Romancing a Wallflower Read online

  “Your family has gone to Tintagel. I am surprised that you did not go also,” Harlow ventured, suddenly irritated that Lilian’s brother was not there to safeguard her. He reminded himself his fear was his own speculation. It added to his anxiety to set off for the coast.

  “I leave for Tintagel tonight, but this commission keeps me away from home. However, I trust that they are safe enough. I cannot fathom any involvement on their part,” he spoke slowly, eyeing Harlow.

  Harlow heated under his old schoolfellow’s scrutiny but maintained a calm demeanour. He suspects. Harlow stalled for the right answer and regarded the room around him. Two oil lanterns hanging from the ramparts barely provided adequate lighting, casting shadows onto dingy blue walls. A group of locals and sailors sat on chairs, using a bench between them as a table between them for a rowdy card game. Behind them, a man lay asleep on the bench beneath the table. Cigar smoke circled the heads of patrons, only adding to the sour stench of retched ale long since dried on the floor.

  “It appears we have a few matters to discuss before we get down to business,” he said finally, keeping his emotions in check. “I believe the bullet that almost claimed your sister’s life was meant for us, but it is mere speculation since we had been frequenting the area while observing.”

  DeLacey arched a brow. “It has been my belief as well, and until you began courting her, I had thought Lilian safe from any further injury. What are your intentions towards my sister?”

  DeLacey’s question caught him unawares. While Harlow was prepared to discuss his suspicions, he was not, however, ready for that.

  “It should please you to know that I laid out my intentions before Lilian yesterday,” he said, thinking he could evade further discussion.

  “Meaning?”

  The man is not going to let this drop. Harlow took a deep breath, then glanced at Max, who sat emotionless. Apparently, he was willing to hear Harlow out, as well.

  “Lady Lilian and I discussed pursuing our acquaintance in order to determine the depth of our feelings for each other.” He paused to clear an uncomfortable lump in his throat. “I have avoided marriage thus far, primarily because I have…” He struggled for the word. “…I have episodes at night which I do not wish to subject a wife to, and I explained that. Despite this obvious drawback, I find in myself a desire to court her.”

  “My sister is comfortable with that?” DeLacey responded in a surprised tone.

  “Yes, she indicated she was, but it is my full intention to establish if we suit. I have feelings for her.” Saying it aloud to her brother made it, all at once, seem very real, he realized, hoping the sudden sweat on his brow would remain hidden in this dank setting.

  “Very well, but you had better maintain those honourable intentions. I would expect no less of you,” DeLacey whispered. “However, toy with my sister’s feelings, and I will call you out.”

  “He has the same nightmares many of us brought home from the war,” Max spoke up quietly. “Your sentiments are understandable, but we both know he would never toy with an innocent. Now, do we get to business and dispense with this. Tell us what you already know.”

  Now you speak up, Max. Where were you a few moments ago? He wanted to fume, but Harlow found it hard to be annoyed with either man. Both were protecting Lilian’s interests. She did not react to the news of my nightmares. He clung to the hope that Lilian would be perfect for him. Shaking his head slightly, he attempted to clear her from his mind.

  “I believe the entire operation emanates from Tintagel and is run by someone with multiple business interests…” DeLacey passed on his knowledge. “The town apparently knows and supports this man, although I do not think he lives there…”

  “It is a woman, we think,” Max cut in softly. “We believe her to be the widow Poinz.”

  “Lud!” DeLacey grew quiet. “The ton knows her only for her temper and her jealousies, not to mention her wealth since her husband died. It could fit.”

  “His death is still a mystery,” added Max, as he popped a piece of salted meat into his mouth.

  “Yes, it is.” DeLacey sipped his ale. “It makes sense. She owns public houses and inns across the Cornish coast and into England. Indeed, we had not ruled out a woman, upon the stock of something we heard from an informer.”

  “Did the informer tell you anything about their signals?” Harlow asked.

  “No, but I have my suspicions. The entire community profits from their activities and they all look the other way. However, I have noticed a few things,” DeLacey added. He leaned closer. “If you think the widow leads, that is key information and will help us determine who is on the inside. It will be someone she is close to…in the government.” He passed a list of names to the two men and waited for them to look at it.

