Page 28 of Long Live the Baron
Lily pulled back to stare at her cousin in amazement. “She did?”
Sophia nodded. “She was quite livid, ranting about how no man can treat an Abbott in that manner.”
“Huh! I thought she would blame me for not accepting the offer.”
“Nay, Lily. Your mother wants what is best for you. She just needs time to adjust to all these happenings. Her hopes were high for an excellent match, and now she must contend with broken straws. Just give her some time to figure things out.”
“I am ever so glad you are here.”
“What happens now? Are you certain you do not wish to marry Mr. Ridley?”
Lily wailed, burying her face back in Sophia’s shoulder, which was damp with tears. “I am not certain of anything! I do not wish to be snubbed by good society. Now I must leave London in shame and travel to places unknown just so I can show my face in public, far from everything I am familiar with. How did it all come to this?”
Sophia patted her on the shoulder, while several moments passed.
“I feel I should warn you that the gossip rags mentioned you this morning.”
Lily groaned. “My presence in high society has finally been noted.”
“I am afraid so.”
Lily heaved her chest in distress. “What am I to do?”
Sophia turned her head to Lily, her blue eyes sympathetic. “Would you … permit me to speak to Mr. Ridley?”
“Oh, I think that is impossible. It is clear he does not trust me.”
“I feel confident we can make this arrangement work, but the gentleman has been under great pressure these past few days. He always struck me as a kind man, spending time with his nephew and playing with Miles when he visits our home.”
“You believe I should provide him with another opportunity to make his offer?”
“I believe we need a little patience. Mr. Ridley’s belligerence is understandable. He found his father dead, was accused of patricide, and then was forced to come here to offer you marriage in the course of four days. The poor man is reeling. It does not excuse his behavior, but I believe we should try this again.”
Lily sucked on her lower lip, staring out the bedroom window while she thought. “I am not sure.”
“Mr. Ridley only had Richard to advise him this morning before his visit here. As much as I love my husband, you and I both know that Richard is still learning how to handle the intricacies of emotional ties, and Mr. Ridley is inexperienced in courtship. I am certain that he is the best solution to your debacle but might require some guidance in such a trying time.”
Nodding, Lily fell back on the bed. “We shall try this one more time.”
Sophia settled down beside her, and they both stared at the ceiling just as they had done as girls. “It was exceedingly brave of you.”
“I had to do it. Seeing the duchess in such despair … I had to follow my conscience.”
“You gave up much.”
Lily sighed. “I shall never have a suitor bring me hothouse flowers, or accompany me to Gunter’s for ices. I will never have my first dance with a man and realize that he might be my future husband.”
Sophia’s lips twisted. “Neither of us has had an easy time of it, have we?”
“Richard did bring you flowers that day you compromised him!”
Her cousin huffed. “And he drove me to Gunter’s the day we wed to flaunt our connection in front of theton.”
Lily smiled, remembering the strange course of Sophia’s wedding to the earl. They had overcome much to find their way to love.
Slowly, her high spirits trickled back, and Lily felt optimistic for the first time in days. “Perhaps it could all work out!”
Sophia reached out to clasp Lily’s hand. “I will do everything in my power to make it so.”
