Holiday Bride: Brides of Somerset Book Five Read online

  “Mr. Dalton, to see you, ma’am,” Ramsey announced.

  “Benjamin, come sit.” Mrs. Notley joined him on the sofa by the warm fire.

  “I just stopped in before I go into the office, how is Miss Wilson this morning?”

  “The poor dear is still asleep. I wanted to let Lillian sleep until she woke.”

  “I am posting a letter to Isabella this morning. I thought she might like to take Miss Wilson in.”

  “That is very kind of you, Benjamin, but I shouldn’t like to cause Isabella any more trouble with your mother.”

  He nodded. “Yes, I wouldn’t want that either.”

  “Do not worry, we shall take good care of Miss Wilson. I was just writing my niece Lady Eliza; I shall send her there. She will see that Miss Wilson is well supported.”

  Benjamin was relieved. He didn’t know much about Miss Wilson but suspected she came from a good family because of her speech and manners. Why she was forced to earn her keep he didn’t know. “I feel Miss Wilson must be of good breeding, I am not sure why she is on her own.”

  “Yes, I suspect you are right. Lillian told me of her uncle, whom she lived with after the death of her parents. Mr. Notley is investigating Miss Wilson’s claims. In the meantime, she will be outfitted and sent on the posting coach at the end of the week. I want to get her to Eliza’s before the roads become impassable.”

  Benjamin stood. “I knew you would help her. I can’t tell you what this means. I feel somewhat responsible for my mother's behavior. You have greatly eased my conscience.”

  “Nonsense Benjamin, you cannot be held responsible for your mother’s actions. You are a good man, and I thank you for trusting me to help.” Mrs. Notley’s eyes crinkled as she smiled up at him.

  She walked him to the door and said goodbye. Benjamin looked up at the cloudy sky and breathed in the damp air. He replaced his hat and started toward town. Benjamin would need to finish his work and make his way to Isabella before the roads became mucky, as well. He would just finish his shopping and then be on his way. Taking his horse would make the trip faster, avoiding the most impassable roads.

  He would have liked to send Miss Wilson to his sister, he wanted to see her again, but Mrs. Notley was right. Miss Wilson’s reputation was at stake.

  Chapter Three

  Lillian woke, it must be later, she hadn’t meant to sleep all morning, but it felt good not to be at someone's beck and call. A maid had brought a tray laden with biscuits and a pot of hot chocolate. The aroma made her tummy rumble. Lillian heard talk outside below her window as she tied her dressing gown.

  She walked to the window to observe Mrs. Notley talking to Benjamin. Lillian could just see the top of his tawny-gold hair before he covered it with his hat and walked toward town. His hair was always perfect, she wondered if it was ever out of place, his hair that is. She wondered if he had stopped by to ask after her? Suddenly her morning seemed brighter.

  “I am here to help you dress, miss.” The maid had laid out her gown.

  Lillian rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and washed her face. The maid helped her dress and styled her hair. The attention was welcomed, she missed having a maid since she left her uncle's house.

  “Lillian, did you get enough rest?” Mrs. Notley greeted her when she entered the parlor.

  “Yes, it has been a while since I’ve slept this late. Usually, I’m up at sunrise.” Lillian joined Mrs. Notley in a seat she indicated next to her. “I saw the young Mr. Dalton leaving this morning.”

  “Yes, Benjamin stopped by to see how you were. He was feeling guilty by the way his mother treated you. Now, Lillian, we need to make plans. I have written my niece Lady Eliza. I think it would be best for you to go to her.”

  “That’s very kind of you, Mrs. Notley, but I wouldn’t want to put the family to any trouble.” Lillian knew she would go, there was nothing left her for here, and her attempt to keep a roof over her head hadn’t worked out very well. She wasn’t used to keeping her opinions to herself, but she must adapt now that she had decided to strike out on her own.

  “You wouldn’t be any trouble dear, Miss Isabella, Benjamin’s sister left last year and my niece helped her, they were friends of course, but that’s where she met her husband, Lord Egerton.”

  “Yes, I have heard the story, from Mrs. Dalton’s point of view, of course.” Lillian chuckled. Mrs. Dalton didn’t have a very good opinion of Lady Isabella’s husband.

