Lily in Bloom Read online

  LILY IN BLOOM

  TAMMY ANDRESEN

  Booktrope Editions

  Seattle, WA 2015

  COPYRIGHT 2012, 2015 TAMMY ANDRESEN

  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

  Attribution — You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author or licensor (but not in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work).

  Noncommercial — You may not use this work for commercial purposes.

  No Derivative Works — You may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.

  Inquiries about additional permissions

  should be directed to: [email protected]

  Cover Design by Shari Ryan

  Edited by Maggie Dallen

  Previously published as Lily in Bloom by TJ Burton

  Charlestowne Publishing 2012

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to similarly named places or to persons living or deceased is unintentional.

  PRINT ISBN 978-1-5137-0018-2

  EPUB ISBN 978-1-5137-0049-6

  Contents

  COVER

  TITLE PAGE

  COPYRIGHT

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  DEDICATION

  CHAPTER 1 April 1854

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  CHAPTER 18

  CHAPTER 19

  CHAPTER 20

  EPILOGUE

  CHAPTER 1 St. Louis 1868

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  MORE GREAT READS

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  First and foremost I have to thank my family. I have disappeared behind my laptop and they love me anyway.

  In addition, I’d like to thank Booktrope for taking a chance on me, as well as my book team members for all of their hard work and encouragement along the way. Erika, Stephanie, and Andie—you ladies rock!

  Finally, a huge thanks to Shari Ryan, my friend, mentor, and an amazing author. You have put me back on the path. I don’t know how to thank you but I know I am going to keep trying.

  This book is dedicated to my mother, without whom I would not be who I am today, and to my daughters, whose futures I eagerly await.

  CHAPTER 1

  April 1854

  “THIS COLOR WOULD LOOK lovely on you, darling. It is the perfect shade of blue for your eyes.” The dressmaker gushed over a bolt of lovely fabric as she held it up under Lillian Carter’s chin.

  Lily smiled weakly and looked over at her brother, James. She knew they couldn’t afford custom dresses and that is why she hadn’t wanted to come to the dress shop at all, but her brother had insisted. He wanted her to have new clothes for the upcoming spring season in Boston.

  “That’s perfect. We’ll take it,” James said with a stubborn set to his jaw.

  “You look like you just swallowed sour milk,” Lily said to her brother with a laugh. James scowled more deeply and gave his sister a hard look. Undeterred, she stopped laughing but continued to smile. “We don’t need to buy dresses, James. I am sure I can make do with what I have. I can always rework them to be more in fashion.”

  “Absolutely not. With Tom’s wedding taking place this season you’ll need clothes for all the events we’ll be attending. It will be the perfect opportunity for you to be introduced to prospective suitors.” James’ face remained set.

  Lily’s smile slipped from her face but she said nothing, and James did not notice because his wife had emerged from the dressing room. Elise stood before them in a beautiful pink evening gown. She pirouetted and then stepped in front of the mirror.

  “What do you think?” Elise asked with a smile. Her dark hair and eyes were set off perfectly by the fabric, which came off the shoulder and hugged her supple curves.

  “You look beautiful,” Lily said, with a smile, to her sister-in-law.

  James moved closer to inspect his wife and the two shared a look that made Lily turn away with a slight blush on her face. Her brother and Elise had fallen madly in love six years ago and had been married for the past five. They seemed just as passionate about each other now as they had then. Lily hoped for the opportunity to find that kind of love for herself someday but her time was running out.

  “Miss Carter, why don’t you step into the dressing room, I have some dresses made up in that blue silk.” The dressmaker discreetly led Lily out of sight of the couple.

  As Lily emerged from the dressing room a few minutes later, in a fitted gown with a low neckline currently in fashion, she was glad that James had taken her to buy new dresses. Her current wardrobe had been purchased four years ago when she was fifteen and was far too girlish for a woman almost twenty.

  “Lily, it is positively gorgeous! My god, when did you become so stunning!” Elise gushed as she saw the figure Lily posed in the mirror.

  Lily looked at her reflection and was taken aback by what she saw. The women in the shop had piled her honey colored hair on top of her head and let a few tendrils fall around her face. The natural curls complimented her high cheek bones and full lips. The color of the dress accentuated the shade of her eyes and made their exotic slant even more noticeable. The dress hugged her curves and made her waist appear non-existent compared to her hips and bosom. She felt like she was seeing herself for the first time.

  James positively scowled and turned to his wife. “I have changed my mind. We’re not buying these for Lily. Men will be crawling over themselves…”

  “Too late.” Elise cut him off. “This gorgeous creature is about to be unleashed on Boston society. God help them all!”

  Their purchasing done, the Carters left the dress shop to return to their Commonwealth Avenue home. James stepped away to retrieve their carriage while Elise and Lily waited.

