Love at First Glance Read online

As she drove down the tree lined street, she saw a car pull up in front of Johnathan’s house. She pulled over and waited to see what was going to happen.

  She was far enough away that it wouldn’t be obvious that she was watching what was going on. A man got out of the car, and she could tell that it was Johnathan. Her heart skipped a beat. She took a deep breath and thought about what she should do next. Should she just show up at his home again as if she hadn’t just left.

  She held on to the steering wheel tightly, her mind spinning. He was back in the country, but was he ready to see her yet?

  Lillian decided to take a chance and go back to his house. After all, their entire relationship was based on taking chances. She took a chance by meeting with Johnathan and dancing with him at her mother’s soiree. She took a chance by going into town and meeting him as well as coming to London to meet him.

  Lillian had to take the chance to go back and see him. Her heart had longed for him for so long.

  She put the car in reverse and turned it around and sped off down the street toward Johnathan’s house.

  Chapter 13

  Johnathan had barely made it up the steps when he heard the car pulling up behind him. He turned and looked curiously before he recognized who the visitor was.

  Their eyes met and Johnathan paused in his tracks.

  “Lillian?”

  Lillian put the car in park and turned off the engine.

  “Yes, Johnathan. I-I hope you don’t mind me stopping by. It’s just that-,” Lillian couldn’t find the words to sum up her feelings. She was never the type to be at a loss for words.

  Johnathan descended the stairs. “I can’t believe you are here. And you drove yourself all of the way to town? I hope it wasn’t just to see me.”

  Lillian’s heart practically stopped at the comment. She began to turn around and head back to the car. Was this a wrong idea?

  “I’m so sorry to have barged in on you. Please forgive me. It’s not very lady like anyway for me to call on a man.”

  “Lillian, wait! It was a joke. I was just kidding.”

  He raced down the steps toward her, catching her just as she made it to the car. He put his hand on her shoulder and it was as if electricity ran between them. They each felt the shock.

  “I didn’t realize that you were joking. I didn’t know what you would think about me just showing up like this.”

  Lillian looked him in his emerald green eyes. He smiled and his dimples drove her crazy.

  “Johnathan. It feels like an eternity being without you.”

  “I do understand what you mean, my darling Lily. Won’t you come in?”

  Lillian paused for a moment.

  “Lillian, please. Come in. You’ve come this far.”

  She agreed and followed him back up the steps to the front door. He opened the door, letting her enter in the home first and him directly behind her.

  Once inside, Johnathan couldn’t contain himself. He pressed Lillian’s body against the wall behind the closed front door and ravished her with kisses. His hands had a mind of their own and he made sure to let them roam where they pleased.

  Lillian did not complain as Johnathan raised her skirt higher and higher. Suddenly it was bunched at her waist, and she could feel the hardness of his manhood pressed against her inner thigh.

  She was breathless and unable to control herself. Johnathan picked her up by her waist, and Lillian automatically wrapped her legs around his waist. Johnathan expertly balanced her body with one hand and used the other to unbuckle his trousers until the fell to the floor.

  Within seconds he entered her. When she felt his love inside of her warmth, she knew that all was right. Cuddling her arms around his neck, she opened her legs as wide as she could and allowed Johnathan access into her body and soul as deep as he wanted.

  Right there in the living room, Johnathan made love to Lillian and was gentle and careful with her as if she was a prized jewel.

  With every stroke, she moaned louder and louder as he went deeper and deeper into her sweetness. Johnathan looked into her eyes and kissed his lover as they became one. Lillian’s body was on fire and she proceeded to disrobe both of them completely. She was no longer ashamed of her body and she wanted nothing more than to feel every inch of Johnathan’s skin against hers.

  He was careful with her as he brought her to climax. He knew that it was a gentle thing that he should bring her through. She gripped his shoulders as he felt her muscles contract around him and then a rush of warm wetness came forth, letting him know that it was time for his release.

  Then they lay there together, on a plush rug that was at the hearth of the fireplace. Johnathan moved her wild, mousy blonde hair from her eyes.

  “I could quite possibly be falling in love with you Lady Lily.”

  “Lucky man you are,” she teased.

  “Lucky man I am indeed.”

  Chapter 14

  Lillian wished that she could stay wrapped in Johnathan’s arms forever and that she would never have to get up from laying with him to leave and go home.

  He accounted for the time that he had not been in contact with her. He hadn’t exactly come back to England when he’d planned to. He’d spent extra time with his parents. Then Johnathan divulged some information that Lillian was surprised about.

  Johnathan’s family was losing money on investments. Even in an economy where things had flourished, his father had invested in some stocks that dropped in value. His father had actually invested much of the family’s money into the stocks and he had basically lost them a lot of money.

  Lillian was appalled. She could not believe that his family had endured so much.

  “How will you all survive?” she asked with a look of concern on her face.

  Johnathan shrugged. “We will make it through. My father is a pretty smart businessman. It’s the reason that my family has been so successful thus far. I’m not too worried about it.”

