by Aileen Fish
“Did I hit my head again?” Lily asked, feeling very confused.
“No, I caught you this time,” a deep gentle voice whispered in her ear. Reality slowly returned. She was cradled in Eric’s arms, his hand subtly stroking her back. If she hadn’t been so dizzy, the intimacy would have taken her breath away.
“Mr. Sampson, would you be so kind as to help me get her into the buggy?” Elise hailed the carriage over as Eric gently picked her up off the ground.
The driver got down off the seat to open the door as Eric carried her over.
“Where can I take you folks?” he asked with concern.
“Eight-twenty Commonwealth Avenue, please.” Elise stepped out of the way as Eric climbed in. He set her gently down on the seat. His eyes locked with hers as he gave her hand a squeeze. Gently, he brought her hand to his lips and gave it a light kiss. Lily’s heart beat in her chest and she looked away for a moment unsure of what to do or say. The moment was broken. Eric dropped her hand and stepped back out.
“I can follow you to help you when you arrive home,” Eric offered to Elise as she climbed in.
“Thank you but we should be fine. It was nice to meet you. We look forward to seeing you on Friday.” Elise motioned to the driver and Lily lifted her head briefly to see Eric, holding his son, watching the carriage drive away.
Chapter 2
The week passed quickly for Lily. Her fall been nothing serious and the family had set themselves to outfitting Lily for the season. She tried not to think about the upcoming dinner. Lily told herself that she should not get excited, that Eric was not interested in her and he had just invited them as a token of his appreciation. But her mind would drift back to the intimate moments they had shared. She would feel his hands on her back again. A hope was creeping into her thoughts that he might share the same attraction for her that that she did for him. She shook her head. She was acting like she was fifteen again. She barely knew the man and she was not going to let her feelings run away with her this time.
A knock at her bedroom door interrupted her thoughts and Elise entered with one of the maids, May.
“A few of the dresses have arrived. I thought you might you want to take a look.” Elise smiled as the boxes were brought into the room and Lily couldn’t help but share her enthusiasm. She did not normally spend a great deal of time picking out clothes but she couldn’t help herself today.
Forty-five minutes later the two women stood in front of the mirror, holding up dresses.
“I definitely think you should wear the burgundy gown. It is perfect for your complexion,” Lily told Elise as she debated between two dresses.
“I think you’re right. Besides I’ll have lots of opportunities to wear the other. This is so exciting. Having a full season again! Which gown are you going to wear?”
“The dark blue, I think.” Lily inspected her reflection one last time.
“Hmmm.” Elise stood behind her in the mirror. “Yes, dark blue is the way to go. It darkens your eyes and adds mystery. Men love mystery, especially when they are as handsome as Mr. Sampson.” Elise made the comment casually but Lily caught her sister-in-law looking at her from the corner of her eye and Lily blushed despite herself.
“I hadn’t noticed,” she managed to stutter out, avoiding any further contact with Elise’s gaze.
“Don’t be absurd. I saw the two of you ogling each other. Of course you noticed and he noticed too.” Elise began to remove the dresses from the bed but Lily stopped her.
“Oh Elise, do you think?” Lily couldn’t contain her excitement.
“I knew it!” Elise said with a laugh. “This is wonderful. I know that James said he could make it work if you didn’t get married but if you have found someone, then all of our worries would be over!”
Lily felt a great deal of the excitement drain from her body. She let go of Elise’s hands and sat down on the bed. She had forgotten for a moment that she wasn’t just looking to fall in love, she was looking to get married. And while many women her age were looking for the same, Lily’s circumstances were different. She had to find a husband this season to help save her family’s business.
Lily’s parents, not realizing they would pass away together, tied up a great deal of the family’s money by stipulating in their will that the three children would not receive their inheritances until after each was married. This included business assets. James had been attempting to run the company with only his share. Her brother Tom was marrying this season as well, but the situation had become dire and both remaining Carters now had to marry.
She was committed to doing this for her family but she still felt the sting. To marry without love was a difficult fate to accept.
“I’m sorry Lily, I didn’t mean…I know you hardly…I…” Elise fumbled for what to say.
“It’s all right. I am sure I will meet the perfect man and all of this will work out just as you said. I am nineteen. It’s time I settled down with my own family. A few more years and I’ll be an old maid.” Lily took Elise’s hands again and smiled. She didn’t want Elise to feel badly. It was her problem to deal with.
The carriage pulled to a stop in front of the Sampson residence and Lily stepped out of the carriage, immediately struck by the beauty of the building. It was a large brownstone that spoke of affluence and prestige. The street itself was lined with beautiful flowering trees and wrought iron fences marked each yard between the sets of large stone steps. The butterflies that had been flying around her stomach all day began to beat faster.
As casually as she could manage, Lily turned to her brother. “What is it that Mr. Sampson does?”
“I know, it’s an impressive home. He owns and runs a very large shipping company. We have sold him a few ships in the past but I am hoping this new schooner would be of interest to him. If tonight goes well we will gain a crucial contract.”
Lily nodded her head. The boats built by her father were excellent ships but were about to be replaced by a newer, faster model. James had shut down part of the shipyard to build a new model, the three-masted schooner. While it would hopefully pay off in the future, it had almost put them out of business.
