Two days later a small crate was delivered to the Hathaway house in the city. The letter accompanying it read:
Dear Sir Jacob,
Please forgive me for my hurried departure at dinner two days ago. I deeply regret not being able to spend the evening with you and your family. If it isn’t too forward, I would very much appreciate another opportunity to become better acquainted with your family.
I had thought to suggest another dinner, but it occurred to me that spring is well underway and the gardens around our estate are already in full bloom. Next week I believe many of the roses will be blooming. Would you honor my parents and me with your attendance at a private garden party next Friday? We will begin with games on the lawn at 4:00, enjoy dinner, drinks, and dessert in the garden, and finish with more games or a stroll around the grounds.
I look forward to your reply.
Yours humbly,
Theo Overton, IV
The crate contained a small burlap sack on which was pinned another letter addressed to Lily.
Dear Miss Hathaway,
Please forgive me for leaving so hurriedly. I had dearly hoped to spend the evening watching you smile, and had prepared several clever witticisms with that in mind. At least I had thought them clever at the time.
The plant which I have sent is a particularly beautiful rose which blooms the purest, palest pink I have ever seen. It is called Maiden’s Blush. This specimen was propagated from one on our estate.
I do hope you like it.
Yours faithfully,
Theo Overton, IV
“He sent you a rose bush?” asked Oliver incredulously. “Is it an expensive one?”
“Undoubtedly.” Sir Jacob looked into the burlap sack to see the root ball and the neatly trimmed canes of the bush. “The peonies certainly were. Where will you put it?” He addressed this to Lily.
“Perhaps by the south wall of the garden. It gets good sun.” She looked up at him. “Will we keep this house after the season? If not, I should like to bring the plants with me when we return to Haven-by-the-Sea.”
Sir Jacob hesitated, then said, “We will see. If we do not keep it, of course we will bring the plants with us. They are yours.”
By that answer, Lily knew that he was concerned about the results of his investments.
Neither her father nor mother had ever hinted that she ought to marry for money. It was obvious they wanted her to marry well, of course, but that was for her own benefit, not theirs. They wanted her to be provided for and cherished, and they wanted her to be happy. They wanted her to be loved.
Sir Jacob wrote a polite acceptance and sent it with Susie’s younger brother to the Overton estate. Lady Hathaway smiled encouragingly at Lily and said, “It will be a lovely afternoon, my dear.”
The thought of the garden party made Lily’s heart beat faster with excitement, though she was loath to admit it even to herself. She imagined Theo’s sparkling smile and his exuberant enjoyment of life. Did he really love her already? Could love be that quick? Surely not. She believed love developed slowly. Love ought to be entered into only after deliberation and careful exploration of each person’s values and beliefs, their attitudes and little quirks. Surely, if Theo truly fancied her, it could only be infatuation.
She and Oliver visited the children’s home again and spent a pleasant afternoon helping, or attempting to help, the caretakers with the children. Oliver read to the older children from a book of history which John selected for him, while Lily spent much of the time making mince pies with the younger children.
None of the children spoke of what they had experienced, and Essie had been quite emphatic that Lily and Oliver were not to question them. Lily’s curiosity nearly got the best of her once. She had asked some of the children which activity they liked best at the house. It was intended to be well within the bounds of what Essie had said was permitted. One of the little girls said quietly, “Anything but dancing. I don’t like dancing anymore.”
Lily almost asked more, but bit her tongue. The poor child looked suddenly pale and tired, so rather than questioning her, Lily had merely knelt and asked if the girl would like a hug. Lily didn’t have much experience with children, but it seemed the sort of expression that indicated a deep need for a mother’s comforting embrace. The little girl stepped into her arms and rested her head on Lily’s shoulder, shuddering, when Lily wrapped her arms around her.
Lily and Oliver returned home tired but elated. Perhaps they had not helped the Wraith himself, but they had provided some comfort to the children he had risked himself for.
Still, even with the visit to the children’s home and several visits from Araminta, the garden party seemed to come too slowly. She wondered if she was infatuated with Theo, and decided that it was a distinct possibility. His gifts were both thoughtful and generous. His words were pretty and seemed sincere. Moreover, he was pleasing of face and figure, with beautiful manners and a delightful cheerfulness that made the world around him seem brighter.
It was logical that she was beginning to be a little infatuated. She cautioned herself that it was, it could only be, an infatuation. Love did not begin so quickly. Perhaps later she might love him, but this? This was merely excitement and pleasure at being so noticed by someone of undeniable charm.
She resolved to be logical and restrain her emotions. She did want to marry, of course, but she did not want to make a foolish decision because someone had lovely warm eyes.
Lily’s resolve was tested three days later, when an extravagant bouquet of pink and coral roses was delivered by Theo’s personal footman, Anselm.
He bowed and handed her the vase, which was unexpectedly heavy. “Would you like me to take it inside for you?” he offered.
“That’s not necessary, but you’re welcome to rest if you’d like before you go.” The sun seemed especially hot this morning, and the footman was wearing a beautifully tailored coat that seemed too heavy for the increasing heat.
The footman gave her an astonished look, then smiled slightly. “I thank you, my lady, but my master has also given me another task with some urgency. I will let him know of your kindness.”
“Thank you.”
He bowed and strode back to the street, where his horse was tied. He mounted and trotted away.
Lily wondered what other task Theo had given him. What was involved in being the pampered son of a wealthy, aristocratic family?
She turned back to the vase of roses. The vase was heavy cut crystal, and the more she looked at it, the more grave her misgivings. It was a handsome gift, certainly, but it somehow seemed more serious than the wooden crates. His gifts had progressed from disconcertingly thoughtful and expensive to more openly romantic and possibly even more costly.
Dear Miss Hathaway,
May these roses convey the depth of my admiration and affection. I pray you find delight in them, as I find delight in your beauty.
Yours humbly,
Theo Overton, IV
She buried her nose in the roses and inhaled the sweet, fresh scent. It was heavenly.