The Other Side Of The Coin

Lilian strolled back home from the busy market with her basket overflowing with fresh produce, when she spotted a familiar figure in the distance. As she drew closer, she recognized Lilian Catwright, the wealthy and powerful heiress from the high town of Yarnton.

But Lilian looked different, her usual confident stride was replaced with hesitation, her eyes were scanning the surroundings with unease and confusion. Linda approached her, noticing that Lilian seemed to have lost her way.

And no wonder – the rural area of Yarnton was a far cry from the luxurious surroundings Lilian was accustomed to. Wade's absence had left her feeling lonely, and she had set out on her own, only to find herself disoriented and alone. As Linda drew closer, Lilian instinctively raised her fists, a defensive mechanism that made Linda chuckle.

"If you punch like that, you'll break your fingers," Linda said with humor, realizing how ineffective Lilian's stance was.

"Are you lost?" Linda asked gently with concern. Lilian lowered her fists.

"Yes, I'm lost. I don't know where I am. Can you help me?" she asked with vulnerability.

"Of course you can, I mean you should. I am a Catwright. Commoners are obligated to be of help to me."

Linda exclaimed with excitement instead of anger.

"Lilian Catwright! Of course I know you! The spoiled brat from the high town." Her smile was wide and mischievous. One would mistake it for admiration. Lilian's eyes narrowed, trying to place Linda's face, but her memory was blank.

They had known each other since childhood, but Lilian had no recollection of Linda, whose mother had been a maid in House Catwright before her death. Linda's father had taken her to the low town to raise her alone, after he turned down Lord Wilson's offer of help in exchange for Linda's hand in marriage to his nephew, Sam Bolton.

As they talked, even with Lilian's rudeness, Linda realized that Lilian was not only lost but also lonely, craving connection and friendship. Linda has been an admirer of Lilian since childhood, she was happier to be Lilian's friend.

"You are a brat, but I quite like you, let's be friends." Linda said, stretching her hand for a handshake, which Lilian accepts.

"Let's meet some other time." Linda said.

"I'm tired, I have work to do, mouths to feed, and no one to fuck."

They both laugh. Lilian's face lit up with joy, she had never heard such a jest before.

"I do not know my way around the low town, but I'm hoping to. For now, let's meet again at the high town, then we can go anywhere, and maybe find someone to fuck." She suggested with humor and a soft smile.

Before they parted ways, Linda introduced herself properly, and Lilian thanked her for the help and the newfound friendship. Linda showed a safe path back to the high town, and they both looked forward to meeting again. Later that day, Lilian arrived home safely, thanks to Linda's guidance. She felt a deep sense of gratitude towards her new friend.

Meanwhile, Mr. Cole, the butler, who is also her guardian, had been pacing anxiously around the entrance, worried sick about her whereabouts. When he saw her, he rushed to her side, scanning her for any visible injuries.

"Lilian, thank God you are home! Are you okay? You've never gone out without your brother before," he exclaimed. Lilian assured him that she was fine, but Mr. Col's expression turned stern when she mentioned where she had been.

"Low town? You went to low town? Are you insane? Your father will have my head if he knows about this. Low town is not a place for someone like you. There are dangerous people there," he scolded.

Lilian stood her ground, defending her new friend and the people of Low town who she barely knew.

"I met someone there. She is not dangerous. In fact, she helped me when I got lost. Linda, that's her name." Mr. Cole scoffed.

"At least it's not a boy. I've had to deal with your brother's recent love sickness and I'll probably die quicker than I should if you end up love-sick too." He continued.

"You were lucky, that's all. You cannot trust anyone from Low town."

Lilian grumbled under her breath, feeling frustrated with Mr. Cole's overprotectiveness. She ran into the house, holding her skirt, eager to escape the annoying lecture.

"And he's from the low town." She said. As she disappeared into the hallway, Mr. Cole called out after her but she was already gone, her mind was still reeling from the excitement of meeting a new friend, a kind friend and she didn't want to ruin her mood.

