"I apologize for that," she sighed.
"There is no need to," Julian laughed softly. "I know how it feels to be a brother. He only wants to protect you."
"He means well. He knows that this is not what I expected for myself, and so he is rather surprised that it has happened in his absence."
"Well, for all he knows, this has been against your will. I respect him for it, truly."
Eleanor was comforted by that, at least.
"In regards to the wedding," he continued, "I shall write to you. I see no need for a lengthy engagement, especially if you wish to leave London sooner rather than later. I can apply for the license and banns, and this can all be done with within the month."
It was not at all what she envisioned for her wedding day, but then the marriage itself was not either. Eleanor had acceptedthat, and she could not change her mind simply because she wanted a nicer ceremony.
"That sounds perfect. I shall see you then."
When she stepped back toward the others, her composure had already settled once more into place. There was no visible trace of what had passed.
There would not be.
CHAPTER 6
The carriage moved at a steady pace, carrying Julian towards his death sentence.
He shook his head gently. He was not to see his wedding day like that. It was entirely unfair to Eleanor, who had in truth done nothing wrong.
Julian sat by the window, his posture composed. The landscape shifted gradually, fields giving way to narrower roads. It was a short journey, but it crawled by.
It had been so efficient. That, more than anything, should have satisfied him. Instead, he found himself returning not to the structure of the proposal, but to the precise moment at which Eleanor Whitcombe had stood before him and removed every unnecessary complication from the matter of him finding a bride, reducing it to something that could be accepted on his part.
And he had not refused it.
"You seem very calm."
The voice interrupted his thoughts without difficulty. Julian shifted his attention to Lily, who sat opposite him, her focus entirely fixed upon the subject that had occupied her since they had returned from the house party the month before.
"I am, yes," he replied.
Lily considered this, her expression thoughtful.
"Most people are not calm when they are to be married."
"And who told you that?"
"My governess. She told me to be prepared for you to be pale and terrified. She also told me not to tell you that."
Julian laughed in spite of himself. His sister’s governess had not been far from the truth, and he saw no issue with her warning Lily of what could happen.
"Well, as you can see, I am perfectly fine."
"And you are happy to marry Miss Whitcombe?"
"I am."
"That is good," she replied. "I do not like it when people are uncertain. It makes them change their minds."
Julian regarded her for a moment, noting the simplicity of the statement. He had been most surprised by how easily Lily had taken to Eleanor, and he wondered what would have happened had he left Lily at home instead. He did not doubt that Eleanor had considered his sister when she decided to suggest the marriage.
Society loved Lily, or at least they spoke highly of her. She was a clever young girl, and one that could perform very well when she wanted to. However, she did prefer to be home. Julian also preferred that, as it meant that he could protect her more easily.