When Two Rivers Meet (Regency Romance)

by Deborah M. Hathaway

  "Please," he repeated. "I have had enough time alone."

  Silence ensued, and Lilyanna waited as long as possible before another question burst forth. "How did you find me?"

  "As I said, I was on my way to Solsbury Hill, but then I noticed you in the distance right before you slipped."

  Lilyanna's face reddened, knowing Elijah must have seen the aftermath of her fall. "I see," she said simply.

  "And I came to make sure no harm had come upon you. Are…are you all right?"

  Lilyanna noted Elijah's uncharacteristic discomfiture, and she looked at him curiously. "I am quite well, Mr. Bainbridge, as you can see," she said.

  "Good," he responded.

  Silence again occurred between them, and Lilyanna wondered why he seemed so tentative. More questions sat at the tip of her tongue, but she forced them back, willing herself to remain quiet to let Elijah speak first.

  She watched him tie together the reins of his horse, placing them around the back of the stallion's strong, black neck. A draft of wind brushed by her, and Elijah looked up to her as she shivered.

  "You must be freezing, Miss Crosgrove," he said, crossing the distance between them as he removed his black jacket and placed it around her shoulders.

  Her heart quickened its beating to have the man so near, and when he rubbed his hands against her upper arms, her breathing threatened to stop altogether. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for any explanation as to what had caused the change to come over him from that morning, but all she discovered was her heart swelling with love.

  Their eyes met, and Elijah abruptly dropped his hands, no doubt realizing their proximity only then. Still, he stayed close to her, the tips of their feet only inches apart.

  She pulled his jacket tightly around her shoulders, relishing in its warmth and the way it smelled of the gentleman in front of her. "Thank you," she said quietly.

  Elijah stared down at her until thunder rumbled once more above them, and he blinked, seeming to come out of his daze.

  "Miss Crosgrove," he began, after releasing a sigh, "I am sorry I did not stop to speak with you this morning, as well as last evening. I behaved in an ungentlemanly way."

  Lilyanna stood in silence as his words continued, surprised with his sudden apology.

  "I also must confess my lack of faith in your kindness. I thought your mother's actions reflected your own, that you had become like the woman of my past, but your apology to my mother, as well as your continual kindness toward me and my family, shows your true character, something of which I should have never doubted." He took a deep breath, pausing for a moment and saying, "And I am truly sorry. Please accept my apology."

  Lilyanna could not help but smile, barely quelling her desire to throw her arms around his neck, and though the wind had become increasingly colder, the warmth spreading within her warded off any chill she might have felt.

  "Of course, I will accept your apology, Mr. Bainbridge," she said. "I do not blame you for your actions, for I find your protection of your family admirable."

  Elijah shook his head. "Not if it keeps me from behaving benevolently toward others I care deeply about."

  She looked into his eyes and knew he referred solely to her, and she was overcome once again with her love for him. "I never meant to hurt you, Mr. Bainbridge," she said, her voice breaking. "You or your family."

  "I know," Elijah said, moving closer to her, his voice soft.

  He moved the back of his fingers across her cheek, wiping away a stray tear and leaning in closer to her.

  "I know your heart, Lilyanna," he whispered, and her knees trembled to hear her name upon his lips for the first time. "And it is as beautiful and kind as anything I have ever known."

  He cupped her face softly between his hands. "And I will never make the mistake of doubting your goodness again."

  She smiled up at him through the tears his kindness had produced, and his gaze moved from her lips to her eyes before he returned her smile softly.

  In the next moment, Lilyanna felt her eyelids close as Elijah bent his head toward hers, and their lips met in a warm kiss. Her legs quivered as she felt his gentle fingers touch her cheeks, and she let out the breath she unknowingly held.

  His lips were firm, yet soft, against her own, and Lilyanna's heart continued to beat fiercely at the joy she felt. The emotion conveyed through their kiss caused her balance to waver, so she moved her hands to hold onto his arms, the coat he had placed around her shoulders slipping to the ground before she released hold of her bonnet, as well. Her sudden exposure to the cool wind did not deter her, for she was wrapped in the warmth of Elijah's embrace.

