Lilias practiced at the piano and then at the harp. Archie fell asleep in his chair. She stopped. His eyes fluttered as he was in and out of sleep.
"Oh, I'm sorry, my love. How rude of me."
"No, it's not your fault that you are tired. Perhaps, we should stay abed a bit longer in the mornings. No need to rise so early. My sweetheart, you're so sleepy."
"I don't know what's come over me. I enjoy listening to you play."
It was the same at night. The minute Archie lay down in bed, he was asleep.
Lilias noticed.
She curled up against him and kissed him sweetly.
Medlock trudged past Aisling in the hall outside of Lilias's quarters- her sitting room and boudoir.
"Aisling, have you awoken Lord and Lady Craven?"
"No, Mum." Aisling replied.
"What about luncheon? It's nearly noon."
"I don't know, Mum. I only want to tend to them if they ring me. They haven't rung for me."
"Will you peek in, and make sure they're all right?"
"I just have, Mum."
"And?"
"They're in bed. His lordship looks lethargic. I think the Mistress just wants to stay with him-at his side...in his arms."
"Don't you dare repeat this, girl, but it's that damned new medicine Dr. Craven gave him. It's not good for him. He has no energy. He walks around like a Vampire or a Zombie. Paler than ever he is."
...
That afternoon, Lilias worked in her garden. She was squatted down pulling some wild weeds. When she stood straight again, she saw Neville Craven and was startled.
She thought to herself. She meant to lock the garden door behind her.
"Neville," She began.
"I've come to help you here." He replied.
"You really don't have to."
"Well, I confess I'm not much good with a wheelbarrow, but I can lend a hand."
Lilias continued to work in silence. Then, she needed to rest.
"Here, rest upon that swing." Neville lifted her to sit there.
"hhhhhhhhhhhhhh" She gasped as she was snatched at the waist and placed upon it.
"Have you thought about having your portrait taken here?" Neville asked.
"I already have my wedding portrait."
"Yes, but there should be more portraits of you in the house."
Lilias looked down embarrassed at her brother-in-law's boldness.
Neville crept around behind her to push her on the swing. Then looking down upon her from behind, he used one of his hands to brush her hair back behind her shoulder in a lascivious way bringing his lips very close to her neck. Though she wore a tea gown with a high lace collar, she could feel his breath upon her. He seemed to prey upon her body.
Frightened, Lilas spoke, "What are you doing?"
"There was a bee in your hair." Neville replied.
She tried to jump down from the swing to retreat from this uninvited nearness.
Ben Weatherstaff then appeared just missing Neville's explanation.
Lilias caught sight of gardener Ben.
He noticed the look upon her face now was one of silent fear. Her eyes were sparkling in distress. She seemed relieved to see him as if he were her saviour.
"Milady? Anything wrong?"
"No, Ben. Our guest Dr. Craven was just leaving."
"Would you have me show him the way out, Mrs.?"
"Yes, do. Thank you very much!"