  Lily took a deep breath of the fresh spring air and looked around. The dressmaker had a dress that fit her almost perfectly and had allowed her to wear it out of the shop. It felt wonderful to be in new clothing. A nearby dogwood was beginning to bloom. By the beginning of May large flowers would cover the tree. It would be fabulous to see greenery again after a long cold winter in Maine. It was amazing to be in Boston with all the promise a new season held. Could it possibly hold romance for her? Lily was so caught up that she did not notice the two boys or the ball that were heading straight for her.

  “Toby, look out!” A deep voice pulled her out of her reverie but not in time. A boy of four or five came barreling into her, causing her to lose her balance. As she tried to right herself, she took a step back. Unfortunately, Elise had set down the hat boxes there and she tripped, tumbling to the ground. She felt her head bang an iron fence behind her and pain shot through her body. She saw stars but somehow maintained consciousness.

  “Toby! What did I tell you about running when you’re not looking.” She heard a sharp male voice.

  “I was looking. I was looking at the ball,” the little boy responded. If her head hadn't been swimming, she would have laughed.

  “Are you all right?” A deep voice pierced through her haze but it took Lily a moment to realize that the question had been directed at her. As she forced her eyes to focus she saw Elise bent down above her. Next to her was the boy who had run into her a moment before. He looked very frig
htened. She tried to speak but somehow couldn’t form the words.

  “It’s all right. Don’t try to talk, just rest for a second.” Lily turned to the baritone voice that was coming from her right. Her breath stopped in her throat. Above her was the most gorgeous man she had ever seen, Eric Sampson. She had met Eric four years earlier during her first official season in Boston.

  He had been, and still was, the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on. When they were introduced, Lily had blushed and stuttered through their introduction. It had been exhilarating an embarrassing all in the same moment.

  Strong hands reached down and slid under her back, bringing Lily sharply back to the present. Shivers raced up and down her spine that had nothing to do with her fall. One look into the dark pools of his eyes made her tingle all over. He had dark wavy hair, a straight nose and strong jaw. His lips were full and seemed to curve in the smallest of smiles. Eric’s broad shoulders and muscular body made him look as though he spent his time at sea rather than behind a desk. His muscles rippled underneath her. Desire crackled through Lily like lightening, but she closed her eyes to gain control and block out his face. Eric Sampson had been and still was married.

  His wife, Caitlin, was everything that Lily was not. Tall with dark red hair, Caitlin had a commanding physical presence. To a shy girl of fifteen Eric’s wife had seemed to know everyone. Caitlin subtly flirted with the men and conspired with the women. That season had been Lily’s first lessons in love and heartbreak.

  Eric gently lifted her into the sitting position. Lily swallowed hard and forced the butterflies in her stomach down. How could she still react this way after four years? She looked at the only man she had ever desired in her life. He seemed older or harder. She wasn’t sure what it was but he looked different. He was no less attractive, but not the rake she had met. As she was about to speak, Toby jumped in.

  “I'm real sorry I ran into you like that,” he said, looking down at the ground.

  Lily glanced at Eric’s son. He was the spitting image of his father at five years old. Large, dark eyes sparkled from under unruly waves of dark hair. His nose was more upturned than his father’s, the only hint of his mother. He was sure to break hearts. Lily’s melted instantly. She could not stand to see this little boy look so sad over an accident.

  “Apology accepted. Accidents happen to everyone.” She smiled at him as he looked at her in surprise.

  “Do you mean it?” He returned her smile, looking relieved.

  “Don’t look too happy, Toby. I have not forgiven you and you will be in trouble when we get home.” Eric spoke sternly to his son but he turned and smiled his thanks to Lily.

  “Are you ready to get to your feet?” Eric once again looked at Lily and the butterflies flew up in her chest as she nodded her head. He slowly lifted her from the ground as if she weighed no more than a feather and lightly set her on her feet. She felt slightly dizzy but was afraid to speak. What was happening to her?

  As he removed his hands, she began to sway and he once again placed his arms around her, pulling her closer to steady her. She felt hot and her body was tingling everywhere it was touching his, which only made her head swim more. She could not help herself, she tilted her head back and looked up into his handsome face.

  Recognition and what Lily thought might be desire crossed over Eric's face as he looked down at her and she almost forgot to breathe. She felt her arms traveling up around his neck and she had no power to stop them. His face seemed to be moving closer to hers, slowly but surely, and Lily eyes fluttered closed.

  “What the devil is going on here?” An angry voice interrupted the moment and Eric’s head snapped up. Lily turned to see her brother striding toward them.

  James reached the group on the sidewalk. His face was set in hard lines, fists clenched at his sides. “I knew I should not have allowed you to buy those dresses. Five minutes in one of them—”

  “James, calm down.” Elise stepped between James and Eric. “Lily fell and hit her head. This man was only helping her.”

  James stopped abruptly. His look turned from anger to concern. “Are you all right? Should I call a doctor?”

