Lilli pressed her hands against the carriage window, her heart quickening. Home. Despite everything that had happened, despite Oliver’s infuriating edicts and comforting protectiveness and losing Gran, she would soon be back where she belonged. The familiar rolling hills of the estate came into view. A glistening emerald green after the recent rains.
“Look, I can see Heatherfield in the distance. It won’t be long now.”
“Indeed.” Oliver observed, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. “One might think you’re anxious to be rid of my company.”
“Well, it has been an adventure, if unfruitful.”
“Agreed. I imagine the staff will be pleased to see their mistress returned safely.”
“I shall need to inspect the ledgers as soon as possible,” Lilli said, already mentally cataloging her duties. “I’m certain Mr. Finch has maintained everything properly, but I prefer to see the accounts myself.”
“The accounts can wait until tomorrow,” Oliver said. “I shall wish to join you so that I may familiarize myself with them, but I refuse to do that upon arriving.”
“They are my accounts for my estate. It is nothing you should concern yourself with, Your Grace.”
“Ah, we are back to formalities, is it, Lilliana? Let it be known that as your guardian, it is expected that I know and oversee the accounts. I am modifying our expectations to include you in all oversight. It would not be so if it were not such a unique estate with a special owner that I care about.”
Lilli chose to say nothing but sat on the edge of her seat in anticipation of the carriage stopping.
“When the carriage stops, you will not alight until you have assistance.”
“I can descend without assistance.”
“But you will not or you will invite my discipline. A lady waits and you, my dear, are a lady.”
She pouted for a few moments but once she heard the clopping of horse hooves on the drive, all sourness was replaced by joy.
Lilli felt her heart leap in her chest. Home at last. She instinctively reached for the door handle but caught Oliver’s warning glance and reluctantly withdrew her hand, folding it primly in her lap. The memory of his firm hand against her backside was still fresh enough to ensure her compliance, however grudging.
He smiled, a flash of approval warming his eyes. “Good girl.”
The carriage door opened, and Oliver descended first, turning back to extend his hand to her. Lilli placed her gloved fingers in his, feeling the strength in his grip as he helped her down. The moment her feet touched the gravel, a wave of emotion swept through her. The familiar scent of roses from Gran’s garden mingled with the earthy smell of recent rain.
Mrs. Holloway, the housekeeper, stood at the entrance with the rest of the staff lined up behind her. The older woman’s face broke into a relieved smile.
“My lady! Welcome home!”
“Mrs. Holloway, I am happy to be home.”
“Your Grace. We are happy to see you returned as well.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Holloway. It has been a long trip. I shall be staying for a few days, so I would bother you for a room that I could claim as mine when I am here, and some hot water for Lady Lilliana. What time should we expect dinner?”
“Promptly at seven, Your Grace. Harry here will take you up to His Lordship’s old room and we will take care of your people and livestock.”
“Thank you. I’m most grateful.”
Oliver offered his arm to Lilli who took it and they ascended the stairs together. Lilli went to a different wing than Oliver on the second floor. Lilli opened her bedroom door and flung herself on her bed. She was finally home.
Chapter Ten
The winter was fully upon them now and Oliver was not happy about Lilli staying on her estate without him and yet, there were things he needed to accomplish on his property. His managers were trustworthy but some things a man needed to do himself. He’d been busier than he had intended.
To the outsider, Oliver was seen as the imposing Duke of Weston, and he had to admit he was not to be dallied with when his anger got the better of him. With his raven hair and piercing blue eyes, he found all but his family and Lilli harbored some fear of his retribution. Of that, he was unapologetic. In actuality, Oliver was easier to work with than his father, open to other ideas and his employees respected him. He wished Lady Lilliana showed more of that respect.
His mood was off and he knew why. Lilli was often in some scrape or other that she defiantly acted as though it was of no consequence. He had foolishly assumed that since they had come to a workable truce on the way home from her outrageous escapade of looking for her father alone, that they would carry the truce into their daily lives. He had been proven wrong when Lilli flatly refused to allow him to stay at Heatherfield while running both estates.
Well, legally she was his duty until her twenty-fifth birthday, but he had given into her partially. He intended to make that time extend “’til death do them part.” Despite her appropriate behavior in proper company, she nurtured a wild nature and a penchant for scandalous behavior.
