Lilah straightened. “What things?”
Gwen didn’t answer beyond a shrug. Aunt Isabelle was remarkably vague on that subject, and Gwen didn’t like vagueness in anything. But rather than dwell on that, she focused on her half-sister, struck anew by how kind, how absolutely unassuming her sister was. If anyone deserved to become popular, it was her sister. The woman was always poised, always knew what to say, and never, ever blundered about like Gwen. Why, she was the perfect woman to bring the Lincolnshire daffodil into popularity! Indeed, she felt ashamed that she hadn’t thought of it before.
“Never mind that,” Gwen said as she began mentally dressing her sister in Lord Sayres’s daffodil. How could she make the blossom thrive throughout a ball? It would need to be pinned somehow and in a way that wouldn’t break the petals. Just how exuberant was Lilah when she danced?
“Gwen? What are you thinking?”
“Tell me about the masquerade. Did you dance a great deal?”
“I had a lovely time,” her sister said. “And no, I didn’t dance a great deal.” Her eyes sparkled with sudden excitement. “But I did go for a walk and kiss a handsome man wearing a very dark cape.”
Gwen’s eyes abruptly widened. “You did? Who?”
Her sister’s delighted expression faded. “Someone who cannot do more. Someone who will never marry a bastard.”
“But you don’t know that for sure—”
“No, Gwen. Do not press me further. He will not marry me.”
Gwen pursed her lips and studied her half-sister. When Lilah took that tone, there was no swaying her. And in this case, it meant that whatever gentleman had made her look like a woman awash in love, he would not come up to scratch. At least, not with the way things stood at the moment.
“What if you suddenly became popular?” Gwen asked. “What if suddenly you became the Season’s sensation? Do you think he would ask for your hand then?”
Lilah laughed, the sound light for all that her words were completely depressing. “It is not possible, Gwen. You of all people could not believe anything so fanciful. I will never—”
“Lord Sayres could make you a sensation. I’m sure of it.”
Lilah’s brows rose in surprise. “Lord Sayres? Why would he—”
“Because I’ll ask him to. It’ll be perfect. I can help from the background then.” That was exactly where she wanted to be. Nearby, watching as Sayres worked his magic. She wanted to see him bring her shy sister into the light. It would be like watching a master painter at work, only his canvas was society.
“The background! Whatever are you saying,” Lilah countered with a laugh. “If anyone should become a sensation—”
“Don’t say it!”
“It should be you. Didn’t you just tell me you want a husband?”
Gwen huffed. “I regret ever telling you that.” She leaned forward, her expression as open as it could be. “I’m no good in society. I never have been. Just imagine the blunders I’d make.” And that would be the end of his flower and the end of her dream of financial independence. She pressed a kiss to her sister’s cheek. “Don’t worry. I’ll fix everything, I promise.”
Lilah grabbed her hand, keeping her from rushing out of the room. “Gwen,” she said softly. “Some things don’t change. You know that as well as I do.”
It was true. Lilah’s illegitimate parentage wouldn’t change. Neither would Gwen’s awkward personality. “It doesn’t matter,” Gwen pressed. “I won’t let you give up on your dreams. If you wish to be wed, then you shall be.”
Lilah’s eyes widened in shock. “When did you start talking about dreams?”
“When I realized that you will make my dream come true.”
*
Lord Sayres arrivedlate for tea. It shouldn’t have annoyed her. She never made it to tea on time, so she could hardly blame him. And yet she did. She’d purposely dressed in one of her most presentable gowns. It didn’t have any dirt smears, ink stains, and only one tear newly repaired. She’d worn it and headed straight to tea expecting him to arrive as he’d promised. She wanted to discuss Lilah with him.
Honestly forced her to admit that he had only promised to call that afternoon. He had never specified a time, and yet she’d assumed he meant tea for no logical reason whatsoever. Which made her severely put out with herself because she was never, ever illogical.
Then suddenly he was stepping into the parlor and her heart leapt into her throat. He was here! And looking very handsome in charcoal gray as he bowed to her mother, then winked over her hand.
Another blasted wink. What did that mean?
“Lord Sayres,” her mother said. “You are tardy for tea. Gwendolyn told me you would be here earlier.”