Lily shook her head and said, her words stumbling and tripping as her lips trembled. “I think I’d prefer to stay here for now. The shade is quite pleasant, and I could use some solitude, as you have given me much to think about.”
“Of course, Lily.” With a parting pat of her hand on the young lady’s arm, Hettie turned and sauntered away. Lily’s hand flew to her mouth, as though holding in the emotions bubbling out of her, and she stood there, shaking, while Miss Nelson disappeared deeper into the woods.
The first sob broke through the forest, though Lily smothered it. But another came on its heels. And another, her cries filling the air. Sophie’s heart seized in her chest, but she didn’t know what to do. Though the young lady had been polite, Sophie hadn’t spoken to her much since Mrs. Kingsley had banned any fraternization between them. Yet the sounds of Lily’s heart breaking begged Sophie to do something.
“Lily?” she called, stepping out from behind her hiding place as the young lady turned away, wiping at her face as her shoulders shook. “Are you all right?”
“Quite all right,” Lily replied with feigned brightness, though it was broken by jagged breaths. There was no hiding her red eyes as she turned to give a watery smile. At seeing who it was, Lily’s expression faltered.
“You do not seem it,” insisted Sophie.
Lily’s gaze dropped to the ground. “You are very kind to ask, but I am well enough.”
Coming over to her side, Sophie dropped her satchel. “No, you are not.”
Chin trembling, Lily waved her away. “I am just being silly. It will pass.”
But all semblance of control faded, and her expression crumpled, another sob breaking through as tears flowed. Taking Lily by the arm, Sophie guided her to a felled tree and sat her down. Planting herself beside the poor young lady, Sophie wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they shook.
“Miss Nelson was wrong to say what she did,” said Sophie.
Lily’s wet eyes flew to hers, her words jerking. “You witnessed that?”
“It was ludicrous. I’ve adored the moments we’ve spent together.”
“Yet how can I deny the truth of her words?” Lily asked, more tears coursing down her cheeks. “I have known Hettie my entire life and thought we were friends, but she was only tolerating me?”
“That is not what she said.”
“It was her meaning,” said Lily. “I am enjoyable—except when I speak.”
Sophie held her tighter. “Do not give weight to those words. It is only her opinion and not fact. There are plenty who appreciate the whole you. I’ve known you a short time, yet I would say without hesitation that I adore our time together.”
“But how many others feel exactly like Hettie?” asked Lily, her words broken and jagged. “I doubt she and Mr. Charles Dosett are alone in their opinions. How many gentlemen find me unbearably tedious?”
“If they do not like you as you are, then that is their failing and not yours,” said Sophie. “Your conversation is wonderful and insightful.”
Lily’s dark eyes were so like her brothers, and they met Sophie’s. Though the forest canopy blocked out most of the sunlight, Sophie saw the tears glimmering there.
“Why are you so kind to me? My mother has been beastly to you, yet you are sitting here, comforting me.”
“Your mother has her reasons for not trusting me, Lily,” replied Sophie. “And I cannot fault her for them.”
“You should, for it is unfair of her to judge you so.” But any other words Lily might’ve said were lost as another bout of tears gripped her.
There was nothing Sophie could do to ease that pain. Miss Nelson’s words could not be recalled, and no amount of assurances would wipe them from memory. So, Sophie did the only thing she could, and gave Lily a shoulder upon which to cry.
Chapter 19
Time slipped by, and Victoria refused to mark its passing. Surely it was inconsequential when enveloped in such beauty. It was eternal. All-encompassing. This moment had no end or beginning, and she would not taint its beauty with something so mundane as minutes and seconds.
Victoria was grateful for the tree at her back, giving her added support as she clung to Elijah. The world dissolved, muting the sounds of nature until only his voice could be heard, murmuring precious tokens of love. Elijah surrounded her, filling her heart and mind to the exclusion of all else.
Surely no heart could contain such elation and joy, and Victoria now understood why silly young ladies in romances swooned after such declarations of love.
“I wish we could stay like this forever,” she whispered.
“You could make it so with only one word.”
