“Especially after your own marriage, if you don’t mind my saying,” Susan said with a frown.
It was a cheeky observation, perhaps one that a servant shouldn’t have made, but Susan was one of the few who knew how bleak Lily’s marriage had been. She hadn’t shared the deepest truths with many people.
The stranger who had taken her to bed had somehow become one of them. She should have regretted that, but it was too easy to tell him her secrets when he was holding her like she was his. Like he would protect her, soothe her, give her?—
No. She had to stop doing that. It was over,done, and she had to move forward. And this was the perfect time, for the carriage was pulling through a fine iron gate and down a twisting, well-tended lane. Both she and Susan leaned closer to the window and sucked in twin gasps as the fine manor came into view. It was a stunning in its white stone glory, with an enormous portico and sparkling leaded windows glinting in the sunshine.
“And one day she will be countess over all this,” Lily mused.
Susan shook her head. “Hard to imagine, for I always picture her as a little girl.”
Lily nodded. She did the same. But her sister, though just eighteen, would grow into this role over time. It would be made easier if her husband helped her in that. Gave her space and assistance in learning to be viscountess and later take the roll of countess when his father died and he inherited that higher title.
Would a rake known for his lovers and playful lack of care be willing to do that for a woman he didn’t love? Those questions continued to batter her.
The carriage pulled to a stop and Lily reached across to squeeze Susan’s hand. “I’m sorry I wasn’t a better travel companion, dearest Susan.”
Her maid smiled at her gently. “You’ve never been anything but kind your whole life, Mrs. Manning, you’re always a fine companion. Now I’ll get your chamber all arranged while you take care of the meeting and greeting of the family and this man who shall take our Miss Alice to such heights.”
“Thank you,” Lily said, and took the hand of the servant that extended into the carriage to assist her onto the drive. She greeted him and said a few words to her footman and driver before she headed up the stairs to the butler waiting on the portico.
“Mrs. Manning,” he intoned. “I’m Reeves, the family butler. We’re so pleased to have you join us.”
“Good afternoon, Reeves,” she said. “My apologies for the delay in my arrival. I hope it didn’t put your staff out.”
“Not at all.” He followed her into the foyer of the grand house and took her hat and gloves. “The family is gathered in the parlor for their tea and has been advised of your arrival. You may join them if you don’t immediately wish to be taken to your room.”
The sharp edge of nervousness rose in her chest, but she pushed it aside. “It will take my maid a little while to get my arrangements ready, so I’ll happily join the family.” He inclined his head and then led her down a long, twisting hallway, past dozens of rooms. “It’s a beautiful home.”
The butler gave her a small smile over his shoulders. “Indeed, madam, we are proud of it. The family has lived in Pembrooke Hills for over two hundred years, since they replaced the older castle with this more modern home.”
“A castle,” she said, eyes widening. It wasn’t entirely uncommon for the odd family castle to exist, but she’d never known a person who actually owned one. That made it sound like her sister would be a princess.
“Yes. Most of it is gone, but there is an old tower that remains on the old site. I’m sure Lord Lockhart would be happy to take you on a tour. He used to love it as a boy.”
They reached a closed door and behind it Lily could hear the faint murmur of voices and light laughter. Her heart leapt, for in a moment she would see her beloved sister who she hadn’t been able to see for months. And she would meet the man who would marry Alice and hopefully protect her. Or at least not hurt her.
Reeves opened the door and intoned, “Mrs. Manning, my lord, my ladies.”
As Lily stepped into the room, she instantly found her sister first and watched Alice jump to her feet. She raced toward Lily, her sweet face lit up with the same joy Lily felt in her own heart. Just before she was enveloped in a hug, she saw her stepmother, Prudence, purse her lips in displeasure.
“Oh, Lily!” Alice burst out, pulling back. “I’m so happy you’re here!”
“As am I!” She searched her sister’s face. Alice looked more like her mother than Lily, with her blonde curls and dark blue eyes, but when she smiled it was the same expression Lily saw in the mirror sometimes and that made her happy.
Alice grasped her hand and drew her toward the others in the room. Now she focused on them. There were two couples alongside her stepmother and sister. One was older, she assumed Lockhart’s parents. The other was closer to her own age, and she recalled that Lockhart’s cousin and her husband were also to be in attendance to the family part of the gathering.
“May I present my sister, Mrs. Manning,” Alice said. “Lily, this is the Earl and Countess of Pembrooke.”
Lily gave a small curtsey. “My lord, my lady, what a pleasure to make your acquaintance at last.”
The earl inclined his head politely, though with seemingly little interest. But the countess, a very pretty, petite woman with a round, friendly face, stepped forward. “And we yours. We have heard so much about you from your dear sister, I feel as though I know you.”
“And this is the Earl and Countess of Kirkwood,” Alice continued, motioning to the other couple. “Lockhart’s dearest cousin and her husband. They were recently married, just a few months ago.”
Lady Kirkwood stepped forward and took Lily’s hand in her own. “Mrs. Manning, it’s such a pleasure. I believe we share another mutual friend beyond your delightful sister.”
“We do,” Lily said with a wide smile of her own at the acknowledgment. “I have heard wonderful things about you from Esme—Lady Delacourt. And I’m so happy to make your acquaintance.”
