Page 32 of Long Live the Baron
Mama headed for Lily’s wardrobe, looking through the gowns inside and muttering until she pulled out a creamy confection of lace and cotton. Lily pulled a face. It was the one the least suitable for her complexion, but Mama insisted it was perfection.
With all the bows and flounces, the gown made Lily feel like a child preparing for a formal portrait—the kind where the wealthy family dressed in costumes from bygone eras. Perhaps, if Sophia failed to bring Mr. Ridley up to scratch and Lily was forced to leave for the Continent, Aidan would help her replace her wardrobe far from Mama’s prying eyes.
Please, Lord! These clothes are hideous for me.
Her prayer was interrupted by the maid, who began to vigorously brush out Lily’s hair, causing her eyes to water.
Twenty minutes later she was ready, her hair in the hated ringlets, and Mama dragging her by the hand down the hall. Once they reached the staircase, her mother started descending, almost pulling Lily off balance with her longer stride. “Mama, I am short!”
Her mother paused. “We must hurry. It has been an age.”
Lily nodded, taking up her skirts with one hand in order to hasten her descent. As they approached the first floor, her nose tickled. Raising her hand, she quickly pinched it to fight off a sneeze, almost tripping on the last step. Mama hurled out an arm and steadied her.
“Achoo!”
Mama ignored her, racing toward the drawing-room door and flinging it open.
“Achoo!”
Lily sniffled before stepping into the brightly lit room and gasping in surprise.
On every surface were vases of lilies. On every table, the mantel, even the wide windowsills were beautiful, fragrant lilies of every kind. She had never seen so many flowers outside of a flower market!
“Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!”
And across the room stood Mr. Ridley, looking ever so handsome in the sunlight. His features were relaxed and his tanned face returned to normal. Mr. Ridley must have finally gotten some rest!
“Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!”
Lily swiped her fingertips at her streaming eyes while her heart filled to the brim. Flowers! He had brought her flowers!
“Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!”
“Oh, Lily! I forgot!” Mama was stricken, throwing her hands up in her despair.
Mr. Ridley had stepped forward, concern marring his eyes. “Are you all right, Miss Abbott?”
“Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!”
“She is not, Mr. Ridley. I forgot that Lily has some sort of sensitivity to lilies. I am afraid we must leave the room!”
“Of course, I shall take her for a drive in my carriage, as we discussed. I believe your maid is waiting for us there.”
“Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!”
Mama took a firm hold of Lily’s elbow, quickly pulling her from the room to escort her to the staircase and down to the lower hall where Lily took deep breaths. A handkerchief appeared in front of her face.
“I am so sorry. I quite forgot. The flowers will be gone when you return.”
Lily wiped her streaming eyes and blew into the handkerchief. There was no denying the inelegance of the moment, but nevertheless, she could not wipe the huge grin from her face.
She had a suitor! And he had brought her blooms! So many, many, many blooms!
Everything will work out for the best!
Mr. Ridley appeared at her side. “My apologies, Miss Abbott. It was intended to be a thoughtful gesture, but I am afraid it has gone rather awry.”
Lily shook her head, craning her neck to bestow a smile on the tall gentleman. “Not at all, Mr. Ridley. I would not have missed it for all the world!”
