by Jane Charles
At the click of the door, Lily spoke. “Father has decided the first function I shall attend will be Friday, at your ball, Daniella.”
“I was beginning to wonder if he was ever going to let you out of the house,” Simon grumbled and reached for a cake from the tray. His tanned fingers sank into the soft fluff of lemon cake as he lifted it to take a bite.
“Oh, Lily, that is wonderful. I was so hopeful you would be there.” Daniella’s dimples flashed and her blond curls bobbed with enthusiasm. “Mother has been at her wit’s end over this delay. She hated that the ball would be before you’d even been presented, but didn’t feel she could put it off any longer or the Season would be wasted.”
Daniella looked more favorably on the Season than Lily could ever hope. Then again, Daniella wasn’t under any pressure to find the perfect husband and Aunt Claudia had an agenda entirely different from Lord Artemisia. She wanted her daughter to be happy, unlike the majority of parents trying to sell off their offspring to the highest bidder, grandest title and most lucrative estates.
Lily wished she could share her cousin’s enthusiasm, but under the circumstances, it was impossible. Quickly she explained her father’s plan to buy the perfect husband.
Daniella gasped and Simon lifted his eyebrows.
“Dozens of gentlemen fit that description. Once word gets out, you’ll be hounded daily,” Simon snarled with irritation.
“It is my father they will have to please,” Lily corrected. “My goal is to deter them before they ever consider making an offer.”
“What exactly are you planning?” Simon leaned forward.
Daniella looked back and forth between the two, curiously. “I don’t understand, Lily. I never have. Marriage means you could be free of your father.”
Daniella had a point, but it was not a solution. “My father will decide who I marry. I have no wish or desire to spend the rest of my life with a man just like him, or in a home similar to the one in which I was raised. If I marry, I will never know freedom but move from one tyrant’s household to another. If I never marry, one day I will be free.” That was assuming her father died before she did.
“I’m not sure how you can avoid marriage now,” Simon offered with sympathy.
“I am counting on your help.” Lily reached into her pocket to withdraw a list of candidates and handed it to Simon. “These are my father’s first choices. He is hopeful at least one of them will be willing to overlook my flaws.”
Daniella winced at her words. “Lily, don’t say such things.”
Simon took the list. “He told you who to set your cap for?”
Lily brushed a wayward strand of black hair out of her face. She would have to repair her coiffure before her father saw that she was not perfectly presentable. “No. He doesn’t feel it necessary to share that particular information with me.” She laughed dryly. “I broke into his desk last night while he was at his club and copied the names.”
“This is an impressive list,” Simon whistled. “All come from influential families. From their ancestry alone I can well understand why Uncle chose them.”
“That is not want I wanted to hear,” Lily protested. “I need you to take that list and write down everything you know about each of them. I need that information before Daniella’s ball.”
At his favorite club, Lord Maxwell glanced across the table to his close friend, Simon Garrison, Viscount Dresden. The man seemed to be somewhere else tonight. A few times he opened his mouth to speak, shook his head and took a drink instead.
“Whatever is on your mind, my friend?” Max laughed.
Dresden looked up, a bit startled, as if he had forgotten Max was sitting across from him. “Nothing of importance.” Dresden emptied his drink and set it before him. “My stepmother is disappointed you will not be in attendance tomorrow night.”
Max shuddered. “A debutante’s ball is the last place I wish to be, even one given in honor of your lovely sister.” Max lifted his brandy and toasted his friend.
Dresden laughed. “My cousin will make her entrance as well, though no announcement has been formally made. Her father doesn’t want to bring attention to her, though I have no doubt Lily will be noticed immediately.”
“Why is he being so secretive? Doesn’t he want her to marry?” This bit of information intrigued him.
“Oh, he wants her to marry, but to a man of his choosing.”
“That doesn’t necessarily make him any different from any other father.” Maxwell motioned for his glass to be filled once again.
“Few fathers offer such generous incentives to marry their daughters.” Dresden frowned in disgust. “A dowry that is almost embarrassing in extravagance.”
Maxwell looked over at his friend and then he remembered. “I had forgotten, Artemisia is your uncle.”
“I certainly try to never mention the man,” Dresden grumbled.
“He was an old acquaintance of my father,” Maxwell offered with a chuckle. “The two met up the other evening and Artemisia explained that he was in London to find the perfect husband for his daughter, if one could be found given the circumstances.”
Dresden winced.
“What’s wrong with her?” Maxwell asked after a moment of thought.
“What do you mean?”
“There has to be something wrong if Artemisia is going to such lengths to buy a husband. He mentioned that she wouldn’t be wanted otherwise. One has to wonder.”
Dresden laughed. Then laughed harder.
Really, Dresden should not laugh at the faults of his cousin. Especially if was not something she had any control over. “Is it that bad?”
He continued to chuckle and shook his head. “If you come tomorrow night, I’ll tell you what her father perceives to be her failings.” So, they weren’t so obvious that one could see them by looking at the young lady. Yet, hadn’t Artemisia mentioned it was her heritage? That would be evidenced in her appearance.
Max narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “If this is a ploy to get me to the ball...” he trailed off when Dresden laughed once more.
