Romancing a Wallflower

could not help hearing Lady Lydia’s whispered request.
The room offered a bright and cheery respite from the world, and Harlow imagined they must use it more than just when they received guests. A soft yellow and blue damask wallpaper covered the walls. Light blue velvet curtains framed the front window, hanging over thin curtains. The delicate fabric beckoned light into the room. A deep blue velvet settee with walnut edging sat against the far wall, and a yellow and white striped winged-back chair stood in a slight, diagonal angle from the wall opposite the door. Resting on a small, adjacent wooden table was a vase of potted greenery. To his left, near the door, a tall walnut secretaire, with colourful leather-bound books lining two upper shelves, stood sentry against the wall.
Looking beyond the twin sister and her mother, Harlow spotted his quarry sitting in her chair near an over-large window, holding a small blue book which she had evidently been reading. Lady Lilian placed her book in her lap and looked up at him, smiling shyly.
His mouth ran dry and he suddenly felt as if he had stuffed it with cotton. He tried to swallow and clear it; coughing instead, he was left feeling very much like a tongue-tied schoolboy of twelve. Unnerved, he thrust the handful of forget-me-nots in front of him, wiping with his free hand at sudden moisture that had formed over his brow. This is a new occurrence. When has giving flowers to any woman ever made me nervous? I have never been at a loss for words. This woman—the woman who has haunted my dreams—appears to have affected all cogent parts of my being. Tomfool! Despite the inner turmoil, he pressed forward.
“These are for you, Lady Lilian.”
“My lord, what lovely flowers!” Her hands gripped the wheels of her chair to move them.
“Lilian…please, my dear, allow me to help you.” Her mother stood up and moved towards Lady Lilian, and released the brake on the chair, pushing it closer to the parlour couch.
Lady Lilian relaxed her arm. Harlow stepped closer, continuing to chastise himself for acting like an idiot.
“Thank you, Mama,” Lady Lilian replied. She accepted the flowers from Harlow, and lifting them to her nose, inhaled deeply. “Thank you, sir. They are a favourite of mine. They smell lovely.
A deep voice sounded from behind him. “Lord Yarstone, my lady.”
“Please show him…in…” Lady Lydia’s voice faltered. Glancing up, Harlow was in time to see the withering look she received from her mother.
“Thank you, Chambers,” Lady Avalon answered tersely. Harlow recalled seeing his father deliver a similar look, once upon a time, and swallowed, suddenly feeling sympathy for Lydia.
“Lord Harlow, I had not expected to see you.” Richard, Viscount Yarstone, stiffened and slowly withdrew a large bunch of white roses from behind his back.
“Relax,” Harlow uttered under his breath. Yarstone appeared slightly more irritated each time they met near the DeLacey sisters. Clearing his throat, he said aloud, “Lady Lilian, are you still amenable to a drive in the park?”
Lilian nodded. “I should be pleased to accompany you, sir, if…” She looked up at her mother. “Mama?”
“Lord Harlow, of course, nothing could be more acceptable.” The Countess beamed. “Do not forget your pelisse, my dear. There is a slight chill in the air today,” she added, accepting the flowers from Lilian.
“Lady Lydia, these are for you,” Yarstone spoke, holding out his spray to Lilian’s twin.
“Oh my, white roses! They are so beautiful.” Lady Lydia sniffed them and smiled at the Viscount.
“Lady Lydia, it is a pleasant day. I was hoping…would you care to join me for a ride in my phaeton?” Lord Yarstone shifted on his feet, seemingly nervous.
The Countess did not wait for her daughter to answer. “She would indeed, sir. You are very kind to so indulge her. You gentlemen have chosen a beautiful day for a turn about the park.” She accepted Lydia’s flowers and cast a quick look at Lilian.
“Do try not to get into trouble, my dears,” she chided gently.
Harlow caught the look of hope in Lady Avalon’s eyes. He could only imagine the strain that the family had been under these past many months. A pang of guilt attacked his heart. He still had not determined the origin of the shot which had caused the accident and try as he might, could not shake the fear that his earlier inquiries in Tintagel connected him to this tragedy.
“We will return in two hours, my lady.” he offered.
The Countess looked warily at him. “A footman will assist Lady Lilian into the carriage, sir.” She tugged on a rope near the settee. A knock on the door quickly followed it and Winston entered on his mistress’ command.
“It appears we shall have a beautiful day together. Shall we adjourn to the park, ladies?” Lord Yarstone held the parlour door open for the group to depart, a look of unbridled delight in his eyes. He held out his arm to Lydia, and the two of them led the small group to the phaeton and curricle waiting outside.
“Wait! Cook sent this for you, m’ladies.” Clara came scurrying behind them with another maid, each carrying a picnic basket and a blanket. “In case you become hungry,” she added, smiling at the two young ladies.
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Clara,” Lilian said kindly. “Lord Harlow, Clara is our maid.”
Harlow nodded. “That was very nice of you, Clara.”
“Now, be off with you or the day will be done afore you get there!” Clara adjoined, waving to the four of them as they pulled away from the house.
I will let nothing mar this day, Harlow thought to himself. His stomach contracted when he glanced at the beautiful woman sitting beside him, and he allowed a small smile to shape his mouth. His mother would be pleased, and he should be happy, and he would be, if he could quell the agitation he felt roiling in the pit of his stomach.

Chapter 5
It was a wonderful day for a picnic in