Her conscience berated her for impugning his honor, but his cruelly delivered comment had hurt. She would not relinquish her anger yet. Before losing her composure completely by bursting into tears, Lilly walked to the door, spun around quickly, made a hasty curtsy, and said, “Good night,” in a wobbly voice. There must have been a strong draft in the corridor, however, for the door slammed closed violently behind her.
Chapter Five
The Courtship
1815
True to his word, Captain Redmond arrived at the stately townhouse on Curzon Street the next afternoon. He carried with him three separate bouquets of flowers.
Lilly knew the moment he entered the room, for her heart seemed to skip a beat.
The very atmosphere changed with his presence.
He appeared confident and unconcerned by the other suitors surrounding Lilly. No military uniform today. Instead he wore tan breeches, a brown waistcoat, and a black jacket. His neck cloth was tied in a simple knot, and his jacket hung loosely upon him.
His boots, were, however, buffed to a high shine.
As unobtrusively as possible, she watched beyond the gentleman currently speaking to her, so she might observe Captain Redmond greeting her aunt.
Bending over Lady Eleanor’s hand, the captain presented her aunt with one of the bouquets he carried. He then handed an identical one to her mother. The bouquets were original, mostly greenery, ferns with a smattering of geraniums. Lilly was curious as to the last collection of flowers he held.
Other suitors had shown no originality at all. They had all, of course, come bearing bouquets of lilies. The unique arrangements brought by Captain Redmond struck her in that it seemed, she thought, he was using his bouquets in a completely different way. He must know the language of flowers.
The geraniums, Lilly knew, meant esteem, and she was also quite certain ferns meant sincerity. The third bouquet he brought was made up of a profusion of colorful blooms, some names of which escaped her. There was one lily, several different-colored roses, forget-me-nots, and baby’s breath. She knew a lily meant beauty and elegance, the roses represented different aspects of love, and the baby’s breath was innocence. The other flower might be a peach blossom, but she wasn’t sure. She would have to look it up.
Probably, she read too much into them.
Meanwhile, Lord Harris continued to describe, at length, the distinctive poets he was interested in, reciting lines from a few of their poems. Lilly nodded but continued observing Captain Redmond. He’d known she was watching him; she was certain of this by the look in his eyes when he finally approached her.
She interrupted Lord Harris’s recitation. “Excuse me but a moment. I must greet a new arrival.” Captain Redmond’s eyes stayed locked upon her until they met halfway across the room.
Lilly curtsied, and he bowed over her hand. This time he did place a soft kiss upon her wrist. Shivers ran through her at his touch.
And this time, neither wore gloves.
She couldn’t help noticing how elegant and strong his hands were. They appeared to have been darkened by the sun, but his nails were neatly trimmed. Despite wearing civilian attire, he looked just as imposing as he had last night. As he bent over her hand, she breathed in his scent—musky sandalwood and leather. She inhaled deeply. He intoxicated her!
He continued holding her hand even though he had completed his bow. “Miss Bridge, I trust you are well rested, having survived your first London ball?” The low, gravelly tones of his voice sent shivers down her spine.
Lilly had hardly slept a wink. She had been far too excited to sleep. Each time she had closed her eyes the image of Captain Redmond had enticed her into romantic, hopeful fantasies.
“I am, sir.” She looked up at him flirtatiously. “And you have survived it as well.”
The captain released her hand and presented the bouquet to her. “Just barely,” he teased. His eyes were laughing.
“They are beautiful.” She buried her face in the fragrant flowers. Then, touching a few of the petals, she indicated one she wasn’t sure of. “What is the name of this one?” she asked.
He leaned in to get a better look at it and then held her eyes steadily. “It is a peach blossom,” he said. He was telling her more, she knew.
“Flowers have meanings. Do you know what the peach blossom means?” she asked.
He answered her cryptically. “I do.”
“But you will not tell me?”
“I will not.”
