5 September 1931
Siegfried stood in front of the mirror looking at his reflection and couldn't help but think, in his own opinion, that he looked fairly well presented. The invitation to Hulton Hall had said that the dress code was 'formal' and Mrs Hall had agreed with him that that fell short of white tie and therefore the order of the day was for his best suit and black bowtie. He had discovered, late in the day, that his dinner jacket had a rip in the sleeve and though he had wracked his brains, he couldn't recall how it could have come about. Thankfully, his trusted housekeeper had stepped into the breach and it had soon been mended.
"Don't you look smart," Tristan quipped, coming up behind him and studying his reflection. "Even for a man progressing in years."
"I'm turning forty next week, Tristan, not a hundred," he replied calmly, pulling down his cuffs. "Not that I don't sometimes feel it."
"You work too hard."
"Well I seem to be the only one who does. Present company excluded of course, Mrs Hall."
"I should think so too," she replied, brushing fluff from his shoulders, "If I didn't work 'ard, you'd be going to this dinner with a big rip in your sleeve."
"What an affront that would have been," Tristan smirked. "His Lordship wouldn't have been very impressed."
"Probably not. It's lucky we have Mrs Hall on hand for such tasks." Siegfried turned to face his brother. "And what are your plans for this evening?"
"Regrettably nothing. I do think, when you accepted the invitation, that you should have asked if I could come too."
"Why on earth would I have done that?"
"So that Miss Bailey would at least have the attentions of one man."
He felt his body react at the thought of her but did his best to hide it and attempted to adopt a weary expression. "You do realise that the endless mention of her name is quite tiresome?"
"I don't think it is, not for you anyway. Every time I do mention her name, you get this…look about you."
Siegfried laughed and adjusted his bowtie in the mirror. "What look?"
"The look of a man who's trying to pretend he's not affected by the mere mention of a lady's name."
"I haven't the foggiest idea what you're talking about."
"I'm going away at the end of next week…"
"Not before time neither…."
"…and I want to leave here thinking that I've at least done some good."
"In what sense, exactly?"
"In bringing you and the lovely Lily together!"
Siegfried turned to face his brother again. "I do wish you would stop going on about it, about her. We've already had this conversation."
"No, we had a conversation, many months ago, during which you tore my head off at the mere suggestion that you could ever be romantically interested in anyone ever again."
"What is your point?"
"My point, dear brother, is that I've noticed a change in you of late. One which suggests that you may be more open to the idea of a second crack of the whip than you were before. And who better to consider than a woman who's willing to help you birth cattle and jump into freezing rivers to save horses?"
"Do you have something to gain out of this?"
"Out of what?"
"This…desperate attempt to push me towards Lily Bailey as though I were somehow drowning at sea and she were the life raft?"
"Well, yes."
"What, exactly?"
"Your happiness, which can only in turn lead to my own."
"And you believe that happiness can only be found in making Lily Bailey my wife?" Once uttered, he wished he could take the word back, but it was too late, and he inwardly winced as a slow smile spread across Tristan's face.
"I never said anything about making her your wife, but clearly that thought is in your head."
"You're going to be late," Mrs Hall said, breaking into the conversation, much to Siegfried's relief." You don't want to keep 'is Lordship waiting now, do you?"
"No, indeed I don't." He took a final glance at himself in the mirror. "Please do try and behave yourself this evening, Tristan."
"I'm going to be sat here with Mrs H. What on earth do you think I could possibly get up to?"
"I have no idea," he sighed, opening the front door. "But nothing would surprise me."
XXXX
Lily glanced at the clock on the wall as she hovered at the kitchen table waiting for the car to arrive. When she had telephoned Hulton Hall to accept the invitation to dinner, she had been advised that one of Lord Hulton's drivers would collect her and return her home again at the end of the evening. She had tried to protest, saying that it wasn't necessary, but it had been insisted upon and she had felt as though she couldn't refuse.
As she waited, she tugged slightly at her dress and mentally reminded herself not to do it when she was in company. Having gone through her mother's things, she had found a simple. yet elegant. deep emerald coloured garment amongst the others and, gratifyingly, it fitted. Almost. She had to admit that it was slightly tight around the stomach, but it was the closest thing she could find that would fit the 'formal' attire brief and, even if she did say so herself, it made her look nice. She had curled her hair and pinned half of it up in an attempt to look more stylish than she might otherwise have and she had kept her makeup as soft as she could, lest anyone accuse her of…well…anything.
"You look…lovely," her father had said when she had arrived downstairs, fully dressed for the evening. "You look like your mother." His eyes had been misty, and he had starting coughing as though to cover his emotion before pouring himself some whisky. From the sitting room, she could hear the wireless and knew that he would be three or four glasses deep.
