Lily in Bloom (3 page)

“What is the difference in speed?” Eric asked.

“Well, depending on the wind, of course, it could be up to twice as fast. But even without a great deal of wind, this new schooner easily outstrips older models. I have some numbers I can show you sometime next week if you’re interested.”

“Excellent. How about Thursday, one o’clock?” James nodded to Eric. “What made you decide to make this change? I am assuming most companies in your area focused on the fishing industry.”

“Yes, although a great deal of them build ships for uses like yours, transporting goods on the East Coast. That is the main reason, actually, that we are going with a newer model—to bring in new business—although the high quality of our product has always kept us in business. But I felt that by taking this risk, I had the potential to make a move ahead of the other builders and independently provide for my family. I believe in this ship, so I hope it is a risk that has great rewards.” James’s hand clenched in a fist on the table, his voice rising.

Lily smiled at seeing her brother so animated. He was passionate about his business. She glanced quickly at Eric to gauge his interest. He was paying rapt attention to her brother and, for a short second, she was jealous.

“We all believe in it,” Elise piped in. “It has been a family adventure! One that we all take pride in. Lily has been especially supportive of her brother.” Elise was bringing Eric’s attention back to Lily again. Her sister-in-law was relentless.

“I am sure Mr. Sampson does not want to hear about my support.” Lily glanced up nervously. She was not sure why but she felt extremely vulnerable. She did not want Elise divulging personal information, especially now that Eric seemed so disinterested.

“On the contrary,” Eric turned to her. It was the first time his attention had really focused on her all evening. “I would love to know about your support for your family.”

Elise paid no attention to Lily’s objections. “We have had to cut back on expenditures and trips. I am an old married woman so it does not matter to me, but poor Lillian has had to miss out on three years of the Boston social scene.”

Eric smiled. “How have you survived, Miss Carter?”

“It has been quite easy, actually. My family is wonderful company and, as Elise said, the coast of Maine is beautiful. I haven’t missed society at all.” Lily’s spine stiffened with every word. She spoke the truth but she knew just how boring the truth sounded. To Eric, she must seem even less interesting than she did before.

“My sister has been a huge support in this process. How many young women do you know who would miss out on dresses and parties for ships and sails without complaint?” James beamed at her.

“You’re very lucky.” Eric looked down the table at Lily. She blushed as he smiled. She was sure he was laughing at her but his eyes seemed only to hold admiration, not disapproval. “Not everyone is surrounded by people who love and support them.”

Lily looked at Eric, wondering who or what he was talking about. She sensed pain in his voice. That pain pulled her in closer to him. She couldn’t explain why but she felt like a moth to a flame.

“This lamb is delicious,” Elise deftly changed the subject as the meal continued.

Lily took a moment to sneak another look at Eric. As she did, she found he was still looking at her as if studying her. She quickly looked away again as yet another blush rose to her cheeks. Why did she have to respond to him every time he looked at her? Why didn’t he look at her more?

The rest of dinner passed without much event and Lily watched Eric out of the corner of her eye but he did not look at her again. Frustration rose in her chest. She resisted the urge to reach out and touch his arm. She could almost feel the fabric of his jacket under her fingertips. They tingled at the thought. She was going to have to be bolder, like his first wife, if she had any hope of attracting him. Her cousin, Amelia, always told her you have to leave a man an invitation big enough for him to read.

As they retired for after-dinner drinks James escorted Elise and Eric offered Lily his arm. For a second, hope fluttered in her chest but he did not meet her eyes as she looked up at him and it was quickly dashed.

“Mr. Sampson,” Elise called from behind them. “Will you be attending the picnic on the Common on Sunday?”

“Yes, Toby would not miss it for the world.” Eric rolled his eyes slightly but there was a smile on his face.

“Perhaps we will see you there,” Elise replied. Lily shivered with excitement at the thought of seeing him so soon.

“Perhaps we will,” Eric smiled and nodded politely but Lily could catch no promise in his statement and she again felt disappointed. Lily straightened her shoulders. She took her free hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. “I would like that,” she said with what she hoped was her most winning smile.

