Page 30 of A Gentleman's Kiss
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Lillian was in another world, a dream world. Her mind soared with a myriad of thoughts. Dominick loved her. They would marry, and she would lead a life filled with more happiness than she could have ever known.
She waved dreamily to Dominick’s retreating carriage, then turned to walk up the stone steps of Whitmore House. He planned on returning first thing in the morning to ask for her hand since she assured him her Uncle was not at home. How would she be able to hide her excitement until tomorrow? She thought she could spend the rest of the day just dancing around her bedroom. When she’d come to London on that miserly ship, tossing up her accounts left and right, she’d never expected to find happiness. In fact, she’d thought to only live in gloom for the rest of her days. But then she’d met Dominick. He’d been a bright sun in the dark clouded world she was living in. He swept away the sadness and shown her that life was worth living.
All of her thoughts of love and joy came crashing down when she walked through the front door.
There in the foyer stood her aunt, her face filled with a storm of emotion. She saw anger, hatred, and another emotion Lillian couldn’t fathom.
Was it jealousy?
She curtseyed, a tornado of emotions flowing through her body. It hadn’t occurred to her that her family would be home so soon, or else she would have asked Dominick to come in with her. Her aunt had specifically said they would not be returning until late. It was not even the dinner hour. Her stomach plummeted. She could have used Dominick’s confident figure right now.
She was nervous, scared, and determined to set things straight. She could no longer stand the anger and resentment she received from her English family members. Resolute, Lillian decided she must relay her feelings to Aunt Georgiana. With a vow to herself to stay strong, she straightened her back and lifted her chin.
“Where have you been, Lillian?” The disdain in her aunt’s voice was more than evident.
“I was at Cambridge Estate, Your Grace,” Lillian said, managing to keep her back firm, although her insides were turning to mush.
“Yes, I know,” the duchess said.
Her hands lay demurely folded in front of her, belying her true state of mind.
Lillian said nothing, and waited for Aunt Georgiana to continue, if she’d already known than she’d expected Lillian to lie about it. She was sure her aunt had something up her sleeve.
“I have come to learn you were there as a guest of Lord Wessex,” she said as an eyebrow rose in challenge.
“Yes, Madam, I was.” Lillian surprised herself with how stable her voice sounded. Dare she tell her aunt they were now betrothed?
“For someone who states to not be inclined to marriage with Lord Wessex, you certainly are spending quite a bit of intimate time together.”
Now she should tell her the truth. Lillian started to answer but came up short when her aunt held up her hand for silence. She closed her mouth, chiding herself for her weakness.
“I will have you know Tamara has accepted a proposal from Lord Wessex just last night. They intend to be married at the end of the Season.” Her aunt stopped for a moment to eye Lillian, who made sure not a bit of emotion showed on her face, despite the searing pain that stabbed through her heart. “Spending any time further with Lord Wessex will damage not only your reputation, but the reputations of your family, and Lord Wessex. I forbid you to see him again.”
“But, Your Grace…” Although she was able to keep the emotions clear on her face, her voice betrayed her heartbreak.
A satisfied smirk covered her aunt’s dour face.
“Did you really think he would want to marry you, Lillian? You have nothing. No dowry. No title. You are nothing more than an American commoner who was taken in by your estranged noble English family.” Aunt Georgiana stared down her nose at Lillian like she was nothing more than a speck of dirt to be swept up. “When your uncle and I took you in, we hoped at least a decent man, perhaps an officer, would choose you to wife. After your escapades with Lord Wessex, I dare hope any man will take you.”
Lillian was stunned. No dowry? Her father and mother had been one of the wealthiest couples in New York. Betrothed to Tamara? How could he have used her in such a way? Lied to her? They had shared such intimate moments, his courting her, the play the kiss…making love… Had it all been a farce? Lillian started to feel dizzy. Swayed a little on her feet. Could what her aunt said be true?
“No dowry?” Lillian managed to croak out, taking a low deep breath to keep her from swaying. She dare not mention the engagement. Any words her aunt could say would only break her heart more.
“That is correct. Your father was in horrific debt to his creditors. Your uncle was gracious enough to pay the debts on top of what he received for selling your mother and father’s property,” her aunt spat out.
“I see,” Lillian said meekly.
Was it true? There was no way to prove otherwise, unless she spoke with Uncle Luke. But the dowry was the least of her worries. Was Dominick truly engaged to Tamara? Lillian’s chest ached, she was completely heartbroken. How could he have betrayed her like this? She’d willingly given him her body, in her heart believed they were making love and would soon be married. How could she have been so naïve?
Willing the tears threatening to escape to hold off just a few more moments, she squared her shoulders.
“If you’ll excuse me?” Her voice didn’t crack as she’d been afraid it would.
“Gladly,” Aunt Georgiana said, giving her one last look of contempt before turning her back and walking into the drawing room.
Lillian walked as briskly as she could up the stairs, and made it to her bedroom just in time before the dam of tears broke.
