When Two Rivers Meet (Regency Romance)

by Deborah M. Hathaway

  ***

  Elijah studied the letter from Lilyanna, his expression alternating from smile to frown as he read through her hurried script. The thought of the woman having to live with her bitter aunt sickened him, and his mind raced for a preventative solution so she would never have to return there again.

  He moved to sit at the table in the parlor before pulling out a

  folded piece of paper. He lifted the top flap and smiled to see Lilyanna's likeness staring up at him, though guilt still riddled his mind each time he looked at the stolen drawing.

  He set the drawing next to a blank paper as he scrawled out a message of his own in response.

  Dear Lilyanna,

  These weeks have passed slowly for me. Have they for you? I feel as though I have not stopped a moment since arriving in Warwickshire, yet still, time moves at the same pace. At any rate, I suppose it is good to keep busy. I hope you are finding things to occupy your time with away from me, as well, I would not wish you to be stuck inside all day.

  As for the story you told me of your aunt, I now understand your desire to stay as far away from her as possible. To have such a thing happen to one so young is appalling, and I wish I could have been there to wipe away your youthful tears.

  I hope your spirits have improved, but if not, I have news that may help. I have been informed of a marriage occurring between one of our footmen who accompanied us to Bath and a local farmer's daughter from Batheaston. They are to be married this coming Saturday, so I shall be arriving home that morning to attend the ceremony. I hope we may find a time for both of us to meet. I pray it will be soon.

  I hope you are well and happy. I look forward to seeing your smile, even if, needs be, from a distance. I miss you.

  Yours forever,

  Elijah

  Elijah scratched his whiskers as he ended his letter, wondering how many more days he and Lilyanna would be parted, for he knew he could not last much longer.

  ***

  After reading Elijah's letter, Lilyanna decided to do as he suggested and spend some time out of doors. With her mother's permission, Lilyanna met with Charlotte Rosebury, and the two of them walked through the busy city streets of Bath together, Lilyanna feeling free at being away from her mother, if only for a short time.

  The early-summer sun shone brightly above them as they moved from shop to shop, the girls enjoying their time spent with one another. At one point in the morning, Charlotte had asked after Elijah and his family, but Lilyanna had frowned, being unable to find the words to explain.

  Charlotte had immediately changed the subject, no doubt sensing her friend's dismay, and her happy, carefree spirit afterward helped Lilyanna's mind to remain off of Elijah as much as possible.

  As the day progressed, Charlotte, desiring to purchase a new pair of gloves for her younger sister, moved on to the next shop, but Lilyanna, wanting to stay outside in the sunshine to make a few sketches in her sketchbook, told Charlotte to go on without her.

  "I shall wait here for you," she said before Charlotte disappeared within shop, the bell above the door ringing when she pulled the handle behind her.

  Lilyanna had only sat down on a nearby bench moments before she heard a loud, "Miss Crosgrove!" coming from down the street.

  A smile lit up her face as she instantly recognized who the voice belonged to.

  "Mrs. Bainbridge, Mr. Bainbridge," she said, standing to face them when they reached her, "I am delighted to see you again."

  "Oh, it has been so long, Miss Crosgrove," Mrs. Bainbridge said, "so very long."

  Lilyanna nodded solemnly. "I am truly sorry I have not been able to visit since our last meeting."

  Mrs. Bainbridge waved a small hand in front of her face. "Do not trouble yourself with worry, dear," she said. "Elijah has told us of Mrs. Crosgrove's continuing forbiddance, so you are not to blame. Now, do tell us, and honestly, how have you been?"

  "I have been all right," Lilyanna managed to reply.

  "Oh, dear," Mrs. Bainbridge said, glancing up to her husband with worry.

  She reached out to squeeze one of Lilyanna's hands. "I am sure this will all be over soon, Miss Crosgrove, and you and Elijah shall be both the happier for having overcome this trial."

  Lilyanna wished for the same certainty Mrs. Bainbridge displayed, but she had a hard time convincing herself she would ever have a happy ending.