  “Will you be able to help them? Maybe they would trust you to work over here in England. Surely the economy here is better than it is in America.”

  “Well that’s the reason that my father asked me to stay for a while. We had to go over some of the changes that will happen in his companies. He did ask me to step up and start working with him.”

  Lillian paused while all of the information sank in. “Does that mean that he wants you to work in America and not work here in England?”

  “Possibly. It would mean that I may spend more time in America than I spend here. I don’t know just yet. What I do know is that I don’t regret meeting you and that I would like to spend as much time with you as I possibly can.”

  Lillian smiled. “Does this mean that you would like to meet my parents officially?”

  “It could be time to cross that bridge. Do you think that it’s a good idea?”

  Lillian kissed Johnathan. “Of course I do. Just be aware that my mother won’t be too keen on the idea. She likes to play matchmaker for all of her kids. She may not like the idea that she didn’t make a love connection on this one.”

  Johnathan pulled Lillian into his arms. “I think I can deal with that. You name the time and place and I’ll be there.”

  ~

  The Countess and The Earl did not like the fact that their daughter had summoned them into the library.

  “What could she possibly have to discuss with us that is so important that we both have to be present for such a sit down?” Charlotte asked.

  Daniel tapped his fingers on his knee as he sat cross legged in a high backed leather chair. “I’m not sure. The emotions of these girls change with the seasons. Knowing our daughters, it could be anything. Knowing Lillian, I certainly don’t know what to expect.”

  They both looked up to see Lillian entering the room.

  “Mother. Father. Thank you for coming to meet with me.”

  Neither Charlotte or Daniel moved. They didn’t want to miss a moment of what Charlotte had to say.

&nb
sp; Lillian paused for a moment, trying to gain her composure before she spoke. She’d never made any type of important announcement in her life and she didn’t know where to begin.

  She thought for a minute more and then decided that it was better if she just told them without delay.

  “I have been courting a lovely young gentleman by the name of Johnathan Bailey.”

  Her father simply uncrossed his leg and then crossed it on the other side. He continued tapping his leg with his finger. Her mother let out a soft “Oh dear”.

  “He’s a wonderful young man and I think that we are in love, or at the very least, we are very smitten with each other.”

  Charlotte got up from her chair and began pacing. “In love? Lillian darling, that’s not possible. When did you meet this Johnathan Bailey?”

  Disclosing that would be the hard part. “We met the night of the soiree, Mother.”

  Charlotte looked as if she was going to faint. “The night of my event? The biggest social event of the year? You had an escort.”

  “I did, Mother. And believe me when I say that Cyril Aimsley is a wonderful man.”

  “So then what is the problem?” When Charlotte asked the question, she was politely gritting her teeth.

  Lillian spoke softly so as to comfort her parents. “There is no problem, really there isn’t. But you know my philosophy on finding love.”

  “Love? Lillian. You can’t be serious. Is this what this is all about? Some quirky daydream of yours to fall in love with some Prince Charming and live happily ever after?”

  The way that her father spoke to her was a bit condescending. It was as if he was scolding a young child, not that he was talking to a young woman with her own mind. Yet he never moved while he sat in his chair.

  “Lillian, darling. We’ve discussed this. The man that you marry may not be the man that you are totally in love with, but he should be the type of man that can provide for his family and that will help keep the Willington family name in proper status. You are the daughter of the Countess and Earl of Lanchester. May I please remind you that you are not able to haphazardly court whomever you please?” Charlotte spoke with an urgency, never once looking her daughter in the eye. She was obviously flustered at her inability to control the present situation.

  “Mother, I have not forgotten who I am and I would never do anything to damage our family legacy. I have met a man that I care for deeply. And that is all.”

  Charlotte didn’t seem to be listening to her daughter any longer. “Bailey? Johnathan Bailey? Daniel, do we know any Bailey’s?”

  Daniel suddenly came alive in his seat. “I’ve been trying to figure that out. The only Bailey that I can think of is Sir Wilton Bailey. But I’m not sure if he and his family even live in London anymore. I think they moved to France a while ago.”

  “I can’t even think of how this Johnathan Bailey got an invitation to my soiree. Who did he come with, Lillian?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Of course you have checked the pedigree of the man that you claim to be so deeply in love with?”

  Daniel and Charlotte waited for her answer.

  “His parents are British. They moved to America shortly after Johnathan was born and he was raised there. They own a chain of drugstores and are very successful.”

  Daniel’s facial expression was stern. He never really addressed any issues of the heart with his daughters. He felt that was his wife’s territory. But in this instance, he felt that something needed to be said.

  “Lillian, my dear. You are always such a daydreamer. You always have been. But if it suits you to have us meet this Johnathan Bailey, then I think that we should arrange a dinner to have him introduced to us properly.”

  Charlotte’s eyes widened. She did not expect that response from her husband. “Daniel, are you serious? We don’t know this young man or where he came from and you want to invite him into our home?”

