Dearly.
Lilly turned her back to the window and studied Michael. He was leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands clasped loosely. Even with the breeze flowing through the carriage, there wasn’t enough air. This was a nightmare. “I’m so sorry, Michael.” What else was there to say?
He glanced over at her and then looked back down at his hands. “There’s been a lot of water under the bridge. We can’t turn back time.” He did not look back at her. “Glenda has a mother; I’m sure you were a devoted wife. I am to marry Lady Natalie, an excellent alliance for sure.”
How cruel life can be sometimes. If only her father had arrived in London earlier. If only Michael’s family had not come down with the fever. If only Rose had lived. If only she’d never met him. If only…
Too many if-onlys.
AN ABUNDANCE OF YEARNING
EDGEWATER HEIGHTS, 1815
The journey to Edgewater Heights took forever. At least, that was what it had felt like to Lilly. She’d tried reading, crocheting, even embroidering (God help her) to help the time pass more quickly, but none of it could keep her attention for longer than a mile. It seemed molasses moved faster than the horses pulling their carriages. And must they stop at every inn? Really, hadn’t Mother just relieved herself a few hours back?
Lilly squirmed and shifted the entire two days it took to traverse to Captain Redmond’s home. It was dreadfully hard to act like a genteel lady when one hadn’t seen one’s true love fornearly an entire week!
As they passed the final village before Edgewater Heights, Lilly’s excitement grew to a tangible thing. “Calm down, Lilly,” her aunt had told her. “You’re going to make yourself sick, for heaven’s sake!”
That painted a pretty picture.
Lilly imagined herself, leaping from the carriage into Michael’s loving arms and then promptly retching her luncheon all over the place.
Perhaps she ought totryto settle down.
Everything was so beautiful though!
Tall, lush trees, green grass, and lilac bushes covered the valley where Edgewater Heights nestled. The carriages creaked more than usual as they crossed a delightful cobblestone bridge and then turned down through the wooded drive. And then they rounded a bend, and she saw the house.
It wasn’t a mansion, but it wasn’t a small country house either. Ropes of ivy profusely climbed the three-story manor nearly to the roof. Arched windows cradled flower boxes, recently planted, and the scent in the air was that of the sea mingled with fresh lilacs. Several steps led up to the large wooden door.
And standing in front of the house, Captain Redmond—Michael—awaiting their arrival. She must have attempted to stand, for her aunt’s arm pressed her firmly down into her seat.
“Contain yourself, girl. Show him you have more than a thimbleful of dignity.”
“Of course.” It was as though the world had changed from grays to colors again.
The carriages came to a halt, and Michael stepped up to assist the ladies.
First, her mother. “Welcome to Edgewater Heights, Mrs. Bridge.” Captain Redmond handed her down and then bowed politely.
Next was her aunt. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Lady Eleanor.” He waited patiently as her aunt allowed him to assist her off the coach. He bowed to her politely.
Then finally,finally,Lilly leaned out the door. Michael’s hands went to her waist, and he carefully lowered her to the ground. In his gaze, she saw mirrored the yearning she felt.
Michael wantedto gather her close more than anything, but for propriety’s sake, of course, he did not.
Instead, he bowed over her hand and pressed his lips to her wrist. “Welcome to Edgewater Heights…Lilly.” Emotion nearly choked him.
Mr. Harris, Caroline, Penelope, and one of the lady’s maids had all climbed out of the other carriage and were stretching and making pleasing remarks about the property. Placing Lilly’s hand on his arm, Michael went about greeting the other guests and inviting them inside to freshen up while the servants took up the luggage. He introduced the women to his housekeeper, Mrs. Smith, and she asked them to follow her so she could take them to each of their quarters. Danbury volunteered to show Harris to the wing where his room was located.
In fact, it was a sizeable house. The staff had been madly cleaning windows and floors, airing rugs, washing linens, and sweeping out fireplaces for the last three days. Having worked alongside many of them, Michael was certain everything was in as good a condition as possible. Lilly went to follow the housekeeper, but Michael held her back.
“I’d show you to your room, if I may, my lady.”
“Oh Michael, I’m not a lady.” Lilly laughed at that, her eyes sparkling.
“You’remylady.” He pulled her close, rather abruptly, and buried his face in her neck. “I am so happy to see you.” He spoke the words in a rushed whisper before quickly pulling away. He didn’t wish to harm her reputation. Covering her hand, he led her up the other side of the U-shaped staircase.
