She turned back in the direction of the house, needing some kind of distraction from her galloping heart. She had expected the proposal from Oliver, yet even then, she had not reacted in this manner despite having convinced herself that she had been in love with him.
Oliver and Julian were complete opposites of each other, yet she was no longer certain that she had truly loved Oliver at all. She had been infatuated with him, but did that mean love? And what did she feel toward Julian, who had just asked for her hand in marriage?
They walked back to the house in relative silence, with Julian commenting on the gardens and plants while Lily attempted to gather her thoughts. She felt winded and caught entirely off guard, uncertain of how to react.
It did not take them long to reach the front of the house, and when they did, Julian bowed to her with a final smile before heading toward his carriage. “I hope to hear from you soon, Miss Prescott.”
She watched as he left, only turning back to the house when his carriage was halfway down the drive.
Her mother and aunt were waiting for her as soon as she entered the parlor.
“And, did he say that he wanted to court you?” Her aunt asked as Lily slumped onto the edge of the settee in her daze.
“No, he said that he wants to marry me…” The statement still sounded utterly strange to her, even though she was the one uttering the words.
Opening her mouth, Lily’s mother raised a hand to her chest. “Heavens! That is the best news that I have heard all year.” She turned to look at her sister, who seemed just as excited.
“I do not know if I shall accept yet. I asked for some time to consider his proposal.” Lily snapped out of her daze, finally coming to her senses as she sat up straighter.
“Now, dearest…” her aunt began, but her mother quickly cut her short.
“No, Margaret, I think that Lily should know the truth. There is no use in our keeping things from her. She must know now why she must accept Lord Barnard at once.” Her mother’s voice grew more somber.
“What has happened?” Lily instantly felt a cold chill run down her spine.
Taking a deep breath, her mother composed herself. “I received a letter from one of my friends in London shortly after you left to walk with Lord Barnard. There is a rumor that Oliver King is coming to London to win you back. I do not need to tell you that any dealings with the man will only solidify the gossip regarding your involvement in the alleged treason.”
Lily sat stunned as the chill down her spine travelled to her veins and made her blood run cold. “How could he think that there was ever a chance that I would take him back?” Her voice was barely audible above a whisper as she spoke.
Coming forward, her aunt sat beside her on the settee and took her hand in her own. “Please listen to me, dearest, it does not matter what this Mr. King says, does, or even feels. It is none of your concern, but I will encourage you to accept Lord Barnard’s proposal as soon as possible. If this King fellow arrives in London and you are already engaged, Lord Barnard’s title will be able to protect you.”
Protect me.
Images of Julian on the night of the ball flashed across her mind as she recalled the way he had punched Lord Gall out cold without even knowing who she was. Someone who was willing to do that would certainly protect her against Oliver King.
There had not been anyone else in London who had caught her eye, and had she not been jealous of Eleanor when she had thought that Julian had proposed to her?
Her hand was being forced; there was no denying that. Yet there was a small part of her, deep inside her heart, that did not resent the idea entirely. Every stolen glance, beat of her heart, and silent breath flashed in her mind. It was more than just knowing that Julian would protect her.
I do not dislike him.
The small voice in her heart whispered the truth that she had not wanted to admit. If she had to be forced, then she was glad that it was with Julian.
“I shall write to him at once and accept,” Lily said quietly.
Chapter 11
Two weeks later…
Pulling back the string of his bow, Julian anchored his hand against his mouth before releasing a breath along with the string.
I am getting married.
The arrow zipped through the air, hitting the target dead in the middle as Julian relaxed his posture.
The letter of acceptance had arrived at the house before he had. It had been a bit of a shock, his pulse racing as he read the simple sentence.
I accept your proposal, my lord.