An almost pained look crossed Eric’s face. He gave her a small smile and a pat on her arm but his message was clear. He was not going to seek her out. Despair welled up in her chest. How could she have started the night with such high hopes and end it with no hope at all?

SUNDAY DAWNED BRIGHT
and sunny and Lily felt her spirits rise with them. Today was the perfect day for a picnic.

As the Carters entered the Common, Lily saw all of the families that had already arrived and felt a ripple of excitement. She was wearing one of her new dresses, a cream-colored muslin gown that came off the shoulder, showing a good expanse of her skin. The corset made her already slim waist appear no bigger than the expanse of one hand and caused her bosom to plump nicely. She had pulled her hair back loosely, with a few pieces falling around her face. She felt beautiful and confident.

As they searched for a place on the Common to seat themselves, Lily waved hello to many of her acquaintances. She noticed many men giving her discreet glances and she smiled shyly to herself. Today was the perfect day to try to convince Eric Sampson to court her. She was at her best and it was worth one last try. If Lily was going to marry, she wanted to try for a man she truly wanted. Her cousin Amelia routinely brought men to their knees with just a look. Today, for the first time in her life, Lily would attempt to do the same.

As the Carters settled into their picnic area another party approached them. The Johnsons were old acquaintances but the two families had never been close. As a child Lily had played with the Johnsons’ daughter, Isabelle, while her father had conducted business with Harold Johnson. Isabelle had been very bossy as a child and prone to fits when she did not get her way. Lily had dreaded the visits then and did so now.

As she looked to Isabelle’s right she noticed that two others were approaching with the party, Eric and Toby Sampson. Lily felt her insides drop. Noticing Lily looking, Isabelle placed her arm through Eric’s and broadened her smile. Lily did not flinch but gritted her teeth. She felt jealousy rising up inside of her but she did not let it boil to the surface.

“Lily, how are you? This is my escort for the day, Eric Sampson.” Isabelle positively beamed as Lily stood to greet them.

“We’ve met,” Eric cut in. He bowed to her. As their eyes met, Lily felt her heart flutter and she cursed it for responding to a man who was obviously courting another woman. Damn him and damn herself! Lily desperately wanted to ask Eric what Isabelle might have that she did not but she understood the absurdity of even thinking the question. He had done almost nothing to encourage Lily and she was the fool who kept hoping. Lily suddenly realized, however, that she and Eric were still holding hands.

Isabelle’s look soured at Eric’s seeming interest in Lily but Isabelle was not at a loss. She once again threaded her arm through Eric’s and asked him to help her be seated.

Lily placed what she hoped was a smile on her face. She felt like doing anything but smiling politely. She gritted her teeth. To think just moments ago she had been trying to figure out how to get Eric to court her. Apparently, Isabelle had already figured it out.

“Hi, Miss Carter. I’m sure glad I get to see you today since I didn’t really get see you at all on Friday night.” Toby smiled and leaned toward her. “Can I give you a hug?” he whispered.

Lily felt her spirits lift slightly at this boy’s adorable antics and nodded as she held out her arms to him. Once he had finished hugging her she turned toward her niece and nephew. “This is my niece, Emma, and my nephew, Jamie. They could not wait to meet you after hearing about our adventure.”

“What adventure is that?” Isabelle could not keep the contempt out of her voice as she asked the questions.

“It was nothing,” Eric interjected. “Toby, I think I see a patch of daisies over there. Perhaps you could pick some for the ladies.”

Toby, enthused by the idea, left with Jamie and Emma as Lily and Elise began unpacking the picnic basket along with Mrs. Johnson. Isabelle, still pouting, did nothing to help.

Lily concentrated on unwrapping the chicken their cook had packed. She looked up briefly to see Isabelle gently place her hand on Eric’s arm and smile coyly into his eyes. Lily’s heart skipped a beat and she felt slightly sick to her stomach. Isabelle was clearly a practiced flirt.

Just then, Lily’s brother rose and moved toward a uniformed man. The two embraced and Lily realized it was James’s childhood friend Mark Summers standing before them. Lily rose and looked at the man before her. With sandy-colored hair and golden eyes that danced, Mark had always been a handsome man. His time in the army had made him even more broad and dashing.