Suddenly, there came the sound of a vehicle and the same car that had appeared a few days earlier with the invitation, drew up at the door. As she lifted her bag and made her way outside, she felt butterflies start in her stomach and she wasn't sure if it was because of the occasion itself or because she would be seeing Siegfried again.
"Good evening ma'am," Collins said, opening the door for her.
"Good evening," she replied, unsure what else she could or should say. As the car turned in the yard, she suddenly caught sight of her father at the window and raised her hand briefly before they swept down the hill towards their destination. "It's a lovely evening," she said after a few moments, the silence in the car unnerving her.
"Yes ma'am, it is."
Stuck for further conversation, she sat back and simply allowed the landscape to pass until they turned into the gates of Hulton Hall and started making their way up the long sweeping drive. When the car had come to a halt, Collins got out and opened the door for her and she was greeted by another uniformed gentleman who came down the steps towards her.
"Good evening Miss Bailey."
"Good evening," she said again. He bowed slightly at her and then turned back the way he had come. Assuming she was to follow, she climbed the steps and found herself in a grand hallway. The floor was heavily carpeted, the walls adorned with paintings of ancestors no doubt long dead and, above her head, there was a large chandelier, the size of which was quite distracting.
"If you would follow me please," the man said, and she looked over to see him waiting for her at a set of large doors. As she made her way over to join him, he pulled the doors back and stepped into the room. "Presenting Miss Lily Bailey!"
Lily felt her face crimson at the announcement, made solely, as she then saw, to the four other people in the room. It seemed rather formal for such a small gathering but before she could say or do anything else, a woman she recognised as Lady Hulton hurried forwards to greet her.
"Thank you, Banks. Miss Bailey, how lovely to have you with us," she said, stretching out to kiss her on both cheeks. "It's so good of you to come."
"It's very good of you to invite me, your Ladyship."
"Oh please…call me Margaret."
"I…I couldn't possibly…"
"Yes, yes of course you could, and may I call you Lily?" Without waiting for an answer, Margaret took her arm and propelled her over towards the window where the others were assembled. "You know my husband, Edward, I'm sure and my son, Hugh."
"Yes, 'ello," she said, greeting them in turn.
"And of course you know Mr Farnon, Siegfried."
She turned to look at him and, ashamedly, felt the butterflies start up again. "Yes, indeed. It's good to see you."
"And you," he replied. "You look…"
"Oh, she looks wonderful!" Edward boomed before he could finish the sentence. "So nice to have you here my dear, so nice. You'll have a drink, yes?"
"Oh, well, yes…"
"What would you like? Wine? Brandy? Sherry?"
"A small, sweet sherry would be lovely, thank you." Banks made his way over to a drinks cabinet and, a few moments later, returned with a glass. "Thank you," she replied, taking a sip. "It really is very kind of you to 'ave me…us…'ere."
"Yes," Siegfried echoed. "Very kind."
"Not at all! It's the least we could do to thank you for what you did for Adagio, isn't it Hugh?"
"Oh absolutely," Hugh replied.
"Adagio?"
"Our horse, of course. He would have died without your brave actions, both of you. I can't tell you how annoyed I was with Thompson. So much so, in fact, that he was dismissed from our employ straightaway."
"Oh…I'm…I'm sorry to 'ear that."
"Why? He was a drunk and his actions very nearly cost me one of my most valuable horses. Adagio is the top stallion in our stables and had he been lost…well I dread to think. But thankfully, you pair were on hand to prevent that."
"I think it was quite marvellous the way you two reacted," Margaret said. "Jumping into the water like that. It certainly wouldn't have been my first thought faced with the situation."
"And what would you have done instead, my dear?" Edward asked.
"Well…gone for help, I suppose."
"Meanwhile, Adagio would have drowned." Edward shook his head. "It was very noble and brave of you both."
"Well it's not something that I tend to do every day," Siegfried replied. "But when occasion warrants it, as this one did…" he paused. "The welfare of the animal has to come before all other things."
"Not your own life, surely?" Margaret asked.
"Sometimes…yes, I suppose it does."
"How extraordinary. Lily, do you share this…selfless view?"
"Oh, well…" she felt all eyes upon her again. "I think if Siegfried 'adn't been there, I probably would 'ave done as you suggest Lady…uh…Margaret…and gone for 'elp. It was only 'im being there that encouraged me to go into the water after 'im."
"Well…" Margaret shook her head. "Let's hope that, if there's a next time, it's not a case of you following him off of a cliff or something equally as dangerous."
"Oh, I very much doubt Lily would follow me off of a cliff," Siegfried said, meeting Lily's gaze. "I certainly wouldn't expect her to, no more than I expected her to follow me into the water."
She held his gaze for a long moment, her stomach churning. "I think me father would be even less pleased if I went over a cliff than 'e was about me going into the water."
