What does the look in her eyes mean?
Julian held her gaze, wondering if she longed to be alone with him again or resented the fact that they had come so close.
How will she react when I tell her that I love her?
***
Lily gently pulled away from Arabella and offered her a reassuring Smile. “You need not have worried, dearest Arabella. We were waiting out the storm.”
Heaving a sigh of relief, Arabella relaxed. “We thought that might have been the case, but one never knows what could happen. In any case, you are both safe, but I am certain that youare hungry.” She smiled brightly as she looked from Julian to Lily.
Lily and Julian exchanged a look before answering at the same time. “Absolutely starving.” They laughed softly as the tension between them waned, and her heart rate began to subside. They had come so close to kissing again.
Benedict nodded approvingly, seemingly oblivious to the moment that had passed between his friends. “Splendid. Juliette and Arabella insisted on packing a picnic basket for us all. They thought perhaps that you would both be starving after spending the night in seclusion.” He looked to Arabella, who seemed to be giving Lily a strange look.
What is she thinking?
Lily’s heart began to race again when Arabella’s lips curved into a knowing smile.
Turning to the men, Arabella spoke sweetly. “Would you gentlemen be as kind as to fetch the basket and blanket for us? The world outside is still wet. I think we should rather eat in here.”
Benedict nodded immediately as if he were only too pleased to oblige her every request. “We shall be back in no time at all! Just keep in mind that Julian’s mother would like us home before too long for the ball.” He called over his shoulder.
“The ball?” Julian asked with a frown, but found himself being pulled away by Benedict.
“Tell me everything!” Arabella rounded on her in an instant, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Feeling flustered, Lily needed a moment to compose herself. “First, tell me about the ball. What ball do we need to attend?” She took a deep breath.
Arabelle shook her head. “Julian’s mother had the idea last night to arrange a ball since the renovations at Redding Hall are all but complete. She rather marvelously made all of the arrangements while you and Julian were away last night. Being only an hour away from Redding Hall, she thought that the two of you would not mind.”
Lily forced her eyes open wider in an attempt to take in all of the information. “I do not mind. I just have not prepared a dress or anything.”
Shaking her head more vigorously, Arabella continued. “Julian’s mother has made provision for it all. A dress will be waiting for you at Redding Hall. The staff are all rather marvelous as well, but what I want to know is what occurred between you and Julian last night? You both look like two cats who got at the cream.” She mused enthusiastically.
Lily could feel herself blushing as she drew her lower lip between her teeth and gave in. “I think I am falling in love with him, Arabella.”
Sucking in a sharp breath, Arabella seemed as if she would burst. “That is wonderful news! If I knew that this would have worked, I would have locked the two of you in a room long ago!”
“Lower your voice!” Lily laughed nervously as she glanced over her friend’s shoulder to check on the men.
Julian and Benedict seemed blissfully unaware of anything that was being said inside as they fought with the basket on the back of the horse.
Lowering her gaze back to her friend, Lily blushed. “I… I just do not know if I can trust my feelings. You know what happened with Oliver…”
Arabella softened at her words and tilted her head to the side in a sympathetic gesture. “Lily, Julian is not Oliver; you can trust your feelings. Have you told him about your past yet?”
Lily shook her head. “I wanted to last night. I have come close a few times, but we get interrupted every time. I am just concerned that he will get the wrong idea when I tell him.” Her voice filled with concern.
Reaching out, Arabella gently touched the side of her arm. “You should tell him tonight at the ball. Tell him about your feelings, why you were scared to mention Oliver, and everything. An honest conversation between the two of you is long overdue.”
“Do you really think I should?” She glanced at Oliver and Benedict again, who were heading back inside.
“I most certainly do. Find some time tonight. You will see, everything will work out as it should,” she said with an air of certainty.
The indoor picnic turned out to be a jovial event where Benedict delighted them all with tales of his past and the things he hoped to do in the future. It did not go unnoticed by Lily how Arabella hung on his every word. Yet she could not help but steal glances in Julian’s direction.
He smiled at her each time, reassuring her that telling him the truth was the right thing to do.