wildflower chapter 14

“This much should… be enough.”

Moments later, warm sunlight streamed through the window. Was it the comforting weight of the money in her hand? Drowsiness overcame Lilian, and she was about to slump onto her desk when—

“Miss, the Count has returned!” Matilda rushed in, her knock urgent.

“Father? Already?” Lilian bolted upright, surprised by the news of her father’s early return from his external office.

“Why?”

“I don’t know. You should go see him.”

Lilian’s footsteps were light as she descended the stairs, her excitement mirroring her affection for her father.

“Father!”

The Count’s expression contrasted sharply with her bright smile. He leaned heavily on a servant as he greeted his beloved daughter. Lilian’s face drained of color as she saw the sheen of sweat on his brow.

“Father!” The same word, yet now a sharp cry that echoed through the mansion.

***

Fortunately, Count de Vermore’s condition wasn’t critical, and he was gradually recovering. The family kept his illness a secret, knowing creditors would descend if news of his failing health spread.

“Go get some rest. Or perhaps something to eat?”

“No, I’m fine.” For the past few days, Lilian had barely eaten, her worry making it difficult to swallow even water. Her stomach ached, but her emotional distress overshadowed any physical discomfort.

She longed to stay by her father’s side, but Lilian had things to do. She forced herself to rise and headed for the bathroom.

“Miss, shouldn’t you postpone your appointment?” Matilda looked at Lilian with concern as she listlessly sat before her vanity, freshly showered.

“Canceling on the day would worry Cairn. And it would be rude to Lady Frederick.” Sleep wouldn’t come anyway. Even with her eyes closed, her mind raced.

“But…”

“Nothing will change if I just stay locked in my room. I need some air. Don’t worry, Matilda.”

“Should I accompany you?”

“No, it’s alright. Cairn is too perceptive. He’ll suspect something.”

Matilda sighed deeply. “If you feel unwell, come straight back. Promise?” Having watched over Lilian since childhood, she couldn’t shake her concern.

“I promise. I look pale today, so choose something bright for me to wear.”

How much longer would her peaceful life as a noble lady last? Should she hasten her marriage, as her father suggested? Sheltered all her life, Lilian dreaded the impending changes.

While Matilda went to the dressing room, Lilian struggled to her feet. She approached her desk, unlocked a drawer, and checked the money she’d saved.

If she sold the mansion and land to pay off the debts and combined it with the money from the old mine, she might be able to afford a small cottage in Sevre. Penniless, she couldn’t bear the thought of remaining in Baltan, subjected to the pitying stares.

Thankfully, Sevre welcomed even disgraced nobles without prejudice. Perhaps… Sevre might be better than the conservative, status-obsessed Clat Empire. If her father could bear the shame of fleeing the Empire, endure the humiliation, she wanted to leave.

She had no real attachment to this place anyway. She had few friends, and confined mostly to the mansion, she rarely experienced the local life.

The thought lightened her heart. Just one thing bothered her. On Lilian’s desk lay the ancient Sevrean book given to her by the Grand Duke of Headington.

***

Cairn stood before a large mirror, scrutinizing his reflection. His expression was dissatisfied.

“Don’t you have any lighter ties?”

His valet was puzzled by his young master’s sudden concern with the color of his tie.

As the same complaint was repeated, he wisely retrieved an armful of ties from the dressing room and presented them. Cairn picked one up, letting out a frustrated sigh.

“I’d prefer something darker than this.”

It was the fourteenth tie.