Lady Lost

Prologue

August 1781

They watched them through the window, amazed at what they were seeing. The two girls could not have been more than two years old, but a strange intensity surrounded them as they sat together among the flowers, as if they were the only two people in the world. They had been there for hours; their laughter could be heard from time to time, but mostly, they just lay on the ground together, hand in hand, looking up at the big blue sky and pointing out the different shapes.

Different as night and day, the pair was strikingly beautiful. The smaller girl’s hair, almost white from countless days spent in the sun, was long and straight with only a trace of curl revealing itself at the ends. Her eyes, fringed with long dark brown lashes, were the very color of the deep blue sky she looked upon. Small and petite, she was the very picture of innocence, an almost exact replica of the mother who gazed upon her.

Obviously the leader of the two, she radiated life and happiness, every individual feeling evidenced in the sparkle of her eyes. Having only encountered unconditional love in her few short years on earth, it was certainly curiosity that drew her to the other girl, an unconscious need to assuage the sadness that was so apparently a part of her, obvious even to a child barely past the tender age of two.

The other girl was slightly bigger, although they were about the same age. Her hair, deep brown with hints red and gold, was short, but the riotous waves promised unruly curls as she grew. Her eyes, however, attracted the most attention. Normally the color of the clearest emerald, they could shift to the lightest shade of green when any strong emotion seized her, which was rarely the case with anyone other than her present company.

Strangely withdrawn and quiet, she seemed to have a wall built up around her that she only let down for her one friend. Although her eyes betrayed not a single thought, she was clearly intelligent; everyone knew she noticed all that was going on around her, but, for whatever reason, she chose to keep her opinions strictly to herself. She distanced herself from everyone, as if she was afraid to become too involved, afraid her trust would surely be broken by anyone who got too close.

Except for her blonde friend, that is. Somehow a bond had been formed between the two that was unusual for such young children. By just looking at them, one could see that nothing would break it and that the two girls would fight tooth and nail against any foolhardy foe who tried to come between them.

But that time was not now. The heat of the sun combined with the soft kiss of the gentle wind soon enticed the children into a peaceful slumber. Watching them from the window, the blonde girl’s mother gave a troubled sigh.

What are we going to do? she whispered. They have only known each other a week, and already they are inseparable. It seems almost cruel to send her away now. I wish I knew what happened. I wish I could find her family, said Sarah.

Sarah, you don’t know why she was left here. We may never know. The letter said that Liana would be safe here. Maybe her mother will come for her after the danger has passed.

I have a feeling that she won’t, my love, she said quietly. Thinking back over the peculiar events of the last few days, she still could not come up with a legitimate answer. A week ago, a panicked servant had awakened them in the middle of the night with news that a child had been found outside.

Startled, they had rushed downstairs to see what was going on, almost certain that the servant must have dreamed up something so outrageous. But oddly enough, the child sat outside the door with a small box, her head bowed to ward off the cold. She clutched a worn envelope in her tiny hands.

With a cry, Sarah rushed over to the small girl, knelt down in front of her, and pulled her into her embrace.

Oh, you poor baby, Sarah cried, tears filling her eyes as a motherly instinct took hold of her, What happened to you?

Unresponsive in the woman’s arms, the child said nothing.

Do bring her in, Sarah. She must be freezing, Jeff exclaimed when he finally found his voice.

Quickly, Sarah carried the child into the house. Jeff made a quick check outside to see if anyone could be found but no one was there. Afterward, he followed rapidly behind his wife.

Fetch some blankets and some warm milk. Be quick about it, Jeff called to the sleepy assembly of servants that had risen from their beds to see the commotion.

Once in the drawing room, Sarah put the child on the plush sofa, wrapping a blanket around her shoulders once it had arrived. After a little coaxing, the child finally drank some heated milk and was soon asleep.

After lifting the child into her arms again, Sarah stood and turned to address her husband. I’m going to take her up stairs to Jane’s room.

Wait. We don’t even know who she is yet, he whispered quietly.

Well, we won’t find out tonight, anyway. Unless you want to wake her up and interrogate her, she replied jokingly.

Sarah, this isn’t funny, not at all, he said as he ran his hand through his hair distractedly.

Calm down, my love. Here, read the letter while I take her up. You never know, there could be a logical explanation for all this, she said, handing him the letter the girl had held so tightly.

I hope so, he replied as she walked toward the staircase.

A few minutes later, Sarah returned to find her husband leaned on the edge of his desk with the open letter in his hand.

Well? she ventured questioningly.

Read it for yourself, but it doesn’t sound good, he said with a dejected sigh.

