Aunt Margaret waved the idea away as she pursed her lips. “Stuff and nonsense. I have been asking around, and whatever Miss Everet said to you, I am certain that she was mistaken. Now, on to more important matters, you must accept his invitation for a walk this afternoon at once.” She reached for the small golden bell in front of her plate and rang it sharply.
“But Aunt Margaret, I can hardly accept the invitation; it is not proper.” Lily began to protest as she thought of how Eleanor would feel. She was certain of what the young woman had said and knew that there was more than likely a good reason for the Viscount to keep their arrangement a secret. In all likelihood, there would be an announcement made at the next ball or gathering.
Her mother spoke up next as she lowered her tone to a more businesslike manner. “Your aunt is right, dearest, you must accept. You do not have the liberty of saying no.”
The butler appeared in the doorway before too long, and anything that Lily had wanted to say was cut off by the excitement of her mother and aunt.
“I shall need to send a note, Carstens, and have some sandwiches and cakes prepared for this afternoon. Lord Barnard will be calling on Miss Prescott.” Aunt Margaret turned back to her with a conspiratorial wink and smiled.
***
“I wanted to thank you for the flowers, my lord. They are truly quite lovely, but it must have been quite difficult for you to find them?” Lily remarked as they strolled alongside the pond at the back of her aunt’s home.
A small family of ducks waddled past them and entered the water, leaving small ripples behind them as they swam.
“I must confess that it was not easy. I had to visit several floral establishments before finally finding a botanist who grew flowers for medicinal purposes. But if they brought you joy, my efforts were not wasted.” Julian responded as he strolled with his hands tucked behind his back.
Lily’s maid followed behind at a respectful distance, allowing them enough privacy to talk, yet not enough for anything improper to occur.
“They made me feel more at home, so your efforts and sentiments were certainly not wasted. Yet I am afraid that I am keeping you from more important matters by taking up more of your time,” she ventured cautiously, wanting to get to the bottom of his visit. He had seemed quite nervous when he hadarrived, yet he had remarked on the weather, flowers, and even the time of year without giving away too much.
Growing quieter for a moment, Julian forced a smile before clearing his throat. “The truth, Miss Prescott, is that I had a motive in coming here today.”
Her heart beat a little faster as she focused on her steps.
“I wanted to know if you would accept my proposal and become my wife?” he blurted the question out.
Stopping in her tracks, Lily faced him with her mouth slightly agape. “But, my lord… what of Miss Everet…” She breathed the words in disbelief.
His brow dipped into a tight frown as he turned to face her as well. “I have heard the rumors of our supposed attachment, but I can assure you, Miss Prescott, that I am not engaged. Miss Everet has never been anything more than a mere family friend to me. In fact, I never wanted to marry, but my circumstances in life have presented me with the need for a wife.”
Lily’s pulse raced as she raised a hand to her heart. “I must apologize if I misunderstood Miss Everet, but why now, and why me?”
Julian nodded before continuing. “I can appreciate your hesitation, Miss Prescott, and therefore I shall be completely honest with you. I find myself in need of a wife with a dowry to save the estate I inherited. I am not looking for love, nordo I expect you to swoon at my feet, but if I understand your situation correctly, you are in need of a titled husband.”
He looked into her eyes, making her pulse race again as she struggled for words.
Is this really happening?
Julian reached for her free hand and took it in his, gently running his thumb over the top of her glove before meeting her gaze and speaking again.
“I must also confess, Miss Prescott, that my asking for your hand has also been aided by the fact that I find your company more than agreeable. Yesterday, when we spoke, I found your intellect and character quite fascinating. I think the two of us can make each other quite happy if we try. You told me that you longed for freedom to be yourself. I can provide you with both freedom and honesty. There need not be anything hidden between us if you agree.”
Her fingers began to tremble again as she took in his words.
Honesty?
Was that not one of the things she had lacked in her previous engagement, and here the viscount was offering her everything that she needed in a marriage?
“May… May I have some time to think on the matter?” She finally found the words after a brief pause.
Letting go of her hand, Julian smiled at her. “Of course, one must always consider all of the options before answering. I shall give you some time to consider,” He looked out over the pond with a warm smile before meeting her gaze once again. “But I do hope that you will say yes. I mean it when I say that I think the two of us could make each other happy.”
Her heart skipped a beat when he reached up and gently touched her cheek, stroking the back of his knuckles over her skin. Heat crept up the back of her neck and spread to her face, making her breath catch yet again in her throat.
“I… I shall let you know soon, my lord. I must first speak with my mother and aunt.” She managed in a meek voice.
Why am I feeling like this?