by Jane Charles
Lily wheeled away and turned her back on him. She was well aware of her father’s anger. She’d lived with it her entire life. “I am used to my father,” she whispered after a moment.
“If I had not announced my intentions, what would your father have done?” He asked from behind, his voice soft and caring.
Her heart ached and she wished it could be different. That she could trust that he did care. Had he been the heir and not a fourth son she might trust him. But, as that was not the case, Lord Maxwell, no matter how kind his words were, was here because she would make him rich.
His hands came up and caressed her shoulders. Lily had no idea he was so near and his tender touch tore her heart in two. Whether she liked it or not, and no matter how much she had tried to deny it, Lily had come to care deeply for Lord Maxwell.
“What would he have done, Lily,” he asked quietly. “Would he have struck you?”
“That isn’t the issue.” She wanted to lean back into him and absorb the comfort he offered but doing so would only make her more vulnerable. “I can handle my father’s punishments.”
“Lily, I would never lay a hand on you in anger,” Max implored. “Nor would I belittle you as your father does.”
She turned her head and noted the sincerity in his green eyes, wishing she could believe him. “I’ll admit, my father is the very reason I will not marry, but not for the reasons you think.”
“Would you care to share those reasons?”
Lily shook her head and looked away. He’d be appalled at her intention to never give him an heir and she did not wish to explain why. It was too painful to speak of and he’d never understand the family name needed to die a quiet death and the earldom to disappear into oblivion.
“I am going to speak with your father,” he finally announced.
Lily took a deep breath and blew it out. “I have done my best to keep you from this course, but you must learn on your own. If you are willing to sell yourself and become the son my father never had, then I wish you well.” With that, she strode toward the door, the burning pain in her feet mimicking the shattering of her heart.
“Lady Lilian.”
She paused after opening the door, but did not turn around.
“If your father accepts my proposal, will you make good on your threat to embarrass me and my entire family?”
Without facing him, her head dropped for a moment before rising with dignity. “I could never do anything to hurt your mother.” Her Grace had been nothing but kind to Lily, as had Lady Warrick, and as much as she wished to punish Maxwell and her father, she would not harm the ladies who had as little control over their circumstances as she.
At the top of the stairs, Lily positioned herself, and waited for her father to meet with Lord Maxwell. After he was called to the library, Lily quietly descended the stairs and listened outside the door and hoped her father would find a reason to reject Lord Maxwell’s suit. Of course, what fault could her father find? Lord Maxwell was perfect for his purpose. And he would probably be an almost perfect husband. At least in the beginning, Lily reluctantly admitted to herself with a heavy heart.
Chapter 19
The meeting was going well so far. Artemisia seemed happy with the suit and presented the dowry Lady Lilian would bring to the match. Maxwell had already heard she brought forty thousand pounds, as well as the three unentailed properties that would fall to him at Artemisia’s demise. Maxwell politely listened. He did not need anything from this match but Lily.
The thought was arresting. He did want her. He’d want her if she only had a pound to her name.
Still, he listened, promising to manage everything well for the heirs. Then her father uttered the last condition. Max stiffened. Surely he had heard Artemisia incorrectly.
“Pardon me, my lord?”
Artemisia smiled as he explained his final condition. “I have no one to carry on my name. The man who marries my daughter must agree to take on her name instead of her taking his. You will follow in my footsteps, immerse yourself in the impressive Artemisia heritage. It is not a duty to be taken lightly. You will become my son and your son will hopefully inherit my title upon my demise, once the king agrees, of course.”
Max sat forward. Was Artemisia serious?
The man’s light eyes blazed and then he jumped from his seat and began pacing, a nervous, excited energy emanating from him. Max had never seen anyone behave so, well, mad, as in, not quite sane.
“If all goes well, which I am certain it will, not only will you own all that I have, but you will become me as well.”
Max nearly choked. “How so?”
“My man of business is working on the details right now.” Artemisia suddenly turned and strode forward, excitement pouring from his being. “Think of it, Lord Maxwell, you could be the next earl. My name and my title will not die and if you can bring yourself to bed my daughter enough, you’ll have plenty of sons to carry on for you.”
Words left him and all Max could do was stare at Lily’s deranged father. Be the next earl? Take his name? Bring myself to bed his daughter? Was he questioning Max’s manhood or did he think so little of his daughter that no man would have her?
And, how could he have not heard any of this before? Artemisia was completely serious. The king may be mad at times, but not even he would agree to allow a title to continue in such a circumstance.
“I am very proud of my family name, sir, and would not consider giving it up, nor my family.”
The smile fell from Artemisia’s face. “Surely you were aware of this condition before offering for my daughter’s hand?”
Max frowned as he stood. “No, sir. I was not.”
“Oh. I hadn’t realized.” Artemisia returned to his desk and shuffled papers before he glanced up with a persuading smile. “Your father has a number of sons and grandsons to carry on his name, a name to be proud of. I would like to see mine continue as well. Surely, this small matter can be overlooked. You can still see your family, on occasion.
“On occasion?” Max nearly choked. Did Artemisia think he’d totally cut the ties to his own heritage, the family he loved?
