Lady Sheffield, never considered a beauty, even in her prime, was nonetheless attractive in that she was confident in both manner and bearing. Despite having lived alone since her husband’s death, decades ago, she was never seen in any manner of dishabille. With her gray-steaked reddish hair upswept in a regal style, Aunt Eleanor hadn’t really changed at all. A little grayer, perhaps, a few more wrinkles…But she was the same woman who’d brought her Miss Fussy. A heartening warmth welled up in Lilly’s chest upon this realization.
Betty awaited Lilly in the familiar chamber, having alreadyturned down the bed and unpacked her nightgown. Lillywasgrateful to see her, but in truth, she wanted to be alone. One of her blasted headaches was threatening.
She needed to recover from seeing Michael again.
Even so, she gave Betty a hug and accepted her assistance in preparing for bed.
The maid confided to her that her ladyship had been thrilled to learn of their upcoming visit. The winter had been drab and dreary. After brushing out Lilly’s long silver-blond hair and plaiting it in one long braid, Betty went about the room, organizing items on the dressing table and collecting the clothing Lilly had worn that day. When she finally departed, closing the door behind her, Lilly sighed in relief.
It had been too much. Too many memories. Too many reminders of what could have been. The headaches had set in shortly after marrying the baron and still came upon her when she was overwrought. Life was cruel and unfair, and the baron had been a monster, but she had survived.
Learning the truth, learning Michael had come back for her after all, shook her to the core. Because she’d learned it was she who was to blame for their separation. She could not blame her father, nor her mother, nor Michael himself.
It had been her own fault.
In this room, she’d experienced both euphoria and devastation. Euphoria early in their romance and devastation when Michael had failed to return—failed to come and speak with her father. They had waited two weeks in London before her father insisted upon returning to Plymouth. Once she was home, there had been another week before her wedding. And when he’d still not contacted her in that time, she gave up hope completely and married a man she did not love.
A RELUCTANT BRIDE
1815
Mr. Bishop arrived at Aunt Eleanor’s town house the day after Lilly, her mother, and her aunt returned from Michael’s estate. Her father had been anxious to get home to Plymouth but, upon speaking with his wife, reluctantly consented to await Captain Redmond’s return. He would not consent unless he wholeheartedly approved, he informed them both sternly.
Lilly was nervous and excited for her father to meet Michael. Once she’d told her mother Michael intended to speak with Father upon his return, it seemed, all talk turned to an impending wedding. Lilly and her mother even discussed where the ceremony ought to be held. They concluded since the family chapel in Plymouth was not so far from the Duke of Cortland’s home in Exeter, it would be the logical and sentimental choice.
Her mother’s excitement nearly eclipsed Lilly’s. She would have dragged Lilly over to the modiste to order a weddinggown, but Lilly drew the line. A niggling part of her thought it might be bad luck to anticipate matters so completely.
She would await Michael at Aunt Eleanor’s. How long could it be? And so she waited one day…
Two days.
Three days.
Four days.
Where was he? Had there been problems at Edgewater Heights? Did he encounter difficulties while travelling? Alternately, Lilly would be mad with worry and then outraged that he dallied. Did he not realize how anxious her father would be to return home?
In defiance of society’s sometimes unreasonable expectations, Lilly sent a missive to his London bachelor’s quarters at the end of the fourth day.
Captain Redmond,
My father is in London and anxious to meet with you. He wishes to return to Plymouth immediately, so please make your visit soon! I do not know how much longer we will be staying at my aunt’s townhome, so expediency is of great importance.
And I miss you very much.
Yours,
Lilly Bridge
Not one word. Lilly hadn’t heard a single word from Michael. It had been nearly two weeks, and he had failed to appear or even send a letter explaining his absence.
Doubt set in.
Had he actually told her he loved her? She couldn’t be certain now, and the more she thought about it, the more she questioned her memories. Had he? Surely, she would remember the exact time and location. She would rememberwhat she was wearing and the exact time on the clock. Wouldn’t she? Surely she would!
Dear God, what had she done? Could it have been only she who was in love? Had she been so blinded by his charm and good looks?
And then she remembered special moments with him, magical moments, filled with secret smiles and tender looks. He’d trembled when he’d held her.
