Page 105 of Wild Lily
“Balsam mist is best,” Lily interjected.
“It is.” Julian turned, smiling at her. He recalled his own childhood malady, the racking pain of inflamed lungs and the aromatic relief of breathing in the moist air. “Did Winslow offer up Balsam mist?”
“He did, milord. But we ‘ave only one copper kettle and we need more.”
“At least one for each patient,” Lily said, frowning at Julian. “Do you have any at the house?”
“One. My governess used it for me when I’d take ill. Henry, go into the house and tell the housekeeper. You need the inhaler kettle and the Nelson inhalers, too.”
“How many of those do you have?” Lily asked.
“Two, three. I can’t recall.” Julian focused on Henry again. “Get your son to run to Ashford and tell Winslow I’ll buy two more copper kettles and three marble Nelson jars. Use them.”
“Thank you, milord. I will.”
“If more become ill, buy as many as you need. I’ll pay for them.”
The farmer bowed in thanks, the coachman closed the door upon them and in minutes, they were off down the road to London.
“That’s serious.” To have so many ill at once suggested a contagion.
“It’s the weather.” Lily shivered. “I’ve never seen so much rain.”
“Unusual and cold for end of June,” he said. “I’d forgotten about the mist. Thank you.”
“You were kind to have them buy more copper kettles and inhalers.”
“Bronchitis is no minor malady. I remember what it’s like to cough your lungs out.”
“Were you sick often with it?”
“Twice. Three times, perhaps.” He shook his head. “I can’t recall. My governess was a wizard, knew exactly what to do and I recovered quickly.”
“Perhaps we should cut short our visit in London and return home the day after the wedding.”
Lily’s generosity always gratified him. She thought of others. So different from most other women he’d known. Her family had recently returned to London from Paris to attend Elanna’s wedding. “Don’t you want to stay in town and visit after the wedding with Ada and Pierce?”
“Your tenants’ health is more important than my need to talk with my brother and sister. Besides, couldn’t we invite them to stay with us for a few days?”
Julian did not welcome the idea of sharing Lily with her family so soon since their wedding. He’d had quite enough of company at Val’s house party. But to prohibit Lily would be mean and ungracious of him. “If you’d like that, then do invite them all to Willowreach. Few like to stay in London as the summer approaches.”
She pursed her lips and glanced out the window, her cheeks red.
He took hope from her embarrassment. “Why are you blushing, my dear?”
She clamped her legs together. The sensuous move was like spark to tinder.
“Lily?” He put two fingers to her chin and led her to look up at him. He ducked to avoid getting poked by the feather in her bonnet. What he saw in her eyes was molten blue desire. “Shall I dispense with your hat, my darling?”
“You shouldn’t.” She sighed, forlorn, her mouth turned down.
Resigned, he put his lips to her cheek.Of course not.
“I’ll arrive a mess.” She put a hand to his thigh and squeezed.
He shuddered.
Her eyes drifted closed. A frisson shook her. “But you want me.”
