by Jane Charles
Everything would be alright now. If anyone would understand it was Wesley. The two of them walked arm in arm into the woods until they came to the gazebo overlooking the lake. Lily sighed and settled onto a cushioned seat and turned toward him.
“It is so good to see you. I didn’t dare hope you would be here.”
“And miss a chance to see you?” He grinned.
Lily tried to keep the smile on her lips but the effort was too much. She did not want to worry Wesley, but he was the one person she could confide everything to, assured of his understanding and love. If only he could make her problems disappear.
What would happen if she simply asked him to take her to Scotland, to hide her there, where they could live in peace, free from Father?
A rush of emotions overwhelmed her. The Season, her father, Max and everything was too overpowering now that she was with the one person she trusted above all others. Unashamedly she let her tears fall.
“Lily, what is it?” Wesley leaned forward and drew her into his arms.
Lily couldn’t answer. Her sobs had taken control and her body shook with the release of emotion.
Wesley held her and stroked the back of her head. He whispered words that she assumed were comforting, but she couldn’t make them out. When her emotions were spent, she pulled away and sniffed. Wesley fished out a handkerchief and wiped her face, then ordered Lily to blow her nose. Grateful she looked up at him.
His smile was full of love. “Feel better now?”
A smile pulled at her lips and she nodded.
“Now, tell me what the great Artemisia has done this time. Or has something or someone else caused this distress?”
“As I wrote in January, Father decided it was time I marry and we traveled to London in March.”
“Yes. Go on,” Wesley encouraged.
Lily told him everything, from her father’s dictates, his list of bachelors and to the night she spent in Max’s home and his desire to marry her.
“Who is this gentleman?”
Intentionally she had omitted Max’s name. Even though she loved Wesley and trusted him, she feared he might take matters into his own hands if he did not side with her decision. Not that Wesley had ever done so in the past, but everyone seemed to think she should marry Max. They didn’t, couldn’t, or refused to understand it was impossible.
“I am not going to tell you.”
“Why? I do still know a number of gentlemen in London. Perhaps I could offer more insight into his character.”
Lily laughed. “The gentleman is a paragon of virtue, which is why he feels he must marry me.”
“He turned down Artemisia’s offer,” Wesley reminded her.
“I think he still believes that once married, Father would be forced to offer some form of settlement. He is a younger son so he needs to marry an heiress.”
“Did he tell you this?”
“No.”
“Then you simply assumed.” Wesley studied her for a moment. “Did it ever occur to you that this gentleman may truly love you and not care for wealth?”
“I believe he does care for me now. But, he must make his own way. How soon before this gentleman hates me when he realizes that Father won’t part with even a quid. You know as well as I do that all love comes with a price. As soon as I can’t give him everything he needs he will grow to resent me, then hate me in the end, just as Father did Mother.”
“No, Lily. Not all love comes at a price.”
Lily looked up at him. “Have you found love, Wesley?”
“The answer is no, and don’t change the subject.”
“I care for him too much to make his life miserable.” She wiped her eyes as the loss of Max once again enveloped her. “He will soon forget me and fall in love with an heiress and have a better life than he could ever have with me.”
Wesley studied her for a moment. “You love this man.”
Lily couldn’t meet his eyes and did not answer. The truth was too painful and Wesley would see through any lie.
“I wish I knew who he was.”
“Why? It doesn’t matter. He is not for me.” Lily stood and walked to the edge of the gazebo and looked down at the lake. A mother duck paddled into view with five ducklings following close behind.
“Despite your words, you do love him.”
Lily turned and looked at Wesley. How could he be so sure of her feelings?
“If it were any other gentleman, you would run off to Scotland with him for the simple revenge against Artemisia and finally be free.”
She thought about what he said. Lily might have considered the option, but she wouldn’t in the end. She would not become the property of a gentleman simply to exact revenge and be free of her father.
“You are positive his feelings will die?” Wesley’s eyes bore into hers.
It was her biggest fear. “Yes. Of that I have no doubt.” And that had been the one constant. Max may love her now, perhaps it was only because he feels protective. But, she could not begin to fathom that his love would remain true.
He nodded. “Then I support your decision in not becoming his wife.”
Relief flowed through her. At least someone understood.
Chapter 24
Max circled the morning room where all the guests had gathered, pausing to speak with a few while he continued to look for Lily. She wasn’t among the crowd so he exited into the garden. He had just reached the middle of the terrace when he spotted Lily hurrying across the lawn and then was brought up short when he witnessed her embrace another man.
What was Wesley Kincaid doing holding Lily? Max had to stop himself from going after them. The only reason he held back was because of the ecstatic look on Lily’s face. The two linked arms and wandered off, disappearing into the woods.
With a heavy heart, Max sat on a bench to wait for her return. Was Wesley the reason she refused to marry him? Though Lily denied there was someone else, he could not deny the pure joy on her face. A look he had never succeeded in putting there.
