The Wraith and the Rose Read online

  He looked at them evaluatingly, then said, “Come with me.” They followed him through a marble-tiled hallway to a luxurious sitting room as large as their house. “Wait here, please.”

  They stood in the middle of the room, unsure whether they were actually meant to sit upon the silk-upholstered chairs. Oliver rubbed his hands upon his trousers nervously. Lily played with the handle of her reticule, trying to imagine what they might say and wondering how silly and strange he might think them both.

  Several minutes later, a man about ten years older than Oliver strode into the room.

  “Good morning,” he said neutrally. “I am Robert Weldon, an assistant to His Royal Highness. Please sit down.” He indicated two chairs and sat across from them. “His Royal Highness asked me to listen to your request.”

  He looked at them expectantly. His hair was a medium brown liberally sprinkled with silver, though his face was young.

  Oliver repeated his introduction of himself and Lily and their request. Despite Oliver’s apparent confidence, Lily nearly cringed at the awkwardness of the request. She suddenly realized that it sounded as if they meant to gawk at the poor children, as if they were mere spectacles for pity, not human beings.

  She blurted, “I wish we could do more. Is there anything we can do?”

  Mr. Weldon regarded them steadily. “The children are not available for visitors unless approved by His Royal Highness. Do you wish to apply for such approval?”

  “Yes,” said Oliver.

  “What do you think you can offer the children?” The question was not accusatory or unkind, merely neutral, but it served to make Lily feel even sillier than before.

  She swallowed. “I was hoping we might read to them, or I could teach the girls needlework. Perhaps deportment, or whatever else His Royal Highness would like taught.”

  Mr. Weldon’s gaze softened almost imperceptibly, and he said, “What is your motive, then? Altruism?””

  Oliver said, “I think it is shameful how the poor children have been treated by the Fair Folk, and especially so for the ones who have no home to return to in Aricht. It’s nearly a patriotic duty to show them that Valestria is too honorable to abandon them to the streets, is it not?”

  Lily added softly, “I feel so sorry for them. Maybe we can’t offer much, but I would like to do what we can.”

  Her brother added, “Anyway, I would like to aid the Wraith, but since I don’t know who he is or how to do so, the next best thing is to aid the children he risks himself for.”

  “What would you do for the Wraith?”

  Oliver blinked. “I don’t know. I have next to no magic of my own, but I should certainly like to be of service if I could. He’s doing God’s work, and making all of Valestria proud. I’d do whatever he asked, I should think.”

  Mr. Weldon asked them other questions, about their family, their home in Haven-by-the-Sea, their family finances, their friendships in the city, their opinion of Lord Willowvale, and their knowledge of the Fair Folk in general. At last, he stood and said, “I will make my report to His Royal Highness. You will receive a letter with his decision in a few days. Good day.”

  They departed, feeling both elated and oddly spent. They had asked the carriage to wait for them, so they clambered back into it and headed home.

  As the gate was opened to let them out of the palace grounds, a horse and rider trotted in and passed them, heading toward the palace.

  “That’s Theo Overton!” said Oliver in surprise. “Father said he was close friends with His Royal Highness, but I did not think to see him today.”

  Lily shrugged. “I suppose it is like me visiting Araminta, although the palace is more impressive than the Poole estate.”

  “You’re right.” Oliver leaned back against the seat as the coach bumped into the street. “That was exhausting.”

  Lily could only agree. She found herself dozing over her embroidery that afternoon. The excitement of seeing the palace, and the anticipation of actually being able to help the children in some small way, dissipated into a drowsy contentment broken only by the delivery of a vase of white flowers and a little note.

  Dear Miss Hathaway,

  Please accept these as a token of my esteem and my eager anticipation of seeing your beauty next week.