Reluctantly, she accepted the letter, and with a deep breath, began reading the hastily written words:

‘Dear Lord Jeffreys,

I write this letter in the midst of chaos. I have not the time to explain myself fully, but I place my daughter in your care in the hope that you may keep her safe, although I am sure that it is within your power. I deeply regret that it is not within mine.

My daughter’s name is Liana. I cannot give you her last, for I fear it is far too dangerous. Do not look for me; if her presence is discovered, she will be in grave danger. Please take care of her. She is all I have left.

Sincerely,

E.’

Finished with the letter, Sarah looked up at her husband with tears in her eyes, She doesn’t even say why, Jeff, but she sounds so desperate.

Jeff moved to comfort her, putting his arms around her. Sarah pulled back and took his face into her hands, pulling his head down until his face was inches away from hers. With a determined light in her eyes she said, I want to keep her.

No. Wait just a minute. We don’t even know if that letter is from her real mother. We do not know who she is or where she came from, he said.

Still gazing intently into his eyes, she replied simply, I want to keep her.

Groaning, Jeff leaned his dark head back and looked heavenward. After a few seconds he turned his eyes back to his wife.

Give me a few days to look for her family, discretely, of course. If her mother is really who wrote the letter, she may need help. We have to wait and see what we find out before we decide, Jeff said at last, giving in.

Agreed, she said with a smile.

That had been almost a week ago, and no leads had turned up yet. It was as if Liana had been dropped from the sky without a trace of where she had been. She refused to talk about it as well. Although quiet almost all the time, the child completely closed off if questioned about her mother or her past, making Jeff and Sarah afraid of what might happen if she was pushed too far.

The way she acts when we try to bring up where she’s from really bothers me. Something bad happened to her, Jeff. She’s too quiet, too serious. I know there’s something going on it that head of hers, but she won’t let me or anybody in, except Jane. They connect somehow. There’s a bond there. Our daughter is good for her. She even makes her laugh, she said quietly with a smile in her voice.

Jeff gave a deep sigh and moved his wife into his arms, laying his cheek on her soft blonde hair. I know. I think her mother knew she would be safe and happy here with Jane and us.

Sarah looked up with a question in her eyes. Does that mean Lia can stay with us, then? she said hopefully.

With a smile, he nodded.

How do you think Jane will take the news? Sarah said curiously.

They both turned to look out the window just in time to see both girls rolling in the grass, laughing softly. Jeff and Sarah looked at each other and started laughing as well

Chapter 1

16 Years Later

1797

Lia walked silently through the garden, stopping occasionally to close her eyes and gratefully absorb some of the healing warmth the afternoon sun offered. A light summer breeze lazily made its way through the trees and kissed her upturned face, bringing forth a deep sigh. Desperate for any distraction, she paused briefly and observed the magnificent wonders of nature that surrounded her. A colorful butterfly perched fleetingly on a welcoming flower, setting the burdened branch into slow motion. This past month had been complete confusion for her; it was amazing how quickly a life could change, never to be the same.

It began when Jane left last month to visit some friends, leaving Lia behind. That she left was in itself a surprise, for Jane rarely left Lia's side. Few in the household could fathom why she left so abruptly, although rumors spread like wildfire among the servants. Before she left, she told only one person her coveted secret, and ever since, Lia had been tormented by a multitude of conflicting emotions.

Jane was in love, and her hasty departure was only one part of her headstrong plan to convince her love that they were destined to be together. The next four weeks were torture for Lia, although no one could see the anguish she hid behind her carefully placed mask. Before, the future had seemed a distant circumstance; of course she had known that one day Jane would marry and move away with her new husband. Everyone knew.

But for Lia, it was different. To begin with, her too plump figure and unapproachable personality ensured few gentlemen would show her attention, which was what she desired. Those who withstood her courteous aloofness and foolishly persisted in their pursuit often became the victim of her cold anger. Few could penetrate her thick shell of defense, but those who bore witness to her anger often got a rare glimpse of the passion she held from the world.

Having weakness was a nuisance; showing weakness was a mistake, sometimes a dangerous one. Despite her emotional upheaval, Lia found temporary solace in the beautiful gardens situated near the rear of their spacious home. Enclosed behind a low brick wall, the garden housed a small pond, as well as a silky abundance of many trees and flowers, their contrasting colors and uniquely distinctive textures provided a happy respite from the cold clutches of reality. The twisting paths lovingly sheltered by the airy branches of the neighboring trees, uncovered surprise after surprise with each twist and turn and gifted the occasional bench for rest and statue for viewing.

It was at one of these benches that Jane found Lia upon her return, peacefully drawing a pleasant replica of a butterfly resting on a beautiful flower.

Lia! Jane exclaimed when she spotted her on the bench a few feet away.

Upon seeing her friend, Lia smiled brightly and stood, just in time to be caught in a fierce hug.

Oh, I’m so happy you’re home, Lia cried happily.

