Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(72)
The young lady blushes deeply and curtsies, her eyes on the floor. Somehow I believe she isn’t keen to meet me either. This is a rare occurrence, and for that I am thankful.
I manage a few courteous words with her. She stutters as she speaks—apparently she is too overcome with nervousness, and even Lady Sunderland senses this is not the perfect opportunity for us to be acquainted.
“Lady Minerva.” I incline my head. “My deepest apologies, but I have not yet a chance to greet the bride. She is a childhood friend of mine, and I have yet to give her my blessings.”
Relief appears on her face, and she curtsies again. I walk away; Lady Sunderland is comforting her niece and makes no move to follow me. Thank heavens.
Lillie is nowhere to be found. It is strange, since she is supposed to be the main attraction of this party. I look around for the husband—Sunderland is chatting with some friends—but before I can reach him, a servant hails me.
“Your Highness.” He bows. “Lady Maynard would like to meet you on the upper deck. She has a few questions about caring for the plant you gave her.”
“Lead the way.”
The stairs leading up to the deck ended in a locked door. The servant unlocks the door with a passive expression, as though he knew the door would be locked. I am surprised that Lillie did not let her guests enter the upper deck; surely the view would be even more desirable from the top of the boat.
Lillie is looking out at the river, her hands resting on the railing. Her hair is done up in a bun—the first time I have seen her with her hair up. It seems only years ago that she was a young, carefree girl, running around and chasing butterflies in the garden. I can comprehend how an elder brother feels when a younger sister is about to be married.
At the sound of my boots hitting the wooden floor, she turns and greets me with a radiant smile.
“Edward, I’ve been waiting for you.” She embraces me, her white silk gown rustling against my coat. After a few seconds, I gently disengage her arms and step away. I look around for the plant, but there is no sign of it. Perhaps she has it concealed in the cabin on the deck, lest the chilly night air affect the plant’s growth.
“Congratulations. Lillie, you have my best wishes on your marriage to Lord Sunderland.”
To my surprise, she rolls her eyes. “He is not my first choice. Mama practically forced me to marry him, since almost all eligible wealthy men were taken. If only I could have my Season sooner, things might have been different…” she trails off and looks down on the ground.
I frown. I do not see how it could have been different, but there is little point discussing her Season. Indeed, if Lillie wishes to continue her luxurious lifestyle as before, she has no choice but marry into wealth. Sunderland may also be aware that she chose him because of his position and possessions. I cannot help but think how fortunate I am that Kat genuinely cares for me as a person.
“Edward?” Lillie’s voice interrupts my thoughts. “Is it true you’re getting a divorce?”
“Yes.” My brief answer should be enough of a hint that I wish not to pursue more of this subject.
“Oh.” There is an eager look of anticipation in her eyes, as though she welcomes my divorce. “Pardon me if I’m prying, but you had seemed…attached to Katriona.”
Silence ensues. Lillie waits, anticipating that I provide the reason for desiring the separation, but I have no wish to humor her. Besides, it is much too complicated to explain.
“We should be returning downstairs,” I say abruptly, though what I wish to do is leave the boat and return to Kat. Lady Sunderland seems intent on making a second match for me, and I have had enough of such schemes. “I expect that most guests have arrived and the ceremony will be starting. You will need to get ready.”
Lillie grasps my elbow with trembling fingers. An expression of desperation and determination is diffused over her face. “When you came to my sister’s house with Katriona, I forced myself to resign to the fact that she will be queen. But you are going to divorce her—you will be free to remarry. If only you can give me hope…I’ll march right back and tell Sunderland I won’t be marrying him.”
I wish I were in an unpleasant dream. I realize why she wants to meet me here without anyone present. It has nothing to do with the wedding gift. Lillie may have a stronger attachment for me since we grew up together, but to harbor hope when she is going to be married today… this is more shocking than I expected.
“Lillie,” I say gently. “I realize that you once felt more than friendship for me. But allow me be plain: I have never felt anything but brotherly affection for you. Cease this nonsense and let us return to the ceremony. Your husband is waiting.”
“The ceremony hasn’t even started.” There’s a wild, desperate look in her eyes as she stares up at me, as though she’d go into pieces if I refuse her. “It’s not too late…there’s still time. I don’t care how scandalous it is, as long as you say the word.”
I retreat a step. “Be reasonable, Lillie. There is no one I wish to marry except for the woman I have chosen.”
“The commoner you moved out with?” She says, her eyes flashing. There is an incredulous look on her face. “Edward, you cannot be serious! You cannot possibly want to marry a girl who is the granddaughter of a shopkeeper, who has no title to her name. It is ridiculous.”