Lilias swallowed convulsively. Now was her chance. Her mother had given her the perfect opportunity to tell her, but Lilias’s mouth would not form the words. She was frozen by guilt.
Mama squeezed her hand. “You do not wish to wed Blackwood.” It was a statement, softly spoken. Lilias’s heart pounded, and she wasn’t even sure if she nodded. Her mother continued. “But you would for me and Nora.”
“I intended to,” Lilias sobbed, “but Mama, it’s complicated.”
Her mother nodded. “Life always is, dearest. Does your hesitation have to do with the Duke of Greybourne, perchance?”
“Yes.” She groaned. “But we can never be together. That is not the only reason I do not wish to wed Blackwood, though.”
“Why could you not be together? Does he think himself too good for you?”
Lilias smiled at her mother’s protective tone. She had not heard it in so many years.
“No, it’s not that.” She took a deep breath and told her mother what she knew of Nash and how he blamed himself for both his brother’s death and Owen’s accident, and that he would never allow himself a future with her because of Owen. Then she explained how Owen had lied and told Nash she had kissed him.
“Oh, dear, that is an unfortunate turn of events. And what of you? If you didn’t have to wed Blackwood, would you fight for a future with the Duke of Greybourne, even though he might reject you?”
“Yes,” she whispered without hesitation. “I would fight for him until I had no fight left.”
Mama grinned. “Then it’s a very good thing you don’t have to wed Blackwood.”
Confusion and hope filled Lilias. “How can you say that?”
Her mother held up the papers. “Your uncle came here to tell me he’s seen the error of his ways.”
“Uncle Simon?” Lilias could hardly imagine.
“I was surprised, as well, but he has given me Charingworth Manor, and he has paid all your father’s debts. You are free!” Her mother frowned. “Well, thetonwill consider you ruined, but I don’t care and neither should you. I’m tired of caring what people of thetonthink. It has nearly killed me. Don’t let the man you love simply walk away from you. Though, I daresay you have some explaining to do as to how you came to love a man I do not even know.” Her mother eyed her sternly.
Lilias took a deep breath once again and shared her adventures years before in the Cotswolds with her mother. Once she was done talking, silence fell.
Her mother looked contemplative for a moment. “I fear I did you an injustice not to stand firmer with your father on the companion and not keeping my own eye upon you.” Worry and guilt etched her mother’s face.
Lilias took her hand and squeezed it. “No, Mama. I had a wonderful childhood. Truly.” She realized in that moment how true it was. No, she had not felt protected as many girls did, but that had made her into the woman she was now. A strong one. One who would bear theton’sscorn and fight for the man she loved. One who would carve her own path as her father had wished her to do.
Her mother pursed her lips and then said, “Be that as it may, first thing tomorrow, I’m going to secure you and Nora a companion. Your father had such a force of will, and I, well, I was no match for him. And then I was just trying to survive the financial problems and my sadness. Your father made you strong. I see that. Let me do my part to protect you.”
It seemed easier not to argue against the companion, and if she knew Mama, who had always had a horrible time making decisions, it would be a while before a companion would be secured. That was time enough to plot with Guinevere about Nash and address the problem of securing Helen’s manuscript.
“Oh!” Mama said, sifting through the papers she was holding and plucking a sealed letter out. She extended it to Lilias. “This came from Blackwood.”
Lilias quickly tore it open and read.
Dearest Lilias,
I’ve returned to Town, and I shall call on you this afternoon. I cannot wait to see you.
Yours,
Owen
Anger with Owen flared as Lilias folded the note and looked at her mother. “Blackwood is to call upon me this afternoon, and—”
A scratch at the bedchamber door interrupted Lilias. “My lady,” the butler called out, “Lord Blackwood is here to call upon Lady Lilias. Shall I see him to the drawing room?”
“Yes, do,” her mother replied. She stood and motioned for Lilias to do the same. “Go on, darling. Time to take your future into your own hands. You cannot win the man who has your heart until you break this betrothal.”
She wasn’t at all certain she could win Nash even after the betrothal was broken, but she was going to try. This was likely her last chance. He loved her. He’d practically said so. If only he’d accept that their love had the power to heal the scars on his heart, as it had done with hers.
