“I disagree,” Lady Castledon said. “Matthew suffered through an ordeal, and he needs the love of a good woman to see him through it.”
The pair of women were discussing her as if she were not there. Lily turned to her sister. “Have I suddenly become invisible, Rose?”
“Oh, do let them go on. It amuses them to meddle. In the end,youare the one who will decide what’s best.” Rose shared a smile with Iain. “And I can highly recommend the state of matrimony. It is quite wonderful.”
A pang caught at her heart when she saw the love between the two of them. Iain rested his hand upon the small of his wife’s back. His concern for Rose warmed her, and Lily could not deny her own sense of envy that they were happily married with a child on the way. Rose was happier than Lily had ever seen her.
“Come to our estate in the morning, Lily,” Lady Castledon urged. “David is going fox hunting with some of our neighbors, but Matthew does not wish to attend the hunt. He will be wanting company, and I thought you could stroll through the grounds.”
“Ha. If Amelia had her way, she would have you strolling through dark corridors with no chaperone,” Lady Wolcroft sniffed.
“There is no need for a chaperone in the gardens,” Lady Castledon said. “Anyone could see them from the windows. You, yourself, could watch over them from the comfort of your chair.”
“Amelia, I think she could do better than Lord Arnsbury. Why not introduce her to some of your neighbors? Surely one of them might make a better husband. Have you invited them to the hunt?”
“Iamstill here,” Lily reminded them, but neither seemed to notice. “And Iamcapable of making my own decisions.”
“Pish tosh,” her grandmother said. “Look where that got you the last time.”
Lady Castledon narrowed her gaze. Clearing her throat, she said, “Lily, please do come to my house tomorrow. I am certain Lord Arnsbury would be quite glad to see you.”
“I have no desire to join in the hunt,” she protested, but Amelia would not be deterred.
“Then come for our good company. Rest assured, I do not intend to go out riding in pursuit of a poor, helpless fox.” She reached out and patted Lily’s hand. “Just come and enjoy our company.”
“As long as you aren’t fawning over Lord Arnsbury,” Lady Wolcroft added. “You should choose another gentleman instead. Perhaps a duke, if you can find one.”
“The only duke of my acquaintance is married to my sister,” Amelia said. “And I don’t think Victoria would appreciate anyone casting eyes at Jonathan.”
Lily was quite finished with their discussion. “I am busy enough with my studies.” She raised her chin and regarded them with a firm this-matter-is-closed look.
“Do you want to place a wager, Mildred?” Amelia said. “Fifty pounds, if she weds Lord Arnsbury. I’ll give you the same if she does not.”
Lily gaped at the venture, feeling appalled that they would suggest such a thing.
“Prepare to lose, Amelia,” Lady Wolcroft said. “For I intend to give every last penny of your wager to Lily.”
“We shall see about that,” Lady Castledon answered with a smile.
Chapter Fourteen
The next morning, Matthew rode out alone while the other gentlemen went on the hunt. He had no interest in fox hunting, and Lily had promised to meet with him later today. The autumn air was crisp with the scent of damp leaves and an underlying chill. He could see traces of his breath in the air as he rode toward Penford.
Matthew spied Lily approaching with her footman, and she smiled when she saw him, lifting a hand in greeting. Her hair was tucked up beneath her black hat, and she wore a deep green riding habit. The color accentuated the red undertones in her brown hair. He slowed his horse until he reached her side, and pulled the stallion parallel to her mount. “Good morning.”
“And to you.” Lily’s smile remained, and a faint blush rose upon her cheeks. “I see that you decided not to join the others in the hunt.”
“Cousin Amelia thought I should spend time with you instead. I agreed with her.” He took her hand and kissed it.
Lily motioned for her footman to ride ahead to Castledon, giving them privacy in conversation as they rode at a slower pace over the next few miles. It took nearly an hour, but she relished being in the company of the man she loved.
“Will you check on Mathilda, once we arrive?” he asked.
Lily appeared embarrassed. “I know nothing about chickens, Matthew. I do hope she isn’t dead yet. I should hate to disappoint Verity.” She winced and added, “But yes, I will see if she has improved at all.”
The air of trouble lingered upon her face, and he asked, “Is everything all right, Lily? How is your mother?”
She tried to shake away her mood. “The same as ever. But there is something I wanted to talk to you about. I received a letter yesterday from your cousin Adrian.”
