Love According To Lily by Julianne Maclean

Author:Julianne Maclean [Maclean, Julianne]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical
Published: 2010-12-07T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Whitby entered James’s study at precisely 10 A.M. James was seated at his desk, but rose to his feet and walked around to greet him. “You’ve gotten your color back,” he said.

Whitby nodded, but the truth was, he needed to sit down before he collapsed. Just the walk down the hall had exhausted him. “The fever is gone.”

“Well, that’s good news.” James gestured to the sofa. “How can I be of assistance?”

Whitby wished he knew the right way to tell James what was on his mind, but supposed there was no right way to say it. He would simply have to do it as directly as possible.

He sat down on the sofa, while James sat in a facing chair. “I’m afraid this will not be easy for you to hear.”

James inclined his head. “It sounds serious.”

“Indeed.”

James probably thought it had something to do with the illness, or Whitby’s last wishes. He was most definitely going to be taken aback.

Whitby leaned forward, rested his elbows on his knees, and clasped his hands together in front of him. “Are you aware, James, that Lily has had an affection for me in the past?”

James sat back. “There were occasions over the years when I sensed she might have entertained a bit of a crush.”

“Yes, well, it has become more than that. She’s a woman now and—”

“Has she expressed this to you?” James asked, looking concerned.

Whitby stared numbly at him. “Yes.”

Raising his eyebrows, James stood and paced around the room. Whitby gave him a moment, hoping he would calmly figure things out on his own.

“Well,” James said at last, “this is indeed awkward. I wonder if it had something to do with the pressure our mother was exacting upon her to marry Lord Richard. Lily can sometimes react to things by rebelling and darting as quickly as she can in another direction. And perhaps with you being so ill, a captive audience so to speak… I do apologize, Whitby, if this has caused you any worries. Would you like me to speak with her?”

Whitby pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. This was not transpiring as he had hoped it would. It was going to be difficult to explain.

“No, James. That won’t be necessary. Lily and I have already discussed it, and the reason I am here is to ask for your blessing in regards to…” He paused, not quite able to finish. In an attempt to start again, he stood, thinking it would be easier if he could face James at eye level, but it was not easier. He had no strength. “In regards to my marrying her.”

James’s face pulled into a frown. “I beg your pardon. Did I hear you correctly?”

“Yes, you did.”

They both stood tall, each with their hands at their sides, though it cost Whitby dearly, for he was still exceedingly weak.

“You want to marry my sister,” James said.

“I do.”

James’s eyes narrowed with anger, or maybe it was confusion. Whitby couldn’t be sure.

“Why?” James asked.

It was not a question Whitby had been prepared for, though he should have been.

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