  Daniel nodded as he lit a cigar. “Of course I do. I demand to meet the man that my daughter has in her company. And if this Johnathan Bailey is the man he claims to be, he will meet us as well.”

  A fake smile plastered over Charlotte’s face, one that let Lillian know that her mother was none too happy with her father’s decision.

  “Well, I guess then it’s settled. We will meet Mr. Johnathan Bailey properly. Let’s make this as soon as possible. What do we say two days from today? Lillian please give your beau an invitation and make sure that he is prompt. The entire family will be awaiting his visit.”

  Lillian tried to contain herself. She didn’t want to appear too happy that her parents were willing to meet Johnathan, but she was over the moon about it.

  “Thank you so much. I’m sure he will be happy to know that he has an invitation.”

  She turned to walk out of the library. She ran to the phone as fast as she could. It was the first time that she was happy that her parents had invested in the new invention. She didn’t want to waste any time getting the word to Johnathan.

  Chapter 15

  Lillian put on her most expensive dress and had Elizabeth curl her hair. She adorned herself in her pearl necklace and earrings and made sure to spray her perfume in all of the right spots on her body.

  The butterflies in her stomach danced around until she was sure that she would not be able to enjoy the dinner that was prepared for them. Her parents hadn’t said another word about Johnathan’s impending visit over the last few days. Johnathan had gladly accepted the invitation and promised to be on his best behavior.

  Olivia and Kate could not wait to meet the man that their own sister had hidden from them, and Victor simply wanted to put a face with the name that he’d heard spoken on his sister’s lips. He had to see the man that made his sister Lillian blush for himself.

  Dinner was set for early evening and had been prepared with the utmost care.

  When Johnathan arrived, the entire family had been summoned to greet him. He smiled and seemed unbothered by the great show of hospitality. He kissed Olivia and Kate’s hands and kissed Charlotte on both cheeks and showed his appreciation for her invitation by presenting her with a bouquet of roses.

  He heartily shook Victor’s hand and made sure to look Daniel in the eye as he shook his hand as well.

  They all entered the manor and were led to the grand dining area which had been set with the fine china and candlelights.

  “The setting is wonderful and I thank you for your kindness,” Johnathan said to the Countess and the Earl.

  “We are very happy to have you for dinner, Johnathan,” Charlotte said politely as she took her seat.

  There was an awkward silence that settled in until the butler came in and announced the meal. As the servants began plating the meal for each of those in attendance, Daniel took control of the conversation.

  “So Johnathan, your last name is Bailey. I’m not sure if I know any Bailey’s in Lanchester.”

  It was to be the first of many questions that evening, but Johnathan had come prepared.

  “No sir. You probably don’t. My family hails originally from Wales. But from what I understand, there were many that eventually settled in London. My father chose to move to Lanchester and purchase a lot there because he visited once on business and fell in love with the village is all.”

  The meal commenced.

  “Lillian tells us that your parents live in America. I’ve never been there. Not sure I really would like to go, but tell us a little about them.” When Charlotte spoke, she tried her best to appear as proper as she could.

  “Well, Countess, it’s a beautiful place of immense opportunity. As I’m sure Lillian told you, my parents are British, but my father has always had an affinity for travel and exploration. He decided that we would move there when I was just a boy. It’s really all that I know. I’ve most recently come back to England to look after my parents’ properties here. They are getting older in age and are considering moving back to their native land to live out the rest of
their days.”

  “Do you have any siblings?” Victor chimed in.

  “No. I’m sorry I don’t. My parents said that my mother was never supposed to be able to even birth me and that I was a miracle. They didn’t want to chance it again because she was so ill during her pregnancy and even at my birth. So I am cursed with being an only child.”

  Lillian smiled. Johnathan was doing so well with the inquisition.

  There was a silence again as the second course was brought in.

  “Lillian tells us that your parents own a chain of stores in America. Is that so?”

  “Yes, Milady. They do and they have been successful thus far. But it’s a lot of work. My father is getting tired and wants to return home to rest himself after years of hard work.”

  “Seems like he would be ready to pass on his life’s work to his son. I did not hear you mention wanting to take the reins when he relinquishes them.” Daniel’s words sounded more like a statement than a question.

  At first Johnathan was not sure if the comment was rhetorical, but he decided to answer.

  “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to run the family business all on my own. I’ve see the stress and struggle my father went through to build it from the ground up. He’s a tough, hard working man that came from nothing and has built something to sustain his family. But as I said, he is an adventurer. He never likes the same thing for too long. He is considering selling the stores and then starting a new business here in England. I’m not sure what though.”

  The servers came around and took the plates from the second course and replaced them with the new plates for the third course.

  Charlotte and Daniel just looked at each other and did not speak a word.

  “Well, I want to know when anyone is going to address the elephant in the room?” blurted out Olivia.

  Kate giggled and Charlotte gasped.

  “Olivia, if you’d please be on your best behavior,” Daniel admonished.

  “Oh Father, please. If no one else will ask, then I will.”