A Lily in Disguise by Scarlett Jessica

Author:Scarlett, Jessica
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Redwing Publishing
Published: 2020-07-03T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Eliza stood on a carved bridge overlooking the scintillating river.

As I neared, I chewed my bottom lip, feeding on my despicableness. I stopped next to her. Fish gamboled near the reeds at the bank, splashing playfully in the last hour before dusk.

“. . . Eliza?” No response. “I came to tell you I am sorry.”

She tossed pea-sized pebbles into the stream, staring at the ripples they created. By her blank expression, I would’ve thought she hadn’t heard me. The song of nightjars filled the air with a gentle thrum. I leaned my forearms on the bridge, waiting to be acknowledged.

“William is a fine catch,” she said at last. “You are the perfect couple—and you are so much prettier than I, it is no wonder he should prefer your company.”

I shook my head.

“No, it is true. I don’t blame you. I don’t feel betrayed, or even hurt, really. I only don’t understand. I thought you and Peter . . .” She exhaled and bent over the water.

“Oh Eliza. I came to say how truly sorry I am, and to try to explain. You see, I lied.”

She glanced at me.

“I didn’t really quarrel with my friend, and I most certainly didn’t quarrel over William. I only said I did because—well, because we were just playing a silly game,” I finished in a small voice.

“A game?”

“Yes.”

Eliza’s expression brightened slowly, until it was beaming. I linked my arm through hers and led her down the bridge. The late light of day streamed through nearby trees, creating patterns on the grass.

“And,” I went on, “you are decidedly prettier than I. Ask anyone and they should tell you.” Eliza blushed and laughed as we strolled along the river’s edge.

After a few minutes of silence, I licked my lips and jumped in again before I lost the nerve. “Speaking of William, do you not think he is a bit . . . demanding?”

Her face scrunched. “How do you mean?”

“I mean do you not find him arrogant?”

“Oh no, not in the least!” Eliza scooped up a rock and tossed it into the river. “Though I can understand why others might find him so.”

I eclipsed her, determined to help her see the truth. “But it’s been some time since you were close, has it not? It wouldn’t be surprising if he has changed.”

“William? Oh never!” She picked up another rock and fingered it. “He has been the same since we were children.”

I wondered if I should proceed, and if so, how to go about it. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings again.

Eliza did a double take at my expression and stopped short. “Why? Do you have reason to believe he is not honorable?”

I took her hand in a sisterly move. “I would only warn you to be wary—for I do not wish to see you hurt. That is all.”

She smiled. “There is no need. I know William in a very different way than you do.” She looked around—though she needn’t have bothered. We were entirely alone. “I’m not sure I should tell you this, but I am going to, if only to help you understand.

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