  “There is not much light, but I recognize many of these names,” Max said, angling the list slightly to catch the meagre light from a lamp hanging nearby.

  “They are names given to me by an unwilling informant. Watch for a farmer on a white horse. I think he is part of the signal. I believe he signals with it,” DeLacey acknowledged. DeLacey reached out for the list and shredded it into small pieces, stuffing the pieces in his pocket.

  “We have noticed him. He rides his horse to town, and either walks back, leading the horse along the main road, or returns by riding it along the coast road. We think the latter is an all-clear signal as it has coincided with ships being wrecked. We could have called the Dragoons and pulled in the net, but we need the conspirator from within,” Harlow spoke very low, although given the hum of conversation, it was unlikely they would be overheard.

  Max and DeLacey nodded and finished their ale. “I have a suggestion for a dropping place,” DeLacey broke the silent comradeship, his voice also low. “It should be easy enough to do. There is a loose cornerstone, low to the ground, on the north corner—back facing side—of the post office. The stone is grey and sits among two badly chipped white ones. The building does not get busy until about ten of the clock. Put your messages there.” He laid his palms down on the table. “I will leave first. And I will be in contact.”

  “Agreed.”

  Chapter 11

  Five days later.

  Lilian’s body jostled in the coach as it rolled across the uneven stone paving on Bossiney Road, taking them through the small coastal town of Tintagel. Five days in a coach had challenged the adults, but Cooper seemed to enjoy the attention. Remarkably, the puppy could conduct his business at main stops and added no strain to the trip. His presence lightened her mood considerably, although she thought more and more about the handsome Lord Harlow, wishing she had been a little more forward and kissed him again, having never been kissed before then. It seemed an age since they had left for London, and she wondered when she would see Lord Harlow again. He had shown an interest in continuing their courtship, she told herself. I will make sure to receive another kiss on his next visit. She found herself daydreaming about his last kiss.

  Sitting for hours exhausted everyone, and even her books had begun to bore her. “It has been so long since I have seen Darby,” she murmured to herself. “I wonder how he will get on with Cooper,” she added, stroking the small dog in her lap.

  “I suspect they will enjoy each other’s company. Danby enjoys running loose in the pasture. Cooper enjoys chasing and seems agile. When the puppy grows, he might keep up with your horse.” Lydia leaned over and tickled Cooper behind the ear.

  “I apologize. I had not realized I had spoken my thoughts aloud.” Heat rose as she wondered if that was all she had uttered. Leaning down, Lilian gave Cooper a quick kiss on his head. “You will enjoy chasing Danby, little man,” she told him. “Danby has been with me a little longer, so you may have to give him time to get used to sharing. However, I think the two of you could be the best of friends.” She propped back and closed her eyes, conjuring up Elysium Manor. The drive to her home wound around a small lake, two-thirds of the edge of which was framed by an apple o
rchard. The scenery always brought to mind images her grandmama had given her in stories she had told her years ago.

  According to legend, Avalon was the place they took King Arthur to recover after the Battle of Camlann. Grandmama had explained that Grandpapa had loved hearing stories of King Arthur when he was growing up and so he had renamed the property Elysium Manor because it gave a mystical aura to the name, and because the meaning of Avalon was very much the same as Elysium. Elysium had sounded more magical to him. Avalon and Elysium both meaning isle of apples, Grandpapa had planted large tracts of apple trees along the far side of the lake. It had been her favourite place to ride while growing up, especially during the summer. Danby had favoured being allowed to reach an occasional apple, which were always plentiful in the summer, from the trees.

  She could tell when their black carriage pulled off the road and onto the drive leading to Elysium Manor, and heaved a sigh. We are almost home. Just ten more minutes. She heard the oyster shells that covered the road being crushed beneath the carriage. Mama instructed the servants to always crush and spread any crustacean shells whenever they served seafood. That had been a family custom, and it added a fashionable appeal. Over the years, the drive had become mostly shells, until it ended at the circular brick drive in front of the house. On impulse, Lilian moved the curtain aside to look. The house stood on a slight hill in front of them. The pink brick and grey limestone, Georgian-styled manor had large east and west wings of three storeys, while the main house was four storeys. Matching brick paved a large round drive in front of the house.

