“It is not a usual flower in the sense that most people like roses.” A pang of regret seared through her chest as she recalled all of the roses that Oliver had given her. She had mentioned to him that she loved the red cardinal flower, but he had never listened. “It has a long stalk with many petals, almost like butterfly wings when they land on a flower.”
Julian nodded, the slightest of smiles tugging at the corner of his mouth. “That does sound lovely. I cannot say that I have ever seen one, but I am certain that a specialty shop, or perhaps even a botanist, would have some.”
The notion made Lily pause slightly as she wondered if there was a gentler side to the man after all. “Thank you, my lord, I shall be sure to ask. Do you have a favorite flower?” She regretted her briskness when they had danced, making a note to apologize to him if the matter ever came up.
He seemed thoughtful for a moment as he chewed the inside of his cheek. “I would have to say that I have always admired bluebells; it is rather impressive how they look like bells.”
“Bluebells?” Lily chuckled despite herself, relaxing a little in his company.
Why was I so nervous?
She began to enjoy his presence and the deep baritone of his voice. There was something utterly manly about the way he spoke and presented himself, yet the hint of gentleness was apparent whenever they were alone.
A light breeze picked up and blew over them, carrying the scent from his coat.
He smells like old books and tobacco.
Lily inhaled deeply, shutting her eyes for just a second as she became lost in the scent.
“Oh yes, they are very impressively bell-shaped. The name leaves nothing to the imagination, and I like that,” he said decisively.
Shaking her head, Lily looked ahead of them, breathing more easily in his presence.
“I hope you do not mind me asking, Miss Prescott, but is it your mother and aunt who wish you to marry, or do you hope fora husband as well?” The question caught her off guard as she sucked in a breath.
“I…” she stammered at first, but found her outspoken nature taking over again. “My mother does want it more than I do, I must confess. If I had things my way, I would not marry so soon.”
Her answer seemed to placate him as he nodded. “And what is it that you want?” The question startled her more than the first, but she quickly composed herself.
“I want to be free, unburdened by the expectations of others. In short, I wish to be myself, nothing more, and nothing less…” She breathed the last word as she emphasized it.
Pausing for a moment, Julian seemed as if he wanted to say more, but simply nodded again and walked on.
A comfortable silence settled between them, and Lily found herself completely at ease, wanting to know more about him. If nothing else, it would be nice to have another friend she could rely on. “And I hear that congratulations are in order for you and Miss Everet. Have you known each other long?”
He stopped fully this time and frowned as he looked at her. “Miss Evert and I…” His words trailed off as a young man wearing a tweed jacket and stained breeches came running toward them.
“Miss Prescott, you must come at once!” The young man yelled before even reaching them.
“Who is that?” Julian stepped forward, protectively placing an arm in front of her as if it were a shield.
“It is the stable hand.” Lily’s heart began to race as he drew nearer.
The fear in his voice was palpable as he looked at her with wide eyes before bending over and bracing his hands on his knees. “It is Ecclesia… Miss… Prescott.” He explained breathlessly with sweat beading his brow.
Placing a hand on Julian’s arm, Lily gently pushed it aside and came forward. “Has something happened to her?” Lily asked and raised a hand to her chest. She could feel the color draining from her cheeks as her heart skipped a beat.
The stable hand quickly nodded. “We have tried… everything, but I am afraid she is not doing too well.” He came up straight again despite his labored breaths. Even beneath his cap, Lily could see that his hair was matted from sweat.
“Oh, Lord, please no,” Lily gasped and began to move forward, but found herself being held back by a strong hand. “Go, I shall be there in a moment.” She said to the young man before turning to Julian.
His brow was furrowed with concern as she searched her face. “What has happened? Who is Ecclesia?”
Juliette joined them, her eyes filled with concern as she looked from one to the other. “What has happened?”
Lily held back her tears as she fought for breath. “Ecclesia is my favorite horse. Something has happened, and I must attend to her at once.” She felt a hot tear spilling from her eye despite her best efforts.
“I see,” Julian said firmly as he clenched his jaw. His hand remained firmly on her elbow as he addressed his sister. “Run back to the house and tell them that assistance may be needed in the stables.”