Page 54 of A Virgin to Trap the Earl of Thornhill
With a curt nod, Eris excused herself, escaping the stuffy confines of the parlor for the open space of their walled garden. The heady fragrance of roses in bloom was a welcome respite, calming her racing heart and helping to clear her mind.
As she moved further into the garden, her thoughts turned back to William. His words from the previous evening echoed in her mind, promising a different future than the one her parents had just painted. A future where she was seen, valued, and loved, not for her title or societal position but for who she was. Her heart clung to those promises, hoping against hope that they were more than mere words.
She settled on a wrought-iron bench, one that had been a favorite spot for her and Lily when they were children. It was a secluded, peaceful corner of the garden, away from the prying eyes of the house. As she sat, she looked up at the azure sky, its limitless expanse symbolic of the freedom she yearned for. And in that moment, she dared to dream, to hope for a future where love, not societal expectations, reigned supreme.
“What are you doing here, sister?”
Lily emerged from the sheltering greenery of the garden path, her face lighting up with a warm smile as she spotted Eris. Seeing her sister approach, Eris rose to her feet, her heart lifting with a surge of relief. It was comforting to have her sister by her side during these challenging times.
“I am surprised to seeyouhere, Lily,” Eris admitted, her brows furrowing in puzzlement. “Isn’t Mr. Hudson waiting for you?”
Lily chuckled, her smile radiant as she gently patted her still-flat belly. “Cassian thought it best that our family heal its wounds,” she explained. “He is actually inside right now, having a talk with Father.”
Eris let out a bitter laugh. “And what are they talking about, pray tell? Asking Cassian to settle his debts?”
“Well,” Lily admitted with a wry smile, “Cassian did offer to lend him some money, but he insisted that it must be repaid and that there can be no more gambling.”
Eris nodded, silently appreciating Cassian’s wisdom. She knew her father’s gambling habits had to be addressed, and Cassian’s stipulations would hopefully steer him toward the path of recovery.
The sisters fell into a comfortable silence, talking about the upcoming wedding. As they sat there in the walled garden, Lily rubbed her pregnant belly, a thoughtful expression on her face.
“It is hard to believe, isn’t it?” she said softly, her gaze distant. “That someone like Cassian could love someone who has been disgraced?”
Eris reached out and took her sister’s hand, offering her a reassuring squeeze. “You are wonderful, Lily,” she said earnestly. “Disgraced or not, Cassian can see that. He loves you for who you are, not what society says you should be.”
The sisters shared a moment of understanding before Lily’s gaze turned sly. “And what of you, Eris?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I saw how the Earl of Thornhill looked at you last night…”
Eris felt a blush creep up her cheeks, the mere mention of William sending her heart into a flutter. “Yes, well…” she began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words. After all, how could she explain the depth of her feelings for William, the hopes and dreams she harbored for a future with him? For now, those feelings would remain a secret, nestled within the confines of her heart.
“Let’s not waste another moment then,” Eris said, her smile returning as she shifted the conversation back to the upcoming wedding. “We need to start planning.”
Lily laughed, a sound as sweet as a morning songbird’s trill. “You always know how to steer me right, Eris,” she admitted with a fond look. “All right, the wedding. It is going to be a small affair at the Thornhill home in London.”
Eris nodded, her mind already spinning with plans. “We will need flowers. Lots of them. Roses, perhaps? And lilies, of course.”
Her sister’s laughter rang through the garden again. “Roses and lilies,” Lily echoed, her hand absentmindedly caressing her belly. “I love that.”
“And what about the wedding breakfast?” Eris asked, excitement bubbling within her. “What would you like to serve?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Lily admitted, a thoughtful look crossing her face. “Something simple yet delicious. Fresh fruits, perhaps. And a light pastry or two.”
“That sounds lovely,” Eris agreed. “And for your dress, I was thinking something simple yet elegant. Cream silk, perhaps, with delicate lacework.”
Lily nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, I like that. And a bouquet of roses and lilies to match.”
The sisters continued their plans, their voices soft and excited as they painted a picture of the upcoming wedding.
Their discussion was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching, and both women turned to see Cassian making his way toward them. He looked as handsome as ever, his tailored coat accentuating his strong figure, but it was the gentle smile he directed at Lily that had her blushing like a new bride.
“Lily,” he greeted her softly, taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips for a feather-light kiss.
Cassian then turned his attention to Eris, his hazel eyes twinkling with amusement. “I must admit, Eris,” he started, “I have never seen my brother in such a state. He has been pacing the hallways of Thornhill House like a caged lion.”
Eris felt her heart flutter at his words, hope igniting within her. Could it be that William truly did reciprocate her feelings?
“But,” Cassian continued, his smile fading slightly, “you should know that our mother is quite unhappy with the current situation. I have decided it best to stay at my club until the wedding to avoid her ire.”
Eris felt her heart drop at his words. The Dowager Countess was a formidable woman, and she had a significant influence over her sons. If she disapproved of Eris and William, it could prove to be a significant obstacle.
