Romancing a Wallflower

been confined to a wheel-chair, had she entertained gentlemen callers. She was not sure she had the stomach for it. Moving her chair close to her bed, she locked the brake and transferred herself to her bed, something she found doable using the strength of her arms.
“I can see that you are trying to wriggle out of whatever wonderful thing is about to happen, and I will not allow it, little sister!” Lydia cheerfully bounded into the room in her usual hoydenish fashion and jumped on the bed beside her. “Tell me everything!”
“Little sister? We are the same age!” Lilian playfully swatted at her twin. “You know quite well I am the elder…”
“By mere seconds. You took your time in greeting the world too, I will add. In fact, according to Mama, I chased you out! I was directly on your heels.” Lydia’s voice was full of cheer.
“I am ready to tell all.” As she recounted her time with Lord Harlow, she realized that she had a much better evening than she had imagined and looked forward to seeing him again.
“That cannot be all. I must hear everything. Hurry!” Lydia prodded gently. As she spoke, Lydia put her finger up and they stopped talking long enough to listen for anyone walking outside in the hall, making sure their mother had not heard their comments. She had a way of creeping up on them. When convinced her mother was nowhere near, Lydia continued, “Practice your fractious face. As you know, Mama can go from being gleeful to—figuratively at least—skewering a person in a heartbeat when crossed,” she said.
They dearly loved their mother but her overbearing presence of late had become difficult. Indulging an occasional, private joke was their only comic relief. Perhaps it was her way of dealing with Lilian’s disability. Whatever had provoked it, Mama had become fierce in her drive to find matches for both her daughters, and seemed to forget that she had, at one time, encouraged their marrying for love. Lilian realized that most of this effort was because of her injuries.
“Come on, then, blow the gab.”
“I beg your pardon?” Lilian feigned surprise, although the slang term was familiar from the many hours they had spent in the stables.
“Tell me. What did he say? I saw him sit next to you and speak. I stepped on poor Yarstone’s foot when Lord Harlow sat down.”
Lilian beamed. Of all things, she wanted to tell Lydia. “Oh, very well!” She threw up her hands in a show of mock surrender. “He walked over to me with Mama. She introduced him and then left reluctantly. I could tell she wished to stay. It is my belief he asked Mama to introduce him.” Lilian felt her grin stretch until it took up so much of her face it hurt. Closing her eyes, she summoned his image. She had tried for months to recall the man who had rescued her. Lydia had described him as handsome; even now, Lilian could not recall his features from a year ago. What she remembered was his scent. It was the same fragrance which had assailed her tonight. “He asked me to go for a drive tomorrow.”
“Really? That is marvellous!” Lydia jumped up and down and clapped her hands furiously. “I am so happy for you, my sweet sister.”
“What are you happy for, my dear?” The door opened and her mother walked in with a maid following behind her, carrying a tray. “I know you have had a tea tray. I thought, perhaps, a small cup of chocolate would make the night more restful.”
“Mama, that is so thoughtful. You know how I love chocolate.” Lydia reached for the cup.
“What were you girls talking about just now? Why are you so happy, my dear?” Mama looked at Lydia.
“Mama,” the words gushed from Lydia’s mouth as water from a pump. “Lord Harlow has asked to take my darling sister for a drive tomorrow. I think he means to court her.”
“Lydia!” Lilian flushed.
“Well, my dears, it seems tonight was a success for both my daughters.” She sat between them and hugged them to her, then looked at Lilian.
“Please, Mama,” Lilian pleaded. “Please do not expect anything to become of his attentions. He is just being solicitous and wished to meet me to assure himself of my good health.”
“Nonsense. That man has been wanting to meet you for a year. Your father has mentioned that Lord Harlow has inquired often, mostly through a messenger, of your health. I am hopeful for both of you.” She kissed first Lilian and then Lydia on the top of the head before leaving the room.
“I think Mama does know best, this time.” Lydia squeezed Lilian’s hand. “I am for my bed. Good night, dearest.” So saying, she also departed.
Lilian lay and watched the candlelight dance effortlessly on the soft blue and white printed wallpaper of her room. Feeling her eyes about to close, she forced herself to sit up and blow out the candle on the walnut night-table and then, lay back and smoothed the covers over herself. Her curtains were slightly apart and allowed a sliver of moonlight to enter. She stared at the light on the ceiling, imagining it as starlight. Shutting her eyes tight, she made a small wish. Tonight, she asked the stars that her mother would be right. Tonight, every part of Lilian hoped it could be true.

Chapter 4
The next morning, Harlow whistled in the crisp morning air as he drove the short distance to Lord Avalon’s Mayfair town house. The weather had cooperated, his neckcloth did not pinch, and Cook had provided his favourite dishes for breakfast. Everything was right with the world. And, most important of all, he would see the woman who had occupied so many of his dreams of late—in a matter of minutes.
He was so caught up in his musings, he nearly missed the furious sounds of horses running down the street. Looking up, he spotted a black coach drawn by black horses