  Mrs. Notley joined her in the humor of it. “We have a lot to take care of if you are to be ready to leave at the end of the week.”

  “So soon?” Lillian’s head was still in a fog after leaving the Dalton home.

  “I know, dear, but the roads will soon be a mess in the country, and no one will be going anywhere till spring. You mentioned your uncle, Mr. Notley, is contacting him. What more can you tell me about your family?”

  “As I told you last night, I lived with my uncle after my parents died when I was eight. They treated me well, and until this past year, I felt like one of their own children. My aunt is a feisty, high-strung woman, and my three cousins are close in age, by the time my aunt and uncle had a son, the girls were nearly grown. I began to receive a large number of compliments compared to my cousins, and my aunt became concerned I may eclipse her girls and was not in a hurry to bring us out together.” Lillian bit her lip at the little white lie. She had decided to leave after her engagement. Well, it wasn’t an official engagement, but it was implied. The humiliation was there all the same when her gentleman, whose name she refused to utter, left her for a wealthier bride. She had decided then and there, men were no good, excluding her uncle, of course.

  Mrs. Notley nodded, “Yes, and so she sent you to Mrs. Dalton as a lady's companion.”

  “My uncle hoped she might chaperone me in society,” Lillian said, realizing now she had been too hasty to accept Mrs. Dalton’s offer.

  “I see, it wasn’t a bad idea, I am sure your aunt has her hands full with her own daughter’s. If your uncle had enquired further, he would have found Mrs. Dalton, an unsuitable chaperone for any young lady.” Mrs. Notley stood and rang the bell.

  “Madam.” The butler appeared.

  “Ramsey, will you have the carriage brought around in an hour?” Mrs. Notley stood. “Lillian, we are going to town, you will need some new gowns. That coat of yours simply will not do as the weather is turning cold.”

  “Mrs. Notley, I couldn’t let you dress me.” Lillian became alarmed. “Nonsense Lillian, I can’t send you off to the country without the proper attire. I am sure your parents didn’t leave you penniless. Mr. Notley will find out where you stand after talking with your uncle.”

  Lillian relaxed. “Yes, I do have an allowance and an inheritance, but it will not come to me until I am older. I am not sure of the particulars. My uncle handles everything.”

  “Mr. Notley will take care of the provisions. He is very good in these matters. But that shall not deter me from taking you shopping.” Mrs. Notley hurried her out of the room. “Now, run upstairs and get your cloak. We shall treat ourselves to luncheon while we are in town.”

  Lillian could not help but be enthused with Mrs. Notley’s exuberance. Lillian quickly gathered her cloak from her room.

  * * *

  Mr. Notley was in the breakfast parlor with his wife when Lillian joined them the next morning.

  “Lillian, Mr. Notley has spoken with your uncle.”

  Lillian sat, while a servant filled her cup. “What did my uncle tell you, Mr. Notley?” she held her breath. She hoped her uncle was discreet about her reasons for leaving his household.

  “You were right, my dear, your uncle has confirmed your parents left you with an inheritance to be disbursed when you reach four and twenty, unless you marry before then. He is authorized me to handle your very generous allowance, although it is not enough to support yourself, it will allow you to buy whatever you may need. When you arrive at Sir William’s, he will finish the paperwork and set up the drafts to be drawn quarterly at a local bank.” Mr. Notley seemed pleased.

  Four and twenty, that was five years from now. Discouragement settled in, for Lillian had hoped she would have independence when she turned one and twenty, then she would be able to support herself without the interference of a husband. She swallowed her disappointment and finished her meal. Her plan had just been derailed.

  “Your uncle was unhappy when he heard how Mrs. Dalton had taken advantage of you and was willing to let my niece’s family take you in.” He folded the paper he had been reading and laid it to the side. “I shall see you this evening, my dear.” Mr. Notley gave his wife a squeeze on the arm before leaving.