“It is wonderful to see you again,” Lily heard James remark. “Tom is going to be so thrilled that you have come. This wedding is turning out to be quite the event.” James moved out of the way and introduced his wife and children.

Lily smiled as she moved forward to greet him. The Summers had lived next door to the Carters for as long as Lily could remember. She had grown up tagging after James and Mark. They had not liked it one bit. They barely tolerated Tom, who was two years younger. To have a small girl at their heels was a bother they were constantly trying to shake. She had tried her best though to keep up.

“Hello, Mark,” she said, devilishly thinking of all the times she had imposed herself upon them.

Mark stared at her for a full ten seconds and Lily’s smile began to fade. Finally, he spoke. “Well, I’ll be damned. The little sprout has grown into a flower. And a beautiful one at that.” He reached for her hand and kissed it, a kiss that lingered longer than was necessary.

Lily felt herself blushing from his compliments. She glanced under her lashes at Eric. His jaw was set in a rigid line and Lily couldn’t help but smile just a little.

Mark continued to stare at her as though he could not believe what he was seeing.

“How could you be the girl who pestered us constantly?” he asked with a laugh, finally releasing her hand.

James stepped forward again and introduced Mark to the rest of the party.

Eric turned to Mark, “So, Mr. Summers, are you on leave from the army?”

“No, actually, I served eight years, and I am retiring. I wanted to see the West and I have certainly achieved that goal. Besides, there are a lot of rumblings about relations between the North and South and I think it could get ugly before it’s all over. After battling Indians for eight years in the name of America, I am not sure I can battle my own countrymen.” His faced tightened but he did not elaborate any more than that.

“Well, it must feel good to be back among friends,” Eric replied.

“It is, indeed.” Mark’s smile returned. “Right before I left, I had to fish Lily out of a river. She had tried, yet again, to follow us and almost drowned herself. At the time, I had been annoyed as all get out but I sure am glad now I was able to save her. It was well worth the effort.” Mark smiled at her and Lily again felt herself blush. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Eric grimace slightly and hoped he was just a little jealous.

As the group continued talking, a wagon pulled up. It was meant to give the children rides around the Common for additional entertainment. Emma and Jamie came running over and Elise quickly agreed to accompany them. Toby joined the two and asked his father if he could go, too.

“I’m sorry, little guy, I have to finish this conversation but maybe the next time the wagon makes the trip down the Charles, we can take a ride.” Eric patted his son.

Toby looked on the verge of mutiny when Elise suggested that he ride with her and the children. “Lily can accompany us to sit with Toby.”

“I’ll accompany him,” Isabelle said quickly, seeing her opportunity.

Eric looked unsure of what to say when Lily interjected into the conversation. “Why don’t we all go? It sounds like fun and the men can finish their discussion.”

Isabelle looked put out but did not openly disagree. Lily, Toby, and Isabelle made their way to their seats with Elise and her two children just behind. The driver smiled and helped them into up into the wagon. Toby was first aboard and Lily began to follow. As she stepped her left foot into the bed of the wagon, one of the horses twitched nervously. The wagon rocked forward. Lily was pulling her second foot over the side when the wagon gave a quick jolt. In sickening slow motion, she looked at the driver and saw a look of horror on his face. She was not able to recover herself before the wagon, very light without many passengers or a driver, took off down the river path.

Toby fell into her body and both went crashing to the floor of the wagon bed. It was by sheer force of muscle and will on Lily’s part that they did not fall out of the back. Lily attempted to regain a sitting a position with Toby in her arms but was sent crashing back down to the floor. As the wagon bounced along at a dizzying speed, Lily felt herself being smacked over and over into hard wood. She had to protect Toby.

“Tuck your arms and head into my chest!” She called to him as they careened down the path gaining speed. He obediently responded and she rolled onto her back to protect his body. She tried to keep her head up and keep it from hitting the bottom but her back was getting the full force of the blows. She could feel sharp shooting pains running up her spine but there was nothing she could do. She held onto Toby tighter and tried to keep them from moving too much.