  Her family’s three carriages came to a stop, the massive oak door opened, and the housekeeper and footman greeted them. Chambers always travelled to London when they opened up the town house, but the home journey taxed him immensely because he could not reach his post quickly enough. She knew Chambers and Clara well enough to know they would be supervising everything in a matter of minutes, the very moment their feet touched the ground. As if he heard her thoughts, Chambers took his habitual position at the door, causing the housekeeper and footman to withdraw.

  “My lord, Lady Avalon, ladies, welcome home!” The stout man pulled on his waistcoat as if shaking out any residual wrinkles.

  “Thank you, Chambers. You did not have to rush to greet us. You have just arrived home yourself,” declared Father, as he exited the conveyance.

  Lilian was always last. She imagined Winston was bringing the chair they maintained here to the door. He would carry her up the steps. She found no enjoyment in this part of her homecoming.

  It was still early in the day and Lilian was most eager to see her horse. “Would you go to the stables with me, Lydia? Cooper should meet his bigger brother.”

  “Brother, you say? Lud! Danby is a horse and you are not his mother.” Lydia pretended exasperation.

  “Will you go with me? I am quite excited to be home again.” Lilian knew Lydia would go with her.

  “Let me change my dress first. I am most eager to get this dusty gown off!” Lydia responded.

  An hour later, Lilian wheeled her chair down a newly bricked path to the stables. Father had arranged for the completion of this while in London. Lilian was delighted at the surprise. It made access to her horse so much easier. The new gardens thrilled Cooper. He walked ahead of her, stopping every few minutes to assure himself she was behind him. He sniffed everything—dandelions, grass, trees, bushes, everything, and marked as much as possible as his territory. Lilian smiled at his antics while she wheeled herself down the path. It took a little longer than being pushed; however, the path had a slight downward slope from the house, so she moved unimpeded. Returning to the house will require some help, she thought.

  “Good afternoon, m’lady,” called Barney, surprise clear on his face. He dusted off his hands, walked up and pushed her towards the stable yard. “I know who ye are ’ere to see. ’E will be mighty glad to see you, m’lady. I’ve put him in the Long Meadow.”

  “Oh, I hope so! I have brought him a bag of apple slices from the kitchen.” Lilian pulled one out of her pocket.

  “We have been enjoying the apples your grandpapa planted. ’Tis a good season for them this year. Cook has already made several pies.”

  “They are my favourite pies,” Lilian exclaimed. “I shall have a piece today, should there be any left!”

  Barney turned her chair in front of the stables and wheeled it along the service road to one of the paddocks generally used for a mare with a new foal. “This is as close as I can bring you. Yer horse will be ’ere in a moment. I sent Ned to fetch ’im.” Barney then nodded at Cooper, who raced up to her chair and leaped onto her lap. “Who might this little fellow be, m’lady?”

  “This is Cooper,” she gleefully told him. “I found him in Richmond Park.” Lilian withdrew a handkerchief from her pocket and unwrapped it, breaking a piece of the biscuit that Cook had given her. “Cooper, this is Barney.” The little dog edged his nose into her other pocket and withdrew an apple slice from the bag and began to eat that.

  “You like apples? I had not thought about that. Danby gets these, but we will not tell him.

  “Ruff!” Cooper gave a quick bark. Barney gently patted the puppy on his head.

  A shrill whinny pierced the air and a dark bay walked to the fence and leaned over, reaching her head, nickering softly in her ear.

  “Danby! Lilian reached up and pulled him closer, kissing the stripe of white on his head. Cooper jumped off her lap, but stayed close to her, furiously sniffing the surrounding air. “He does not seem afraid of you, Danby.”

  Danby shook his head and nickered.

  She scratched his face gently. “I hope that you will be friends. You are both dear to me.”

