TWENTY

"You seemed to catch the eye of the Prince." Jasper said as they walked inside to the art gallery.

"Prince Friedrich is quite a nice gentleman." Lillie said, remembering the time when they bumped into each other.

"Well he is a Prince."

Lillie smiled. "He has a lot of ladies who would gladly want for his proposal. Surely he wouldn't want to waste his time on me."

Jasper squeezed the girl's hand that was on his bicep. "Not to worry Sister. You are a Pendermore and an exceptionally beautiful lady. If Prince Friedrich cannot see it, then he is not worthy."

"Thank you Brother."

Lillie eventually lost her brothers as she continued to look at the different paintings displayed. Walking into a rather empty section were paintings that only consisted of landscapes which were beautifully painted. But she could understand why no one was paying much attention to them.

She was enjoying the peaceful silence until someone else walked into the room. "What are you doing hiding away in here?"

Lillie turned to see Anthony walk inside, standing next to her but staring at the opposite wall. "Enjoying the scenery. And the quiet."

Anthony smiled. It has been awhile since he has seen the Pendermore girl. And for what he didn't want to admit, he missed the girl. "I believe from Lady Whistledown, you have gained the attention of your Royal Highness."

"Well we have talked once or twice." Lillie tilted her head to look at him who was already looking at her. "He is nice."

Anthony nodded. "He will treat you well."

"Will he? Do you think he will love me?"

"You are Lillie Pendermore. How can he not?"

Lillie blushed when she heard his words. "We shall see."

"Has Lord Kingsley proposed yet?"

Lillie shook her head. "I reckon he will not. He lied to me about being a good Pall Mall player but his skills were even worse than mine. I shall not be with someone who lies to me."

"I suppose he wanted to impress you and your Brothers and perhaps me."

"I suppose so." Lillie said as the both of them stood in silence. Both were too much in deep thought about each other.

Lillie didn't know if she wanted to continue talking to Lord Kinsley. He wasn't who she wanted to marry.

 Anthony was thinking about the girl right next to him. He would do anything just to make her happy. And no matter how much Anthony tried to convince himself he was fine with the idea of his dearest Lillie with the Prince, deep down he knew he wished it was him.

He wished they could be more than just best friends. 

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