Lily fought the urge to roll her eyes, knowing exactly what her mother and aunt were up to. They had gotten it in their heads that a simple walk in the gardens would be all it took to convincethe viscount that he needed to marry her. Lily, however, was less convinced and knew that their efforts were futile. “I doubt that there will be time, Aunt Margaret,” Lily said, unable to suppress her outspoken nature.
Her mother forced a stiff laugh while glancing around the room. “Of course, there will be time, Lily, darling, do not be silly. She is ever such a worrier when it comes to keeping to a schedule.”
Groaning inwardly, Lily accepted the cup of tea held to her by the butler and stole a glance in the direction of Julian.
His eyes seemed fixed on her, and she felt a wave of frustration at not being able to ask him what he was thinking.
“I think a walk in the gardens would be lovely, although I must agree with Miss Prescott that I loathe being tardy,” Juliette added politely, offering Lily a kind smile that warmed Lily’s heart.
A moment of kinship passed between them, and Lily found herself hoping that she and Juliette would be friends.
Their mother spoke up next, and Lily found herself pausing with the cup lifted to her lips. “I hear that congratulations are in order, Miss Prescott. You must be so happy to be engaged?”
“Engaged?” Lily lowered the cup, her voice barely above a whisper.
Had the news of Oliver reached their ears? And if so, why did they still think that she was engaged? Was he telling everyone that the marriage was still going ahead? Her pulse raced with a mixture of anger and confusion.
Coming to her rescue, her aunt spoke up. “Thank you, Mrs. Sinclair, but I can assure you that our Lily is not engaged. In fact, she has come to London to find herself a husband,” she announced proudly.
Her pulse shuddered again as she glanced at Julian, his expression unreadable. Why would it matter to him in any case when he was already engaged to marry Miss Everet? She felt her body tensing again when the conversation continued.
“My apologies, Miss Prescott, it would seem that I have been misinformed. I wish you all the best this Season.” Julian’s mother lifted her cup slightly as if she were toasting before taking a sip.
The entirety of the conversation made Lily uneasy, but she found herself liking Juliette even more when she provided a distraction.
“I can understand your reservations about being late, Miss Prescott, but I would so love it if you would show me around the gardens before dinner.” She offered another warm smile of reassurance.
“It is settled then,” Her mother spoke up before Lily could respond. “There shall be a walk in the gardens as soon as we are done with our tea.”
The fact that she had not mentioned who would be walking in the gardens did not go unnoticed by Lily.
***
“I am afraid that we have been the victims of a plot, Miss Prescot.” Julian placed his hands behind his back and strolled along beside her.
Stealing a glance at his face, Lily attempted to ascertain what he was thinking, but once again found herself at a loss. His handsome features never gave anything away, and she wondered if he had taught himself that skill or if it had always been part of his nature.
“I am afraid that you are right, my lord. Subtlety has never been a strong quality when it comes to my mother and aunt.” She turned her focus ahead of them and watched his sister while pulling her light blue shawl tighter around her shoulders.
Why does my heart beat like this?
She took a deep breath, keeping her gaze on the path ahead of her as she chalked the reaction up to nerves. There was something about him that made her pulse race whenever she looked at him. He was devilishly handsome, more handsome than a man had a right to be.
The spring sun shone down on them despite the slight chill in the air, a reminder of things past, even with the promise of newness ahead.
Juliette walked ahead of them, leaving enough space between her and them for a private conversation. It was puzzling to Lily that his mother and sister seemed to be in agreement with thrusting them together when Julian was already engaged.
“Do you miss America, Miss Prescott?” His question drew her attention back to their own conversation.
Swallowing hard, she frowned slightly as she looked at the green grass beneath her shoes. It was still not clear to her if Julian knew of her past or not. “I miss the flowers,” she said without thinking.
“Any flowers in particular?” he asked, his voice carrying a tone of intrigue.
Allowing a slight smile to touch her lips, Lily looked ahead as they walked. The sweet scent of early spring hung in the air,igniting the images in her mind. “One in particular, the cardinal flower. I also enjoy a small variety of flowers known as Rocky Mountain Columbines, but red cardinals are my favorite.”
She stole a glance in his direction, noting the slight smile on his lips that spread to his eyes.
“I cannot say that I am familiar with any of those. Can you describe the cardinal flower?” He seemed genuinely curious, making Lily wonder if he had an affinity for botany.