“Please come right this way.” A butler escorted them from the front door into the parlor. “Mr. Sampson will be with you momentarily. Please help yourselves to any refreshments you desire.”
As the butler turned to leave a streak of movement came dashing into the room, stopping in front of Lily.
“I was looking where I was running this time.” Toby gave Lily a big smile, his brown eyes sparkling just like his father’s. “Dad said I couldn’t be at dinner but I could come visit you before I went to bed. Are you feeling better?”
“Much better, thank you.” Lily patted Toby on the head and he bent it down sheepishly.
“That’s good. I was worried,” the little boy softly replied.
Lily bent down next to his ear and whispered, “That is awfully kind of you. What a nice boy you are.” She pulled herself back up and the two shared a smile. Unexpectedly, Toby leaned over and hugged her.
“Thank you,” he whispered back.
“Time for bed Toby,” Eric’s voice came from the door.
Lily looked up to see Eric standing in the doorway, a pained expression on his face. She did not know how long he had been standing there but she felt a slow blush creeping up her cheeks. Why did he look so upset?
“Aw Dad, do I have to?” Toby stood next to Lily, stubbornly crossing his arms. “I want to stay and talk to Miss Carter more.”
“You know our agreement, up to bed.” Eric bent down and kissed his son goodnight and then watched as Toby made his way up the stairs.
Finally, he turned back to his guests. “Thank you so much for coming.” Eric shook hands with James and kissed Elise on the hand. He turned toward Lily.
“I hope that you are feeling recovered?” He bent down and kissed her hand as well, politely smiling as he let it go.
She smiled back but his
eyes had left her face and his head turned toward the bar. Disappointment coursed through her. He had barely looked at her before he had turned away. Was he upset about the hug she had shared with Toby? She couldn’t understand it. “I am, thank you,” she answered his question in a quiet voice.
“Excellent, what can I get all of you to drink?” Eric moved away from her and began to pull out glasses. “How about a brandy?” He turned to James.
James nodded his head as Eric poured out the drinks.
“You have a lovely home.” Lily attempted polite conversation but she sounded strange to her own ears. She wondered how she could have allowed herself to get so excited about seeing him again.
“Thank you,” Eric’s eyes barely touched her as he moved on to James. “Your company is run out of Maine, correct?”
“Yes, Seacoast Shipping is based out of Kennebunk. It has perfect harbors for launching ships.”
Elise jumped in, “It is beautiful. Lily, tell Mr. Sampson about Kennebunk.” Elise was clearly trying to draw Lily into the conversation but Lily clamped her mouth closed. She was stinging from Eric’s lackluster greeting and worried she had upset him.
Luckily, she was spared answering as the butler returned to announce dinner.
“James, tell me about this new ship you are building,” Eric said to his guest as they sat down to begin their meal.
“It is a newer model schooner that would be far better suited to transcontinental travel because of its speed. It has an added third mast.” James eyes began to dance as he talked about his boats.
“What is the difference in speed?” Eric asked.
“Well depending on the wind of course, it could be up to twice as fast. But even without a great deal of wind, this new schooner easily outstrips older models. I have some numbers I can show you sometime next week if you’re interested.”
“Excellent, how about Thursday, one o’clock?” James nodded to Eric. “What made you decide to make this change? I am assuming most companies in your area focused on the fishing industry.”
“Yes, although a great deal of them build ships for uses like yours, transporting goods on the East Coast. That is the main reason, actually, that we are going with a newer model, to bring in new business. Although the high quality of our product has always kept us in business. But I felt that by taking this risk, I had the potential to make a move ahead of the other builders and independently provide for my family. I believe in this ship so I hope it is a risk that has great rewards.” James’s hand clenched in a fist on the table, his voice rising.
Lily smiled to see her brother so animated. He was so passionate about his business. She glanced quickly at Eric to gauge his interest. He was paying rapt attention to her brother and for a short second, she was jealous.
“We all believe in it,” Elise piped in. “It has been a family adventure! One that we all take pride in. Lily has been especially supportive of her brother.” Elise was bringing Eric’s attention back to Lily again. Her sister-in-law was relentless.
“I am sure Mr. Sampson does not want to hear about my support.” Lily glanced up nervously. She was not sure why but she felt extremely vulnerable. She did not want Elise divulging personal information, especially now that Eric seemed so disinterested.
“On the contrary,” Eric turned to her. It was the first time his attention had really focused on her all evening. “I would love to know about your support for your family.”
Elise paid no attention to Lily’s objections. “We have had to cut back on expenditures and trips. I am an old married woman so it does not matter to me but poor Lillian has had to miss out on three years of the Boston social scene.”
Eric smiled. “How have you survived Miss Carter?”
“It has been quite easy actually. My family is wonderful company and, as Elise said, the coast of Maine is beautiful. I haven’t missed society at all.” Lily’s spine stiffened with every word. She spoke the truth but she knew just how boring the truth sounded. To Eric, she must seem even less interesting than she did before.