  Their kiss deepened as they held each other closer, her hands sliding up the length of his arms until they wrapped around his neck. His strong hands pressed against her back, pulling her closer toward him. The swirling of love in her heart increased as she felt the gentleman's own attachment to her conveyed through his deep affections.

  The kiss lasted only a moment longer when it ended abruptly with both of them gasping as Elijah's horse, having wandered near them during their conversation, nudged them too hard.

  Lilyanna felt herself being pushed to the ground with Elijah, still wrapped in his embrace, until she landed on his stomach.

  He grunted again, and she gasped. "Oh, oh, excuse me," she said, flustered.

  She scrambled to get off of him, but her hands continually slipped against the wet ground, and her feet tangled themselves in her long, clinging gowns.

  Hearing a chuckle coming from Elijah, she paused in her attempt, looking down to see a grin on his face. She smiled then, too, realizing the humor in their situation, before finally managing to roll over, lying on the ground next to him.

  "I am sorry," Elijah said, and they looked to each other, "for it appears my horse wanted to be included in our affections."

  Despite feeling the ground's wetness instantly seeping through her clothing, Lilyanna giggled. "It would appear so."

  "Here, let me help you, Miss Crosgrove," Elijah said as he stood and stretched out his hand for her. "It seems you are struggling quite a bit."

  "Indeed, I am," she said, taking his offered hand as he helped her to her feet. "Thank you."

  The rain had increased since their kiss had begun, and Lilyanna wiped away a spare drop that landed on her nose as she watched Elijah retrieve her bonnet and his jacket from the ground. She noted the strong form of his back and arms visible through his soaked, white shirt, and her heart fluttered.

  He handed over her bonnet, and she set it atop her soaked head before tying a loose bow under chin. Elijah then placed his jacket around her shoulders once more, and she smiled up at him.

  "Try not to lose this again, Miss Crosgrove," he said with a wink. "Otherwise you shall catch an illness with your lack of protection from the cold."

  Lilyanna smiled. "I shall do my best."

  "Good," he said, reaching toward the reins of his horse. "Now, I think it best I return you to your home before the rain worsens."

  A frown instantly moved across her face as reality set in. "Mr. Bainbridge," she said, "last evening at the ball, I did need to speak with you about something."

  Elijah paused, nodding his head. "I remember," he said.

  "You see," Lilyanna began as she reached up to fiddle with the bonnet's ribbons once more, "I was going to tell you that my mother, well, she does not want…"

  She trailed off, still unable to form any words.

  "She wishes for you to never see me again."

  Lilyanna nodded solemnly. "Yes."

  "I know of her request," Elijah said. "My mother informed me after you left my sister's home."

  "I see," she said, worry filling her heart. "Mr. Bainbridge, the last thing in the world I desire is to be parted from you. However, I think it best that we…that we…"

  Words failed her again, but Elijah once more came to her rescue. "That we do as she requests? At least for the time being?"


  Lilyanna again nodded.

  "I think it would be wise to do so, Miss Crosgrove."

  Relief filled her as he consented to her plan. "Thank you," she said.

  "You do not have to worry any longer, Miss Crosgrove," Elijah said as he grasped her firmly around the waist and lifted her to sit sideways on his tall stallion. "We shall get through this trial together now."

  Lilyanna nodded as Elijah moved forward on foot, leading his horse next to him. She felt unsteady on the tall creature without her sidesaddle, especially when the stallion occasionally lost his footing on the slippery grass, but as she felt Elijah's strong shoulders next to her legs, keeping her securely atop the horse, her worries vanished.

  "I will part with you out of sight once we reach Heatherhill," he said, and Lilyanna nodded.

  After a moment, they spoke of their plans to write one another during their time apart, with the help of their faithful servants delivering their letters personally.

  "I have to leave Bath for some business in Warwickshire," Elijah said. "My father was planning on going, however, I think I shall go in his stead. My absence here might help to pass the time."

