castledon.
Lily lifted her hand in a wave, and he dismounted, leading his horse by the reins. He wore a chestnut riding coat and a black silk hat. She found herself studying the horse, noting the animal’s health. She had mailed in the remainder of her assignments for the correspondence course, under Matthew’s name, and the newest books involved the health and care of horses.
“You are looking beautiful today, Lady Lily,” Matthew greeted her. “Would you like to come riding with me?”
“In a little while,” she agreed. “But first, there is something I would like to show you.”
Matthew gave his horse over to the coachman, Nelson, and followed her. “I have been asked to bring you to Castledon for tea. Amelia’s daughter Verity demanded it.”
“Is something the matter?”
“One of her pets is quite ill, and she would like you to take a look at it.” Though his tone was serious, Lily detected a note of amusement in Matthew’s bearing. “Iris is welcome to join you, of course.”
“We both know my mother is incapable of making such a journey now.”
He nodded. “I suspected as much, but the invitation stands. Bring your maid, Hattie, if you want.”
She led him toward the walled garden, wanting him to see it. “I suppose, but it is a long ride.”
“Amelia would be quite grateful if you could examine Verity’s…pet.”
Again, the odd smile on his face. She was instantly suspicious of it. “What is it you’re not telling me, Matthew?”
He shrugged. “You’ll find out for yourself, soon enough. And I look forward to seeing your methods of helping the animal.”
“It’s not an ordinary pet, is it?” She suspected that whatever ailment the animal possessed would be one she was incapable of curing.
“Not precisely.”
Lily could have pressed the subject but decided not to. “All right. I will come for tea.” She led him inside the garden, pushing open the doorway. The grass had turned brown, and the rosebushes had been pruned down to bare canes. Still, the chrysanthemums and primroses offered color amid the dying plants.
A pool of water rested near a willow tree. Lily pulled her shawl across her shoulders and leaned down to dip her fingers into the water. “I wanted you to see my parents’ garden. It’s even more beautiful in spring.” She lifted her dripping fingertips from the water and smiled at him. “What do you think?”
Matthew barely looked at the garden, and instead, his attention was focused upon her. “It is beautiful, yes.” He moved closer to her and framed her face with his hands. “Just as you are.” He brushed a fallen lock of her hair back, leaning in to steal a kiss. “I want you to marry me, Lily.”
Her heart should have rejoiced at his words. Yet the shadows of the past were still there, and she could not forget the haunted man he had been.
“If you had asked me months ago when you returned from India, I would have said yes without hesitation.”
“But you can’t forget that I hurt you.” His mood turned grim, though he caressed her cheek. “And you won’t forgive me for it.”
“That’s not it.” She caught his hand and drew it down. “You became someone else that day. And it wasn’t only the opium—you were lost somehow.”
“I am stronger now,” he told her. “It won’t happen again.”