“Oh…”
Just then Lilly’s mother came forward, gushing about the so very original bouquets the captain had brought. He was the only suitor who had thought to gift her aunt and mother as well as the popular debutante. “So unique, and how thoughtful of Captain Redmond, don’t you think, Lilly?” Mrs. Bridge went to take the large bouquet from Lilly. “Let’s have Jarvis take care of these. He can put them in the morning room. They will be so lovely in there, with all of the sunshine.”
But Lilly didn’t want them stashed away with all of the other flowers. “No, Mother, have him put them in my be—in my chamber.”
Lilly’s mother paused for a moment, looked like she might object, raised her eyebrows, and then said, “Very well,” before taking the flowers and disappearing into the foyer.
“Come and sit down, Captain Redmond.” Lilly remembered her manners. “Are you acquainted with our other guests?”
Captain Redmond glanced around at the faces in the drawing room and nodded. Approaching a seating area which held a small group of young men and women, Lilly delighted in his amicability. “Danbury, Harris…Miss Crone.” He bowed. “Miss Harris.”
Lilly found an open settee nearby and, as her hand was tucked into the captain’s arm, pulled him down to sit beside her. They sat very close. They were, in fact, touching.
Lilly was to learn that Miss Harris was Miles Harris’s younger sister. The captain had apparently attended Eton with both Viscount Danbury and Mr. Harris. In addition to that, Penelope Crone was friendly with Caroline Harris. They all had a prior acquaintance and were a pleasant group. Conversation flowed easily.
Lilly turned to Captain Redmond. “Miss Harris and Miss Crone have offered to take me to some of their favorite shops tomorrow afternoon. I am so happy to make friends here. I love keeping company with my aunt and my mother, but it’s not the same as spending time with friends of like age, wouldn’t you agree?” Oh, Lord, she was babbling already.
“If I remember correctly, they will likely drag you into every shop in London.” The captain teased the young ladies. “Harris has complained long and hard after accompanying these misses on a few of their more extravagant shopping expeditions.”
He kept his hands firmly in his lap. Lilly’s hand remained tucked into his arm.
The group discussed various upcoming balls and parties, a possible excursion to Vauxhall, and of course the weather, before Captain Redmond turned toward Lilly.
“I must retrieve the curricle for our drive this afternoon. Will you be ready in one hour?” He had taken hold of her hand when he’d turned. Both of their hands were lost in the folds of her skirts. He squeezed gently and massaged her palm slowly with his thumb.
Lilly was so conscious of his touch, she forgot what he’d asked her. What had he said? Something about leaving?
“Pardon?”
“I need to collect the curricle for our drive. Is an hour enough time for you to get ready, Miss Bridge?”
He knew.
He knew how his touch had affected her. She trapped his thumb in her hand and smiled daringly back. “An hour will be fine. I’m looking forward to it.”
Lilly spent a quarter of an hour longer with the remaining guests before they finally stood to leave. She was excited for the plans they’d made to meet the next day but even more excited for her scheduled outing with Captain Redmond. She waved them a very cheerful goodbye and then dashed up to her room to freshen up for his return. When she entered her chamber, she was instant
ly caught up again by the beauty of his bouquet. Burying her face in the blossoms, she inhaled deeply before remembering that she did not know the meaning of the peach blossom.
As a flower enthusiast from childhood, she had a book conveniently tucked away in her escritoire. Not bothering to sit, she skimmed through it until she came across the section on the language of flowers. “Oleander…orchid…palm leaves…aha!” Lilly read aloud. “The peach blossom…I am your captive…” Pressing the book into her chest, she closed her eyes. He was too good to be true. Could this be happening to her? He is my captive? Oh, no, she thought. I am his.
She twirled around slowly and then tossed herself onto the yellow counterpane that covered her bed. Then, unable to contain herself, she kicked her feet in excitement and covered her hand with her mouth, lest her squeal of delight alert the entire household of her joy. Rolling over to her stomach she reopened the book to verify the meaning of the peach blossom once again, as though she couldn’t quite believe it.
I am your captive…I am your captive…
A knock on the door had Lilly slamming the book closed and leaping to her feet. Her mother opened the door slowly.