  Lilyanna nodded, trying to hide her dismay by focusing instead on what had transpired between the them.

  Their journey to Heatherhill ended all too quickly, and soon, when they reached the edge of the trees on the Crosgrove's estate, Elijah helped Lilyanna dismount the horse.

  Though her footing was steady, Elijah's hands remained around her waist, and they looked into each other's eyes. She longed to kiss him again, but she knew neither of them wanted to risk being discovered.

  Instead, Elijah leaned forward and kissed her forehead, lingering a moment until releasing her altogether. "Take care of yourself while I am away, Miss Crosgrove," he whispered.

  "I will," she said.

  She returned his jacket, immediately feeling its warmth and shelter missing as she turned around with a single wave goodbye.

  Walking away with a heavy heart and tear-filled eyes, Lilyanna said a silent prayer in hopes of her mother having a change of heart and soon.

  Elijah watched Lilyanna walk away, his heart burning with love again for the woman. His desire to kiss her before she left made him antsy, but he did not leave until he saw her safely enter the doors of her home.

  He mounted his horse and traveled through the thick trees, finding the road leading back to the city as he thought of what had occurred between the two of them.

  After speaking with his family that morning, he had departed to his room to think. However, not long after, his pride had finally escaped him, and he left the house, knowing full-well what needed to be done.

  He never thought he would be so fortunate as to happen upon Lilyanna alone, but when he had seen her slip and fall to the grass, remaining where she was, her shoulders shaking from her sobs, his guilt and regret had only increased.

  The rain gained strength as he made his way back to the Royal Crescent, so he urged his horse to move faster, all the while smiling as he thought of the outcome of his apology to Lilyanna, the relief once more entering into his heart for her forgiveness.

  He bounced in time with his horse as they traveled across the muddy roads, Elijah feeling lighter than he had in years, despite the fact that he might not see Lilyanna for some time, for the knowledge he had of Lilyanna's care for him buoyed his strength and resolve.

  He picked up his horse's speed once again, desiring then to return to his family as soon as possible, as he assumed they would be anxious for some good news.

  ***

  "It certainly was ghastly weather today," Mrs. Crosgrove said as she and Lilyanna ate their meal together later that night.

  "Indeed," answered Lilyanna, her heart beating against her chest.

  Lilyanna had made it to her room without the notice of her mother after returning from her time spent with Elijah, but as they sat at the table for dinner, she knew her moment of avoidance had ended.

  "Did you get caught in the rain?"

  "For a moment or two."

  "You were gone for quite awhile."

  "Yes."

  "You know it is most improper to call upon someone for longer than half an hour."

  "I do."

  "And did the Roseburys think you took liberty of their time?"

  Lilyanna chewed on the suddenly dry piece of meat in her mouth and swallowed hard.

  "I did not go to the Roseburys," she said, her gaze remaining on her unappetizing plate of food.

  "What?" Mrs. Crosgrove said, and Lilyanna heard the slight clatter of her mother's fork against her plate. "What do you mean? Where on earth have you been all day?"

  Lilyanna maintained her steady breathing, reminding herself of her choice to be strong and honest, and looked up to her mother. "I called upon Mrs. Bainbridge."

  "You what?" Mrs. Crosgrove exclaimed, and Lilyanna winced.

  "I do not believe you wish me to say it again, Mother."

  Mrs. Crosgrove's nostrils flared. "You will excuse us, Mr. Harper," she said, speaking to the butler.

  Lilyanna watched as Mr. Harper and the footmen walked calmly from the room.

  "Did you see Mr. Bainbridge, as well?" her mother asked.

  "Yes."

  "How could you, Lilyanna?" Mrs. Crosgrove said, her eyes narrowing. "How could you completely defy my express desire for you to no longer see that family?"

  "I hope you can forgive my actions, Mother," Lilyanna said, truly sorry for disobeying. "However, my conscience would not allow me to forget our behavior last night toward Mrs. Bainbridge, and I felt I should apologize to her because of it."