"Quite," Edward said, as a bell rang in the distance. "Ah, good. Dinner is ready. Shall we go through?"
XXXX
The food was delicious, he certainly couldn't fault them on that, and the wine equally so. Mindful of the fact that he required to drive back to the village, Siegfried kept his consumption to a minimum and instead tried to find other ways to distract himself from constantly looking at Lily. When she had first been announced, he had momentarily lost his breath at how lovely she looked and now, as he watched her conversing with Edward, he couldn't help but think how at ease she appeared on the surface, even if he could guess that she was still nervous underneath at being in such illustrious company.
"And will Hugh inherit your title one day?" she was asking Edward as the main course was cleared away and the dessert wine brought round.
"Heavens no, I wouldn't saddle him with that," Edward replied, looking over at his son. "No, my peerage is a life peerage, I'm afraid, not hereditary. Hugh will have to make do with plain old 'Mister' when I'm gone."
"I'm sure I'll manage," Hugh replied good-naturedly.
"Are you at university, Hugh?" Siegfried asked.
"Yes, Oxford. I'm headed back there next week in fact for my third year."
"Splendid. My brother's due to start his first year at Edinburgh next week also."
"It's a lovely country, Scotland."
"Yes, it is."
"Is he intending to follow in your footsteps?" Margaret queried.
"Well, that's the general idea. How much studying will actually get done is yet to be seen. He's more excited about all the jolly good fun he'll be able to have."
"Well, that's what university's all about, isn't it?" Lily said. "I'm sure you 'ad your fair share of fun when it were your time."
"Yes, I suppose I did," he was forced to agree. "Only I…"
"Only you, what?" Margaret pressed when he didn't continue.
"Ah, it's…well, nothing really," he said hurriedly, lifting his wine glass and feeling his face flush somewhat. He had been about to say that he had already secured Evelyn's affections before his time at university had begun and that, therefore, any such tomfoolery as Tristan intended to enjoy had not been as open to him as it might otherwise have been. Putting his glass back down, he glanced over at Lily and saw her watching him and he couldn't help but wonder if she had guessed what he had been about to say. "You have fine stables here, Edward."
"Oh, thank you. Yes, we're very proud of them. I can give you a tour after dinner, if you'd like."
"I'd like that very much, thank you. I have a particular affection for horses."
"Really?"
"Oh yes, very much so." He paused slightly. "I was in the Army Veterinary Corps during the war."
"Oh goodness," Margaret said. "That must have been quite a challenge for you."
"Yes, I suppose it was, but one I welcomed at the time." He stole another look at Lily who was still watching him. "I must confess to being somewhat of a poor horseman in the saddle, but I do so enjoy being around them."
"You must come here to ride," Hugh said. "I'd be delighted to take you out. Both of you."
"Oh…" Lily laughed, "I've never even sat on an 'orse."
"What, never?" Siegfried asked before he could stop himself. "You have horses on your farm."
"No, never," she replied carefully. "But that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to try it sometime."
"Excellent," Edward said. "Well Hugh, you'll have to set that up. You're both welcome to ride here anytime. We have some very quiet, docile horses that would be eminently suitable for those considered novices. We certainly wouldn't be putting you on any racehorses, that's for sure."
"Thank goodness for that," Lily replied, looking at him over her glass.
Dessert was served and enjoyed and then Edward made good on his promise to show Siegfried around the stables. As they had left Lily and Margaret alone in the drawing room, he couldn't help but think that he had seen a wistful look on Lily's face, as though she would have preferred to join them, but the thought was then lost in the magic of seeing the magnificent creatures Edward owned.
"They are all quite beautiful," Siegfried said. "And they all have such wonderful names. Largo, Aria, Sonata, Cadenza, Symphony…"
"Yes, well a musical theme was never quite intended," Edward replied. "But it appears to have developed over the years and we've never been able to break away from it." He stopped in front of the last stall. "I believe this one here would especially like to greet you." A dark chestnut horse poked his head over the stall door and nudged at Siegfried. "I think he remembers you."
"Of course, Adagio," he said, stroking the horse's nose. "He seems none the worse for his encounter last week."
"No, not at all. His cuts have healed well, and he's been frolicking out in the paddock as normal." Edward paused. "I really can't thank you and Miss Bailey enough."
"Think nothing of it," Siegfried replied. "It was a pleasure, saving something as majestic as this creature."
"John Grant was our vet for many years, but I confess that, after he died, I was concerned as to who might take over his practice. You know what it's like, you become used to one vet and their ways."
"Yes, indeed."
"I've called on Paddy Trotter occasionally over the last few months but, to be honest, he doesn't impress me in the same way as Grant did. Nor in the same way as you have."
He felt his face pink slightly at the praise."That's very kind of you to say, thank you."