“Be sure to take a pelisse with you this afternoon. The sun is shining, but the wind is brisk today.” Her mother smiled as she entered the room.
Her gaze, as Lilly’s had been, was immediately drawn to the colorful, passionate flower arrangement. She then looked at her daughter suspiciously. Mrs. Bridge knew her daughter well. She also knew the meaning of such sparkling eyes and flushed cheeks.
“You seem to have found a beau rather quickly, Lilly.” Her mother had told her that she believed in love. She’d also advised Lilly to be wary of it.
Lilly would be no such thing. “He is the one, Mother. I know it. He is so utterly handsome, and kind, and sweet…and handsome! What should I wear for our drive? Should I change my dress? Should I allow him to see me in the same outfit I have on now? Oh, Mama, I am so nervous! I am also so very happy!” Lilly flitted around pulling out various dresses for perusal.
Her mother gently seized her by the shoulders, quieting her. Tenderly, she tucked a stray curl behind Lilly’s ear.
“The dress you are wearing is fine.” She paused and then caressed her daughter’s cheek. “Take deep breaths and slow your heart, my dear.” She held her until she seemed satisfied Lilly was no longer swept up in excitement. Then, she squeezed Lilly’s shoulders affectionately and turned to pace the room. Her mother would not send Lilly off without some well-timed maternal advice. “A curricle only seats two people, so you won’t be able to take your maid along as chaperone. Therefore, you must be very proper. Not too much smiling and absolutely no giggling. Everyone will see everything you do once you enter the park.” She stared at her daughter sternly. “I don’t want anything to taint your reputation. Do you understand?” Her mother’s lips pinched in concern.
Nodding, Lilly would lessen her mother’s nerves. “Of course, Mother, I shall be the soul of discretion. No giggling. Sit up straight. Nod at the people I know. Look beyond the people I do not.” Lilly slipped on the pelisse that matched her dress and turned to study herself in the mirror. “It’s only a drive, Mother. You mustn’t worry so.”
Her mother met her stare in the mirror and then surprisingly grinned. “He is very charming, isn’t he, Lilly?”
Lilly grinned back. “And handsome!”
****
Captain Redmond heard a step and turned as Miss Lilly Bishop descended to the foyer. He wondered if there would ever be a time when he didn’t feel this pull toward her. He couldn’t help but be mesmerized as she pulled on her gloves and then tied her bonnet under his watchful gaze. She wore the same dress from earlier but had donned a pelisse to cover her arms and shoulders. Once ready, she glanced up and smiled.
Good God, she lit up the room.
“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting for long.” She spoke, oh, so very properly.
He’d been waiting nearly twenty minutes.
“Not at all.” He smiled down at her as they stepped outside.
The curricle he drove belonged to his brother, Edward. It rode high off the ground, was painted shiny black, and had plush maroon-leather seats. Edward was not one to go about in bright colors, as were some of the bachelors that season.
Lilly took one look at the vehicle and then glanced at him with an impish smile. “Oh, this looks fun! I have seen these high flyers about town before but never thought I would actually ride in one.” And then, as she further examined it, her expression turned into a curious frown. “How does one get in?”
Michael laughed and then showed her where to step. Placing his hands on her waist, he lifted her easily so she could step around the wheel and sit down. He then easily climbed up himself and sat beside her. His groom handed him the reins and jumped on the back, and they were off.
Since so many members of the ton were in town, and it was nearing the fashionable hour for driving, traffic was heavy.
As Michael paid heed to drivers and riders around him, Lilly sat beside him in companionable silence. He was amused to note she took advantage of the ride by gazing all about at the mansions lining the popular route. Most of the residences they passed were owned by London’s wealthiest noble families. Flowers bloomed and trees burst forth with their spring blossoms all along the route. After a while, Lilly settled back and seemed to relax.
“I looked it up, you know,” she said quietly beside him.
“And…” Michael prompted. He knew exactly what she referred to.
“I rather like the notion.”