  "And how have you both been faring?" Lilyanna asked.

  "We have been fine. Enjoying our times at parties and balls, you know," Mrs. Bainbridge said, smiling happily.

  "Yes," Mr. Bainbridge piped in, "and Joycey has dragged me to every concert imaginable."

  "Oh, you enjoy it, Roddy," she said with a wink in Lilyanna's direction.

  "And the Godfreys?" Lilyanna asked next.

  "My goodness, have you not heard?" Mrs. Bainbridge said. "Hazel has announced she is with child! I can hardly believe it. She is going to be such a wonderful mother. And I am going to be a grandmother! I suppose it is fine now for my hair to turn gray, is it not?"

  Lilyanna smiled at Mrs. Bainbridge's giggling. "How wonderful," she said despite the small sense of surprise she felt with such an intimate topic of conversation being spoken about. "You must give them my best wishes."

  "We will," Mr. Bainbridge said.

  Hesitating, Lilyanna barely managed to stammer out, "And…and how is…is your son doing?"

  Mrs. Bainbridge's eyes filled with compassion. "Oh, my dear, he is struggling, as you are. I know he is finding it very difficult to be away from you."

  "I am sure you exaggerate, Mrs. Bainbridge," Lilyanna said, blushing as she looked to the ground.

  "Miss Crosgrove," Mr. Bainbridge said, "if only you knew how often he takes to moping about the house since you two have been parted."

  "Yes," Mrs. Bainbridge agreed. "It has certainly been good for him to return to Cromley Park and focus on other things for a time. I was afraid he might run a hole straight through the flooring where he paced back and forth all day every day. Oh, but do promise not to tell him of what we have revealed to you. He would complain ever so much."

  Lilyanna laughed, feeling flattered at having Elijah miss her so. "Do not worry, I will keep it between us."

  "Thank you, dear," Mrs. Bainbridge said. "Now, I do not mean to pry, and if I am, please let me know, but do you know perhaps when you will be able to meet with him next? We are all so anxious for any progression in your relationship."

  Shaking her head, Lilyanna said, "I wish I could tell you otherwise, but I do not know when I will be able to see him. I certainly hope it will be soon, of course."

  "Of course," Mrs. Bainbridge said.

  As their conversation ended, so did Lilyanna's good spirits, and she glanced around her, fearful of being seen by one of her mother's friends.

  "It was wonderful to see you both," she said, "but I am afraid I must be on my way now."

  They nodded their understanding, and Mrs. Bainbridge said, "If there is anything we may do for you to help you in your current situation, please, let us know."

  Lilyanna nodded before curtsying and leaving the couple behind to enter the glove shop.

  Spotting Charlotte as she examined a dark pair of gloves, Lilyanna made her way to her, hoping the woman would be able to force out some of the despair that once more entered into her heart.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Elijah sat impatiently through the morning wedding ceremony of his family's servant as his desire to return to Bath increased, merely from the idea of being again in the same city as Lilyanna. The constant looks of love between the bride and groom did nothing to quell his yearning to be with her either.

  As he sat on the back pew of an old church in Batheaston, he tried to focus on the words being spoken during the ceremony, but his mind only wandered further to if he and Lilyanna would ever have the chance to stand side by side and share a promise of love forever.

  The past weeks he had spent away from the woman had only solidified h
is feelings for her, revealing to him what he had already known, that he loved Lilyanna, and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Even if Mrs. Crosgrove stood in their way, he would do everything in his power to make their marriage occur.

  That is, he thought with a frown, if she wants to marry me.

  He pushed aside the niggling doubt and tried yet again to keep his mind on the ceremony, but the only thing he could think of was when he and Lilyanna would be able to meet again.

  ***

  As the sun began to sink lower in the sky, its light casting a long shadow behind Lilyanna, she picked up her dawdling pace, wanting to arrive home before dark for fear of her mother's scolding.

