Page 28 of The Lady and the Lion (Victorian Outcasts #9)

twenty-six

T he day of the garden party was sunny, with a fresh breeze carrying the scent of flowers. A good start for Vivienne.

Mother had drastically changed the garden, eradicating all those plants she believed to be poisonous or unhealthy, and planted everything Dr. Tucker had told her to be beneficial.

That doctor had lasted longer than any other.

If she didn’t believe he was very competent, her own recovery being clear proof, she would think he’d put a spell on Mother.

Still, walking in the sunlight and feeling its warmth on her cheeks was wonderful.

She followed the elegant flight of a butterfly fluttering its blue wings over the bushes of white daisies.

Before her illness started, she hadn’t appreciated how important little moments like a butterfly’s flight were.

Guests wandered through the manicured hedges and bushes, going from one marquee to another. Each gazebo offered a different type of refreshment, from hors d’oeuvres to smoked fish and caviar. A small orchestra played in a corner, making her smile for the first time in…she didn’t remember.

She had to thank Father for her entire presence at the garden party. Mother wouldn’t have let her stay for more than five minutes. It was a miracle that Mother had agreed to have so many guests in the garden, although the people were evenly distributed not to form large groups that were unhealthy.

Of course, Vivienne had to take her potions religiously. All the concoctions Dr. Tucker prepared for her were part of her day. Syrups, mixtures, and drops marked her day like a clock. Her stomach was filled with more drugs than food.

She knew when Samuel had arrived from the quick stir going through the guests.

Excited whispers echoed from the gazebos as Samuel stepped into the garden. Ladies stared at him with boldness. Gentlemen regarded him with respect.

Another thing that had changed about him was his confidence. His presence demanded attention and obedience. An aura of authority surrounded him. His lion gaze helped give him a hint of menace that added to his charm.

He surveyed the crowd with disinterest but bowed at every introduction to a lady and shook hands with the gentlemen. Father was glowing as he talked to him.

When Samuel’s gaze fell on her, it ignited like warm brandy. Her chest heaved as her breath sped up. For the first time in years, she’d felt desirable, a sensation she’d completely forgotten.

She returned the stare. Father had told her he would welcome Samuel as a suitor.

He strode across the garden with predatory menace, an attitude new to her. The man in front of her was a warrior who didn’t care about anyone’s opinion.

“Vivienne.” His signing was fluid and elegant with a certain…smoothness, almost a lilt?

“Samuel,” she whispered, worried someone might hear her using his Christian name.

“I need to talk to you.”

Years ago, he wouldn’t have been so direct. Not that she was complaining.

She gazed around, a cold shiver going through her. “Behind those hedgerows. No one will see us.”

He offered her his arm. “Perfect.”

She slipped her arm through his. The contact with his strong arm brought her back years to when they’d spent the afternoons studying and learning sign language together.

Maybe Father was right about Samuel’s energy being contagious because a shot of warmth coursed through her veins, and for a moment, her illness didn’t weigh her down.

They walked through other promenading couples and footmen balancing full trays of food and drinks on their hands.

He signed quickly. “I’ll go straight to the point. What has happened to you?” His eyebrows knit with concern.

“My body has trouble flourishing again. The situation is more serious than I let you believe in my letters. I didn’t want you to worry.”

He paused behind the hedgerow. In the shadow, his frown was deeper. “What does your physician say?”

“He tried everything he could and likely saved my life after the incident. I got better, but it didn’t last. And I think…” Emotion choked her.

Telling him she feared she would eventually die terrified her, which didn’t make sense because she’d come to accept her fate. Death didn’t scare her, but now, standing so close to Samuel and the vibrant vitality he radiated, she didn’t want to accept her fate. She wanted to get well.

“You think what?” he prompted her.

“I think I’m dying,” she whispered.

It was the first time she’d confessed to her fear. Her low voice sounded like thunder in their small, quiet corner.

He cupped her cheek with infinite tenderness. His fingers quivered. “No, I don’t believe it. I refuse to believe it.”