  “I think it has worked out quite nicely, Lillian. We will have you on a coach to Eliza’s on Friday. I hope you will not judge all ladies by Mrs. Dalton, it was a good idea for you to be a companion to a matron, with no mother to escort you, a titled dowager would certainly be your best solution, especially if all her children are settled.” Mrs. Notley nodded and sipped her tea. “I have so enjoyed hosting my nieces, Eliza, and now Joanne. Since I was blessed with only son’s, it has been a treat.”

  “Mrs. Notley, I am most grateful for all you and your husband have done and will take your suggestion into consideration.”

  Chapter Four

  The weather held, but it still took an extra day to arrive at the coaching Inn in south Somerset where she stood, crumpled note in her hand waiting on the boardwalk while people milled about. Even with the delayed arrival, Lillian hoped someone would be here to meet her. If not, she would hire a carriage.

  Lillian sat down on her trunk and waited. Within ten minutes, an impressive coach with a family crest embossed on the door pulled up, and a young livered black boy sitting next to the driver jumped down and approached. “Miss Wilson?” He bowed.

  “Yes, I am Miss Wilson.”

  Another footman followed from the back of the coach and started to load her luggage.

  “We have been looking for your arrival for the past two days. My mistress, Lady Eliza, sent us to fetch you.” The young boy opened the door to the coach.

  Lillian responded to his friendly demeanor with a smile. The young footman closed the door, and they soon were bumping their way to her new home.

  Lillian bit her lip when the coach pulled to a stop in the courtyard of an extensive estate home, chateau, or mansion, she couldn’t decide, while the young footman helped her to the ground. Lillian noticed her luggage was already being taken in the front door when a beautiful woman emerged.

  “I delivered Miss Wilson, found her sitting in front of the Inn.” The young footman informed her.

  “Thank you, Sam.” She moved toward Lillian, stopping at her side. “Miss Wilson, I am Lady Eliza, we are so glad you arrived safely. How were the roads?”

  “Fairly well until yesterday when we were delayed by a storm that muddy the roads until today.”

  “I was happy that my aunt sent you to me.” Lady Eliza walked Lillian into her home. “Let me show you your room so you may rest. You shall meet my family at dinner, until then, I will order a tray for you.” Lady Eliza escorted her to a large bedchamber, tastefully decorated in soft green, a fire burned in the grate. A maid was already unpacking, Lillian felt awkward. It must be the grandeur of the place. She had never met a countess or an earl. She hoped to meet Lady Isabella, Mr. Dalton’s sister.

  “Miss Wilson, you're so young to be tossed out on your own. I am glad you consented to come to us.”

  “Please, call me Lillian.” She looked around the room, a knot forming in her stomach.

  “Lillian, a pretty name. We shall talk later. I will leave you to rest.” Lady Eliza swept from the room, leaving Lillian to adjust on her own.

  Lady Eliza was elegant to Lillian’s young eyes. She seemed very gracious, relieving some of Lillian’s concerns. Only time would tell how she fit into this place. She wrapped her arms around her middle, gazing around the bedroom.

  “Miss Wilson, we have made a bath ready for you.” A maid guided Lillian into a private bath where she let the ministrations of the maid take over, relaxing under her care.

  “I have a tray for you. If you require anything, just ring this bell.” The maid pointed to a small pull rope by the door.

  Lillian relaxed and explored the room. Windows opened out onto the back of the house, where she could see the gardens. The room was furnished with a set of chairs and a small lounging couch. Ladies' magazines and a few books were scattered on a small table by the chair. Lillian sorted through the journals before settling down on the couch to enjoy her tray of food. She chose a gothic novel and settled on the bed to read.

  * * *

  The maid returned to help Lillian dress in a new gown and styled her hair. Lilian began to feel normal again.

  She heard voices as she approached the sitting-room following the butler.

  “Lillian.” Lady Eliza welcomed her as she entered the parlor. “I hope you have recovered from your journey?”

  “Yes, thank you.” Lillian gave her a small curtsy.

  “My husband, Sir William.”

  Striking handsome dark eyes greeted her. “Welcome to our home, Miss Lillian.”

  Lillian was surprised by his kind manner, unpretentious for one of his ranking.

  “And may I introduce, Lady Isabella and Lord Egerton.” Lady Eliza introduced Benjamin Dalton’s sister, who gave her a pleasing smile.

  Her heart skipped a beat.

