Unending Devotion (Michigan Brides #1)(68)

She had the urge to reach for his hand, to capture it and lay claim to him, although she had no right to. She didn’t want him looking at anyone but her or thinking about another woman. She wanted to be the only one.

In Harrison, she had been the only single young woman for miles around. Connell hadn’t had any other options. But here? Even if Rosemarie was his sister-in-law, there were other women who would vie for a man of Connell’s winsome character and wealthy status—not to mention his clean-cut handsomeness.

What chance did she have to win Connell’s affection against other women? And why did she even want to win it?



Mrs. McCormick summoned the maid to serve them dinner. Even though Connell’s mother apologized for the simplicity of the fare, the meal of fluffy biscuits, fresh oranges, mini sausages, and sliced cheese was one of the most delicious Lily had ever eaten.

Or maybe sitting in the fancy dining room made the meal seem that much nicer. The light from the wrought-iron chandelier and from the large fireplace made the polished black oak dining-room table gleam like the clear surface of a lake. Every piece of furniture, from the matching sideboards to the mantel, was elaborately carved. And everything that could be covered in velour or silk was—the curtains, pillows in the box seats of the bay windows, and the cushions on the chairs.

When they finished their dinner, Mrs. McCormick ushered them up the winding stairway, past dozens of colorful oil paintings, past the vast rooms on the second floor, to the third story. She led them down a hallway beyond the glittering ballroom to the guest rooms.

The moment Mrs. McCormick opened the door to the first guest room and waved them in, Daisy collapsed on the bed and was violently ill. Mrs. McCormick was ready with the basin she had grabbed when she had noticed Daisy’s coloring earlier. She retched until she could hardly moan.

Much to Lily’s surprise, Mrs. McCormick stayed by the girl’s side. She helped Daisy undress and slide under the covers, bathed the girl’s face with a cool cloth, and held the basin for her whenever she retched.

“How’s Daisy?” Connell’s voice startled Lily as she stepped into the dimly lit hallway and closed the guest room door behind her.

Connell pushed away from the wall, where he’d obviously been waiting.

Lily brushed a loose strand out of her face, hoping she’d left the stench of vomit behind.

Connell approached her, his brow wrinkled with concern.

“She’s got the chills and can’t stop shaking. Your mother is sending me to fetch more chamomile from the maid.”

“I’m sorry, Lily.” He lifted an arm as if to reach for her, but then stuck the tips of his fingers into his small trouser pockets. “I sent the stable hand after the doctor. Maybe he’ll have something to ease the withdrawal.”

“Do you think she’s addicted to liquor?”

“I’m fairly sure.” His expression was sober.

As much as she supported temperance, she knew it wouldn’t do any good to get upset at Daisy for imbibing. “I suppose the liquor took the edge off the horror and pain of what she went through.”

He nodded. “Many prostitutes resort to drinking in order to survive. Daisy will be miserable for several days, but she’ll get through it.”

Lily rubbed her arms, wishing she could take away all of Daisy’s pain and make it her own.

“How are you doing?”

His question was soft and it wrapped around her, warming her heart. “I’m overwhelmed by your home.”

“It’s not mine.”

She smiled. “And I’m overwhelmed by your mother. She’s amazing.”

Connell grinned. “I won’t disagree with you on that count.”

“She’s just what Daisy needs right now.”

“Then you promise you won’t run off? That you’ll stay here?”

His tone stopped her playful answer. She cocked her head. “You’re not leaving tonight, are you?”

“Tomorrow.”

“That’s so soon. Why can’t you stay for a few days?”

He didn’t answer. He didn’t need to. The dark shadows that flitted through the pine green of his eyes were only the beginning of the storm that would pour down upon him once Carr learned of his involvement in the escape.

“Do you really need to go back and face Carr?” She didn’t want to think about the danger that might await him upon his return.

“Not face him? Weren’t you the one who said I needed to join in the fight against him, regardless of the cost?” He grinned but the humor didn’t make it into his eyes.

She leaned against the wall. “But maybe you did what you needed, and now maybe it’s time to get out of Harrison.”

“Get out of Harrison?”

Her fingers grazed the raised abstract pattern of the wallpaper, its coolness and smoothness a contrast to the hot bumpy pace of her pulse. “Leave Harrison for good. Leave lumbering. Find something else to do with your life. Something you want to do.”

He didn’t say anything for a moment.

“You’re so good with numbers. Maybe you can find a job that involves working with figures.”

He stretched out his arm, leaning his palm against the wall near her head. “I already have a job that involves figures.”

The nearness of his hand sent a shiver through her. “I mean a job that doesn’t involve the destruction of the forests.”