When Two Rivers Meet (Regency Romance)

by Deborah M. Hathaway

  "How can you say such a thing?" Mrs. Crosgrove screeched. "Lilyanna's name will most certainly be ruined should she marry into this family. She will be unhappy for the rest of her life!"

  Lilyanna winced at the cruel words spoken of Elijah, and she felt her love for the Bainbridges grow as his parents remained calm and quiet, obviously knowing that voicing their opinions would only worsen the matter.

  Captain Crosgrove's eyes finally moved to his wife. "Unhappy for the rest of her life?" he questioned. "How can Lilyanna possibly be unhappy if she is married to the man she loves?"

  Lilyanna's heart beat fiercely within her chest.

  Can it be true? she thought. Did her father finally see her for who she was, a grown woman capable of making her own decisions?

  "How can our daughter be unhappy," he continued, moving his gaze back to Lilyanna, "if we give her our consent to marrying the man she chooses, the man she loves, and the man who clearly loves her in return?"

  Lilyanna felt Elijah's hand squeeze her own as he stood a little taller.

  "She does not know what she wants, though," Mrs. Crosgrove continued, and Lilyanna could hear the desperation in her tone, "for she is only a child!"

  Lilyanna felt the knot in her stomach tighten as she made ready to defend herself, but Captain Crosgrove spoke first.

  "But she is no longer a child, Mrs. Crosgrove, can you not see this? Look at her," he said, motioning his hand to Lilyanna, "she is no more a child as I am a young man."

  Lilyanna smiled through her tears. For so many years, she had had to stand in her own defense, but, finally, finally, her father had come to her rescue.

  "But she is making the wrong decision!" Mrs. Crosgrove shouted in her last effort to have her way.

  "I do not believe so."

  "You will ruin her chance at happiness!"

  "I do not believe so."

  Lilyanna watched her mother clench her teeth, her lips pursing forward as she spoke again. "So you mean to tell me you are going to consent to this marriage? You are, in actuality, going to let it occur?"

  "Indeed," Captain Crosgrove said. "And I am sorry if this upsets you, but it is what Lilyanna has chosen for herself, and we must respect her decision. Heaven knows it is about time we did."

  Mrs. Crosgrove stared red-faced at her husband until she shot a look toward Lilyanna. Lilyanna felt like cowering behind Elijah, but holding onto his arm gave her the strength she needed to maintain eye contact.

  Lilyanna felt tears spilling down her cheeks as they stared at each other, and she wished their past could be changed, altered somehow, to give them a chance at a better future.

  She saw Mrs. Crosgrove's gaze then flicker up to Lilyanna's hair, and Lilyanna knew she had seen the comb placed in the blond waves. She watched, holding her breath, as Mrs. Crosgrove's eyes filled with tears, her face softening only for a moment before she rushed from the room in silence.

  "Mother, please," Lilyanna said, calling after her.

  But Mrs. Crosgrove continued until they heard the door to the blacksmith shop open and close with a slam. Lilyanna looked to Elijah whose face filled with concern.

  "Lilyanna?"

  She turned to hear her father calling her name.

  "I do not wish to interrupt you further," he said, "but if you would allow it, I should like to speak with you for a moment."

  "Of course," Lilyanna said, squeezing Elijah's hand before releasing it and moving to where Captain Crosgrove stood.

  As she and Captain Crosgrove moved to the far corner of the room, she heard the Bainbridges and the Elliots shuffling to the other side.

  "My, but that was exciting!" she heard Mrs. Bainbridge say. "Now your marriage is even more romantic, is it not, Elijah, dear?"

  Lilyanna's smile at the woman's comment lasted only a moment before she noticed her father's sober face.

  "Yes, Father?" she asked expectantly.

  "My dear Lilyanna," he said, taking her hand in between his own and looking down at it, "I wish to apologize for our behavior toward you. How cruel it was for us to interrupt what should have been a very happy occasion."

  Lilyanna shook her head instantly, though surprised as she was with her father's comment.

  "Do not trouble yourself, Father," she said. "But I do wish for you to understand. Running away was the only option for me to stay with Mr. Bainbridge. I am sorry it had to happen this way."

