Page 46 of Loving an Earl
“I do as well.” Lilly curtsied, picked up her skirts and entered the house when the door opened. The butler was always on duty. “Thank you, Harrison.”
That evening, dressed in a cream evening dress with matching cloak, Lilly gripped her cream reticule so tight she had to force her fingers to relax as they were cramping.
“You seem tense, my dear,” Aunt Vivian remarked with a disquieted look on her face.
“I do? I am, but I don’t know why.”
“Did your ride go well with Redford?” Emmeline asked, her face also looking troubled.
“The weather was dry, the park was crowded, and the company was fine, I suppose. But that isn’t what’s troubling me.”
“Then what it is?” Aunt Vivian asked as she leaned forward and patted her gloved hands.
Her insides vibrated with awareness and worry she could not explain. “I just have a strange feeling. My heart and mind are unsettled, but I cannot say about what.”
“Perhaps the dinner will take your mind off whatever troubles you, and you can relax and enjoy the night,” Vivian said as she leaned back against the navy, tufted squabs.
Once inside the Hadleys’ lovely townhome, Lilly found herself relaxing. She conversed with the other occupants of the small dinner affair in the large drawing room as they awaited the announcement for dinner. Redford sought her out and bowed. “Lady Langford, you look positively radiant this evening. I trust you enjoyed our ride in the park this afternoon?”
“Thank you. I enjoyed the ride, the company, and the fresh air very much.” Redford, the handsome gentleman that he was, looked splendid in shades of blue and cream. It was a bit much, but she’d learned from the short time of their acquaintance that he was a slave to current gentlemen’s fashion. He was the epitome of a dandy.
“May I inquire on Langford’s recovery?”
“He is the same as earlier today. But his spirits are high, which is very important in aiding his recuperation.”
“Having never been injured, I will take your word for it.”
“Since my papa was a vicar, I helped many of the village occupants during times of need and sickness. I sat at many bedsides, and I can tell you that those who kept a positive outlook healed faster than those who wallowed in self-pity or just couldn’t muster enough energy to fight for their lives.”
He dipped his head and looked contrite. “Forgive me. I hadn’t realized you had experience with the sick and healing. Tell me, what was it like being a vicar’s daughter?”
Her eyes studied his, looking for any sign of judgment, but she found none. “There were days I was kept busy helping Papa with his duties and aiding the villagers in one way or another. Other days were quiet, and I enjoyed the fresh country air.”
“Do you miss it?”
Surprised by his question and his interest, she answered truthfully, “Yes. I miss my papa and the people from the village that I grew up with. Even when I married I still lived nearby. And I miss my husband and the person I was then.” Melancholy gripped her chest, and she breathed deep to ease the ache. Lilly was shocked that the emotions buried beneath the surface had chosen this moment to emerge. And that a conversation with Redford, of all people, had caused it to happen.
“I’m sorry about your losses. It must be difficult for someone of your tender age to deal with.”
“Yes, well, thankfully, I have Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Dowager Baroness Connolly, and Langford. They are now my family, even if only by marriage. Speaking of which, I meant to express my own condolences during our ride today on the death of your cousin and inquire about his wife and children’s well-being.”
“Thank you regarding my cousin. Although, to be truthful I’d only met him a few times when I was a young lad. His wife and children are safely ensconced in my country house. They do not care for London.” A touch of sadness briefly took over his unusual silvery-blue eyes and then it was gone with the blink of his eyes. “Ah, the dinner gong.” Redford appeared relieved at the interruption to their conversation. “May I escort you into the dining room?”
As it was an informal affair, people were flowing into the dining room in no particular order. “Yes. That would be nice.” Lilly placed her hand on his arm as they strolled into the large room with a long, elaborately decorated rectangular table set for twenty. Lilly noticed she was sitting beside Redford. Was it coincidence, or had he spoken to Mrs. Hadley as he’d said he would? It didn’t matter, she supposed. Directly opposite her was Emmeline with Blackstone beside her. She was thrilled for her cousin. Perhaps this extra time together would knock some sense into the duke.
The table was set with elaborate cream, burgundy, and gold-edged china. The silverware was polished to a shine so bright and clear that Lilly knew if she picked up a spoon, she would see her reflection.
The first course was served, starting with a creamy turtle soup. It was delicious. Lilly had grown up in the country with simple food, and Henry had also enjoyed a simple diet. Since arriving in London, she had been acclimating her palate to the rich and creamy foods served at meals, but she preferred the heavy cream sauces to be served separately, which was how it was done at Emmeline’s home.
As the meal progressed, dishes and courses came and went, and she found it difficult to follow the numerous conversations going on around the table. Finally, Redford stopped conversing with Blackstone across the table, which was a faux pas during formal affairs but perfectly acceptable during small gatherings such as this, and turned to her.
“Are you unwell? You have hardly touched your food.”
Shocked that he’d noticed she replied, “I’m afraid I’m not very hungry this evening.” She glanced around the table, her face flushed, hoping nobody else had noticed. But most everyone else was either eating or talking, and not another person around the table paid any mind to her. Even Emmeline and Blackstone appeared to have become quickly engrossed in an intimate discussion. And Aunt Vivian had the attention of an older gentleman Lilly hadn’t the pleasure of being introduced to. By the pink of Aunt Vivian’s cheeks, the twinkle in her eyes, and the rapt attention she gave the man, she seemed quite taken with him. And why not? Falling in love was not just for the young. Aunt Vivian was still a strikingly attractive woman at fifty-five. And Lilly knew firsthand, since having married a man in his sixties, that age didn’t define a person. How wonderful would it be if Aunt Vivian found another husband or companion to spend the rest of her years with?
While her attention had been elsewhere, the third course of delicious-looking desserts—creamy custards, jellies, confections, and fruits—was served. Lilly nibbled on fruit and a confection filled with sweet blueberry jam.
Afterward, the ladies retired to the drawing room while the gentlemen remained to have port and cigars.
