But…was it appropriate for her to gift him with the paintings? In fact, was it appropriate for her to even accept his gift?
She laughed aloud. Of course it wasn’t. But she had slept with him. That certainly hadn’t been appropriate. The oils beckoned her. She had to accept them. And she so wanted to give him her paintings.
She picked up her journal, tore a page from it, and dipped a quill in ink to write a short note.
Daniel,
Thank you so very much for the loveliest gift anyone has ever given me. Please keep these paintings to remember our time together. I will never forget you.
Lily
Was that too personal? She tried again.
Daniel,
I love the oils. Thank you so very much. Please accept these paintings as my gift to you.
Yours,
Lily
No, that wasn’t right either. She ripped another sheet out of her journal and began scratching the quill once more.
Daniel,
Thank you for the lovely gift. I can’t wait to get started.
Lily
That was better. Short and to the point, with no room for second guessing. She wouldn’t mention the watercolors, she would just attach the note to them. He could decide for himself what her gift to him meant. She delivered her gift discreetly to Daniel’s chamber, leaving it against the door, and then sneaked down to the first floor and walked outside into the beautiful April day. When she found a tree that suited her, she sat down beneath it and opened her new book.
* * *
Daniel found Lily sitting under a giant oak, absorbed in a book.
“Good afternoon,” he said, smiling.
Her body visibly tensed. “My goodness, you must stop sneaking up on me like that,” she said. “You’re liable to send me into conniptions.”
Daniel laughed. “You were so engrossed, I doubt you would have noticed a cyclone. What are you reading?”
Lily held it up for him. “It’s the book about oils that you gave me. I just love it, Daniel. I don’t know how to thank you for the gift.”
She held her arm out to him and he sat down next to her. She looked around, and then gave him a moist kiss on the lips, setting his skin ablaze.
“There is so much information here. I’m so excited.”
Daniel stared at her, and for a moment he thought he would give his entire fortune to keep that unfeigned look of happy excitement in her glowing dark eyes. “I’m glad you like the paints, Lily.”
“Oh, I do. They’re just perfect.”
“Are you ready to go riding?” He played with her hand, entwining their fingers together.
“Already? I haven’t had any lunch yet. What time is it?”
“Two in the afternoon.”
“Goodness, I must have forgotten to eat. That’s my downfall, you know. I get so involved in reading, or writing, or painting, that sometimes I’m oblivious to all else. I’ve missed many a meal in my day.”