  “I’m fine. Just a little dizzy.” Lily tried to speak normally but Eric was still holding her and she was having trouble concentrating.

  “Perhaps we should see if you can stand on your own now.” Eric slowly let her go. Even in her dizziness she thought she felt his fingers graze down her back. Lily managed to steady herself. She still felt off balance but now that she wasn’t so close to Eric she felt like she could breathe again. A slow throb was building in the back of her head and working its way to her temples.

  “Thank you for your help. We are in your debt. I must apologize for my outburst…” James shook Eric’s hand.

  “No need for apologies. I understand completely,” Eric replied.

  “I’m James Carter and this is my wife, Elise, and my sister, Lillian.” Lily blinked. How could her brother not recognize the man she dreamed of so often?

  “Eric Sampson, I believe we have met. This is my son, Toby. I am afraid I can take no such offer since it was my son that knocked her over in the first place. Your sister was most gracious. I would like to make this up to you in some way.”

  “Eric Sampson? Of course. You own a few of our ships.” James seemed delighted now, his anger completely forgotten. Lily could have rolled her eyes. Lately, James thought of little else besides his shipbuilding business. It was one of the reasons her family had travelled to Boston for this season.

  “Your ships were of excellent quality. We are still using them. I have been planning on contacting you for a new contract. Would you consider coming to my home this Friday for dinner? I would like to show Miss Carter my gratitude and perhaps discuss some business with you.” Eric smiled and Lily felt her head throb again.

  James smiled back, looking ecstatic. “We would be delighted. Tell your wife we look forward to seeing her again as well.”

  “Thank you for the thought, but my wife passed away two years ago.” Eric looked at his feet, his face tightening.

  “How horrible,” Elise murmured.

  Lily, who had been focusing all of her energy on remaining standing, looked up suddenly. The movement caused the blood to rush from her head the world begin to go dark. She tried to grab at air but she couldn’t seem to balance. For the second time in minutes, she fell to the ground.

  Lily opened her eyes to the sight of blue sky before her and tried to figure out why on earth she would be looking at the sky in the middle of the day. Slowly, the sounds around her began to penetrate her mind.

  “Lily…Lily, can you hear me?” She turned to see the faces of her brother and sister-in-law staring down at her.

  “What?” Confusion clouded her mind.

  “James, I will get her into a hired carriage. You go fetch the doctor with ours. She must have hit her head worse than we thought.”

  “Did I hit my head again?” Lily asked, feeling very confused.

  “No, I caught you this time,” a deep, gentle voice whispered in her ear. Reality slowly returned. She was cradled in Eric’s arms, his hand subtly stroking her back. If she hadn’t been so dizzy, the intimacy would have taken her breath away.

  “Mr. Sampson, would you be so kind as to help me get her into the buggy?” Elise hailed the carriage over as Eric gently picked her up off the ground.

  The driver got down off the seat to open the door as Eric carried her over.

  “Where can I take you folks?” he asked with concern.

  “Eight-twenty Commonwealth Avenue, please.” Elise stepped out of the way as Eric climbed in. He set her gently down on the seat. His eyes locked with hers as he gave her hand a squeeze. Gently, he brought her hand to his lips and gave it a light kiss. Lily’s heart beat in her chest and she looked away for a moment unsure of what to do or say. The moment was broken. Eric dropped her hand and stepped back out.

  “I can follow you to help you when you a
rrive home,” Eric offered to Elise as she climbed in.

  “Thank you, but we should be fine. It was nice to meet you. We look forward to seeing you on Friday.” Elise motioned to the driver and Lily lifted her head briefly to see Eric, holding his son, watching the carriage drive away.

  CHAPTER 2

  THE WEEK PASSED QUICKLY for Lily. Her fall been nothing serious, and the family had set themselves to outfitting Lily for the season. She tried not to think about the upcoming dinner. Lily told herself she should not get excited, that Eric was not interested in her and he had just invited them as a token of his appreciation. But her mind would drift back to the intimate moments they had shared. She would feel his hands on her back again. A hope was creeping into her thoughts that he might share the same attraction for her that that she did for him. She shook her head. She was acting like she was fifteen again. Lily barely knew the man and she was not going to let her feelings run away with her this time.

  A knock at her bedroom door interrupted her thoughts and Elise entered with one of the maids, May.

  “A few of the dresses have arrived. I thought you might you want to take a look.” Elise smiled as the boxes were brought into the room and Lily couldn’t help but share her enthusiasm. She did not normally spend a great deal of time picking out clothes but she couldn’t help herself today.

  Forty-five minutes later the two women stood in front of the mirror, holding up dresses.

  “I definitely think you should wear the burgundy gown. It is perfect for your complexion,” Lily told Elise as she debated between two dresses.

  “I think you’re right. Besides I’ll have lots of opportunities to wear the other. This is so exciting. Having a full season again! Which gown are you going to wear?”