  Humbly yours,

  Theo Overton, IV

  She inspected the flowers with interest, then referenced the book Araminta had loaned her recently. White lily-of-the-valley indicted sweetness and humility; presumably at least the humility was a reference to his own attitude. Sweet woodruff also signified humility. A gorgeous white rose indicated innocence. Gardenia blossoms signified that he thought her lovely. The foliage, too, carried a message. Fern fronds told her he was fascinated, and ivy signified affection, friendship, and fidelity.

  Lily blushed as she smelled the rose and gardenias again.

  One morning not long afterward, a letter arrived as the Hathaways were finishing breakfast.

  His Royal Highness the Prince of Valestria and its vassal states has approved the application of Mr. Oliver Hathaway and Miss Lilybeth Hathaway for admission into the Royal Children’s Home. You are adjured to keep all conversations within the home, with the children, staff, and other visitors, in utter and complete confidence. No word shall be said of the children, the staff, activities at the home, or anything else, outside the home, and nothing relating to the children or the home or its activities shall be shared with anyone other than His Royal Highness under any circumstances.

  The seal of the prince shone below in gold ink, and below that, there was a handwritten addendum that read:

  In confidence, I entreat you to respect the privacy and safety of the children above all.

  HRH Selwyn Alberdale

  Below this was written the address of the children’s home.

  “Let’s go!” Lily said in excitement. “I will pack some of my embroidery, and you must bring a story to read to the children.”

  Oliver acquiesced, and they were soon off.

  The coach drew up in front of the house. “Please come back in three hours,” said Oliver to the driver. He helped Lily down from the coach and gallantly offered his arm to her for the short walk down the path to the door.

  The home was a spacious brick home at the end of a line of similar houses only one block from the palace wall. The entire adjoining block was bordered by high brick walls, and only the tops of a few trees could be seen waving above the uppermost bricks. A little garden surrounded by a white fence with a gate separated the rambling house from the street. The walls around the adjoining block bordered the garden and went right up to the house, so there was no way to see into the sheltered space. Climbing roses bloomed pink and yellow on white columns supporting a roof over the broad patio fronting the building, and more roses lined the edges of the yard. Delphiniums, lavender, and yellow irises bloomed in front of the patio, and two large planters flanked the door, overflowing with phlox, foxgloves, and hollyhocks.

  The effect was both welcoming and calming, and Lily’s heart warmed toward the prince for providing such a lovely refuge for the poor children. The king, who allowed his son such autonomy in his charity, received a little of her gratitude too.

  Oliver raised his hand to knock when the door opened and someone began to step out.

  “Mr. and Miss Hathaway!” Theo Overton exclaimed in delight. “How unexpected!” His voice was light and friendly. For a moment, Lily thought there was an odd, wary look in his eyes, but then she was sure she had imagined it.

  “Sir Theo?” Oliver blinked in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

  “Just Theo, if you please.” He beamed at them, as if nothing more lovely had ever been seen in all the world. “Your beauty has startled me, Miss Hathaway. I have such sweet memories of dancing with you at Lord Radclyffe’s ball, but the light did not do you justice.”

  Her cheeks heated, and she tried to think of something clever to say. “Sir, you compliment me too genero
usly. We are here to see the children, to see if we might cheer them with stories or embroidery. We want to help.” She looked up at him inquisitively. “Why are you here, sir?”

  He frowned at them both in mock anger. “Please just call me Theo. My father is the baronet, not me. Anyway, I was just leaving.”

  “If you’re to be just Theo to us, you must call me Oliver as well,” Oliver said.

  “Were you here to see the children too?” Lily pressed curiously.

  Theo scoffed gently. “His Royal Highness asked me to come to see if the accommodations were adequate. He knows how spoiled I am and wants to be sure the children are treated well by the crown. Who better to evaluate that than a pampered fop?”

  Oliver stepped back and looked the other man up and down. His clothes were cut of the finest cloth and fitted by the best tailors to his lean, elegant figure, but they were not as extravagantly and frivolously overdone as might be expected. “Theo, I don’t actually believe that excuse,” Oliver said finally. “Why are you really here?”

