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Either way, she disliked it.
Sighing, she made herself get up and ring for her maid before taking stock of her body. Donning a chemise before Chastity arrived and could see the marks covering her breasts was a must. Lily rather enjoyed looking at them but did not particularly want anyone else seeing them.
It was something best kept private.
At least, as private as she could.
She was still not sure she would tell her friends about them.
It had not escaped her notice that every mark was carefully placed below where even the lowest neckline would fall. Something she was quite thankful for.
Chastity came in while Lily was looking over the options of her gowns. Should she be in full mourning? Yes. Likely. Though she had never met Nathan’s brother, she was the countess now. Full mourning would be the most appropriate, and she certainly did not want to get off to a bad start with the staff or the neighbors. Which meant she would need to find a seamstress as soon as possible.
“Good morning.” Chastity was cheerful as she threw open the curtains to the large window. “Oh, how lovely.”
Curious, Lily walked over to see the view Chastity had just revealed. It was indeed lovely. The room looked out over a small patio with flowers surrounding it and a large lawn that led down to the woods. Quite picturesque. Lily would enjoy sitting on the window seat and reading when she had the time.
“Very nice.” For as long as it lasted. Nathan was not ready to move into the earl’s rooms yet, but eventually, they would need to. “I shall have to go exploring. Do you know if his lordship is about?”
Shaking her head, Chastity moved to the large wardrobe.
“His lordship was up early this morning and has already gone riding along the coast with Mr. Moore.” Chastity glanced at Lily when she tensed. The idea of Nathan riding where his brother had been thrown from a horse… She was sure he would have checked his mount over carefully, but it was still unnerving. “I believe he wanted to see where his brother was found.”
“Of course.” Yes, he would want to see that. Need to. Chastity and most of the staff did not know the previous earl had been murdered, and Lily meant to keep it that way for now. Though she trusted Chastity and her maid had never been much of a gossip, the least said the best. “Will you bring me a tray in here? I think I would like to break my fast before dressing.”
She had very little in the way of dark clothes, certainly nothing for mourning, so she needed to search through her wardrobe for the most appropriate outfits. Any neighbors dropping by unexpectedly today would be understanding, but only for a few days. She should send a note to her mother… and her friends, in case the first note did not reach her mother in time.
Lily was already making a list in her head of what needed to be done today for the funeral. She would also need to make time for her investigation.
* * *
Nathan
The smell of salt in the air as they approached the coast did not have the same calming effect Nathan normally associated with it. He was not surprised when Moore led him to the rocks along the beach. He and Sebastian had always enjoyed riding on the beach and sitting on the rocks, watching the waves.
Anything to get them out of the house and away from their father. As the heir, Sebastian had had it even worse than him. Their father’s demands for ‘the spare’ had mostly been that Nathan stay out of trouble and out of his way. Sebastian, on the other hand, had received their father’s full attention when the earl was home.
That Sebastian had been killed at the place that had given him the most peace made his death even more tragic.
“Right over here, my lord,” Moore said, turning his horse’s head. Foxglove, a bay gelding getting on in years, went easily. While Nathan and Sebastian preferred more challenging mounts, Foxglove was a good choice for riders with a more uncertain seat.
The last time Nathan had been home, he did not remember Moore riding. Clearly, he had been working on all his skills as he trained under Harker. On the Talbot estates, especially the coastline, there were many nooks and crannies where a horse was required that a carriage or even a curricle could not reach.
On the other hand, he could not help but wonder if that would make Moore a suspect. Did Moore know about the tampering of Sebastian’s saddle?
In a state of shock, Nathan had not questioned Harker as thoroughly as he probably should have before leaving. Still, Harker should be arriving at Brentwood Manor sometime today or tomorrow morning, then he could ask more questions.
He hoped Moore did not need to be a suspect.
It would break Valerie in more ways than one.
Following Moore past the craggy rocks, Nathan reined Merlin in when Moore came to a halt and swung his leg around, dismounting from Foxglove. Following suit, Nathan gripped Merlin’s reins and led him forward.
“Right there.” Moore’s eyes were dark, sad, as he nodded at some of the larger rocks. Unfortunately close to the ocean, the tides had likely scoured clean any evidence that might have been left behind.
On the other hand, Nathan was glad he did not have to see his brother’s blood.
“Here, take Merlin.” He handed the reins over, leaving Moore with a horse to each hand, so Nathan could get a better look. Walking nearer the edge of the sea, Nathan turned and looked around. The cliffs behind them, overlooking the spot, had rocks along them as well. It would be very easy to hide up there.
