"It's absolutely disgusting how in love with her he is," whined Penny Newberry as she sipped her tea. She and her sister watched as that Archibald Craven danced with Lily Gillingham. The way he looked at her. It was as though she were heaven incarnate.
Of course, Lily was a beauty. Only a stupid person would deny that. But she wasn't that gorgeous. Archibald fawned over her like she was some sort of goddess. It made Penny want to gag. She couldn't understand how Lily had ended up with him the first place. They'd been friends nearly all their lives, sure. Archibald has been mad for her for ages, everyone knew it, but Lily falling for him was unexpected.
He was rich, of course, so her parents' couldn't really disapprove. He wasn't ugly, but that back of his was misshapen. He wasn't handsome. Everyone expected a beauty like Lily to marry someone handsome.
Neville Craven, Penny's current dance partner, had a look of absolute disgust. His mustache sat strangely on his face. It seemed to almost look too old for him. Penny studied his face.
"He's always been in love with her," Neville said in a strange strained voice. "It is disgusting." He shook his head, "I just couldn't believe Lily would…"
Lily, Penny noted with a look to Neville. Perhaps there was something there. He was looking at Lily quite longingly. But every man looked at Lily like that. Ugh, she wasn't that beautiful. Penny wanted this dance over. She was not about to chase after another man in love with Lilias Gillingham.
OOO
Her hair fell in golden sheets as she brushed it out to the sides.
It was a lovely day to be outside, and Lily thought she may as well make use of her garden.
The night had been long and full of dancing at the Kenington wedding, and Lily had slept in much later than usual. After being dressed and taking breakfast, she retired to her garden where she undid her up do. She was so sick of pins in her hair and longed to have it loose and natural.
Brushing it on her own was so nice as well. It was wonderfully calming to be outside.
As strange as it was, she missed Archibald. Even though she had been with him the previous night, she felt his absence as soon as it appeared. As she lie in her bed, she thought how nice it would be to have him beside her. As she awoke, she thought of greeting him at the breakfast table. She simply wanted him around. The thought of his nearness soothed her. She wanted to hear his footsteps as he paced his study, or listen as he walked around the kitchen.
It was stupid, simple things, but she wanted them.
The garden door opened.
Lily turned around, "Yes?"
Archibald turned the corner. He looked quite smart in his attire, and Lily suddenly felt very naked with her hair down.
He smiled, "They said you were out here."
"I am," she smiled back, making a space for him on her bench.
He came over, sitting next to her.
"You look so beautiful," he said suddenly.
Lily rolled her eyes, "You always say that."
"It's always true." Lily blushed, and he reached and brushed her hair back over her shoulder. He touched the small silver chain around her neck. "You're wearing the necklace I bought you."
Lily reached and touched it. It was beautiful sapphire pendant that must've cost a fortune. Archibald always insisted on buying her things. She wasn't sure why.
"It beautiful," she said. Lily turned to him, and he was so very close to her. "You needn't buy me so many things, Archie."
"But I want to," he said, touching her face.
"Why?"
"Because…" he glanced down. Lily touched his hand. "Because I love you."
Lily suddenly felt like crying. She'd never thought herself the type of woman to cry easily, but his words struck her. Part of her thought no one would love her, especially someone as kind and wonderful as he.
He met her eyes, "If that's all right with you."
She instantly laughed, causing only more confusion in his eyes.
She shook her head, "Are you asking permission to be in love with me?"
"Er, yes…" Lily laughed once more. Her hand cupped his face as she brought her lips to his. Quickly, the confusion went away and he kissed her back eagerly. Technically, you weren't supposed to kiss unless you were wed, but they hardly cared for those things.
Lily pulled away, stoking his face tenderly.
"I love you too, by the way," she added. "If that's all right."
Her little joke got him to blush. She loved it when he blushed.
He let his hands fall back to his sides, and he pulled away from her. He straightened as much as he could, looking much more nervous than before. She raised her brow.
"Good," he said with a small grin. "Well, I know you told me I didn't have to buy you any more jewelry. But," he reached into his coat pocket.
Lily felt her heart stop.
"There's one more thing I bought you."
I am going to cry. There was no more fighting it. She felt the tears in her eyes and she welcomed them.
He slid off the bench and Lily could barely breathe. He took the proper form, knee down and everything, and raised a small box with a most beautiful ring inside.
"I love you so-"
"Yes," Lily said instantly. He froze. She quickly realized she'd interrupted a prepared speech. "Sorry," Lily said with a goofy grin. "Continue."
He blushed again, "I love you so much, Lily. I never dreamed you'd feel the same. If you want me to, I'll continue to love you for as long as I live."
Lily just smiled at him.
He coughed, "Uh, now…"
"Yes!" She cried at the right time this time. "Yes!" He was shaking so much he could hardly get the ring on. The second it touched her finger, Lily jumped up, pulling him along, and kissed him passionately. He kissed back with just as much gusto.
She saw a life. A happy life with him beside her. They would take walks at night and go to parties. They'd share a house, and spend the nights in each other's arms. They'd tend the garden and raise a family.
Lily saw the future and it was filled with light.
It was filled with happiness.