  Theo sighed softly and leaned in conspiratorially. Drawn in by his manner, they leaned close to hear him say, “All right. You’ve caught me. You must know my family is rather wealthy. We contribute a little to the expenses of the house. The children require good food to regain their strength, and we’ve retained several tutors to teach them. There is also the housekeeper, who ought to be paid well for the good care she provides them. I cannot do much for the poor children, but if my money can provide anything to comfort the poor souls, I am happy to provide it. It is little enough sacrifice on my part, and it’s patriotism besides.” He raised a finger to his lips. “Don’t tell anyone, though. It’s much easier if everyone thinks I’m entirely selfish.”

  Oliver laughed quietly. “I don’t think anyone believes you’re selfish. You have quite a good reputation.”

  Theo straightened as if affronted. “I am so! I am utterly and completely self-absorbed.” His eyes danced, as if he were playing a great trick on the world, and letting them in on it were infinitely amusing. “Besides, I don’t want credit for sharing something I have more than enough of, anyway. There’s nothing admirable in that.”

  Lily smiled kindly at him. “All the same, it is generous of you.”

  A faint flush crept over his cheeks, and he bowed. “Well, I cannot deny that I wish you to think well of me, but I entreat you to keep it to yourselves. I have a reputation to maintain, you know.”

  “As you wish,” said Oliver reluctantly.

  Theo held her gaze until she nodded, then bowed again, kissing the tips of her fingers with exquisite courtesy. “Thank you, Oliver, and thank you, Miss Hathaway. You have my deepest, humblest gratitude.” Then he walked away as if he hadn’t a care in the world. He stepped out of the garden and into a carriage that had drawn up and was apparently waiting for him.

  “Was that odd?” Lily murmured to Oliver. “I think it was odd.”

  Oliver frowned thoughtfully. “He’s an odd one, I think. Nice, though.”

  Lily smiled, thinking of Theo’s dancing eyes and the warmth of his smile. “Yes, he is kind.”

  Her brother looked back at her. “You could do worse, actually. I do think he’s serious about you.”

  Lily looked down, trying to hide the flush of her cheeks.

  Oliver knocked on the door, and a woman about the age of their mother welcomed them into a spacious vestibule papered in cheerful white and gold. Oliver presented the letter from the prince.

  “Yes, I was informed that you were to be admitted if you came. I’m Essie Porter.” She smiled warmly. “Would you like a tour?”

  “Yes, please,” Lily replied. They followed Essie through the well-lit hall to an enclosed garden in the back of the house. Surrounded by high brick walls adorned by climbing roses, the expansive garden boasted a spreading oak near one corner and a broad, well-kept lawn. Flower beds lined each wall, filled with fading tulips, bright daisies, more delphiniums, and half a dozen other flowers. The whole space seemed designed to be both beautiful and engaging. A wooden swing hung from an oak bough, and a scuffed area beneath showed that the children enjoyed it often.

  “This is the garden, as you can see. The children breakfast at seven every morning, for we believe a schedule is beneficial for them after their strange experiences. Then they come here to play for an hour before beginning their studies. They study arithmetic, literature, music, and practical skills. Both boys and girls are taught how to sew buttons, bake bread, clean and cook a chicken, wash clothes and dishes, and keep track of household expenses. The program is quite progressive, I believe.” The pride in her voice was evident.

  She led them inside and down another hall to a room where nine boys and girls sat at tables watching a middle-aged man read aloud from a thick book. The man’s spectacles hung over his nose, and he made faces as he adjusted his voice for the different characters in the story.

  “He seems to enjoy his work,” Lily said.

  Essie smiled. “He does.” The warmth in her voice made Lily look at her more closely, and the other woman added, “John is my husband these thirty-four years.”

  “Is this all the children?” Oliver inquired.

  “No, some of them are having a cooking lesson with Sadie, and some are sewing today. I’ll show you.” Essie led them to the detached kitchen, where a group of younger students crowded around a table.