Time slowed, but Max didn’t leave the bench and watched for their return. His stomach churned at the thought of Lily loving someone else, even if he didn’t have proof.
Why couldn’t he have been the one to put that radiant look upon her face?
Was Kincaid the reason for her rejection? Max knew enough about Kincaid to know that he would never be able to meet Artemisia’s requirement. First, he was not the son of a lord, though Max wasn’t certain who his father was. And, second, Kincaid was born on the wrong side of the blanket.
If Lily did love Kincaid, why hadn’t she just married him and remained in Scotland with her husband, ruining all of her father’s plans?
When they finally exited the woods, Max came to his feet and waited for them to gain the terrace. At the very least, Lily owed him an explanation.
Her smile fell as she noticed him. Kincaid’s mood did not alter as he greeted his former classmate and one time friend.
“Lord Maxwell Warrick, I didn’t expect to see you here.” Kincaid stuck out his hand to shake Max’s. “It has been what, five years?”
“At least.” Max shook Kincaid’s hand and wished he could feel the same friendship he once had. Perhaps he would if he could remove the man from Lily’s side. “How is your practice?”
“Doing very well.” Kincaid grinned.
“You two know one another?” Lily asked with some discomfort. Her eyes shot between the two, and her face had gone pale.
“Yes. We attended school together. I didn’t know you were acquainted with Max.” Kincaid seemed genuinely surprised. Lily must not have told Kincaid anything about him while they were off in the woods alone.
“We have been introduced,” Lily answered slowly.
“We are more than mere acquaintances.” Jealousy was getting the best of him. “I plan on marrying Lily.”
Kincaid studied the two before asking Max, “Have you spoken with her father?”
“Yes. Not that it is any
of your business.”
Kincaid slowly smiled, then turned to Lily. “Is this who you were speaking of?”
“Yes,” she bit out, but offered nothing further.
Kincaid placed a loving hand on her cheek. “Had you given me his name earlier, I would have responded differently, Lily.”
She studied Kincaid. “It doesn’t change anything.”
“I beg to differ.” He let his hand drop and turned to Max. “Do you still wish to marry Lily even if is she is disowned, comes to you with only the clothes on her back?”
“Of course.” Who was Wesley to her?
“I need to know, Maxwell. Do you love her?”
Lily groaned and rolled her eyes as if she had been placed in the most uncomfortable position in the world, and perhaps she had. This could not be pleasant, to be caught between two men who obviously loved her.
Max studied him. Had Kincaid been courting her but was now willing to step aside? Or, were they merely friends and Kincaid was concerned with her welfare? “You know me well enough, Kincaid. I wouldn’t have offered if I felt differently.”
Kincaid raised an eyebrow. “She has told me everything Max. I need to know. This offer isn’t out of a sense of duty to save her reputation?”
“Hush, Wesley, someone might hear you.” Lily glanced toward the door to make sure they were still alone.
So, Lily had told Kincaid that they had been alone in his town house. What could have possessed her? “I am well aware of the consequence of my actions. My offer does not come from duty. However, an expedient marriage would be practical in the event the ton did learn of the time we were alone together.”
Kincaid seemed satisfied with the answer and turned to Lily. “You should marry Max.”
Lily’s eyes grew wide as she stepped back. “You know I can’t. Father refused. We discussed this. You understood.”
Kincaid’s face hardened with anger. “Lily, your father has made your life miserable since you were a child and will continue to do so unless you take matters into your own hands.”
“It is not that simple.”
“And you, Lily, are a fool.”
“Wesley, I thought you of all people would understand. Why are you doing this?”
Softening, he looked down at her. “Because I love you and want you to be happy.”
“Oh, Wesley, you know I love you too, but you are wrong in this.”
Max’s jealousy lurched at the words of love directed to Kincaid. “Excuse me, but what exactly are you to Lily that allows her to be so familiar?”
Kincaid gave Max a half smile after glancing at his fisted hands, but Lily stepped between them and answered. “He is my brother.”
Stepping around her, Kincaid bowed with a smile. “Bastard brother, that is.”
Lily slapped him on the shoulder. “You know I hate it when you refer to yourself in that manner.”
“I am only stating a fact, dear.”
Max stood in shock. It had never been a secret that Kincaid had been born on the wrong side of the blanket. Then there was the rumor of Artemisia having an illegitimate son. Why hadn’t he put the two together? Not that it mattered now. “Then I have permission to marry your sister?”
“Of course. I’ll even drive you to Scotland myself.”
“Enough,” Lily yelled. “I am not marrying him.” Turning, she stalked off around the side of the house.
Wesley smiled. “She’ll be back shortly.”
Lily sneezed.
“She just walked into Aunt Claudia’s garden. She must truly be upset to have forgotten it was there.”
Lily turned the corner, handkerchief to her nose, marched past them and into the house. So much for a grand exit.