  After having spent another day with Charlotte and her family, Lilyanna had insisted she walk home rather than accept a ride in their carriage.

  "I will be fine," she had promised them. "I only desire to stretch my legs for awhile before it becomes too late."

  They had reluctantly agreed, and Lilyanna had left with a great feeling of relief. As usual, she had enjoyed her time with the Roseburys, but that evening, she desired only to ponder alone.

  The setting sun shone through the tall trees in warm, orange specks, and the birds chirped softly overhead at the approaching, peaceful dusk.

  She followed the curve of the dirt road until she drew ever nearer to Heatherhill, feeling dread enter her heart at the thought of another day gone, another day to come, when she would not see Elijah.

  She looked into the distance to see a rider fast approaching on his bay horse, so she stepped aside to make room for him to pass. However, when the man waved, a frown puckered her brow. She lifted a hand to return the stranger's salutation but froze when she realized how broad the man's shoulders were.

  "Elijah?" she whispered aloud, fearing she might collapse into the dirt beneath her.

  She noticed the smile on his lips as he drew closer, and she could not help but give one of her own in return.

  Her legs stopped moving as she waited for her love to reach her, but once he reined in his horse, she ran up to him, gasping as he jumped off the stallion, tossed his top hat aside, and wrapped her in his strong embrace, lifting her off the ground and swinging her around and around.

  She giggled as she wrapped her own arms around his neck.

  "Oh, how I have missed you, Elijah!" she said, her heart hammering against her chest.

  Elijah stopped spinning and pulled back, the grin on his face still beaming. He moved his hands to cup her face between them, saying, "I have missed you, as well, my darling."

  She felt the desire to burst into tears, but just then, Elijah moved in close until their lips met in a warm kiss. She tried to quell the trembling in her bottom lip, but the excitement and adrenaline his sudden appearance produced was unable to be controlled.

  After a few moments, Lilyanna pulled back, a smile still on her face. "Elijah, we must not let anyone see."

  "Let them see," he said. "I care no longer. It has been far too long since I have had the chance to do this."

  His next sudden kiss took her breath away, and soon, not a single worry or thought was left in her mind except for Elijah and the love she felt for him.

  He pulled her closer, and their arms wrapped around each other in a strong embrace. Her hands clasped the back of his jacket as if she feared letting him go would cause him to disappear.

  After a few moments, their kiss and embrace softened, and Elijah ended their exchange with a soft peck on her nose, pulling back to peruse her face.

  "I am sorry," he said, grinning.

  "No, you most certainly are not," Lilyanna said with a wink.

  Elijah laughed, and her heart swelled at the thought of how she had missed him. "However did you find me, Elijah?"

  "I shall tell you in a moment, my dear," he said. "But first, let us move off the pathway to avoid any prying eyes."

  He took her hand, retrieving his top hat and horse's reins, and they walked off the road, traveling a short distance to where they spotted a small river trickling down its pathway.

  "Shall we walk for a moment?" he asked.

  "That sounds lovely."

  They meandered hand in hand along the riverside, noting the unhurried, gentle way the water traveled down its course, moving around rocks and stray tree branches but always progressing.

  "Now," Elijah said, squeezing Lilyanna's hand once more after they had walked in silence for a few moments, "I thought I told you once before, it is unwise for a woman to be out unaccompanied. What if a man happened upon you and took advantage of you?"

  "Like you have just done?"

  Lilyanna grinned as Elijah laughed once again.

  "I suppose you are fortunate it was I who found you first then," he said. "Other gentlemen might not have stopped where I did."

  Lilyanna blushed and looked down to her feet. "I know it is a terrible habit to wander alone. I shall do it no longer."

  Elijah stopped walking and placed a gentle finger under her chin. "I am only teasing, Lilyanna. You are a grown woman. You may do as you wish."

  She felt her shoulders relax after the expected scolding did not occur, and she knew she had been with her mother, and without Elijah, for far too long.

  "I do wish for you to remain safe, though," he continued.

  Lilyanna nodded. "Of course."