“Think of it only as a name change,” Artemisia hastened to explain. “Everyone will still know who sired you.”
Maxwell had never been so insulted in his life. Not even Lady Lilian had ever managed to injure him so deeply. Max straightened. “I am sorry, sir. That is one condition I cannot live with.”
Artemisia’s eyes widened and he grasped the edge of the desk as if panicked. “Think on the matter. We can discuss it further tomorrow.”
“There is nothing to discuss. I will not change my name, nor immerse myself in the Artemisia heritage and follow in your footsteps. If that is a requirement for taking Lady Lilian as a wife, then I feel you will need to reject my suit and look elsewhere.”
Artemisia muttered something under his breath, which Maxwell did not catch entirely, except he believed they were derogatory remarks against his own daughter.
“I cannot change my mind in this,” Artemisia said. “Had Lilian been born a male, this would not be an issue. She has been a disappointment and problem since her birth.”
Outrage filled him and Max knew he must leave the room before he did harm to the man. It was one thing to insult him by believing he would give up his family and his name. Now, he insulted the woman he loved. “Had she been born a male, we would not be having this discussion.” Max turned and strode for the door before pausing and turning toward Lily’s father. “For the record, my lord, you have a lovely, intelligent, creative daughter. Under any other circumstance it would be an honor to make her my wife. She is far more than you deserve and perhaps you should reflect on your good fortune before the next gentleman approaches.” Turning, he walked toward the door.
“I doubt there will be another offer. She isn’t the type to attract the more noble gentlemen. I had hoped you were one who would overlook her flaws.”
Maxwell stopped in his tracks
and turned toward the man. “With all due respect, sir, I have yet to find one flaw in your daughter and if I ever hear you speak against her so again, I will be forced to deal with you on a more personal level. Good day.” He opened the door and stormed down the hall.
Artemisia followed him, shouting, “I apologize for my words. Let’s discuss this with cooler heads.” He trailed after Maxwell.
Having been unable to hear the conversation, Lilian took a seat to wait in the parlor, knowing Max would have to pass the room on his way out. She had not expected her father to follow, apologizing, begging him to reconsider. She walked to the door. Max saw her and stopped before bowing slightly. “I regret to inform you that your father has not granted me the pleasure of your hand.”
Stunned, she turned toward her father. She was sure he would have welcomed Max with open arms.
“He refuses to change his name,” Artemisia said with a tone that practically accused her of this failing. “Nor will he accept the title once the king has granted the permission.”
Nobody would ever allow a husband to take a title. Dudley, his man of business, had tried to explain, but even he’d given up and let Father believe he was working out the details. Her father was so intent on a male heir to continue, that nobody could change his mind.
The words slowly sank in. Max was the one who refused? He would not change his name or take the title. He would not do her father’s bidding. He would not become his puppet.
Her heart began to thump in her chest. “Is this true?” she asked in a quiet voice.
“It is.” Max flicked a look of disgust toward her father before continuing. “I now know what you meant earlier. No, I would not...”
He would not sell himself at any price. She had known he did not love her, and had accepted that fact. All this time, she thought Max wanted the status a marriage to her would bring, regardless of his own personal expenses. He must have believed that the only matter at issue was her dowry, just like every other match that occurs within the ton. Lily turned to her father. “May I have a word alone with Lord Maxwell?”
Artemisia gave her a look filled with disgust as if it was her fault. Perhaps it was, but Lily suspected Max’s decision had nothing to do with her. “I doubt you will get him to change his mind.” He walked back down the hall and slammed the study door behind him.
Max followed her into the parlor. She had little cause in the past to acknowledge acts she admired in others and found it difficult to voice.
“I didn’t know of the condition that I practically give up everything that I am, including my name and family.”
Lily blushed, embarrassed at her father’s demands and the insult it brought. “I have just realized that.”
“It appears you are now free of me. I bid you well,” he said after a few moments of silence.
She glanced away, unable to look him in the eye. “I thought everyone was aware of my father’s grandiose and impossible plans.” Then lifted her chin so that she could look him in the eyes. “I have treated you poorly. For that I apologize for I thought you possessed all the facts.” She twisted her hands together, not familiar with voicing her admiration. “I respect your decision as well as your integrity. Thank you for showing me that there are honorable and kind gentlemen in this world”
Max studied her for a moment, opened his mouth, but did not speak. Instead, he simply bowed to her and quickly exited the house.
Chapter 20
Maxwell returned to his brother’s house. He wasn’t sure what to do but knew he had to talk to someone. In short order he told Jocelyn and his older brother what had transpired.
“You still want to marry her?” Jocelyn finally asked.
“Yes. I do.”
The footman knocked at the door before opening it. “I have a letter, sir. The servant who delivered it said it was most urgent.”
Drake stood and took the missive. Breaking the wax seal, he opened the parchment and began reading before he cast a questioning glance at his wife. “Did you share our news with Lady Lilian?”
Jocelyn blushed and looked down. “At the time I thought she was going to be my sister-in-law.”
“She will be. One way or another,” Maxwell reminded them.
