She faced her father who stood by the fireplace. He’d been studying the flames but turned toward her, his mouth set in an unforgiving line.
Right.
Lilli braced herself. “If you expect me to apologize for my actions or show embarrassment, I fear you’ll be disappointed for I intend to do neither. Mr. Henley is a good man. Our liaison was consensual. He didn’t do anything I did not invite him to do.”
“Good God.” Papa scrubbed a palm over his face.
“Furthermore,” Lilli continued undaunted, “he is the only man I envision spending the rest of my life with. Henry had no right to send him away and deny me the future I want with the man of my own choosing.”
Henry, hovering near her like a dark cloud, sent her a reproving look.
“Are you quite finished?” Papa asked. Without waiting for her response he shifted his gaze to Henry. “Pour me a drink, would you? I daresay this conversation will need a great deal of fortification.” Returning his attention to Lilli, he gestured toward the sofa, “Sit.”
“I’d rather stand.”
“Of course you would.” Muttering something about stubborn women and difficult daughters, Papa claimed one of the armchairs, which was highly unusual since he never sat in the presence of a lady. Not even those related to him.
Lilli held herself perfectly still while Henry saw to the drinks. The fact that her insubordination had not caused her father to order her back to her bedchamber yet was nothing short of miraculous. He’d tolerated a great deal from her over the years, she realized, though nothing as grievous as this. And daring to argue with him now, to stand her ground and raise her voice, would have led to dire consequences indeed for most other daughters.
But remaining calm when the man she loved had been forced from her life was impossible. Thankfully, Papa appeared to understand this somehow, but she also knew it was time to rein in her temper, lest she push him too far.
She watched as he sipped his drink, a thoughtful expression creasing his brow. When he finally set his glass aside on the table beside him, he said, “As much as I want to see you happy, I cannot approve of the match you desire. Though not for the reasons you may think.”
“What do you mean?” Lilli asked. She was genuinely curious to hear his thoughts.
Papa studied her briefly. “Are you certain you don’t want to sit?”
His calm voice undid her urge to fight. She shrugged one shoulder. “All right.”
Once seated opposite him on the sofa and with Henry having occupied the spot beside her, Papa said, “A good marriage requires more than physical attraction, Lilli. For a true love match, like the one I’ve been fortunate enough to share with your mother, common interests are as important as being of the same class. No, don’t argue. Please let me explain.”
When she gave a small nod, he continued. “You have received a broad education by myself, Henry, your mother, and your governess. You’re fluent not only in English but French and German as well. You have a fondness for science not only born from a curiosity I’ve always tried to encourage but also because you have a sharp mind that allows you to understand the most complex ideas. Furthermore, you enjoy reading Shakespeare.”
“Mostly the comedies,” Lilli felt compelled to add.
“Nevertheless, understanding the double entendres and what many consider an outdated language requires a certain sort of skill.”
“One that can be acquired with practice,” Lilli murmured.
“My point is,” Papa said with a sigh, “your life partner needs to be someone with whom you can share such things. And while I mean no insult toward Mr. Henley, I fear a man of his upbringing will disappoint you over time on account of his inability to meet you on the same level.”
Lilli blinked. It was mighty difficult not to take offense to such reasoning. She gripped the armrest and took a few steadying breaths in the hope of dispelling the heat that was starting to form at the top of her head.
“I’m sure you are correct,” she said once she’d unclenched her teeth. “However, I do not require a copy of myself in a husband. It is enough that he is well read, as Mr. Henley happens to be. In fact, his knowledge of Shakespeare, particularly pertaining to the plays I myself have the least amount of knowledge about, will without doubt astound you. And while it may be true that I have an interest in science, I know little with regard to current affairs or history, subjects Mr. Henley happens to be very well versed in. In other words, he and I are able to add to each other’s knowledge, filling the gaps in each other’s education.
“However, of greatest importance of all is the fact that he makes me laugh. Never before have I valued another’s company as much as I value his. There’s more than attraction between us, Papa. There’s a level of understanding – a compatibility – that supersedes all else.”
A moment of silence ensued as if everyone needed to let that point settle. And then, from someone other than Papa and Henry, came the words, “Well said.”
Lilli turned to find her grandmother standing in the doorway. Papa and Henry had spotted her too now and stood. Lilli followed suit. The dowager countess smiled at Lilli as she moved farther into the room.
“Theodora,” Papa said, his voice curt. “This matter does not concern you.”
“On the contrary, Peter, you’d be surprised by how much it concerns me.”
Lilli’s eyes widened. She’d never heard her grandmother speak to her father thus, addressing him by his given name rather than by his title. Casting a look at Papa, she saw his surprise before he managed to school his expression.
“For you see,” Grandmama continued, “this situation relates to the rose quartz crystal.”