Michael glanced over at her. A smug little smile danced on her lips. She was a minx. An innocent one, but a minx nonetheless.
“Very unnerving, you must realize, for a military man, such as myself.”
He felt her stare upon him as he focused on the road ahead. At the same moment, the curricle jostled and one of the wheels hit a rut. She reached and grabbed onto his leg, just above his knee. Before she could remove it, Michael covered her hand with his.
“The question is…” He leaned to the side so his lips barely brushed the top of her ear. “Now that you have me, what do you plan on doing with me?” He waited for her to blush.
She did not disappoint.
Lilly stared down at their hands and then back into his eyes. Another slow smile spread across her lush pink lips. This one, almost seductive. How many different smiles did she have? He anticipated the opportunity to find out. “I have no idea, Captain. What do you suggest?”
Michael raised one eyebrow at her. “As you are a lady and I am a gentleman, I’m afraid I cannot say.”
The blush deepened.
“In that case”—she recovered—“I shall devise some special form of torture for you. Hmm…What does a lady do when she wishes to torture a special gentleman?”
Michael chuckled and then glanced over at her. “Make him go—”
Then they both spoke at the same time. “Shopping.”
Her giggle delighted him. Unable to help himself, Michael turned her wrist and raised it to his lips. He inhaled her scent greedily, wishing she did not wear gloves, before settling her hand back onto his thigh. They had arrived at the entrance to the park, and he needed to grasp the reins once again with both hands.
Directing the horses onto the well-worn path, Michael forced his attentions back to driving. All around them were other curricles and phaetons, some fellows on horseback, and a number of very fashionable ladies and gentlemen strolling on foot. He would have liked to ride out of the city but would not risk Lilly’s reputation. He wanted time alone with her though.
Lilly was impressed as several people seemed to know Captain Redmond. Some waved, and the captain would stop the curricle to greet them. He introduced Lilly as a dear friend, the niece of Lady Eleanor Sheffield. He seemed to be well liked, a respected member of the ton. But he was also well known for his military prowess.
Gentlemen congratulated him on his exceptiona
l service in the war. He had apparently come home with honors and a promotion. Ladies eyed her jealously.
Not until they reached a clearing and had turned down a less populated path could Lilly have any sort of meaningful conversation with him.
“How old are you, Captain Redmond?” He seemed to have acquired a great deal of respect to be as young as she thought he was.
“I am one-and-twenty,” he answered. “Does that sound so very old? You, I am guessing are barely seventeen.”
“I will be eighteen in September,” she corrected him. Hopefully, he would not consider her too young! The thought of going back to Plymouth, to the baron, hardly bore consideration. “This will be my only season.” She would be certain he knew this.
The captain nodded and pulled the curricle to a halt. Turning to face her, he grasped her hands before speaking.
“Then we must make certain it’s a successful one.” Even wearing gloves, she felt warmth emanating from him. For a scandalous second, she thought he was going to lean forward and kiss her right there! And she would have let him! But he pulled back instead and cleared his throat. “Shall we walk along the water?”
Lilly hadn’t realized where they were until that moment. She had been intensely aware of his arms rubbing her shoulder whenever he turned the carriage or pulled back on the reins. Through her petticoat and skirt, his thigh pressed into hers each time they’d turned. The seat was not overly wide causing such necessary intimacy.
“I’d like that.”
She hadn’t intended to tell him this was to be her only season. The words had escaped of their own accord. But he needed to know.
Captain Redmond jumped off and then came around to assist her. She placed her hands upon his shoulders, and he grasped her waist. Leaning down, she trusted him with her weight. He didn’t lower her to the ground right away, however.
Quite unhurriedly, he slid her close to his body until her feet landed softly upon the grass. She moved her hands along his collar and then briefly touched the nape of his neck. She wished she weren’t wearing gloves so she could feel his hair. She wanted to stay in this position, close to him, touching him, but knew it was quite improper. Captain Redmond’s groom seemed busy enough with the horses but could see them clearly from where he worked. Much of society’s worst gossip began belowstairs.
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