wildflower chapter 15

Though Cairn could be brusque, Lilian knew him to be a gentleman. His current behavior—cruelty towards Victor and unreasonable stubbornness—left her awkwardly caught between the two men. Lilian hesitated. She’d never waltzed with anyone but Cairn. Yet, seeing Victor’s consideration despite the uncomfortable situation Cairn had created, she felt compelled to agree. “Yes, Lord Regid. I would like that very much.”

Victor smiled at her acceptance. “If any questions arise, Miss de Vermore, please don’t hesitate to come find me. I’ll be waiting.” He kissed her hand, a formal farewell, and departed. Cairn silently watched, glaring at the back of Victor’s head.

Once Victor had disappeared completely from the Knot Garden, Lilian tugged Cairn’s arm. “Cairn, what’s gotten into you?” His behavior was so unlike him.

“You’re the one acting strange! Lately, you’ve been acting so…!”

“What do you mean, strange?”

“Like a woman obsessed with romance and marriage!”

“What? Obsessed? Are you finished?”

“No! Not even close.” He glared at her fiercely, as if daring her to end the conversation there. “You claimed to have no interest, and then you suggested… a kiss! And… and… tongues! I can’t even bring myself to say it!”

“I know I went too far with that, and I was going to apologize! But you’ve been avoiding me. Thanks to you, I’m stuck at this archery tournament I didn’t even want to attend!”

They bickered like five-year-olds. Lilian knew this verbal sparring was a pointless war of attrition, but she couldn’t stop. It always happened with Cairn. No matter how hard she tried to act like a proper lady, the slightest provocation from him regressed her back to childhood. And he was no different.

“So this is all my fault? Coming to this godforsaken garden with that damned rake makes perfect sense to you?” Cairn had become just as immature. Known for his composure and impeccable manners since childhood, he only acted this way with her.

“Godforsaken garden? How dare you insult this sacred place, created by the Baron himself for his wife!”

“Sacred? Do you even know what happens in this secluded, godforsaken place? Do you know what has happened here?”

Lilian paused, taking a slow breath as she looked around the garden. Dazzling sunlight dappled through the dense green canopy of tall cypress trees. “It’s a beautiful garden, so I imagine lovers walk hand in hand here!”

“No! Ha—.” He scoffed. “It’s where they do that! Do you understand?”

“What?” She turned back to him, bewildered. Here? But… it’s out in the open. Lilian, well-versed in theory but not practice, hadn’t considered that possibility.

“Don’t… don’t you… lie to me and say I don’t know anything!”

“Does it sound like a lie?” His serious expression convinced her otherwise.

“Lilian, are you that… starved?”

Her lips parted slightly as his words sunk in. A moment of stunned silence hung in the air before comprehension dawned. Starved? It was a deeply insulting thing to say to a lady, the kind of remark reserved for women of loose morals. And Cairn had said it to her.

Tears welled in her eyes. Cairn, realizing his blunder, panicked. “I’m sorry, Lily. I made a mistake. Should I die? Huh? Or do you want to slap me?”

She turned away sharply. Cairn scurried to stay within her line of sight. “I’m sorry. I’m trash. Please, my angel, forgive me just this once.”

Lilian pouted and stamped her foot.

“Look at me. Please? Should I beg on my knees? Will you forgive me then?” She remained unmoved by his pleas.

“I’ll do anything. Anything you ask. Please, just don’t be angry. I’m so sorry.”