“I can assure you that is not my plan. You just need to see for yourself.”
Max sat back in his chair. He was curious. Very curious. Still, the last place he really did wish to be was at a debutante’s ball. On the other hand, this mysterious lady intrigued him, and Simon knew well enough that Max could not ignore a mystery.
Was that his play all along?
Blast, Dresden knew Max well enough that he could not ignore his curiosity about Lady Bliant. “Very well, tell your stepmother I have had a change of heart and am looking forward to the event.”
Chapter 3
Lily paced the parlor of the London townhouse. Tonight she would make her first appearance in London Society. Her father had expressed worry that perhaps it was too soon, but she could hardly be absent from her own cousin’s ball. Though her aunt’s hands were full this day, it didn’t stop Artemisia from summoning her with further instructions on how Lilian was not to be presented.
Lily peeked through the lace dimity curtains just in time to see a carriage roll to a stop in front of the house. She breathed a sigh of relief when her cousins stepped from the carriage along with Aunt Claudia. Lily moved to the center of the room, smoothed out the skirt of her sage green gown, waited until the callers were announced, then welcomed them as she had been painstakingly trained.
Seats were taken, and while Lilian poured the tea, her father kept a close eye to make sure she added exactly a teaspoon of milk and one lump of sugar. He then placed a napkin over his left knee and lifted the cup to his mouth. The remainder of the group was not as particular. After they were served and pleasantries were exchanged, her father requested Aunt Claudia to join him in a private audience in his study. As the door clicked, Lily relaxed in the company of the only friends she had ever known.
“I’ve reviewed the notes on the gentlemen you provided.” Lily handed the sheets to Simon. “I need you to tell me more ab
out them. Their ages, vices, habits, affirmative and undesirable aspects of their character, and also their interests. Especially where Lord Maxwell Warrick is concerned. You’ve listed absolutely nothing with regard to him, other than he is a thoughtful gentleman and the son of a duke. Nobody is perfect.”
While Simon studied the list, his sister questioned, “I don’t understand, Lily. You’ve vowed not to marry. Why the interest?”
“Because my father will choose one of them, and they will only care about everything they have to gain and give little thought to me. I want their impression of me to be that, no matter the incentive, it isn’t worth having if it means taking me for a wife.”
“What will your father say?” Daniella asked, her eyes wide with innocence.
“Father will never know. The candidate wouldn’t dare insult him and if father actually goes so far as to ask, they will simply tell him we don’t suit, forcing Father to look lower in the ranks.”
“Why not higher?” Simon wondered.
“Because a condition to marrying is they must take my name instead of me taking his. Anyone titled would never agree.”
Daniella blinked. “Is that even done?”
“In very rare circumstances,” Simon answered. “And it’s not easy to accomplish either.” He shook his head and looked back down at the parchment.
“There may be one who does ask for you,” Daniella predicted. “You do so underestimate yourself. You are beautiful, poised, and intelligent. I do believe there will be more than one gentleman who will fall in love with you, and not because of what your father offers.”
Lily’s heart went out to Daniella. So young and naïve and unaware that love was a fairytale that didn’t exist. She hoped when the day came that Daniella realized the truth she wouldn’t be completely destroyed.
“It is a distinct possibility an agreement will be reached between your father and one of the gentlemen.” Simon laid the pages on the table.
Lily narrowed her eyes and leaned forward. “That decision may be out of my hands, but I vow there will never be an heir.”
Both cousins sat back, shock in their wide eyes. The cup in Daniella’s hands rattled in its saucer. With a frown, Simon placed his hand beneath it to save the carpet. Neither questioned how she planned to accomplish this goal.
For the next hour, Lily interrogated Simon about the potential suitors and made additions to her notes until she doubled the amount of information she had on each.
“This is good for you to know also, Daniella,” Lily said. “Your rank and dowry will also be of interest and I’d so hate for you to marry a gentleman without knowing the truth of their character.”
Daniella bit the corner of her lip and looked from Lily to Simon and back. “While I agree it would be horrifying to learn some of these characteristics after it was too late, what about discovering a person for one’s self? Besides, if one is in love, he might change from his wicked ways.”
“They may change in how they present themselves, but deep down, what they are will always be who they are.” She waved the sheets of foolscap.
She had enough information for nineteen of the gentleman to now discretely discourage their suit. The one exception remained Maxwell Warrick. Simon was strangely reluctant to discuss the man.
So she tried another approach and turned to Daniella. “Have you met Lord Maxwell? What can you tell me about him?”
“Only a few times,” Daniella answered. “He is charming and handsome. I wouldn’t be so quick to discourage that one.” Her shy smile made a perfect Cupid’s bow on her cameo face.
Lily frowned. That was all she needed. A charming, handsome man she knew nothing about possibly pursuing her. On the other hand, he may have no interest in her. One could only hope.
“I do have one concern,” Simon began. “Have you considered someone may tell your father what you are doing? Sons do talk to mothers and fathers, and adults do discuss their children.”