“Dr. Tucker is considered the best physician in the country. The freezing water and the fever weakened my body, and I couldn’t recover fully. Ever. No one told me I’m dying, but I feel it in my bones.”

His eyes flared wide, and anger—not worry—flickered in them. “I want the captain’s opinion.” His fingers moved with sharp gestures.

She chuckled bitterly. “I respect the captain, but he can’t be more knowledgeable than Dr. Tucker.”

“If you really think you’re dying, which I don’t, then why not listen to another opinion?”

“Even if I want to, how can I let him visit me? My parents will never agree. Not to mention they have no idea Captain Jackson is your friend and mine.”

“I’ll find a way. You see obstacles everywhere.”

“I’m being realistic.”

He shook his head. “I was like you. When I was in the circus, I was scared of everything and had nightmares. I didn’t believe I could ever be happy until I met you.

Trust me, if there’s someone who understands what you’re going through, it’s me.

You became my friend, even though I was frightened and weak.

You saved my life in more ways than one, and I’ll be honoured to return the favour. ”

She took his hand, smiling. “I’ve missed you so much.”

He kissed her knuckles, sending a jolt of sensations down her back; it was like waking up after a long slumber.

She hugged him, sighing when she rested her head on his chest, hearing the strong thumping of his heartbeat. They held each other for a long moment.

His amber eyes glowed from within. He held her hand in his. “Vivienne, will you marry me?”

She tilted her head. “Excuse me?”

“Marry me. Leave this house. This horrible life of illness. Stay with me forever.”

“Forever? You might become a widower in a matter of months.”

She’d meant to say something else, like why on earth did he want to marry her after they hadn’t seen each other in years? But her first thought had been about her death. Perhaps he had a point when he said she saw only obstacles.

“No, I won’t be a widower.” He started to sign with sharp gestures. “I’m not a doctor, but I learnt a lot by standing close to Captain Jackson, and I know something about drugs. I’m sure we can help you.”

“But Dr. Tucker?—”

“Sod him!” He snapped his fingers angrily before stopping again. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to…” He laughed softly. “Raise my voice.”

She gave him a little smile.

“If you marry me, you won’t have to worry about lying to your parents or how we can see the captain.”

She arched her brow. “Are you telling me I should marry you so that I can see the captain?”

He flashed a charming smile that made his eyes more intense. “No. I want you to marry me because I know with all my soul that I’ll make you happy.”

Happy. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been happy. No, actually she could. She’d been happy with him.

They walked along the gravel path through the flowerbeds of violets without talking. He didn’t press her further, which she appreciated because she needed a moment to fully understand the meaning of his proposal.

She, married to the golden king. But above all, she would be next to him and his radiance every day.

Her heart gave a quick kick, and her cheeks grew warm.

Her vision became sharper for a moment. Had the flowers in the garden always been so colourful?

She didn’t remember all those peonies, roses, and geraniums to be so vivid.

If she was truly dying and her end was close, then she wanted to live her last months free and happy.

No, that wasn’t the only reason why she wanted to accept his proposal.

His energy was contagious, and his optimism gave her hope.

A small, timid hope, but it was there. And she’d missed him terribly. She’d never stopped thinking of him.

She cleared her throat. “Father will accept you, happily. But I’m not sure my mother would approve.”

“If there’s one thing I learnt during the years I worked hard across Northern America, it’s that everything is possible if you have the right attitude, mind, and will.

Also, I don’t have a title, but I’m one of the wealthiest men in the world.

I’m not bragging…well, I am, but if I can’t brag, then who can? ”

She laughed, surprising herself with the sound of her happy voice. “I’m looking forward to becoming Mrs. Samuel Lyon.”

He seemed to grow taller. His whole face transformed with happiness. He was so happy it was difficult to hold his gaze. He held her by the waist and twirled her in a circle. Laughter burst out of her until she coughed.

He put her down. “Are you all right?”

She coughed in her closed fist. “Never been better.”

He scattered kisses on her hand, lingering for a few moments. “Let me talk to your father. I’m sure everything will go smoothly.”