  “Ar-ruff!” A high-pitched bark alerted her and she turned her head.

  “I tried to surprise you.” Lydia laughed. “It looks as if I got here just in time for the grand meeting.”

  “Lydia, look at Cooper.” Cooper had slowly moved to the fence and was making himself as tall as possible. His hackles were up and he was staring directly ahead. “No, Cooper.” Danby stretched out his neck and nudged the puppy with his nose from under the fence. Cooper leaped backwards in the air and rolled over. Lilian reached down and picked up her puppy, putting him in her lap. “Oh, dear, that was funny, Cooper. My horse was just saying good morning to you. He is very handsome, is he not? See how his coat shines! We will have your coat as good as that soon.” She withdrew the apple slices from her pocket. “Danby, I have something for you.” Holding each slice in her palm, one by one she offered them to her horse. He took each sliver delicately and chewed it before coming back for the next.

  “Ruff!” The puppy licked her nose and she gave him one.

  “I see how this will be with you,” Lilian said with a laugh, pulling the handkerchief open. “Here you go, little fellow,” she said, feeding him the rest of his biscuit. She was glad to see that he no longer wolfed his food down. Instead, he accepted the food gently and seemed to enjoy it.

  “I have something for you, too.” Lydia pulled a walking stick out from behind her. “I had it made for you. I thought…well, never mind that. Here you are.” She handed the stick to her sister.

  Lilian looked at the cane. It was beautiful. The smooth mahogany cane held the head of a horse. A knot rose in her throat. How could Lydia do this?

  “You know I cannot stand.” She tried to say more, but her throat constricted.

  “You have not tried to walk in a long time. Please, do consider it, Lilian. I think this will help you. You can stand here, with Danby and use the fence for more support. Your legs will work, I am convinced they will.” Lydia peered down at Cooper. “I am counting on you to be a wonderful inspiration to my sister, little fellow.”

  “I do not know if I can do such a thing. The doctors…” Lilian’s eyes blurred, and she could not finish her thought.

  “The doctors said they did not understand why you could not walk. I have faith that you can. You d
o not have to try now.” A single tear ran, unchecked, down Lydia’s face. “I had two of them made for you. I thought I would leave this one near Danby. It can be kept by his stall, in case of need.” Lydia smiled gently, wiping her face. “I believe you will walk again, Lilian.”

  Her sister believed her able to walk; Lilian knew her legs to be lifeless. Suddenly, she no longer felt enjoyment sitting beside the same paddock where she had learned to ride her first pony. She wanted to scream; she was frustrated and tired of this chair. Her sister’s gift had touched her heart, but she felt anguished.

  “I will try, later,” she managed to answer with a semblance of civility. “Thank you, Lydia, for such a kind gift.” Restlessness overwhelmed her. “Barney, please bring Danby into his stall. Perhaps I could sit near him and read for a while.”

  “Very good, m’lady.” Barney stepped away from the fence and gathered Danby’s halter from the gatepost where the stable-boy had left it.

  “I feel as though I have spoilt the day for you, with my gift.” Lydia gently squeezed Lilian’s hand. “I will push you to the stables.” She gave a short whistle. Lilian remembered their persuading Jonathan to teach them, one long-ago summer. “Follow us, Cooper.” Lydia began pushing her sister’s chair. “He is such a clever puppy.” She duly propelled Lilian’s chair into the stall next to Danby and positioned it so that her horse could reach her by leaning his head over the wall. “I will leave this, too,” she added softly, placing the wooden cane near the wall. “It will be here when you are ready to try.” She turned to leave just as Barney walked Danby into his stall.

  “Will ye be needing your chestnut, m’lady?” Barney asked, his head craning around the partition to find Lilian. He gave a quick nod toward her new cane. “I will set a hook on the end ’ere, where it can do no ’arm, so as yer cane stays in the same spot for ye, Lady Lilian,” he added.

  “Thank you, Barney. No, I shall not be requiring Ginger today. Lilian, I must return to the house. Do not stay too long and take a chill. Mama said she had asked Cook to serve a light lunch and to tell you she expected you to join us.”