  A ruddy-faced young woman was watching each of her young charges pinch the edges of the pies in front of them. She looked up and grinned. “Mrs. Essie! We’re almost done except for the baking. We have six chicken and vegetable and four raspberry pies.”

  Lily gaped. “Raspberry?”

  The young woman gave her a thoughtful look, then turned her gaze toward Essie.

  Essie nodded. “This is Miss Lilybeth Hathaway and her brother Mr. Oliver Hathaway. They came to spend time with the children, if there was any way to help.”

  The children in this group looked to be between the ages of six and nine, though Lily wasn’t sure of that. She didn’t have much experience guessing the ages of children. They stared at her and Oliver cautiously, then looked back at Essie.

  Sadie nodded. “All right. You can come outside with us for their afternoon snack and play if you like. I’ll just get these pies in the ovens.”

  Essie answered Lily’s question Sadie had ignored. “We have a glass hothouse along the eastern wall. It isn’t large, but we’ve been able to grow some delicious fruits in it to supplement the children’s diets.”

  “Theo has been quite generous,” Lily murmured.

  Essie shot her a sidelong glance. “Indeed.” She shooed them out after the children and pulled Sadie aside to speak into her ear for a moment. The younger woman nodded, then followed them out to the garden.

  What followed was not only a light-hearted, enjoyable afternoon, but one that provoked much thought when Lily and Oliver departed.

  Both were lost in contemplation on the drive back to their house in the city. It still didn’t exactly feel like home, but it was familiar and comfortable, if not luxurious, and they were happy to return as daylight faded.

  Over a simple dinner that evening, Oliver said thoughtfully to his father, “Does it profit a man to be generous if no one sees it?”

  “It is beneficial for his character,” Sir Jacob said promptly. “And for those who receive his generosity.”

  “Indeed.” Oliver nodded. “What of his friends who do not know of it, and think the worse of him for it?”

  Sir Jacob frowned. “What an odd question. I would speculate in that case that such a man likely has a reason, even if only humility. In any case, it speaks well of him that he doesn’t want accolades for his good deeds.”

  The very next day Theo attended a garden party hosted by Lord and Lady Stewart and was disappointed to discover that the Hathaways had not been invited. He danced with the ladies once each, as was expected of all able-bodied men, and offered sunny smiles and compliments to everyon
e, as he usually did.

  Lord Willowvale arrived not long after Theo did, though Theo doubted he had been invited at all, and greeted Lord Stewart with icy courtesy. Theo watched with interest as the Fair lord snarled at everyone in turn. The prince was not present, so Theo merely waited until Lord Willowvale had run out of more important people to insult and approached him.

  “Good evening, Lord Willowvale,” he said with a smile and a bow.

  “Is it?” The fairy gave him the slightest possible bow and turned to survey the other guests.

  Lady Stewart had clearly been disappointed by Theo’s interest in Lily, and took the opportunity to encourage him to dance with her daughter Lady Sophia Stewart a second time. He demurred, pleading fatigue, and escaped to the side, where he listened to Lord Stewart telling an anecdote he thought amusing about some long-past hunting trip with far more delight than the story merited.

  Dinner with the Hathaways would be infinitely more enjoyable.

  Chapter 5

  The Dinner Party

  Two days later, Sir Jacob hired a carriage to take them to the Overton estate for the much anticipated dinner party. He had enquired how long it would take to reach the estate, and learned that the Overtons lived several miles outside the city in a spacious, luxurious manor and the surrounding acreage.

  Lily wore her nicest dress that wasn’t a ball gown. It was a demure blue, with delicate white lace around the modest neckline and wrists and white roses and lilies of the valley she had embroidered all around the hem the previous winter. Though it wasn’t the height of fashion for dinner parties, the blue set off her grey-blue eyes and brown hair. The waistline nipped in flatteringly, and, most importantly, she felt pretty when she wore it.

  Oliver and her father looked dashing in deep blue dinner coats that coordinated with her dress, and her mother had chosen a dress of a deeper blue. Lily thought the men looked dashing, and her mother beautiful.