Lily laughed. “First of all, my father speaks to very few gentlemen and only those he deems worthy. Moreover, he would never lower himself to have a discussion with a woman. Your mother is here because he feels the need to order her about since she is a widow and doesn’t have a gentleman to guide her.” Lily practically snorted since her aunt Claudia needed no assistance form her father. “It has nothing to do with warm, family feelings, especially since they are not even related.” She paused, afraid her next words would bring pain to Simon, but decided to continue anyway. “If your mother were still alive, Simon, I doubt we would have ever known one another. My father made sure my mother had no relationship with her siblings after they wed. It is only because of who your father was and that he married a respectable woman after your mother’s death.”
“I am sorry I am late,” Maxwell announced to Dresden as he entered the ballroom. “Some of the children have come down with an illness at Haven and I wanted to make sure a doctor treated them before they worsened or the sickness spread.” Max handed his overcoat to the footman and continued. “Then we needed to call the minister. Each time a child develops a fever, young Charlie insists a minister come pray in the event death is hovering at the door.”
“Isn’t that a little melodramatic for a child?”
“Usually, yes, but both of Charlie’s parents had high fevers before they passed away. If it gives the child comfort for all of us to pray, I certainly am not going to deny him that peace.”
Dresden smiled and shook his head. “You know, if the ladies learn about your involvement with the orphanage and how much you adore children, they will hound you until you are finally leg shackled.”
“Which is exactly why my personal life remains private,” Maxwell warned.
“Still, I am glad to see that you finally arrived. My stepmother is especially happy you decided to attend.”
Maxwell pasted a polite smile on his face and bowed to Lady Dresden and then Lady Daniella. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the gentlemen excused themselves. Max lifted a glass from a passing tray and stopped near a wall to scan the occupants in the room.
“Where is she?” After all the mysterious talk, he wanted to see Lady Lilian for himself.
“I am sure you will know her as soon as you see her,” Dresden hedged and sipped from his glass.
At first glance, Max found no lady who would cause so much embarrassment. But then again, Society was very strict about what they believed was acceptable for young ladies. Why, she could be deemed unworthy simply because she couldn’t dance, paint or embroider. Yet, he felt there must be stronger reasons why Artemisia believed his daughter could not attract a husband. Convinced he must have missed her, Maxwell scanned the room more slowly and strained to catch a glimpse of someone hiding behind a pillar or potted plant.
In a blink, he lost interest in his quest for Lady Bliant the moment he spied a dark beauty across the room. How could he have missed her at first glance? A slow appreciative smile came to his lips and his spine straightened as he readied himself to march across the room and make her acquaintance.
He took in the glossy ebony hair piled on her head, the almond shaped brown eyes, high cheekbones and full red lips. She was taller than most ladies and the pale green gown fell from her shoulders and revealed a slim figure. Elegant could describe the way she held herself.
Maxwell turned to his friend to ask for an introduction, only to find Dresden’s mouth pulled into an amused smile.
“Who is she?” Max asked
“Who is who?” Dresden countered with innocence.
“That beauty in the green dress. Over there.” He didn’t want to point and draw attention, but nodded his head in her direction.
Dresden turned to the young woman as if noticing her for the first time before he turned back to Maxwell. “That, my friend, is Lady Lilian Bliant.”
Max’s jaw dropped. Certainly, Dresden was joking. Before him was a lady who could probably marry anyone she wished even if she were destitute. He gave a little chuckle. “
Truthfully, who is she?”
“I am telling you the truth.” Lily’s father appeared at his daughter’s side and Dresden lost all humor. “Let’s go to the library. I’ll explain.”
Max followed, needing no further encouragement. This was one story he wanted to hear.
After Dresden closed the door, they settled into comfortable, dark leather chairs before the fire.
“I gathered from my father that Artemisia was ashamed or embarrassed about his daughter. Clearly, that can’t be the case, so why in heavens is he going to such extremes to see her wed?”
“You don’t know my uncle, do you?”
“No, actually, I don’t.”
“My uncle is ashamed of Lily,” Dresden stated frankly. “When he married Lily’s mother, he didn’t know that she—our grandmother—was of Cherokee decent,” he clarified. “My grandfather fell in love with her and remained with her family in what my uncle describes as the wilds of America.”
Max relaxed further into the chair. This bit of family history intrigued him.
“My mother, Lily’s mother and an uncle were the result of that union. When my grandmother died, my grandfather returned to England with his children.”
“How is it possible Artemisia was ignorant to this fact?”
“Society can be prejudiced, so they made efforts to eliminate any reminders of their Cherokee heritage, or that they were considered illegitimate because their parent’s marriage was not legal in England. Never doubt that the children were proud of their mother, they just chose an easier path. It also helped that even though they had dark hair, their eye coloring was light as their father’s.”
“Not legal? I thought all marriages were considered legal despite where they occurred.”
“My grandparents were married by tribal custom. No church, no minister, no documents. Thus, not recognized.” Dresden sipped his wine and peered at Max over the rim of his glass. “From what I have been told, Artemisia was livid when he learned. When Lily’s coloring resembled more of her grandmother’s heritage and not the pale, proper coloring belonging to the English, he went into a rage because the mighty Bliant blood had been tainted. He’s never been able to see Lily’s worth or beauty.”