  "As am I," Captain Crosgrove responded, his gaze remaining down. "I feel all of this could have been avoided, however, had I been there…for you both."

  Lilyanna shook her head. "Father, do not blame yourself."

  "Thank you for your kindness, Lilyanna," Captain Crosgrove said, "but please, allow me to explain."

  Lilyanna nodded, signaling for him to continue.

  "You see," he said, "as you left your mother and I to speak the evening I returned, she informed me of my absence and how it had affected our family. I thought she exaggerated, so I brushed it aside and, instead, listened to her speak of Mr. Quigley and Mr. Bainbridge. I must admit, the more I heard of both of them, the more I thought neither one of them deserving of you. Mr. Bainbridge, for the fact that he had rumors of abuse surrounding him—"

  "Father—"

  "Which I now know to be false," Captain Crosgrove finished, and Lilyanna felt her guard lower once again. "And Mr. Quigley, I did not believe you should marry him for the sheer fact that you said you did not love him. No one should have to suffer through a loveless marriage."

  His eyes held a faraway look to them until he continued.

  "At any rate, I decided to speak with you in the morning, determining to convince you to forget both men. However, as your mother said, I went to your room when you did not join us in the dining room and found the note you left. Mrs. Crosgrove ensured me you been forced to runaway with Elijah—"

  "I was not forced, Father," Lilyanna interrupted again. "I chose to come here myself."

  Captain Crosgrove nodded his head. "I have discovered as much."

  Lilyanna smiled, grateful for being understood once more as she motioned for him to continue.

  "I was convinced that we needed to rescue you, that you had been, no doubt, deceived. So, after your mother packed your trunk, despite me trying to convince her otherwise, we set off for Gretna Green, hoping this would be the establishment you would be located. Mrs. Crosgrove had her mind set on dropping you off at her aunt's house, but I thought it best during that moment to not inform her I had no intention of letting you stay there.

  "We traveled day and night to see if we could arrive here first. However, as the days dragged on, I had much time to recall all the words you spoke to me and your mother, when we were clearly not listening. I began to wonder if what you said was true, if the rumors were false, and if you really did love Mr. Bainbridge.

  "My mind tried to convince me I was mistaken, that you were far too young to decide on a person's character and make the choice to marry someone alone. However, the moment I entered this shop and saw you standing in the shelter of another man's arms, I finally saw you."

  He smiled, his eyes softening as he studied her face. "I no longer saw my Little Lily. I saw you, Lilyanna, and the beautiful woman you have become."

  Lilyanna felt tears well in her eyes as she smiled, feeling even lighter as her father continued.

  "Now, I cannot help but think if I had been there for you growing up, perhaps I could have helped your mother see your growth for herself. Then she might have accepted your ability to make decisions earlier on in life."

  Lilyanna shook her head. "Our views and desires differ so greatly, Mother and I were bound to disagree on where I found love."

  "That may be true," he continued, "but you must forgive me for not being there during all the moments you may have needed me."

  Lilyanna hesitated. "Father, of course I missed having you at home, but I do not blame you for being absent, for you were serving your country. You must know I have always been proud of you fo
r your service."

  "That means much coming from you, my dear," Captain Crosgrove said with a small smile, "but I regret not spending more time at home. I could have denied additional assignments. I could have volunteered to go home, rather than spending more time on the seas."

  "The past is the past, Father," Lilyanna said gently. "Do not worry over what has been done. Instead, focus on now. You shall be retired soon and have all the time in the world to make everything better with your family, especially Mother."

  Captain Crosgrove stared at Lilyanna. "You really have grown up."

  She only smiled, incapable of producing any words for how she felt in those moments.

  "I wish for you to know, my dear," he said, "I give my consent for you to marry Mr. Bainbridge unreservedly. And I hope you will allow me to get to know him, and you, better."

  "Of course, Father," she said, close to bursting with joy. "We would not have it any other way. And the same goes for Mother, as well."

  "Yes, your mother," Captain Crosgrove said, a worried frown stretching across his face. "Do try to understand the reasons for her actions. She believes you are making a mistake that will cost you everything. You see, she has become so blinded by the unhappiness I have caused her, she is inflicting her views on you. She only wants to prevent you from having the life she has been cursed with herself."