  "Apologize!" Mrs. Crosgrove exclaimed. "You mean to say you have apologized to that despicable woman?"

  "I have, Mother," Lilyanna stated matter-of-factly, forcing herself to remain calm. "And I would ask you to not speak in such a way about her."

  "How dare you tell your own mother how to behave," Mrs. Crosgrove spat out. "Mrs. Bainbridge is in every way beneath us, especially when compared to any respectable woman in society. This is why I have forbidden you from seeing her and her wicked son ever again."

  "I do not think it possible for me to stay away from Mr. Bainbridge, a man I have grown to care deeply about, simply because you do not agree with Mrs. Bainbridge laughing so often. I do not believe it a sin to be happy."

  "You know my displeasure is much more than that, Lilyanna. What of the rumors? What of his abusive nature?"

  Lilyanna felt anger bubbling within her at the accusation, but she spoke calmly. "I know his true nature, Mother, and I know the stories about him are false. You would come to find out the same if you would only listen to me when I—"

  "Stop, stop this at once!" Mrs. Crosgrove shouted as she pounded her fist on the table. "You are acting completely ridiculous, and I will not have you continue in such a way!"

  "Please, Mother," Lilyanna said, leaning forward in her seat as her voice filled with emotion, "you are doing it right now. If you would only take a moment to listen, you would understand. My feelings for Mr. Bainbridge are—"

  "Your feelings," Mrs. Crosgrove hissed between her teeth as she stood from her chair. "You do not understand your feelings. You are too young to understand your feelings."

  Lilyanna opened her mouth to respond, but Mrs. Crosgrove continued.

  "It is fortunate you have a mother who is willing to help you succeed in obtaining a better life, one you would be unable to achieve if you had to rely on your own naivety."

  "I am changing, though, Mother," Lilyanna said, standing as well. "I am simply trying to be better than I was the day before, so why do you not allow me this chance to grow?"

  "Because you do not know what is right for you. And I must insist if you continue on in your ungrateful way, I shall write your father."

  Lilyanna shook her head. "Oh, Mother," she said, her voice filling with sorrow, "you still do not understand."

  Before a single tear could escape her eyes, Lilyanna fle
d from the room, not surprised when her mother did not come after her.

  Chapter Fourteen

  After the long week he had spent away in Warwickshire on business, Elijah was relieved to finally return to Bath, especially when he found a letter addressed to him from Lilyanna waiting, expressing the time and place they would be able to meet again.

  When the day arrived, Elijah traveled to just outside Heatherhill's grounds, stopping when he spotted their designated place to meet where two trickling rivers joined together. He moved to stand under the oak that towered above the newly-formed, single river, and his heart raced furiously with anticipation.

  He craned his neck to see beyond the thick trees around him, and a grin spread across his face when he spotted Lilyanna emerging slowly into view, making her way past scattered spots of heather.

  He waited impatiently until she looked up, a smile appearing on her own lips, and then the both of them raced swiftly toward each other, embracing tightly.

  "I have missed you," Elijah said, holding her tightly.

  "I am sure I missed you most," she said.

  He pulled back after a moment to stare into her eyes, feeling a deep joy to once again be reunited with the woman he cared so much for. However, his joy was short-lived when he noted a glint of worry in her blue eyes.

  "What is it?" he asked, his smile disappearing.

  But Lilyanna only shook her head. "I will tell you later. First, you must tell me, how were your travels? I hope you enjoyed your time at home."

  Elijah did his best to ignore the feeling of foreboding Lilyanna's worried gaze had produced in him, giving her a full, albeit unexciting, account of his time with his steward at Cromley Park.

  "But your family," Lilyanna said after his report, "I am sure they are glad to have you back."

  Elijah smiled. "Perhaps, but I know they wish to see you. They told me to give you their regards."

  "How kind," Lilyanna said. "Do tell them I miss their company."

  Elijah nodded. "I will," he said. "But now, Miss Crosgrove, it is now your turn to speak. Tell me what has been troubling you this past week."