She took the back corridors to avoid the guests and exited the house through the kitchen, to her refuge. Without thought, she walked to one large tree at the back of the property. Stepping into the cascading willow branches, she sank down to the ground and leaned against the trunk. The bark of the willow, when ground into a powder, reduced pain and fevers. She only wished it could relieve the pain in her heart.
Lily sat beneath the tree for hours, meditating on her future. She questioned her decision often. She never expected to find love. In her heart she knew Max loved her. It was painful. If only she could trust that his love would remain true through their lifetime, when he was forced to rely on the goodwill of his family. Or, heaven help him, enter into a trade to feed his family.
Her own father never loved her, and found fault at every turn, so how could she expect to remain in Max’s heart forever?
Would the love dwindle once her rare features and coloring were no longer a novelty? What would his reaction be if the children resembled her more than him? What if she only produced females?
Panic welled. Lily couldn’t allow her thoughts to continue. She would never have children. She witnessed what her mother had endured for years to bring a healthy son into the world. One pregnancy after another. The last one had killed her. Gentlemen needed an heir, though Max would not necessarily need the spare as he was not titled, but all gentlemen wanted sons.
But, it wasn’t the pain or fear of death that scared her the most, it was what her father would do if she had a son. He’d do everything in his power to get control of the child. That was something she would never allow and the very reason she would not have children.
Her plan had always been to remain unwed and produce no offspring. No child of hers would ever suffer under her father. She would die first.
Wesley was the last male Bliant and he was on the true path. That path did not involve the greed and shallow pride coveted by the last generations of Artemisians.
She sighed and leaned her head back against the rough bark.
Was she being as selfish and greedy in wanting love for herself as her ancestors had been about their desire for more wealth and power with each generation?
Would it be so bad to live in love and security if even for a short time?
Yes! She would be using Max for her own purpose. Would she really feel secure knowing one day he would realize the opportunities he had lost and turn from her?
Lily couldn’t do that to him. She loved him too much to tie him to her for the rest of their lives. In time he would come to see the wisdom of her actions. Perhaps he may even thank her someday?
That sad thought followed her into the house. She had missed dinner and it was growing late. Lily didn’t mind. She was at peace with herself and her decision. In time, her heart would stop aching as well.
Chapter 25
Max stiffened when he heard Lily talking with her maid in the hall and searched for a place to hide. How could he have forgotten about the maid?
“Go, Mary. I’ll be fine. Enjoy your evening.” Lily closed the door to her room. Silently he breathed a sigh of relief and settled back into the chair he had moved to a dark corner. It had been easy for his valet to learn which chamber was Lily’s, and as soon as dinner had been completed, Max made his own excuses. With a quick visit to the kitchen, he arranged for a tray to be delivered to her room, then he waited for her return so that the two of them could have a private discussion.
She appeared more peaceful than in the past, though sadness lingered in her eyes. He should make his presence known, but was reluctant to disturb her as of yet. She sat at her dresser, removing the pins from her hair. Lily was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and he couldn’t imagine ever tiring of watching her.
With hair brushed and flowing down her back, Lily rose to remove her gown to prepare for bed. Before she could begin disrobing, Max approached from behind.
Lily stiffened when she saw his reflection in the mirror. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve come to see you, of course,” Max murmured as he drew closer.
“This is highly improper. Are you deliberately trying to ruin me?” Lily disciplined as she turned to face him.
“Nobody knows I am here and we need to talk.”
“We have said everything necessary.” Lily sighed.
“Take a seat, Lily.” Max gestured to the small table set against the wall.
She eyed him with suspicion but did his bidding. Once she was settled he removed the covers from the tray. “I know you missed dinner and thought you would enjoy supper while we talk.”
“Max, there is nothing we need to discuss.”
He pulled up a chair. “All I ask is that you hear me out, without interruption. I thought with your mouth full you would find it more difficult to argue with me.”
Lily’s lips set in a firm line.
“Eat, Lily. I am not entirely sure you eat enough.”
“Are you saying I am too thin?” she asked with an arched eyebrow.
Max smiled roguishly at her. “You, my dear, are perfection.”
Lily rolled her eyes at the flattery.
“Eat. I will talk.”
With a huff, Lily turned her attention to the food before her and cut into the roasted chicken.
“Lily, I won’t change my mind about marrying you.”
She looked up at him, ready to argue.
Max held up his hand to silence her. “Please, hear me out before offering your opinions.”
“Very well,” Lily sighed before putting a piece of chicken in her mouth.
“Because you feel so strongly, I will refrain from pressuring you into marriage, at this time. In fact, I promise not to mention the subject at all during this country stay.”
Lily swallowed and looked at him with suspicion.
“However,” he continued. “I will not deny my love for you. In fact, I intend to remind you often during this holiday.”
Lily stopped eating and regarded him with a hint of distrust.
Max took the fork from her hand and fed her caramelized carrots.
Lily frowned at him and took her fork back.
“We have a rare opportunity.”