  "I understand, Father," Lilyanna said, "but it is not all your fault."

  "You are kind to say so, my dear," he said, his eyes taking on a faraway look. "Now, I am afraid I have taken up far too much of your time. I see your Mr. Bainbridge is beginning to lose his patience with our chattering."

  Lilyanna looked behind her to see Elijah gazing in their direction. She motioned for him to join them, reaching out to hold his hand as he drew near.

  "Father has given his consent for our marriage, Elijah," Lilyanna said, grinning from ear to ear. "Is it not wonderful?"

  "Thank you, sir," Elijah said, nodding his head firmly. "We are indebted to you."

  "On the contrary," Captain Crosgrove said, "I am indebted to you for your treatment of Lilyanna, as she says it has only been the most genteel. I look forward to getting to know you, son."

  "And I, you," Elijah said, nodding his head.

  "Now, let us begin this wedding again, shall we?" Captain Crosgrove said with a smile.

  "Absolutely," Lilyanna agreed, turning toward Elijah.

  Her smile faded quickly, however, when she saw his expression. "Elijah?" she asked.

  "Lilyanna," he began before looking to Captain Crosgrove.

  Her father nodded his head. "If you will excuse me," he said, and he headed to the opposite side of the room where the others were gathered.

  Elijah watched Lilyanna's father cross the room, ensuring their conversation would not be heard before returning his attention to Lilyanna.

  "What is it?" she asked.

  He stared into her big, blue eyes, saw the love and kindness radiating from them, and knew he had to offer.

  I will never be able to forgive myself otherwise, he thought.

  "Well," he began, "now your father has given his consent…would you…I am most willing to postpone our wedding so we might have one in Bath, with all your friends and family present."

  He held his breath, praying for her answer, praying for patience if it was not the answer he hoped for.

  "I thank you for the option, Elijah," Lilyanna responded after he watched her ponder for a moment, "but I am afraid you shall have to marry me today, for I do not wish to wait a single moment longer to begin our married life together."

  Elijah's face broke out into a smile. "Are you certain I am not robbing you of the chance to have a traditional wedding?"

  "This may be your mother's influence," she began, "but this type of wedding is much more romantic, if you ask me. Do you not agree?"

  Elijah laughed, holding her shoulders and bending down to place a firm kiss on her lips.

  "Excuse me!" they heard Mr. Elliot exclaim from across the room.

  They looked over to see a smile on his face.

  "I believe you are only supposed to kiss after you are married!"

  "Well, my good sir," Elijah said, looking down at Lilyanna, his heart brimming with joy as he saw her smiling up at him, "then we had better get married."

  Lilyanna followed Elijah to where Mr. Elliot stood behind a large, black anvil, her heart beating furiously with anticipation.

  "All right," Mr. Elliot began, "I suppose I had better not waste any time should someone else come in to disrupt your union."

  "I think that is a wise decision," Elijah said, and Lilyanna nearly laughed to hear his firm tone.

  "Yes," Mr. Elliot said, "but to be safe, Mrs. Elliot, dear, would you be so kind as to lock the doors?"

  Mrs. Elliot rushed from the room without a word as her husband finally began.

  "Please take each other by the hand," he said, and they promptly did as they were instructed.

  Lilyanna looked to Mr. and Mrs. Bainbridge who stood near them, both smiling with happy faces, then looked to her father, whose eyes glowed with pride, and though she longed for her mother to be there, her father's presence soothed her troubled heart.

  Then she looked to Elijah, to his dark brown eyes and his loving smile, and Mr. Elliot's words were lost to her until he slammed the hammer down against the anvil, declaring to all who heard that Lilyanna's and Elijah's union had finally been made complete.

  She gasped when Elijah pulled out a small, gold band, sliding it onto her slender finger and bending down to kiss her softly on the lips.

  "I love you," he whispered.

  Lilyanna smiled with a deep joy. "I love you, too."