“I was feeling quite nauseated and couldn’t very well lie to her.”
Drake smiled warmly at his wife. “This is from Lady Lilian to explain her actions today.” Turning his attention to the letter, he read out loud. “I would like to apologize for my shocking behavior today. I am sure you must think me mad, which is why I need to explain. The herbal tea Lady Warrick was about to drink has been used for centuries. While it is a good remedy for indigestion, it has another use as well. I don’t know how to word this more delicately, so I will simply tell you. Pennyroyal, among other herbs, was used centuries ago by women who wished to put an end to an interesting event.”
Drake looked up when his wife gasped. “Oh, my.”
“It was the only knowledge the peasants possessed on how to limit the number of children or space births. I know very few have this information now and when I realized Lady Warrick was about to drink the tea, I simply acted on impulse. The teapot was broken because of my clumsiness. Please forward the bill for your new rug and tea service to me. Again, I apologize for my behavior. I would like to suggest that Lady Warrick drink peppermint tea when feeling ill. It will do no harm. Yours, Lady Lilian Bliant.”
Jocelyn was visibly shaken by the time Drake finished reading. “My goodness, Drake. We could have lost the baby and I would have never known why.” Jocelyn’s hand strayed to her abdomen as if to protect the unborn child.
Drake silently read over the letter again and started to chuckle.
“This is certainly not a laughing matter,” Jocelyn exclaimed, outraged.
“No dear, it is not,” he quickly assured her. “What is ludicrous is that after explaining how she may have saved my child, Lady Lilian offers to pay for a ruined carpet and broken teapot. We are the ones who should be sending her a gift.”
She’d been trapped in many crowded ballrooms this Season, but the Huffington Ball was worse than the others. Or, perhaps it only seemed so given her current emotional and physical state. Lily also knew she was drinking far too much wine, but she didn’t care. Her feet hurt and her heart ached. Why did Maxwell have to be so noble? Why did he have to be the only man she could respect? Why did he have to be considerate, compassionate and caring? When did she start caring for him?
When had she fallen in love with him?
Lily never thought it would be possible to love another. At least, not the way a woman loves a man, but she loved Lord Maxwell. She’d certainly fought against her growing emotions enough, but she became attached anyway and now, he would never be hers. The price was too high. Too high for both of them.
Perhaps it was justice that she be made to see what she would be denied for the rest of her life. It was no less than she deserved, given the way she had treated Lord Maxwell. Though it gave her peace that love could exist, even if it wasn’t meant for her.
I thought spirits were supposed to dull pain. She still felt as wretched as she had three glasses ago. Now Simon wouldn’t allow her another. Gentlemen got drunk all the time. Why couldn’t she?
At least her father wasn’t present. He suffered another one of his peculiar attacks earlier and couldn’t bring himself to leave the library, nor would he allow anyone to enter. Each time they attempted to, he raged and threw items, until they left again. When she poked her head in the door before she left, he was curled up on the couch, knees to his chest. The attacks had all but disappeared in the country. They now occurred with more frequency than ever before since they had come to London. This incident could last a few hours to a few days and she suspected the loss of Max as a potential son had brought on his current situation. Her father never had reacted well to matters not going as he planned.
If only he’d acknowledge his own son, Wesley, all of this could be avoided and she’d be
spared, but she wasn’t even allowed to ever mention Wesley’s name.
Movement at the corner of her eye caused Lily to turn her head. She bit back a groan at the sight of Lord and Lady Warrick coming toward her. She wasn’t up to this tonight, but supposed she would have to face them sooner or later. Hopefully they’d gotten over their shock at her appalling behavior.
Before Lily began to apologize again, Lady Warrick embraced her in a warm hug. When the woman pulled away, there were tears in her eyes.
“I don’t know how to thank you for what you did. I still shudder to think what could have happened if you had not been visiting me today. If ever I can do anything for you, just ask.”
She knew they would probably be glad she had warned them, but she never expected this outward show of gratitude. Lord Warrick stood by his wife’s side, smiling at Lily. Gratitude shown in his eyes as well. Their warmth made Lily uncomfortable as it was foreign to her, outside of her aunt and cousins and perhaps Wesley, on the rare occasion they secretly saw one another. Those people were family. Lord and Lady Warrick were practically strangers.
Before she could recover, Lady Warrick moved onto another topic. “I was sorry to hear what transpired between Maxwell and your father. I know you are against marriage, but I can’t help but believe you and Max should be together.”
Lily opened her mouth to speak but another voice intruded. “Did I hear my name?”
Lord Warrick stepped aside for his mother and Lord Maxwell. Lily wasn’t sure if he would be present tonight, but she certainly didn’t expect him to approach her.
“I wasn’t gossiping, Max. I was telling her I was sorry with the way things turned out.”
Unable to help herself, Lily’s eyes were drawn to Max. He was looking at her with warmth while he responded to his sister-in-law. “As am I.”
“My dear,” Her Grace interrupted, drawing Lady Warrick’s attention. Suddenly Lily realized she had not acknowledged the woman and dipped into a curtsey.
