3

THE LADY

LILLY LOVED LADY KATELYN RICHARDSON more than anything in life. She was kind, generous, and beautiful, but more than that Katelyn showered Lilly with the same admiration and respect a mother gives her own dear child with no expectations in return.

“Tell me about her,” Lilly said softly, smiling sweetly at Katelyn. She had heard the story many times but never tired of hearing it again and again. Katelyn’s face softened as she placed the book in her lap and smiled back at the child. She studied Lilly’s face for a moment before speaking. She seemed to know that the child needed to know her roots. It was important to hear how her mother came to live in the Richardson household in Stockton-On-Tees, an Anglo-Saxon settlement on high ground close to the northern bank of the River Tees in North East England.

“Sir Milburn was a tall man and very handsome, too. Whenever he entered a room, he commanded respect. Uncle was an important businessman. He worked among the town’s associations with the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which ran the first steam hauled passenger train in 1825. Our town also offered the first railroad station for passengers traveling to other places. That’s where he found your sweet mother—sitting in the station house, all alone and looking so sad. She was carrying you in the early months of her condition. He noticed her because she was pretty and seemed completely forsaken. He could tell she had been crying.”

Lilly shifted in her seat on the red velvet davenport across from Katelyn’s armchair. Hearing about her mother crying always made her feel uncomfortable.

“Did she tell why she was so sad?” Lilly knew the answer but hoped it would be different this time around.

“Uncle Milburn didn’t ask right away. He was very concerned for her welfare and safety because she looked so desperate. It was getting dark, and it was quite dangerous for a young woman to be alone in town. There were no more trains running, so he believed she was not going anywhere that evening.”

“Excuse me, Lady Katelyn. Tea is here. Shall I serve?” Moxie carried in the silver tray laden with teacups, a porcelain teapot nestled within a hand-knit warmer, and a plate of biscuits for three. Setting the tray down on the cherry desk table, she turned to Lady Katelyn and curtsied. “Will Lady Genevieve be joining you today?”

“I don’t know. Have you seen her leave her bedchamber yet?” Katelyn frowned at the thought of her aunt interrupting this peaceful time with Lilly. The poor girl had little rest whenever her aunt was around making demands on the child, treating her like a personal servant with little respect for her feelings.

“No, ma’am, she did not ring her chamber bell while I was in the kitchen. I expect to hear from her soon.”

Moxie poured the hot jasmine tea into the delicate cup and added a touch of sweet milk, just the way the lady liked it.

Lilly knew better than to expect equal treatment, so she wasn’t surprised when Moxie asked, “Will there be anything else Ma’am?”

“No, that will be all. Thank you, Moxie, you may leave us now.”

After the library door closed, Katelyn handed Lilly her cup of tea and reached for the pot to pour another cup. Lady Genevieve would disapprove if Katelyn allowed Moxie to serve Lilly tea. Jealousy was the main reason. Katelyn realized that Lilly was the target of much scrutiny, especially being a child of color who had the breeding of high society. Katelyn hid her true feelings for Lilly because she did not want to cause the child further disharmony within the household. Katelyn drew the teacup to her lips while watching Lilly, who had become agitated at the sight of Moxie. She decided to change the subject and brighten the child’s spirit.

“So did you see anyone interesting at market yesterday? What did you purchase?”

“Mrs. Dempsey was sighted from our carriage view, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to greet her in a respectable fashion.”

Katelyn let out a gale of laughter because whenever Lilly spoke in such a lofty manner, it was to cover up a disagreeable time with her aunt.

“So what really happened?”

“Land sakes . . . that carriage was hotter than a tinderbox, and I was ‘bout ready to jump in the river to keep from frying. She kept annoying me with endless chatter to engage my thoughts about nothing but that silly ring.”

“Oh, I see. So it was another one of those days. I’m sorry she wasn’t more agreeable. I’m quite concerned about her dependency on the cordial of Mr. Godfrey each night to sleep. It’s couldn’t be good for her because she wakes up in such a foul mood.” Katelyn’s voice was tender, filled with compassion.

Brightening at the sympathy, Lilly said, “I tried to weave my purchasing back to Bay Street, where we first spotted his mother. I planned to inquire of Mr. Dempsey because I know you’ve been worried about his lengthy time away.”

“Good girl! I shall write Mrs. Dempsey today. Hopefully, she’ll allow me to call upon her soon. Perhaps she has received news from Andrew. She’s been very consumed with her charities these weeks.”

“May I accompany you? Her daughter engages me in the freshest ideas. I should like to find her there when we visit. Please enquire of Betsey when you write.”

“Why don’t you write Betsey? She would be quite pleased to receive a letter written in your fine penmanship.”