From the Ashes

Chapter Forty-six

Richard picked the young girl up in his arms. "Fetch me some smelling salts." He carried young Lily back to the study.

Albert returned with the vinaigrette, opened the lid, and waived the mixture of vinegar and ammonium carbonate under the young maid's nose. Her eyes flew open and she began to cough. Quickly, her eyes took in the scene before her.

Richard could see her trying desperately to work out in her mind if escape were possible. Her eyes darted quickly around the room. He had seen such a look in captured prisoners, eager to getaway. Then he saw the resignation of her situation settle in.

"That's right, Lily. There is nowhere to run. What were you doing in Lady Catherine's room?"

"Just replacing the linens, sir," Lily said with a trembling bottom lip.

"I think not, Lily," Albert said, "that work had been done ages ago and as no one is staying in that room. There would be no need."

Lily began to wring her hands in worry.

"We must have the truth now, Lily," Richard spoke softly although he wanted to shake the young waif and demand what she knew.

"Please, sir. I meant no harm."

"Why were you in the room?" Richard asked kneeling down, so he was no longer towering over her. He knew his stature could be intimidating and her whole body had begun to tremble in fear.

"My sister has gone missing, Lily. It is imperative that we find her."

Lily's eyes widened at the news. "They promised. They told me no one would be hurt. I would have never agreed, even if my mother's care had stopped. I would have found another way."

"Your Mother," Albert said, "She is unwell."

"Near death's door, sir. But they promised her care, and she is getting better."

She looked imploringly at Richard. "I never meant anyone harm. I would have never agreed."

"I know, Lily," Richard said wishing to calm the girl, so she could collect her thoughts and speak with some sense. "You are not in any trouble here. We just need to know what you were doing and why? It may mean the difference between Mistress Clara being hurt or not. Do you understand?"

Lily nodded that she did. She took a deep breath to collect her thoughts.

"I was told to search the room and Lady Catherine's belongings for letters," Lily stated, "but the room is empty."

"Who asked you to find letters and what were they supposed to contain?" Richard asked.

"I do not know, sir. They just said letters. I have no knowledge of what they would contain."

It did not escape Richard or Albert that she still did not say who instructed her.

"Lily, You must tell Lord Bentley ALL he needs to know. Who put you to this task?" Albert spoke firmly.

Lily looked away. Fear gripped her heart. She did not know what consequences there would be for divulging such information on either side. Then she thought of Mistress Clara and made up her mind.

"Mr. Chase, sir. He told me it was imperative that I look for letters and any that I find to bring to him at the party. He has been taking such good care of my mother I was afraid he would stop if I did not comply. When I asked why, he said, it was his business but no one would be hurt so long as I found him those letters."

"I searched everywhere but there are no letters to be found," Lily stated.

"My Mother's things have not arrived from Bath," Richard stood up and began to pace trying to think of what to do next. "He must have been informed of the letters my mother wrote, naming names of those who are responsible. Mother may have even sent word herself, putting the threat in place. Now he wants them, to keep the secrets hidden. Well then, let us by all means, give him what he wants."

"But I told you there are no letters," Lily cried.

Richard strode over to the desk his mother had always used and riffled through it. Producing several correspondences of no consequence. Grabbing a string he bound them together.

"Albert I need a coach readied. But I will also need two horses saddled up with a change of clothes for Juliana and I and my pistols. I will go and make our announcement that we are leaving for our honeymoon. Have the stable hands wait with the horses a mile or so down the road and out of view."

"After we leave, Lily... you are to wrap these letters in some cloth and hand them to Mr. Chase."

He knelt before the young girl. "I know I am asking a lot of you, but I need you to be brave. Once you have done this for me, take two of the male servants and collect your family and bring them here. Your mother from this moment on will be under my care and the rest of your family. You cannot appear afraid, or Mr. Chase may suspect and I fear for my sister's life. Can you do this for me, Lily? Can you be brave?"

Lily took in a deep breath and drew her slight self to her tallest height, and nodded firmly. "Yes, Lord Bentley."

"Good girl," he said. Richard chuckled to himself as he found he was wishing Cyril were here, knowing he would be up for the next challenge.

"Once Lily delivers the letters, I need all eyes and ears to be trained on Mr. Chase. Juliana and I will be waiting with the horses a mile or so down the road. Albert, the moment he leaves the party you are to send out a rider, to inform us in which direction he rode."

"It will be done, sir," Albert stated.

"Now, we all understand what we are doing?"

"Yes, sir!" Both his servants replied.

"Then I will go fetch my bride and wait for your signal, Albert, that all is in place."

Richard walked down the hall. Albert had already begun collecting servants to carry out his orders. Lily stayed behind but watched from close by, so she could see from upstairs when Richard and Juliana leave.

Juliana did not wish to dance another quadrille, scotch reel, or country-dance. She just wanted someone to let her know what was going on, as Albert should have returned by now.

As she turned into the next dance step a familiar hand took hers. She was shocked to see Richard's face and relieved. Immensely relieved. He finished the dance with her and walked her back to their table.

He did not take his seat, however, and Juliana remained standing next to him. Richard picked up a glass and tapped his fork against it. The music stopped and all eyes turned to them.

"I wish to thank you all for coming to celebrate with us and making it a truly joyous occasion. I am so blessed to have found my Juliana. I invite you all to stay and enjoy but I believe we will be off. I am taking this lovely woman on a much-anticipated outing."

Lord Riley stood. "A final toast, to the happy couple. May your days be joyous, your future is bright, and may your family increase tenfold. To Lord and Lady Bentley."

The glasses were raised and the others toasted to their health. Albert had entered the room by opening the main ballroom doors, Richard's signal that everything was in place.

He took Juliana's hand in his, "Ready for another adventure, Love?"