"It's not every man, every vet, who would throw themselves into a river for the sake of an animal," Edward said. "I wondered how you might feel about perhaps being on call for us. We can see how things progress, no obligation on either side, that sort of thing. What do you say?"
Siegfried felt a wave of pride wash over him and couldn't help but think that Tristan had been right after all. "I say that sounds like a splendid idea."
"Wonderful. Perhaps you could use Lily as your assistant."
"Yes…" he agreed, his mind returning instantly her. "Perhaps I could…"
XXXX
A part of Lily would have liked to have accompanied the men to the stables to see the horses, but she knew that it would have been poor manners to ask and she couldn't have left Margaret with no company when she had so graciously hosted her. To her surprise, she found the older woman very easy to talk to and their conversation had revolved around the village and people that they both knew and were able to comment on.
"Oh, I quite understand nodding off in church," Margaret said. "Reverend Thwaite isn't exactly noted for his, well, shall we say attention-grabbing sermons."
"No, 'e isn't," Lily laughed. "Sometimes it's quite a relief when I don't feel I 'ave time to attend church."
"You must come and spend a Sunday here with me sometime."
"'ere?"
"Yes, of course. I can't think of anything nicer than having afternoon tea with you. I'm sure we could put Darrowby to rights in the process, what do you say?"
"I…that's very kind of you, really it is."
"Not at all, I'd be delighted. Ah…you're back." Lily looked up as Edward, Hugh and Siegfried came back into the room, the latter looking almost somewhat giddy with excitement. "How did you find the horses?"
"Oh very well," Edward replied. "Adagio was very happy to see one of his rescuers again, as I'm sure he will be to see you again, Lily, the next time you're here."
"Siegfried has kindly agreed to take over the care of the stables," Hugh said.
"How marvellous!" Margaret exclaimed. "I told you I didn't like that Trotter fellow."
The reason for Siegfried's expression now seemed clear and Lily couldn't help but feel a sudden immense sense of pride on his behalf at being bestowed with such an honour. Not that it was any less than his talents deserved. "Congratulations," she said.
"Thank you," he replied, pinking slightly. "I only hope I'm worthy of the task ahead."
"Of course you are," Edward said. "Never a doubt in my mind."
The conversation continued to flow for another half hour until the clock on the mantle struck ten and Lily got to her feet, mindful of the time. "I really should be 'eading 'ome now. But it's been a lovely evening, it really 'as."
"Not at all my dear," Margaret said, rising and kissing her on the cheeks. "It was our pleasure, and you must come back soon, as I said."
"I'd love to, thank you."
"Absolutely," Edward agreed. "We need to get the pair of you out riding."
She glanced sideways at Siegfried. "I look forward to it."
"Collins will take you home, of course. Banks, will you show Miss Bailey to the car please?"
"I can walk Lily out," Siegfried said suddenly. "Assuming, that's all right with you," he looked at her.
"Of course, that would be very kind, thank you." She bid her farewells to the Hultons' before allowing Siegfried to accompany her back through the hallway and down the front steps to where Collins was waiting with the car. As they approached, he opened the door for her and she turned back to look at her companion. "That was a very nice evening."
"Yes, it was," he agreed. "I admit to being slightly nervous on the way here."
"Me too. Congratulations again on the new acquisition to your patient list."
He laughed, "Tristan will be happy. He was only just saying this evening before I left that that might be an outcome of this evening, not that that was what I was looking for, you understand…"
"Of course not," she said. "But it certainly can't hurt your reputation, 'aving the biggest local stable on your books, so to speak."
"No, it definitely can't." He paused and held her gaze and she felt her stomach turn over again. "I didn't really get the chance to say how…how beautiful you look this evening. That colour…with your hair it…well…"
She felt herself blush at his words, "That's kind of you to say, thank you. It was me mother's dress."
"It suits you very well." He paused again. "I feel as though I should apologise again, for what happened last weekend…"
"Please don't." He looked at her with surprise. "I'm sorry, that sounded rude. I only meant that you don't 'ave to keep apologising for the way you feel, that's all. I already said that I understood."
"No, but…but I don't think that you do. I…"
"Ma'am?"
She turned to see Collins watching them, still holding open the door and realised that she wasn't quite sure she wanted to hear whatever Siegfried might have been wanting to say. "I should go now, before me dad sends out a search party." She hesitated for a brief moment and then leaned forward and kissed him gently on the cheek, feeling her body react at the warmth she could feel emanating from him. "Good night."
"Good night," he replied.
Turning, she slipped into the back seat of the car, the door closing firmly behind her. He remained on the steps, watching her as Collins slid into the driver's seat and moved the car forwards. As they made their way back down the drive, she turned in her seat, expecting to find him gone, but instead seeing him watch her, his figure growing smaller and smaller, until the car turned down the driveway and he was lost from view.
