Page 35 of A Gentleman's Kiss
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For Lillian, the rest of the Season flew by in a haze of happiness. She floated over the dirty looks from her cousins, and the snubbing from her aunt. Knowing her uncle was behind her gave her strength. She knew in spirit, her parents were behind her as well.
Best of all, she’d met the love of her life. He amazed her more and more each day with his love for her. Pink lilies were sent to the house every morning. After breakfast they met for a walk in the park. They attended events together.
Her aunt was against the union for her own reasons, and was adamant an engagement ball not be thrown at Whitmore House. Lillian didn’t mind however, and looked forward to planning the party with Dominick’s mother at Cambridge Estate.
She was even more thrilled when Queen Victoria arrived at their engagement ball and wished them well. The queen announced to all, she had known from the moment she saw them together, they were meant for each other. Lillian remembered the smile on Dominick’s face, how it made her soar.
Lillian stood before the mirror in her room practicing her vows. Today was her wedding day. Every fiber in her being sparked from the current of excitement racing through her. She was nervous but elated at the same time. Over the past few weeks she fell asleep each night with a smile on her face, and woke each morning, her smile wider for having dreamed of Dominick. She could not believe it was all real.
A sharp knock at the door roused her from her reverie. She refused to let the scowl on her aunt’s face as she entered spoil her good mood.
“Your Grace,” she said smiling and stood from her dressing table to curtsy.
“Madame DeBourg will be here shortly to dress you for your wedding ceremony,” her aunt sneered.
“Thank you, Madam,” Lillian said, confused. Why hadn’t she just sent a servant to tell her? Was she only looking for one last moment to torment her?
Her aunt looked toward the ceiling and clasped her hands so tight her knuckles shown white.
“This is not easy for me, Lillian.”
She was so surprised by her aunt’s countenance, she had to take a step back, her brow furrowed in confusion.
“I knew your mother very well once. I’m sure you knew she was American. She came to London as a governess,” she paused, her eyes turning on Lillian. There was something there she hadn’t seen before. “When she and your father left with you for the America’s, it was not widely accepted. Your uncle and I had to make sure our reputations were in tact and the memory of your parents was not sullied.”
Lillian was beginning to understand her aunt’s resentment. The woman was a staunch aristocrat, believing wholeheartedly in her position in Society. Lillian never dealt with politics and her parents were never very concerned for such things either. When she became a duchess herself, Lillian vowed to behave differently. She wouldn’t dare meddle or hurt the sensitive feelings of an innocent all because of how she viewed her position in society. She nodded her understanding even though she disagreed.
“Naturally, when I saw a budding relationship between you and Dominick, I was angry. I am still not happy. However, I have come to learn from Tamara, she has her eye on another, so this news lightens your betrayal.”
Lillian decided to take her aunt’s words as an apology. She smiled and walked forward to embrace her.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” was all Lillian said, as she placed a kiss on her aunt’s cold cheek. Although Aunt Georgiana stood there for a moment, her eyes belied her wish to bolt, and soon she did.
*****
The ceremony was beautiful, with no interruptions. Lillian could have sworn she saw her aunt swipe at a tear—but that may have only been wishful thinking.
The wedding brunch was delightful, Dominick and Lillian couldn’t keep their eyes off one another as they greeted guest after guest.
At long last Dominick turned to Lillian. “My lady wife, I believe it is time for us to make way for home.”
“Ah, yes, where is home?” Lillian asked, excited to spend some time alone with Dominick, and curious to know where they would live. She hoped it wasn’t with his parents at Cambridge Estate, newlyweds needed their privacy…
“Actually, our home is…” He pulled a silver key from his pocket. “A gift for you.”
“A gift?” Lillian asked, confused. The key was familiar, with his swirling silver knots, but she couldn’t place it.
“Your home Lillian, our home,” he said and gave her a small but intimate peck on the cheek. Even the feel of his lips on her cheek sent a tingle up her spine.
“I don’t understand,” she said breathily, turning the key over in her hand.
Then it hit her. The key was to her home in America. Her eyes widened, and panic seized her for a moment. She swallowed hard.
“I do not think I can go back there,” she whispered and shook her head.
“Yes you can, love. Do not let those in Society dictate your happiness.”
