I will tell him tonight.
***
Lily stood in her new chambers at Redding Hall, admiring the silver ballgown that Julian’s mother had arranged for her. The neck swooped beautifully into a beaded bodice, and the sleeves were puffed in the latest fashion. A maid had appeared out of nowhere and did her hair, pinning the loose curls in an elaborate style to the back of her head.
She was ready for the evening ahead and the conversation she knew had to take place with Julian.
I can do this.
She gave herself one more look in the new floor-length mirror and made her way toward the door.
The repairs had turned the mansion into a bright, new jewel. Lily had hardly believed her eyes when they had arrived a few hours earlier. There were no buckets, boards, or even men at work tobe seen. She stepped out into the hall and almost gasped when she came face-to-face with Eleanor.
“You look ready for this evening, my lady,” Eleanor smirked, her eyes filled with malice that had never been there before.
Does she know that Julian told me the truth?
Eleanor attempted to force a smile, but the coldness in her expression remained the same. “Miss Everet, I hope you shall enjoy this evening.”
“As do I, my lady. I hope you will not have another faux pas like you did at the duchess’s dinner.” She sneered as her lips lifted into a sardonic smile.
Lily’s blood ran cold as she realized just how wrong she had been about the woman. “Did you perhaps have anything to do with that little mishap, Miss Everet?” she asked her directly.
Huffing, Eleanor raised her shoulders. “It was only a bit of fun. I am sure you will understand. We, ladies of theton, like to tease one another, do we not? It was a friend of mine who agreed to show you in the wrong direction, as it were.” Her laughter came out in a low, almost animalistic drone.
Feeling stunned, Lily stood rooted to the spot. She had never, in all of her years, guessed that someone could be as cruel as that. She pulled herself up to her full height and smiled in return. “I cannot say that I share your sentiment, Miss Everet, but I do know that I do not appreciate it. Now, if you would kindly step aside, my husband is waiting for me downstairs. I will expect you to be gone in the morning before breakfast.”
Eleanor’s eyes flashed with anger as she set her jaw. “I would be careful if I were you, my lady. I am a beloved friend of the family. Julian’s mother and sister, and even Julian himself, would not look kindly on your words if they heard them.”
“I think it is you who is mistaken, Miss Everet. And I may not have been in London for very long, but I do know that I outrank you, and as such, I shall be taking my leave.” Lily lifted her chin defiantly in the air and began to push past Eleanor as she thought back to all the lies. The torn dress at the wedding, the dinner, the spilled tea, and even the lies in the garden.
There was no possible way that Eleanor Everet could ever redeem herself in Lily’s eyes, no matter how trusting Lily had been in the past.
Reaching out, Eleanor placed a hand on Lily’s arm and stopped her from passing. “You will regret this, Lily, mark my words. You have no idea what is coming your way,” she hissed under her breath before letting go of Lily’s arm and heading in the opposite direction.
A chill ran down Lily’s spine, but she quickly pushed it aside when a footman came hurrying in her direction.
“I beg your pardon, my lady, I did not mean to intrude, but Miss Arabella Tremaine requested your presence in the garden.” He bowed quickly and hurried away again before Lily could ask anymore questions.
I hope nothing has happened.
Lily quickly hurried down the hall, choosing a more discreet path to the gardens as she used the servants' hallways.
She had barely stepped into the cool evening air and shut the doors behind her when a gasp escaped her throat. “Oliver!”
Chapter 26
The grand ballroom at Redding Hall began to fill with guests in their finest clothes. Julian’s mother had done an amazing job organizing a ball on such short notice. He had not thought it possible, but things looked even better than he had ever imagined them.
White roses hung from the gallery above as the marble floors gleamed, reflecting the light from the candles in the chandelier overhead. He would not have said that it would be possible for Redding Hall to look so good, but the repairs had restored the old bones and brought the building back to life.
He craned his neck to look around the hall as guests chattered away with glasses of champagne. He had not caught a glimpse of Lily yet, and he was beginning to worry.
“Are you looking for someone, my lord?” Eleanor suddenly appeared at his side with a glass of champagne in hand.
Stiffening at once, Julian clenched his jaw, recalling the lies she had told Lily about their supposed engagement and love affair. He took a moment to clear his throat before responding coolly. “I am. Have you seen, Lady Barnard?”
She seemed slightly taken aback by his gruff reply but quickly composed herself again. “I have, my lord. I saw Lady Barnard heading toward the gardens a little while ago. I suspect that she may have wanted a moment to herself before the festivities began. This has all been quite overwhelming for her. You knowshe is not used to our proper English ways.” She sipped her champagne and smiled at him.