Lily in Bloom Read Online Free PDF Page B

and wonderful qualities.
    Lily’s ribs were beginning to pain her and she was about to make her excuses when the conversation unexpectedly took a turn.
    “How was picnic with the dashing Mr. Sampson, Isabelle?” A plump girl named Christina asked with a smirk on her face. She glanced ever so briefly at Lily.
    Isabelle’s face momentarily pinkened but then she recovered. “Well, it went as well as could be expected. But truthfully, I don’t really see him as a viable suitor.”
    “You can’t be serious?” another girl asked. “He is so handsome and, not to be too indelicate, but he would provide any woman with a wonderful life.”
    Isabelle straightened. “Yes, but I know for a fact that he is still hopelessly in love with his first wife, the mother of his child. He hinted at it and I had heard the same from my cousin who knew them before. They were desperately in love and he hasn’t gotten over her.” Isabelle gave a self-satisfied smile.
    Normally, Lily would dismiss this as idle gossip but Isabelle’s words crashed down on her ears. This would explain why Eric seemed to first want to kiss her and then completely ignore her. He still cared deeply for Caitlin, his first wife. Even if he was attracted to Lily, he felt guilty about it because of his feelings for his first wife.
    Christina nodded her head as if to confirm Lily’s thoughts. “I pity the woman who tries to replace her. She was so beautiful.”
    A third girl chimed in. She leaned in close and whispered as if she were afraid of being overheard, although Lily could not think of who might hear. “That is not what I heard. I heard that he was responsible for his first wife’s death. They were estranged, you know, when she had the accident.” The girl looked immensely satisfied with her bit of gossip and the other girls gasped. Lily felt her insides turn sickeningly.
    Isabelle looked terribly satisfied. “Even more reason to turn elsewhere in the pursuit of marriage. Besides, there is another gentleman who has recently arrived, that I am eager to meet.”
    “Oh, you always know the best eligible men. You’ll be engaged by the end of this season for sure!” one girl squealed.
    Isabelle nodded in agreement and Lily’s lips pursed.
    “Who is it?” Christina was now on the edge of her chair.
     “Lieutenant Colonel Andrews. I hear he is very handsome and doing quite well. I am certain he will be in attendance at the Winchester Ball and I am sure I will be dancing with him.” The other girls nodded as Isabelle preened.
    Lily quickly made her excuses. She had all the gossip she could handle for one day.
     
    The next morning, Lily woke and stretched. Once again, she felt as though her body was lying on a bed of needles. On top of this she had a knot in her stomach that something was wrong. She remembered her conversation with Isabelle. Was the other woman right? Was Eric still in love with his first wife? Was he responsible for Caitlin’s death? She just couldn’t believe that the man who showed such tenderness toward his son could be a murderer.
    Reluctantly, she pulled herself out of bed and began the agonizing process of dressing. As she moved, her body felt more limber and her mind clear as she headed downstairs for breakfast. Her brother Tom was due into town in two days and the social events surrounding the wedding would begin. Lily felt the tension in her body ease as she enjoyed the meal with her family. As she began to think about what she would do with her day, her brother looked up at her.
    “How are you feeling this morning?” He smiled over his coffee.
    “Better, thank you.” Lily stirred her tea. She tried to push her earlier thoughts out of her mind and focus on the day ahead. She did not know how she would find the truth about Eric or if it even mattered. Would he court her?
    “Remember, nothing strenuous today. The Sampsons are calling at noon. I have a meeting with Mr. Sampson at one but they would like to check in with you