FORTY
"I truly am sorry." Lillie said the next morning. The girl thought about it long and hard and she couldn't do it. She couldn't say yes to Prince Friedrich. As much of a nice guy he was, he wasn't who she wanted. He wasn't who she loved.
Prince Friedrich nodded sadly. "I understand. I was trying to convince myself we will love each other. But I see how you look at Viscount Bridgerton. I hope you two work out."
Lillie smiled. "I hope you will find a lady who will love you as much as you love her. Something I cannot give you."
"Do not be a stranger Miss Lillie." Prince Friedrich kissed her hand as he looked at the girl one more time and left, leaving the girl heartbroken. Even if she knew it was the right thing to do, it broke her heart. She really did try. She tried to love Prince Friedrich, but her love for Anthony was too strong.
Lillie sniffed as she turned around to go into her room only to be stopped by her mother. "Mama."
"My dear." Lady Pendermore pulled her daughter into an embrace. That caused the girl to let her tears fall.
"I cannot do it Mama."
"I know baby."
"I did not love him. And I do not think I will ever." Lillie confessed.
"Because of Lord Bridgerton?" Lillie nodded. Was it that obvious to everyone but her? "Does he know you love him?"
Lillie shook her head. "No. He told me he loved me but I cannot say it back because I didn't think I was."
"And now?"
"Now I know I am so in love with him it hurts me everytime I see him speaking to other ladies. I love him so much Mama, but I know we cannot happen. Jasper won't allow it. I cannot go against Brother like that."
"Jasper will understand. If he truly loves you, he will get past it for you."
Lillie shook her head. "It will never happen. I will die alone."
"No you will not."
The girl turned around to see the one person she wanted to see standing with a bouquet of tulips. "Anthony?"
"I shall leave you two for a moment." Lady Pendermore said as she left the room, leaving the two not knowing what to say.
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