Page 38 of Eloping With The Princess
Lilith braced both hands on her hips. “I left you for only a short time and I return to London to discover you are married.”
“It happened rather quickly,” Isabel said. She wasn’t certain how much Lilith had been told about her union with Jason.
“It is the best solution to keep you safe,” Lilith said, and she squeezed Isabel’s hand.
“Yes,” Evie agreed. “Now we are family. Since Ellis is my cousin.” Then Evie grinned broadly. “You must tell us all about Gretna Green. I’ve heard stories but never known anyone personally who had eloped.”
“I want to hear that as well,” Lilith said. “But we do need to get you ready.”
As if that was their command, the maids jumped into action: undressing and dressing her, brushing her hair, and so forth. All the while, Isabel shared pieces of her wedding.
“It sounds deliciously romantic,” Evie said.
She might foolishly wish that her marriage was built on love, or at least had the potential for such, but she would not share that with anyone. It was her own fault that she fancied Jason. She knew the true purpose of their union, and it was a valiant one, one she could truly be proud of. And she loathed the idea of Lilith and Evie pitying her. So instead of being quiet, she steeled herself for their sympathy and purposefully met their eyes. “I suppose it is if you’re marrying for love,” Isabel said quietly. “The couple who wed straight before us, they positively glowed with affection for each other.”
“Bennett and I should have simply gone there instead of waiting through this lengthy engagement,” Evie said.
“I suppose I’ll have to wait a great deal longer,” Lilith said.
Two maids moved on to dress Evie, and she sucked in as they tightened her corset. “For what?” Evie asked.
“I agreed to marry Gabriel,” Lilith said.
“That’s splendid,” Evie said, clapping her hands together.
“After the appropriate time of mourning,” Lilith said.
“It seems rather ridiculous that you’re expected to mourn such a horrible man,” Isabel said. The maid behind her pulled her hair into a tight line and then divided strands up to form them into an elaborate concoction.
“Indeed. Well, we did start on the honeymoon activities a little early,” Lilith said with a grin.
“It is about time that you both have your happy ending,” Evie said. “I believe Bennett said Gabe has loved you for years.”
“And I him, if I’m perfectly honest.”
“Why did you not pursue him when you first met, if I may be so bold to ask?” Evie asked. “If you both desired each other.”
“It wasn’t that simple,” Lilith said. “Perhaps I should have been bolder, told my father precisely what I wanted.” She shook her head. “It matters not what happened then. We found our way back to each other.”
Lilith had an entire life that Isabel knew nothing about. That shouldn’t surprise her, considering Thornton had drastically limited the time they had spent with each other. But she was so very happy that Lilith had finally found someone who would love her. “You could have avoided your life with Thornton,” Isabel said.
“Then I wouldn’t have you, squirrel,” Lilith said. “You were worth everything I endured with him.”
Isabel wasn’t so certain, but she wouldn’t argue the fact.
“I’m just thankful that you have avoided the mistakes I made. You won’t be trapped in a loveless marriage with a cruel husband. Ellis will take good care of you,” Lilith said.
“Yes,” Evie agreed. “And I have seen the way he looks at you. The two of you will have a wonderful marriage.”
Isabel wanted to ask Evie what she meant, what she’d seen in how Jason looked at her, but didn’t dare. She need not tell them the truth, that her marriage to Jason was nothing more than a charade, an unconsummated charade.
“He is kind to you?” Isabel asked.
“Gabriel? Yes, very much so. He can be brusque if you don’t know him,” Lilith said. “But he treats me quite well. Bought me my own townhome and an amazing telescope.”
“Whatever for?” Isabel asked.
Lilith smiled wistfully. “Many years ago, I fancied myself an astronomer. I suppose now I can study such things.”
