A faint smile touched Lily’s lips as she descended the stairs and made her way to the dining room, where breakfast was served. She had been quite shocked to realize that she rather enjoyed Julian’s company when they were left to their own devices.
He was someone that she would have considered a reasonable match if it had not already been for his engagement to Miss Everet.
A pang of jealousy clenched in her chest, but she told herself that it was because Miss Everet was gaining such an agreeable husband. She would have given anything to marry anyone as agreeable as Julian.
“Good morning, dearest. You look lovely. Did you sleep well?” Her mother greeted her with a pleasant smile as Lily took her seat.
“I did, thank you, Mama. I was quite worn out after the incident with Ecclesia.” Lily reached for a cup of tea and added two lumps of sugar, feeling as if she needed a small boost.
“Oh, that reminds me, I am certain that your maid has already told you, but Ecclesia is doing just fine. She went out to graze this morning, and everyone is keeping a close eye on her.” Aunt Margaret said after swallowing a bite of toast that had been slathered with apple jam.
Smiling, Lily relaxed as she sipped her tea. The fragrant floral taste washed down her throat, warming her chest as she eased into the day. Julian had been the hero of the day, and she had to admit that she would not have been able to save her beloved horse if he had not been there.
He is a lover of animals.
A smile graced her lips as she thought of how diligently he had worked to save her horse. Yet another feather in his already full cap.
“I beg your pardon, my lady, but a letter has arrived for Miss Prescott,” the butler announced as he appeared in the doorway.
Aunt Margaret and Lily’s mother exchanged an excited look before turning to Lily with gleaming eyes. “Bring it in at once,” Aunt Margaret instructed.
Placing her cup back in the saucer in front of her, Lily sat up straighter. It could not possibly have been from Julian, not when he was already attached to Eleanor Everet.
Her breath caught in her throat when the butler returned with an arm full of flowers that had been arranged in a large and impressive bouquet.
It cannot be.
Lily breathed slowly, holding every breath as her eyes took them in.
“Well, that is beautiful, I must say!” Her mother cooed almost as breathlessly as Lily felt.
Accepting the colorful bouquet, Lily took a deep breath as her eyes fell on the variety of flowers. American flowers. Long stalks of red cardinals were surrounded by Rocky Mountain columbines of every color imaginable and even a few asters.
He remembered.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she ran the tips of her fingers over the delicate petals.
“Do not keep us in suspense, dearest, read the note!” Her aunt encouraged, nodding vigorously.
Reaching for the note, Lily inhaled sharply as she attempted to compose herself. She was not even certain why she was nervous. If anything, he would have written to thank them all for inviting them to supper. There was even the possibility that he wanted to inquire after her horse.
With trembling fingers, she unfolded the note that had been placed between the flowers and began to read out loud.
Dearest Miss Prescott,
I wanted to thank you for humoring my conversational skills yesterday. I was delighted to spend time in your company and hoped to see you again soon. If it is not too inconvenient, I was hoping to call on you this afternoon, as we did not finish our walk in the gardens.
Please let me know if this suggestion is agreeable to you.
Yours truly,
Julian Sincvlair, Viscount of Barnard.
“Is that not just the loveliest note you have ever heard?” Lily’s mother gasped with a hand raised to her chest. “He wants to see you again.”
“And so thoughtful, I am certain that he has taken an interest in you!” Aunt Margart exclaimed.
Folding the note, Lily placed it back in the folds of the bouquet, and placed it aside. “I do not believe that is the case. Lord Barnard simply wished to make me feel at home here in England. If it had not been for his prior engagement, we should have been a good match, but these flowers are merely a token of his friendship.” She lifted the cup of tea to her lips again and gingerly took a sip.