  They continued walking when a pheasant sounded to the right of them, and it began its flight, causing the bushes to bounce in protest as its wings beat past the branches. Lilyanna watched as the colorful bird made its way a short distance from them until vanishing once again in the underbrush.

  "How have you been?" Elijah asked softly, and she turned to see him watching her.

  "I am better now you are here," she said.

  "And has anything improved regarding our situation?" he asked.

  Lilyanna shook her head, her smile lessening somewhat.. "I am afraid not. There has been no mention of a response from my aunt, but I do not know if that is good or bad news. And Mother will not even tolerate hearing your name. The more I try, the more she pushes clamoring men toward me. I had hoped she would change, but she is holding firm."

  Elijah nodded solemnly.

  Wanting to regain some of their joy, Lilyanna changed the subject. "I briefly met with your family while walking in Bath a short time ago," she said. "It was wonderful to see them. Your parents are looking well."

  "Yes," Elijah said, "they mentioned seeing you. They have missed you, as well."

  Lilyanna nodded, scrambling for another conversation topic. "And your sister, I am certain you know her pleasant news."

  "Indeed," Elijah said, a smile finally cracking his frown, "Mr. Godfrey is quiet beside himself with anxiety, but Hazel seems unable to wait even the few short months left to meet her little child."

  "I am sure," Lilyanna said, their conversation dwindling once again as unpleasant thoughts returned to her mind.

  "I hope you have been able to relax amidst all your business," Lilyanna said, determining to keep their visit light. "I have tried to do the same. In fact, I was on my way home from visiting with the Roseburys. You remember Charlotte Rosebury, my friend, do you not?"

  She did not wait for a response before continuing, fearing another lull in their dialogue.

  "She is kind, as is her family, and thankfully my mother approves of them, for I have spent a great deal of time with them, as of late. They are very respectful, never prying into my life. Charlotte inquired after you once but has not since, for she thankfully sensed my hesitation. Her family has asked me to accompany them to London next season, however, I—"

  "Lilyanna."

  She stopped abruptly at Elijah's interruption, looking at him with curious eyes. "Yes, Elijah?" she asked. "What is it?"

  "Forgive me," he said, pausing in their walk to look down at the ground and dropping her hand in the process.

  She let her arm fall to her side. "What are you asking forgiveness for?" she asked.

  "For,
" Elijah began, hesitating, "for interrupting, and for…I…"

  Lilyanna watched as he stood in silence, and her heart seemed to stop beating as she waited.

  Was Mother right? she wondered with fear. Is this the reason for his hesitance? Because he has lost interest in me?

  She tried to distract herself from her fears by eying the river next to them, only then discovering the water had lessened to a mere trickling. She wondered how long the stream would last on its own with such feeble strength.

  Will it eventually shrivel up because it does not have the will to go on? she asked herself.

  She returned her attention to Elijah, his gaze still averted. "Please," she said softly, fearing the worst, but knowing it would be better to hear it immediately than having her anxiety last any longer, "please, tell me what is on your mind. You may say whatever you wish. I will listen."

  Elijah looked up, his face softening. "I know you will," he said.

  She took a deep breath and held it as she watched him close the distance between them and maintain eye contact with her.

  "I know you will listen," he repeated, "therefore, I will…I…"

  Again, she peered into his eyes, surprised to see fear reflected in them.

  What is he so fearful of? she asked herself.

  "Lilyanna," Elijah began slowly until all his words came out in a rush, "the weeks I have spent away from you have passed excruciatingly slow for me. I tried to keep my mind occupied, I have tried to busy myself with all the business of the estate, however, I could not keep my mind from returning to the one thing I longed to think of. You."

  Lilyanna smiled, flattered as her fears disappeared.

  "My desire to think less often of you only stemmed from the agony I felt being parted from you. But I admit," he said, pulling a folded paper from the inside of his waistcoat as Lilyanna eyed it curiously, "my attempt at thinking of other things was not helped by having had this to look at each and every moment I could."