He kept his hands firmly in his lap. Lilly’s hand remained tucked into his arm.
The group discussed various upcoming balls and parties, a possible excursion to Vauxhall, and of course the weather, before Captain Redmond turned toward Lilly.
“I must retrieve the curricle for our drive this afternoon. Will you be ready in one hour?” He had taken hold of her hand when he’d turned. Both of their hands were lost in the folds of her skirts. He squeezed gently and massaged her palm slowly with his thumb.
Lilly was so conscious of his touch, she forgot what he’d asked her. What had he said? Something about leaving?
“Pardon?”
“I need to collect the curricle for our drive. Is an hour enough time for you to get ready, Miss Bridge?”
He knew.
He knew how his touch had affected her. She trapped his thumb in her hand and smiled daringly back. “An hour will be fine. I’m looking forward to it.”
Lilly spent a quarter of an hour longer with the remaining guests before they finally stood to leave. She was excited for the plans they’d made to meet the next day but even more excited for her scheduled outing with Captain Redmond. She waved them a very cheerful goodbye and then dashed up to her room to freshen up for his return. When she entered her chamber, she was instantly caught up again by the beauty of his bouquet. Burying her face in the blossoms, she inhaled deeply before remembering that she did not know the meaning of the peach blossom.
As a flower enthusiast from childhood, she had a book conveniently tucked away in her escritoire. Not bothering to sit, she skimmed through it until she came across the section on the language of flowers. “Oleander…orchid…palm leaves…aha!” Lilly read aloud. “The peach blossom…I am your captive…” Pressing the book into her chest, she closed her eyes. He was too good to be true. Could this be happening to her?He is my captive?Oh, no, she thought.I am his.
She twirled around slowly and then tossed herself onto the yellow counterpane that covered her bed. Then, unable to contain herself, she kicked her feet in excitement and covered her hand with her mouth, lest her squeal of delight alert the entire household of her joy. Rolling over to her stomach she reopened the book to verify the meaning of the peach blossom once again, as though she couldn’t quite believe it.
I am your captive…I am your captive…
A knock on the door had Lilly slamming the book closed and leaping to her feet. Her mother opened the door slowly.
“Be sure to take a pelisse with you this afternoon. The sun is shining, but the wind is brisk today.” Her mother smiled as she entered the room.
Her gaze, as Lilly’s had been, was immediately drawn to the colorful, passionate flower arrangement. She then looked at her daughter suspiciously. Mrs. Bridge knew her daughter well. She also knew the meaning of such sparkling eyes and flushed cheeks.
“You seem to have found a beau rather quickly, Lilly.” Her mother had told her that she believed in love. She’d also advised Lilly to be wary of it.
Lilly would be no such thing. “He is the one, Mother. I know it. He is so utterly handsome, and kind, and sweet…and handsome! What should I wear for our drive? Should I change my dress? Should I allow him to see me in the same outfit I have on now? Oh, Mama, I am so nervous! I am also so very happy!” Lilly flitted around pulling out various dresses for perusal.
Her mother gently seized her by the shoulders, quieting her. Tenderly, she tucked a stray curl behind Lilly’s ear.
“The dress you are wearing is fine.” She paused and thencaressed her daughter’s cheek. “Take deep breaths and slow your heart, my dear.” She held her until she seemed satisfied Lilly was no longer swept up in excitement. Then, she squeezed Lilly’s shoulders affectionately and turned to pace the room. Her mother would not send Lilly off without some well-timed maternal advice. “A curricle only seats two people, so you won’t be able to take your maid along as chaperone. Therefore, you must beveryproper. Not too much smiling and absolutely no giggling. Everyone will see everything you do once you enter the park.” She stared at her daughter sternly. “I don’t want anything to taint your reputation. Do you understand?” Her mother’s lips pinched in concern.
Nodding, Lilly would lessen her mother’s nerves. “Of course, Mother, I shall be the soul of discretion. No giggling. Sit up straight. Nod at the people I know. Look beyond the people I do not.” Lilly slipped on the pelisse that matched her dress and turned to study herself in the mirror. “It’s only a drive, Mother. You mustn’t worry so.”
Her mother met her stare in the mirror and then surprisingly grinned. “He is very charming, isn’t he, Lilly?”
Lilly grinned back. “And handsome!”
Captain Redmond hearda step and turned as Miss Lilly Bishop descended to the foyer. He wondered if there would ever be a time when he didn’t feel this pull toward her. He couldn’t help but be mesmerized as she pulled on her gloves and then tied her bonnet under his watchful gaze. She wore the same dress from earlier but had donned a pelisse to cover her arms and shoulders. Once ready, she glanced up and smiled.
Good God, she lit up the room.
“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting for long.” She spoke, oh, so very properly.
He’d been waiting nearly twenty minutes.
“Not at all.” He smiled down at her as they stepped outside.
The curricle he drove belonged to his brother, Edward. It rode high off the ground, was painted shiny black, and had plush maroon-leather seats. Edward was not one to go about in bright colors, as were some of the bachelors that season.
Lilly took one look at the vehicle and then glanced at him with an impish smile. “Oh, this looks fun! I have seen these high flyers about town before but never thought I would actuallyridein one.” And then, as she further examined it, her expression turned into a curious frown. “How does one get in?”
Michael laughed and then showed her where to step. Placing his hands on her waist, he lifted her easily so she could step around the wheel and sit down. He then easily climbed up himself and sat beside her. His groom handed him the reins and jumped on the back, and they were off.