I missed you terribly, Lia, Jane replied.

After a few moments, Lia ended their embrace and moved to reclaim the bench, pulling Jane with her.

Come; tell me of your trip. Did it go as you wished? Lia questioned anxiously.

Not exactly, she replied mysteriously.

After Jane’s hasty description of her eventful journey, confusion quickly revealed itself on Lia’s countenance.

Apparently, Jane had thrown herself at her love, whom she found out was Earl of Markington, only to be rejected quite adamantly. Of course, Jane refused to give up, and after quite a few adventures, he admitted his love to her. He then told her that they could not be together because of some secret in his past that could not be ignored.

Why would you still have hope after he refused you? she asked curiously.

He loves me, Lia. He told me so. Why would he declare his love for me if he saw no hope that we could be together? By admitting that he has love for me, he was ensuring that I would never give up on us. We will be together, Lia, she replied softly.

How can you be with him knowing he is withholding something from you? Lia questioned.

Jane gazed quietly at her dearest friend for a few moments before replying.

I cannot tell you, Lia. Please understand. I’m sorry, Jane answered regretfully, hating to see the briefest hint of hurt revealing itself on her friend’s face.

Of course I understand, Jane, Lia replied with a somber smile, So if you can marry now, does that mean he is coming to ask Lord Jeffreys for your hand?

I’m sure of it, she replied with a sigh, He is so wonderful. You are going to adore him. I told him all about you. He can’t wait to meet you.

He sounds perfect, Jane, she replied halfheartedly.

Please be happy for me. He really does love me and I love him. I’m sorry I can’t tell you everything. Maybe someday I can but not today, she explained pleadingly.

I trust you, Lia replied with what she hoped was an understanding expression.

They talked for a few more minutes about Mark’s expected arrival the following month and Jane’s upcoming plans before heading arm in arm to the house to prepare for the evening meal.

***

Alone in her room later that evening after a long dinner filled with Jane’s happy chatter, Lia was plagued by unwelcome thoughts of her future. Hoping to distract herself, she began brushing her long hair, unaware of how it glimmered radiantly in the soft candlelight. Soon, however, the agonizing questions started filtering in, demanding acknowledgement. With Jane married, what would become of her? Of course Lady Sarah and Lord Jeffreys would insist that her home would remain here at Greenley, but with Jane gone there was no reason to stay. They were wonderful people, but they were not her family.

Her family. The hair brush stilled, and her hand fell to her lap. More and more lately, those two words crept up in her thoughts, triggering a slight ache in the vicinity of her chest. Despite her vague memories, she did have a few concrete clues as to her origin. The box she had with her when she arrived and the desperate note her mother left with her initials on it constituted a few links to her past.

Suddenly needing to feel close to her elusive mother, Lia brought the box from under the edge of her bed. Opening it carefully, the familiar smell of roses wafted up to tease her nose. With a faint smile, Lia bent down to examine the contents.

Carefully, she lifted the letter her mother had hastily written that tragic night. Aware of every word and detail drafted within the letter, Lia set it aside. Next, Lia removed the few articles of clothing her mother sent with her and hastily deposited them beside the chest. Nearing the bottom, she considered the remaining objects. Ribbons and red rose petals littered the floor of the traveling box. Leafing through the clutter, she felt for the last remaining treasure. Pushing the ribbons and petals aside, Lia unearthed a small book wrapped in leather.

As she had done many times before, Lia unwrapped and opened the book with a happy sigh. Page upon page of beautiful landscape drawings filled the book, and despite the fact they depicted scenes that could be found at any English country estate and no written clue as to the author graced the pages, Lia nevertheless, experienced a fulfilling peace with each page.

A few minutes later, Lia closed the book with a smile. Putting the beloved book back, Lia paused upon glimpsing a sparkle in the edge of the lid. Lia moved closer to get a better look and saw what looked like a gold chain wedged in the curved side.

Filled with curiosity and a growing excitement, she ran her hand along the crease, feeling for a way to get to the chain. In her examination, Lia pressed down and a small part of the paneling gave way, causing a piece to rise. With bated breath, Lia pulled the rest of the way and gazed in astonishment at her discovery.

Lia saw what looked like a small leather pouch. After a hesitant pause, she reached and pulled items out.

Oh, my God, she whispered. The pouch, bulky in one spot with what Lia suspected was jewelry, felt strange in her hands. Somehow she knew that the secret of her past was in the small leather bag, and for a moment, she was paralyzed. Jeff and Sarah had raised her as their own daughter, but this represented her family.

After composing herself, Lia let her attention focus on the small bag. With trembling hands and a deep breath, Lia opened the pouch, and a ring with a crest of some sort emptied into her palm, making her hand seem small in comparison. Picking up the