Free Love at First Glance by Dominique LeSane Page B

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.
                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