She’d made up her mind, and surely Meyer would understand and be willing to accept the scandal associated with such an act. Divorce wasn’t impossible, just uncommon. And while she certainly enjoyed her active social life, it was an acceptable sacrifice to simply be free.
Dear Lord, how beautiful that word sounded, just in thought.
She almost dared not whisper it.
Reluctantly, she stood from her bed and rang for her maid. It would serve no good for her to mill about all day. Rather, she found the idea of escaping all too enticing, and she set about to uncover her father’s plans for the day, and when would be the perfect time to steal away.
After she was readied for the day, she requested tea be served in the library, where she was certain she’d find Samantha. Since today wasn’t a usual day to accept callers, her sister would certainly be enjoying the view of Hyde Park while immersing herself in some sort of novel.
Liliah left the confines of her room, nodding knowingly to the footman placed opposite her door—no doubt assigned with notifying her father of her whereabouts. That would complicate her escape later, but not make it impossible, or so she hoped.
As expected, she found her sister in the library, and the sight of her warmed Liliah’s heart from its numb state. “Good”—Liliah glanced at the large grandfather clock in the corner—“afternoon.”
“Look who decided to leave her exile,” Samantha replied with a warm smile. “I was worried for you, but expected you’d emerge when you were ready.”
“How empathetic of you,” Liliah replied with feeling. “But I am much stronger than he thinks,” she added in a hushed whisper.
Samantha nodded, then adjusted her posture as Liliah took a seat beside her on the brocade couch.
“Are you going to tell me the story, or am I left to my own imagination?” Samantha asked, setting her book neatly on her lap.
“I’m afraid I created quite the scandal—danced with someone other than Meyer.” Liliah rolled her eyes with effect, but didn’t add details about the scandalous reputation of the man who requested that dance.
“Ah, I see.” Samantha didn’t inquire further, yet her expression was curious and expectant.
“What are you reading?” Liliah asked, shifting the focus.
“Romeo and Juliet.”Samantha blushed.
“Ever the romantic,” Liliah teased. “That is a good thing.”
Samantha nodded once, then frowned. “Do—”
The knock on the library door interrupted Samantha’s words, and Liliah looked up expectantly.
A maid brought in the tea service, followed by their butler. As the maid curtseyed and set out the service, Liliah’s attention was directed to the butler, who carried a card on a silver platter.
It had been weeks since Liliah had received a missive that wasn’t an invitation—she suspected her father had some sort of involvement in it. So it was with a suspicious heart that she took the heavy envelope from the tray. Immediately her eyes fell to the navy-colored seal on the fold.
Greywick.
Her heart pounded with trepidation before she assured herself that it was probably simply Meyer.
Though why he’d send a missive confused her.
After all, only betrothed couples could send correspondence, and his taking advantage of that liberty only strengthened their betrothal. It was curious indeed.
“Thank you.” Liliah nodded to the butler as he took his leave. Apparently there was no servant awaiting a response.
She lifted the seal and then twisted her lips in frustration.
Open.
The missive had clearly already been opened, as the wax seal was broken. Her suspicion that her father was reading her correspondence was confirmed.
“Who sent it?” Samantha asked, serving herself tea.
“Meyer,” Liliah remarked, showing her sister the letter’s already broken seal. “Which is why it made it to my person. Is nothing sacred?” Liliah asked in a frustrated whisper.