  She was more like her brother than her mother, Lillian thought, as she gave the couple a deep curtsy as she had been taught.

  “Miss Lillian, come and sit with us.” Lady Isabella guided her to a sofa by the fire with Lady Eliza, who sat in a chair facing them. The gentlemen had retreated while the ladies made themselves comfortable.

  Lillian blinked, amazed at the kind, cheerful friendliness that exuded from Lady Isabella toward her, a complete stranger. She was different from her mother in every way. It was hard to believe that the woman had born her and treated her in such a dreadful way.

  “My brother wrote about your coming, and we are so pleased we could help in some way. I know how unfeeling my mother can be.” Lady Isabella reassured her.

  Lillian nodded, unsure of how to respond. Mrs. Dalton was beyond unfeeling and downright selfish.

  “My aunt Helena wrote as well and had given us a little of your history. She suggests you are in need of a chaperone to guide you through your coming out. Is that correct?” Lady Eliza gazed into her eyes.

  Lillian nodded, overwhelmed at all this attention directed at herself.

  “My… uncle had hoped Mrs. Dalton would help me, but that did not work out the way we thought, I spoke out of turn, and I have ended up here.”

  “Well, you shall not worry, this is just the thing we love to do. Is it not Isabella?”

  “Oh, yes.” Lady Isabella agreed.

  “We are going to Lady Susan’s for tea tomorrow. Her mother-in-law, the dowager countess, will know how to find just the right chaperon for you. Do not worry, and in the meantime, we shall welcome you for the Holidays.” Lady Eliza’s eyes were kind.

  Lillian was glad her plight was bringing someone joy because she was still feeling a bit out of place, not sure what was in her future with so many years to wait before she could find a place of her own.

  Dinner was a warm affair, the gentlemen laughing with their wives and family conversations about the children. Lillian found herself becoming more comfortable as the evening wore on, and it ended with music provided by Lady Eliza on the pianoforte. Lady Isabella and Lord Egerton retired to their home, and Lady Eliza walked her to her room.

  “Lillian, you shall meet our son at breakfast. I hope you have a better rest this evening. I bid you good night till tomorrow.”

  “Thank you, Lady Eliza, you have been most gracious.” Lillian closed the door and leaned against it as she thought about all that had been talked about.

  Chapter Five

  Lillian smiled at the noise and laughter coming from the breakfast room. Sir William was joking with his young son, and the child thought it great fun. Sir William stood as did the young boy when she entered.

  “Lillian, I hope you rested well?” Lady Eliza smiled.

  “Thank you, I did.” Lillian watched Eliza’s son.

  “I would like you to meet Master George.” The young boy greeted her with a jolly smile and gave her a small bow. Lillian greeted him and sat while the gentlemen returned to their seats.

  “I have sent word to Lady Susan, and she is expecting our visit this morning. Do you ride, Miss Lillian?”

  “Very little, I hadn’t much chance at my uncles. But I would like to.” Lillian said.

  “Then we must see that you do. We will take the buggy this morning.” Lady Susan brightened.

  “I should like to ride, mother.” Master George spoke up.

  “I think that’s an excellent idea. Why don’t we go this morning?” Sir William laid his napkin aside and stood. Master George jumped up and followed his father.

  “We will see you later, then. Eliza, do not frighten Miss Wilson with your driving.” Sir William gave Lady Eliza a wink and followed after Master George, who was leaving the room.

  Eliza laughed and waved her hand as her boys exited the breakfast parlor. “I think little George would live in the stables if we let him.”

  “It is very kind of you to let me ride, I do need some practice and a new riding habit. Your uncle, Mr. Notley, said Sir William would help me access my funds.”

  “I will speak to him. In the meantime we can go into town tomorrow if you like?”

  “Oh, that would be perfect.” Lillian finished her meal, excited to have something to look forward to. Horse riding had been a passion of hers before her parents had died. She didn’t get much chance at her uncle's. It would be wonderful to explore the countryside. To be able to have a horse of her own. But she would be happy with what Lady Eliza provided. She knew in her heart someday life would turn, and she would be in charge of it. Just watching Lady Eliza with her family gave Lillian hope for her future.