“How so?” Tristan asked, his posture rigid and his mind in sudden turmoil. Babysitting what sounded to him like a willful hoyden had not been part of the job description.
“For starters, she has a history of getting wet, damaging her clothes, climbing into high places, sneaking off to secret hideouts and…” Islington grinned. “Don’t take me wrong. She’s a gently bred lady, but there is an adventurous streak to her that could use some taming.”
“Sounds like she needs to get married,” Tristan remarked before he could think better of it. He blinked. “My apologies. I did not mean to suggest–”
“That’s quite all right. Papa and I have already discussed it. In fact, part of the reason I’m going to Stratham House instead of to Bath as initially planned is so I can help talk some sense into her. And since you’ve been introduced to most of my social circle by now, I’m hoping you’ll advise me on the most suitable prospects. After all, Lilli is my sister, so I want her to be happy.”
Tristan wasn’t sure how he managed to smile at the idea of playing matchmaker to a young woman he’d never met – an earl’s daughter, no less. Teeth gritted behind stretched lips, he wondered if he’d been too hasty in appreciating his position. Clearly there was more to it than he could ever have dreamed possible. And rather than look forward to reaching Stratham House as he’d done when they’d set off that morning, he now dreaded it with every fiber of his being.
Two
Upon her arrival at Stratham House, Lilli leapt from the family carriage before the footman had a chance to put down the steps. Behind her, Mama and Papa cautioned her to be careful, but Lilli turned a deaf ear. After sitting for several hours, she was eager to stretch her legs.
“When did you get here?” she asked her brother, who must have been waiting for their arrival since he was already descending the front steps. He strode toward her with a grin, his arms wide and ready for the embrace she always gave him when they met.
“Two days ago.” He hugged her against him, holding her tight for a moment before he greeted their parents. “How was your journey?”
“Trouble free,” Papa said. “Provided you discount your sister’s constant pestering. I swear, it doesn’t matter how old she gets. She still can’t be still or silent for more than five minutes.”
This was not said in a critical tone but with warmth. It prompted Mama to chuckle while she smoothed her skirts. Lilli’s cheeks warmed with the pleasure of knowing that while she might be more boisterous than most young ladies her age, her family loved her no matter what.
She eyed Henry with interest. He looked…different. “Is that a new jacket?”
Henry’s lips twitched. “It is indeed.”
“And am I mistaken or is that the most exquisite cravat knot you’ve ever seen?” Papa asked Mama while eyeing Henry’s throat.
“It’s certainly more elaborate than any I’ve seen Henry wear before.” Mama peered at him, her gaze shifting over his perfectly pressed breeches until it settled upon his glossy boots. Her eyebrows lifted as she looked back up. “Your style has always been rather relaxed. Now, there’s a certain dashingness about you.”
“Dashingness?” Lilli queried. “Is that a word?”
“If you must know,” Henry said before Mama could respond, “I’ve acquired a new valet who also carries out the occasional secretarial duties. A bit unusual, I’ll admit, but you know how I hate having too many servants around me. This way, most of my daily needs are met by one man. He’s a very meticulous fellow. Goes by the name of Mr. Henley. I’ll introduce you to him shortly.”
“Well,” Papa said. “I’ll have to thank him when you do, for I daresay your mother is right. Judging from this new appearance of yours, I’ve no doubt you’ll get yourself married in no time at all.”
Lilli couldn’t help but laugh at her brother’s horrified expression.
“Youarethe eldest,” she murmured to him as they started up the front steps. “It’s only fair you should find yourself wed before I.”
“Not if I can help it,” he whispered back.
As much as she loved pretending indignation, she hoped her brother was right. Beneath her spencer she felt the cool press of the rose quartz crystal she’d worn for nearly a week. It hadn’t led to an unexpected encounter with her future husband yet. The question now was whether or not it would and how long it might take.
No sense in worrying over something she could not control, Lilli decided. She’d simply have to be patient and wait. After having refreshments in the parlor, Lilli changed out of her traveling clothes and set off for a brisk walk. She’d spent her childhood at Stratham House. She loved the property with its wild gardens where roses climbed stone walls and lavender still filled the air with sweet fragrance. It welcomed her with its familiarity and beckoned for her to explore.
Enjoying the crunch of gravel beneath her feet, she strode past the pond to where the woods began. She’d built hideouts in there with Henry many years ago, had climbed a particular oak from which she’d felt as though she could view the entire kingdom, and had chased after squirrels and rabbits until her clothes had been well and truly ruined.
A grin pulled at her lips on that thought. While London might be more conducive to finding her soul mate, it could be horribly stifling. At least here in the countryside she was free to be herself. Within reason, she amended as she headed along a well–travelled path the game keeper used when he rode out to set traps and hunt.
The weather was pleasantly cool without being chilly. Soon the leaves would begin turning various shades of orange, yellow, and red, but for now they retained their lush green color. Flitting from branch to branch, birds chattered to one another while the faint gurgle of water from a nearby brook added a soothing rhythm.
Upon reaching the tell–tale roots of an uprooted elm, Lilli veered to the right, heading between the foliage of smaller saplings and bushes until she spied her favorite oak. It stood in a clearing, its branches reaching sideways as if attempting to touch other trees.
With the satisfaction born from the deep anticipation of a long desired climb, Lilli quickened her pace. She couldn’t wait to survey the surrounding landscape from ten feet above the ground.
Whistling a merry tune she marched ahead and had almost arrived at her destination when the ground disappeared beneath her right foot.
A gasp burst from between her lips. It transformed into a startled yelp as her leg sank farther into the hole, causing her left knee to scrape the ground. Her hands shot out, attempting to break the fall, but the force of her palms connecting with solid ground jolted her bones and twisted her into an awkward position.
