Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,50
times when you do not seem to sense that the others are finished with the conversation. And then, you enjoy delving into minute, unimportant details and trailing off onto random topics, meandering all over creation.”
“He thinks I am tedious?” Though Lily managed an impassive facade, her voice cracked as she asked the question.
Miss Nelson took her friend by the hand. “No.” She paused. “Not precisely.” She paused again, her brow furrowing as she thought through her answer. “He was effusive about how much he thought you engaging—”
“Except when I am dull in conversation?”
“Lily, I do not wish to hurt your feelings, but you dominate every conversation, and Mr. Dosett simply wished to make you aware of something men find off-putting. You know how they like to be the center of attention. With a little more self-control, I’ve no doubt you could land yourself a beau.”
Tugging her hands free of Miss Nelson, Lily gave a curt nod of her head. “I see.”
“Please, do not be angry. We only wish to help.”
Lily’s gaze was fixed on the forest floor, but she gave a slow nod. “My thanks, Hettie. I hadn’t realized how trying I can be.”
The young lady’s voice trembled, but Miss Nelson seemed unaware of Lily’s distress, as she continued for a few more minutes, exploring the depth of the complaint and attempting to nullify both Charles Dosett’s and her own culpability for Lily’s pain. The young lady’s shoulders shuddered, and silent tears gathered in her eyes.
“Perhaps we ought to join the others,” said Miss Nelson. “Or would you rather wander to the river?”
Lily shook her head and said, her words stumbling and tripping as her lips trembled. “I think I’d prefer to stay here for now. The shade is quite pleasant, and I could use some solitude, as you have given me much to think about.”
“Of course, Lily.” With a parting pat of her hand on the young lady’s arm, Hettie turned and sauntered away. Lily’s hand flew to her mouth, as though holding in the emotions bubbling out of her, and she stood there, shaking, while Miss Nelson disappeared deeper into the woods.
The first sob broke through the forest, though Lily smothered it. But another came on its heels. And another, her cries filling the air. Sophie’s heart seized in her chest, but she didn’t know what to do. Though the young lady had been polite, Sophie hadn’t spoken to her much since Mrs. Kingsley had banned any fraternization between them. Yet the sounds of Lily’s heart breaking begged Sophie to do something.
“Lily?” she called, stepping out from behind her hiding place as the young lady turned away, wiping at her face as her shoulders shook. “Are you all right?”
“Quite all right,” Lily replied with feigned brightness, though it was broken by jagged breaths. There was no hiding her red eyes as she turned to give a watery smile. At seeing who it was, Lily’s expression faltered.
“You do not seem it,” insisted Sophie.
Lily’s gaze dropped to the ground. “You are very kind to ask, but I am well enough.”
Coming over to her side, Sophie dropped her satchel. “No, you are not.”
Chin trembling, Lily waved her away. “I am just being silly. It will pass.”
But all semblance of control faded, and her expression crumpled, another sob breaking through as tears flowed. Taking Lily by the arm, Sophie guided her to a felled tree and sat her down. Planting herself beside the poor young lady, Sophie wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they shook.
“Miss Nelson was wrong to say what she did,” said Sophie.
Lily’s wet eyes flew to hers, her words jerking. “You witnessed that?”
“It was ludicrous. I’ve adored the moments we’ve spent together.”
“Yet how can I deny the truth of her words?” Lily asked, more tears coursing down her cheeks. “I have known Hettie my entire life and thought we were friends, but she was only tolerating me?”
“That is not what she said.”
“It was her meaning,” said Lily. “I am enjoyable—except when I speak.”
Sophie held her tighter. “Do not give weight to those words. It is only her opinion and not fact. There are plenty who appreciate the whole you. I’ve known you a short time, yet I would say without hesitation that I adore our time together.”
“But how many others feel exactly like Hettie?” asked Lily, her words broken and jagged. “I doubt she and Mr. Charles Dosett are alone in their opinions. How many gentlemen find me unbearably tedious?”