She went walking or shopping with her dear friend, Elizabeth, who lived nearby or she called on her mother’s friends and played cards. There were visits up to London to see her relatives, although she saw her father less and less. “He is so very busy in Parliament,” Lilliana said to her mother crossly, “and when he is at home he either has someone with him, or else he is shut up in his study. He never seems to have time for us anymore.” “You must not complain so, my dear, it is his work and we must accept it,” was her mother’s pragmatic reply. “But Papa used to always include us whenever he was entertaining,” she protested. “Now, he either shuts himself away or shuttles his visitors in and out before we even have a chance to make their acquaintance.” “Don’t trouble your head with it, Lilliana. It is not a personal slight upon either of us – it is just the way your father wishes to manage his life at present.”