“My sister has been a huge support in this process. How many young women do you know that would miss out on dresses and parties for ships and sails without complaint?” James beamed at her.
“You’re very lucky.” Eric looked down the table at Lily. She blushed as he smiled. She was sure he was laughing at her but his eyes seemed only to hold admiration, not disapproval. “Not everyone is surrounded by people who love and support them.”
Lily looked at Eric, wondering who or what he was talking about. She sensed pain in his voice. That pain pulled her in closer to him. She couldn’t explain why but she felt like a moth to a flame.
“This lamb is delicious,” Elise deftly changed the subject as the meal continued.
Lily took a moment to sneak another look at Eric. As she did, she found that he was still looking at her as if studying her. She quickly looked away again as yet another blush rose to her cheeks. Why did she have to respond to him every time he looked at her? Why didn’t he look at her more?
The rest of dinner passed without much event and Lily watched Eric out of the corner of her eye but he did not look at her again. Frustration rose in her chest. She resisted the urge to reach out and touch his arm. She could almost feel the fabric of his jacket under her fingertips. They tingled at the thought. She was going to have to be bolder, like his first wife, if she had any hope of attracting him. Her cousin, Amelia, always told her you have to leave a man an invitation big enough for him to read.
As they retired for after dinner drinks James escorted Elise and Eric offered Lily his arm. For a second hope fluttered in her chest but he did not meet her eyes as she looked up at him and it was quickly dashed.
“Mr. Sampson,” Elise called from behind them. “Will you be attending the picnic on the Common on Sunday?”
“Yes, Toby would not miss it for the world.” Eric rolled his eyes slightly but there was a smile on his face.
“Perhaps we will see you there,” Elise replied. Lily shivered with excitement at the thought of seeing him so soon.
“Perhaps we will,” Eric smiled and nodded politely but Lily could catch no promise in his statement and she again felt disappointed. Lily straightened her shoulders. She took her free hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. “I would like that,” she said with what she hoped was her most winning smile.
An almost pained look crossed Eric’s face. He gave her a small smile and a pat on her arm but his message was clear. He was not going to seek her out. Despair welled up in her chest. How could she have started the night with such high hopes and end it with no hope at all?
Chapter 3
Sunday dawned bright and sunny and Lily felt her spirits rise with them. Today was the perfect day for a picnic.
As they entered the Common, Lily saw all of the families that had already arrived and felt a ripple of excitement. She was wearing one of her new dresses, a cream-colored muslin gown that came off the shoulder, showing a good expanse of her skin. The corset made her already slim waist appear no bigger than the expanse of one hand and caused her bosom to plump nicely. She had pulled her hair back loosely, with a few pieces falling around her face. It was one of those days that she felt beautiful and confident.
As they searched for a place on the Common to seat themselves, Lily waved hello to many of her acquaintances. She noticed many men giving her discreet glances and she smiled shyly to herself. Today was the perfect day to try to convince Eric Sampson to court her. She was at her best and it was worth one last try. If Lily was going to marry, she wanted to try for a man she truly wanted. Her cousin Amelia routinely brought men to their knees with just a look. Today, for the first time in her life, she would attempt to do the same.
As the Carters settled into their picnic area another party approached them. The Johnsons were old family acquaintances of the Carters but the two families had never been close. As a child she had played with the Johnsons’ daughter Isabelle while her fath
er had conducted business with Harold Johnson. Isabelle had been very bossy as a child and prone to fits when she did not get her way. Lily had dreaded the visits then and did so now.
As she looked to Isabelle’s right she noticed that two others were approaching with the party, Eric and Toby Sampson. Lily felt her insides drop. As Isabelle noticed Lily looking, Isabelle placed her arm through Eric’s and the other woman’s smile broadened. Lily did not flinch but she gritted her teeth. She felt jealousy rising up inside of her but she did not let it boil to the surface.
“Lily, how are you? This is my escort for the day, Eric Sampson.” Isabelle positively beamed as Lily stood to greet them.
“We’ve met,” Eric cut in. He bowed to her. As their eyes met, Lily felt her heart flutter and she cursed it for responding to man who was obviously courting another woman. Damn him and damn herself! She desperately wanted to ask what Isabella might have that she did not but she understood the absurdity of even thinking the question. He had done almost nothing to encourage her and she was the fool who kept hoping. Lily suddenly realized, however, that they were still holding hands.
Isabelle’s look soured at Eric’s seeming interest in Lily but Isabelle was not at a loss. She once again threaded her arm through Eric’s and asked him to help her be seated.
Lily placed what she hoped was a smile on her face. She felt like doing anything but smiling politely. She gritted her teeth, to think just moments ago that she had been trying to figure out how to get Eric to court her. Apparently, Isabelle had already figured it out.
“Hi, Miss Carter. I’m sure glad I get to see you today since I didn’t really get see you at all on Friday night.” Toby smiled and leaned toward her. “Can I give you a hug?” he whispered.
Lily felt her spirits lift slightly at this boy’s adorable antics and nodded as she held out her arms to him. Once he had finished hugging her she turned toward her niece and nephew. “This is my niece Emma and my nephew Jamie. They could not wait to meet you after hearing about our adventure.”