Marriage…
The word hung in the back of his mind like a guillotine waiting to execute him. His only hope would be to arrange a marriage of convenience with a substantial amount of money. Lily’s familywas said to be wealthy; he had heard as much through all of the gossip, but that did not make it right, unless she wanted the marriage as well.
He sat up again, wondering if Benedict had been right about Eleanor lying; then it would mean that there was still a chance that he could court Lily.
The solicitor drew his attention back to the present conversation as she stood and began to gather all of the documents.
“I am sorry that I did not have better news for you, my lord. I did try my best. I will keep an ear to the ground and carry on searching, but for now, I would advise you to start making plans for the future. Perhaps your mother and sister would be happier in a country cottage while you sell this home and return to your military career?” He gestured around the room, encompassing all of the house.
Never.
Julian felt his chest clench in pain as he stood. “Thank you, Mr. Baker, I shall consider all of your advice,” Julian greeted the man and watched as he left with his black leather case and stack of ledgers under his arm.
This house in London had been the only thing that his father had left them in his will. His life had been cut short so suddenly that there had not been any time for fortunes to be built. It hadtaken all of Julian’s wages to keep it up and look after his mother and sister. The last thing he wanted was to have to sell the home where they had grown up.
He had always thought of the house as somewhere that his mother could grow old and his sister could visit with her children.
There had been a time when he, too, had considered bringing his children to visit, but those dreams had been squashed long ago with any hopes of finding someone to love. For true love did not exist.
But if it did not exist, then perhaps there was a woman out there who would accept an arranged marriage based on mutual respect rather than affection.
Chapter 8
Lily sat quietly by the drawing room window, staring out at the blooming gardens as she awaited their guests along with her aunt and mama. The pit of her stomach coiled nervously as she thought of the rumors that were beginning to gain more traction by the day.
What am I to do?
Just that morning, her mother had received a letter from her father stating that they needed to hurry and find a match for Lily. Her pulse raced a little with anxiety as she wondered whom she would be forced to marry. Would the man be as horrid as Lord Gall, or would she find someone agreeable who would allow her to be herself?
“The guests have arrived, my lady,” the butler announced from the doorway, addressing Lily’s aunt before disappearing again.
Feeling her heart jolt, Lily turned to the rest of the room.
Julian.
She felt her breath catching a little as she looked around the neatly decorated room with its pastel pinks and light greens. Theman would have made an agreeable husband if he were on the marriage market. At least with him by her side, she would have been afforded the protection of his title, along with his fierce sense of propriety.
Heat crept up the back of her neck as she recalled the way he had defended her honor and punched out Lord Gall. He had been so dashing in his mask with his slightly messy hair blowing in the breeze. If anything, she had to admit to herself that she did not find his appearance disagreeable at all.
“Lord Barnard.” Lily’s aunt came to her feet, drawing Lily’s attention away from her own thoughts.
Julian entered the drawing room with his mother and sister in tow, his eyes landing on Lily first as she seemed to take her in before turning to her aunt and mother. “Thank you for your invitation, Lady Brewster.” He bowed respectfully to the older women before inclining his head in Lily’s direction. “Miss Prescott.”
A second wave of heat spread over her skin, kissing her cheeks as she curtsied. His eyes took in the light blue dress that her mother had chosen to bring out her eyes before moving to the plaited bun at the back of her head and finally stopping on her face.
What is he thinking?
He was far more handsome than she had recalled, with his hazel eyes appearing more green against the blue of his navy coat.
“Shall we all be seated then?” Aunt Margaret asked and gestured for the group to come in.
Lily quickly shook her head and cleared her throat, making her way to a settee in the middle of the room. Had she missed the rest of the greetings? Her eyes quickly wandered to his younger sister and mother, who seemed to exchange a knowing look while the faintest of smiles played on their lips.
She felt a little sheepish for allowing herself to be so distracted, but she chalked it up to the scandal with Oliver that was still prevalent at the back of her mind.
“Shall we start with tea? Dinner will be served shortly, but I think we do have some time for tea and possibly a walk. That is, if everyone is up to it.” Aunt Margaret took her seat beside her sister, smiling knowingly at Lily as she gestured for the butler to bring in the tea.
Can she be more obvious?