As Mr. Cole stood in the hallway, Alicent approached him with an urgent message from Lady Luciana. Lord Wilson was away on business, leaving Mr. Cole in charge of the household. He quickly followed Alicent to Lady Luciana's chambers. Upon entering, Lady Luciana invited him to sit and join her for a cup of tea. Her expression was worried and yet proud.

Mr. Cole sensed something was amiss. She began to speak about Wade with evident concern.

"Wade has completely changed. He is always absent, spending time out with his horse, reading poetry, and neglecting his duties. He has no interest in the family business," she said with furrowed brows.

Mr. Cole listened attentively, aware of the underlying issue. Lady Luciana asked about the girl, Eleanor, and Mr. Cole feigned ignorance. But Lady Luciana was not fooled.

"Do not play clown with me, Mr. Cole. I know you better than that," she said with a firm tone. Mr. Cole relented,

"He's just a young infatuated lad, give it some time and he will get over it." Lady Luciana pressed on, seeking his opinion on how to handle Wade's situation. She knew his feelings for Eleanor went beyond infatuation and feared the consequences for the family. Mr. Cole asked,

"What exactly are you worried about, my lady? Wade, the family, or your secret?" Lady Luciana's response had a hint of assertiveness,

"My secret? No, it is not my secret, it is our secret, ours, not mine. You will not put it all on me like that." Mr. Cole wondered how Wade's relationship with Eleanor affected their hidden truth. Lady Luciana's response was dramatic,

"In every single way you could possibly think of, Cole. Why is my son attracted to a married woman, older than him, of all people, Eleanor? Like father, like son, don't you think?" Mr. Cole's demeanor changed, he straightened his posture, and spoke from his heart,

"I have always respected you, as much as I have always loved you, and i…" Lady Luciana's tone turned jealous,

"Ah, yes, you love Alicent too. Surprise of the century.

" Mr. Cole stood firm, "I am a man, and I have needs and desires. What happened between us was wrong but you will not project our guilt upon our boy. Wade is fine, his relationship with Eleanor is pure and true. If their relationship needs to end, it will happen eventually. Do not do anything to hurt my boy for your selfish interests, Luciana."

With that, he rose and left Lady Luciana's chambers, and she was angry, jealous and anxious.

As Lilian dusted her books, Mr. Cole entered the room with an apologetic expression.

"Lilian, I'm so sorry for scolding you earlier. I never meant to speak to you like that. I was just worried about you," he said with sincerity. Lilian's anger had dissipated, replaced by a desire to discuss her observations with Mr. Cole.

"I don't hate you for it. You care about me a lot, I understand." She said with a soft voice. Mr. Cole sighed in relief and sat beside her.

"Tell me about your day, tell me about your new friend." He said with a warm smile. Lilian hesitated, then spoke in a low tone,

"Her name is Linda, she seemed lovely, fierce, and kind." She paused.

"Do you think I would have been happier if I was raised in the low town? I mean, I am happy here, but…I met Linda, and my perspective changed. Sort of. She said she knew me from childhood, and she is about my age, or we could even be the same age, but she is so masculine."

Mr. Cole offered words of wisdom,

"While a simple life has its charm, money is important for living a comfortable and sustainable life." Lilian's curiosity got the better of her,

"Father said money doesn't buy happiness, but if you had all the money in the world, what would you do? What would you buy? Where would you go?" Mr. Cole chuckled,

"Money doesn't buy happiness, but that only applies if you don't know where to shop." His expression turned wistful,

"If I had all the money in the world, I'd have my children call me 'Father' and I would hug them as much as I wanted." Lilian looked at him confused,

"Children? Mr. Cole, you don't have any children." Mr. Cole's eyes misted, but he smiled,

"Silly girl, I was speaking hypothetically, based on your question." Lilian placed her head on his shoulder, and he wrapped his arms around her,

"I wish I was your daughter. You've had more time for me than father ever did," she said softly. Mr. Cole kissed her forehead, and with his voice filled with emotions, he said,

"I love you regardless, Lilian."