Perhaps I shall go to the bookstore first. Lilah popped up from the sofa as a sudden thought occurred to her. On my way, I can drop off a book for Lady St. Leger. I have a Wilkie Collins she has not read yet, and I promised to lend it to her. Olivia wanted the book; it wouldnt be rude or out of place to visit the Morelands as long as she had a reason. Indeed, the proper behavior would be to take the book to Olivia, as Lilah had promised. And there was no reason to worry about running into Con; he was doubtless off on one of his adventures.
Lady St. Leger? Her aunts forehead wrinkled a bit. Do I know her?
Shes one of Sabrinas sisters-in-law. She and her family came to stay at Broughton House for the wedding.
Her aunts frown grew. One of the Morelands? Dear, do you think thats wise?
I promised, Aunt Helena. I can hardly ignore a promise. Lilah was feeling more cheerful by the moment. It would be good to see Olivia again, to have a nice long chat about books. Much as she loved and respected her aunt, Helena was not a reader. Maybe Kyria would be there, too. Or the duchess.
Of course not, her aunt agreed reluctantly. I just thought now that the wedding is over, you wouldnt be seeing them as much.
I havent seen them. Its been four days, Lilah reminded her. I should go now so Ill be back in time for our afternoon calls. She turned toward the door.
Its rather early for paying a call, dont you think? Not yet noon.
The Morelands pay no attention to things like that.
I know, Aunt Helena said darkly. Well, if you must go, take your maid with you.
Aunt HelenaI hardly need a chaperone to go from here to Broughton House in broad daylight.
Of course not, dear. Its how it would look.
Societys rules are not so rigid anymore, Lilah protested.
That may be. But thats no reason for us to lower our standards.
Poppy has several things to doum, mending my clothes and, uh
I wish I hadnt sent Cuddington to the apothecary. She could accompany you.
No, no, Ill take Poppy with me. The last thing Lilah wanted was to drag her aunts dour maid along with her.
Lilah hurried upstairs, calling for her maid, and opened her wardrobe closet. Her casual morning dress would not do for paying a visit; it required something more stylishthis honey-colored walking dress with the rust-brown piping, for instance. It went well with the reddish-blond color of her hair, and the nipped-in waist gave her tall, willowy figure a more fashionable hourglass shape.
She could wear her new half boots. They were, perhaps, a trifle unusual, with their paisley print and curved line of gold buttons, but the colors went well with her dress, and anyway, no one would see them beneath her skirts. Well, except someone like Con, of course, who apparently made it a habit to keep an eye on ladies ankles. But that sort of man was not interested in either fashion or propriety.
She set off for the Morelands home, book in hand, Poppy trailing along a few steps behind her. It was annoying having to take her along. Perhaps Lilah should visit her home in Somerset, where she could hike wherever she wanted and not worry what society might think. It would provide her with an escape from the tedious round of courtesy callsnot to mention Sir Jaspers attentions. She could relieve her boredom.
The problem, of course, was that Aunt Vesta was there. Lilah hadnt stayed at Barrow House since her fathers sister had returned. Lilah had been fond of her as a child, but children were so undiscerning, so easily pleased. And Aunt Vesta hadnt yet plunged the family into scandal.
Smeggars, the Morelands butler, greeted Lilah with a smile but said, I fear the duchess is out today.
It was actually Lady St. Leger I wished to see.
Lady St. Leger is with the duchess.
Im sorry. I should have inquired before I came, Lilah said in disappointment.
Perhaps you would like to speak with the duke or, um
No, Ill just leave this, Lilah began, holding out the book.
At that moment Con came trotting lightly down the stairs. Miss Holcutt. He grinned. The ladies are all out. Im afraid youll have to make do with me. He turned to the butler. I think tea would be in order.
Of course, sir.
No, Lilah protested as the butler left. I mustnt stay. I was going to the bookstore, and I remembered that OliviaLady St. Leger, that ishad expressed an interest in reading one of my books. Lilah realized she was babbling and clamped her lips together. It was annoying that she should be so jittery and embarrassed at seeing Con again, whereas he was so obviously, so coolly unaffected.
That sounds like Livvy. Con reached out and took the book from her hands. Ah, Wilkie Collins. Yes, she will enjoy reading it.
She said his stories were favorites of hers, but she had not read this one.
Please, sit down. He took her arm without asking and steered her down the hall toward the sitting room. All the women except Anna left earlier. Anna had one of her terrible headaches and had to stay behind.
Im sorry. Lilah resisted the urge to sit down as he had suggested. There was no reason to stay. She had run her errand. She shouldnt sit down for a tête-à-tête alone with a man. Yet she lingered. Theyre on a shopping expedition?
Con let out a crack of laughter. No, Mothers taken them to one of her suffragists dos. Theyre standing vigil in front of Edmond Edmingtons house.
Edmond Edmington? Lilah couldnt hold back a smile.
Yes, he had alliterative if unimaginative parents. Sit down, Miss Holcutt, please. Smeggars will be crushed if you dont stay for tea and petits fours. Hes always trying to turn Mothers meetings into parties, with little success.
No, I should be going. I was just She gestured toward the door, taking a step backward.
Going to the bookstore. Yes, I know. His eyes twinkled. Come, Lilah, I wont make any unwanted advancesnot with Smeggars lurking about.
What if they werent unwanted, she thought, then blushed at her wayward mind. You would make some jest about it.
About what? he asked innocently, moving closer.
You know what. She scowled. What wethe other evening on the terrace.
Ah. He leaned in, far too close for polite behavior. You mean when we talked? His eyes widened in mock shock. Unchaperoned.
Yes. Her word came out in little more than a whisper. Irritated, she cleared her throat and went on in a firm voice. No. I mean it was more than that. We werewe almost
Yes? His eyes danced. We almost
She had known he would tease her. She should not have come here. Oh, stop it. Just leave me alone.
Of course. He sighed and stepped back. It was what she wanted, yet perversely she felt let down at his easy acquiescence.
She should go now. It was silly to be so reluctant. Lilah drew a breath to say goodbye but was brought up short by a shout from upstairs. Reed! Someone!
Anna! Con ran from the room.
Lilah followed him. When she reached the bottom of the staircase, Con was already halfway up the flight to his sister-in-law, who stood still and staring, her face deathly white.