  They heard Mrs. Bainbridge clapping her hands and squealing with joy as the marriage of her son finally took place. She ran up to Lilyanna, hugging her as she jumped up and down. "Oh, I am so happy for you both! I cannot believe the excitement of it all. How wonderful you two shall now begin your life together!"

  Then she reached over and pulled her son in to hug them both at once, still jumping up and down with glee.

  Afterward, Mr. Bainbridge came to congratulate the newlyweds as Mrs. Bainbridge darted toward Captain Crosgrove, taking his hand and pumping it up and down.

  "Oh, Captain Crosgrove," she said with delight, "how wonderful it is for you to be here to see your only daughter wed! Lilyanna and my son make quite a fine pair, do you not agree? They certainly will create quite beautiful grandchildren for us, will they not? How wonderful that you could be here for Lilyanna!"

  Lilyanna laughed to see her father's stunned but smiling expression, knowing it would take much time for her father, and many years for her mother, to get used to Mrs. Bainbridge's joyful behavior. However, Lilyanna could wait, for she prayed someday, they would all be happy together.

  The wedding party was soon ushered from the room by Mrs. Elliot who informed her husband of another couple waiting to be wed, and after the new Mr. and Mrs. Bainbridge thanked Mr. Elliot, they led the way outside.

  Stopping outside the doors, Lilyanna turned to her father. "Thank you for being here, Papa," she said.

  "I would not have missed it for the world, my dear."

  Lilyanna hesitated before saying, "Mother…"

  "Yes," Captain Crosgrove said, "I shall go in search for her. I suspect she has made her way back to where the stagecoach will return us home."

  "Oh, won't you stay for a celebratory meal at the inn, Captain?" Mrs. Bainbridge said.

  "Thank you," he responded, "but I fear we must be off. I shall accompany my wife home before returning to London."

  Mr. and Mrs. Bainbridge nodded, but Lilyanna said, "You are returning to town?"

  "I must," he said, nodding. "But do not worry. I am bringing your mother along with me this time. We have much to speak about."

  Lilyanna smiled, grateful for her father's willingness and desire to better his relationship with his wife. "Please tell her I love her."

&nbs
p; "I will," Captain Crosgrove said.

  "And please write to inform me of how you both are doing and when it would be a good time to visit."

  Captain Crosgrove nodded. "I will leave your trunk at the inn in the room under my name so you shall have your possessions."

  "Thank you, Father," Lilyanna said, grateful she would then have a change of clothes to wear.

  "Of course, my dear. I fear I must depart now, though, or Mrs. Crosgrove might leave without me. Congratulations again to you both."

  He kissed Lilyanna on the cheek and waved goodbye, bidding farewell to the party.

  Lilyanna hoped her mother and father would be all right, but her worried thoughts ended as she was soon distracted by Elijah's arm slipping around her back.

  She looked up at him, smiling.

  "Shall we?" he asked.

  Lilyanna could only nod, so overcome with joy at having to never leave him again.

  The rest of the day progressed as the Bainbridge families spent their time exploring the small town, speaking with shop owners, and eating at the inn at various times, all actions consisting of pleasant conversations that made Lilyanna long for more.

  After packing up Mrs. Bainbridge's trunk and carrying it out of the inn, the sun began to set and the sky changed to pink and orange. The small party found themselves walking along a narrow pathway leading to the outside of town and lined with purple thistles and the occasional yellow gorse shrub.

  They drew closer to where the stagecoach would soon arrive to take Mr. and Mrs. Bainbridge to Mrs. Bainbridge's sister's home, and Lilyanna could not help but feel a little sad at their imminent departure, so happy she was to have had time to spend with them.

  "Now, do not forget to write us at your aunt's house about your travels," Mrs. Bainbridge said when they reached the waiting post. "You are sure to have a splendid time."

  Lilyanna looked quizzically at Mrs. Bainbridge. "Travels?" she asked.

  "Mother," Elijah said, sighing.

  Mrs. Bainbridge gasped, placing a small hand over her mouth. "Oh, dear."

  Elijah only laughed.

  "What?" Lilyanna asked.

  "I have arranged for us to travel throughout Ireland for a few weeks," Elijah said, smiling down at her, "as a sort of bridal tour for us."