by Jane Charles
Until the moment came when Max was expected to arrive, he had every intention of relaxing at his favorite club. That was until his father took a seat next to him.
“Artemisia called on me this afternoon.”
Maxwell raised an eyebrow.
“Apparently the man has been anxious for you to meet his daughter but you have not.”
“I am well aware of Artemisia’s intentions, which is why I am avoiding his lovely daughter,” Max informed his father.
The duke sat forward with interest. “Then you have seen her. What is wrong with the girl?”
Max chuckled before answering, “Absolutely nothing. In fact, she is probably one of the most exquisite ladies available this Season.”
His father fell back, a bewildered expression upon his features and questions in his eyes. Max took pity and leaned over to whisper. “Her father had mentioned her ancestry was a concern.” The duke sat forward. “Does she have common blood?” he asked in a whisper.
“What? Does she have common blood?” The duke asked.
“Worse,” Max smiled. “Cherokee.”
“You don’t say.” His father smiled.
The conversation went no further because Pandle approached. “I thought to warn you, Lord Maxwell.”
“Regarding?”
“Lady Lilian Bliant, of course. Everyone knows you are at the top of her father’s list but haven’t met her as of yet.”
Maxwell regarded the man with interest. “Are you saying you plan on offering for her?”
A shocked look came over the man’s face. “Goodness, no.”
Maxwell hadn’t been quite prepared for such a strong denial. “Then what do you wish to warn me about?”
“The woman is simple, ignorant, and idiotic. During our dance she could barely put two words together. She has never read a book and doesn’t see a reason to do so. It was the longest dance of my entire life and I had hoped to spare you.”
Maxwell thanked him but wondered if Pandle had exaggerated just a bit. The man was brilliant. No doubt he hoped for a bluestocking as a wife.
After the man left, his father leaned forward to comment. “Perhaps now we know what the true flaw is.”
Maxwell didn’t get a chance to respond before another gentleman, who was also on Artemisia’s list, appeared. This time Max was warned Lady Lilian had no intention of ever remaining true to her husband. She longed for the freedom only a wife had and once an heir and a spare were born she intended to enjoy every entertainment available, including the taking of lovers. Unfortunately, the gentleman Lady Lilian had chosen to voice this plan to was one of the few chaste men Max had ever met. This particular gentleman, once married, would never consider a mistress and certainly wouldn’t allow his wife a lover.
As the man made his departure Max recalled the threat Lady Lilian had made to Gerrard, and suspicion sparked in his mind. Dresden had said that Lady Lilian had no desire to marry, ever. Had she found a way to turn the tables on her father’s plan?
The third gentleman to warn him away revealed the complete opposite characteristics and Max was hard pressed to keep from laughing. According to Dobbins, Lady Lilian was practically a nun and actually wished to enter the convent. He informed Max that Lady Lilian prayed every morning, afternoon and before she retired. Nothing short of death would disturb her schedule.
Maxwell was more intrigued and he shared a pointed look with his father as the next candidate approached to warn him away from the heiress, whom Max now learned was a bluestocking, her mind filled with too much political intrigue for this particular gentleman’s taste.
It was close to nine in the evening when Maxwell and his father finally stood to leave the club. Five of the candidates on Artemisia’s list had made it a point to have a private word with Max regarding Lady Lilian, and he was finding it more and more difficult not to laugh out loud. Lady Lilian had done her homework very well, and Max couldn’t help but admire her determination. If anything, it disproved Pandle’s observation. Lady Lilian appeared to be quite intelligent, if not also creative.
“It appears Lady Lilian doesn’t share her father’s wish for marriage,” Max commented as he walked with the duke to the waiting carriage.
“It appears so, but aren’t you the least bit curious?” his father asked with a smile.
Max chuckled. Tonight he would seek an introduction to the lovely Lady Lilian to find out what she’d learned about him and couldn’t wait for her to discourage his suit.
Chapter 6
Lily stood at the far edge of the assembly room and watched the guests mingle. The various hues of the colors, from pale yellow to vibrant violet, made Lily liken the room to a rainbow, without a pot of gold at the end. In comparison, the gentlemen were dressed more severely, in black jackets and knee breeches. There were a few however, clothed in less somber colors, and some color schemes too painful to look at. These garish combinations were mostly worn by younger gentlemen who probably imagined themselves to be trendsetters. If the puce jacket over the mustard vest and maroon pantaloons were a sign of the times, Lily was not sure she could stomach many more events.
At her father’s insistence, Lily continued to remain away from Daniella, the perfect example of an English lady in his opinion, and kept to the opposite side of the room at any entertainment they attended.
Daniella would be a success. Why shouldn’t she be? Her blond hair curled about her head and her blue eyes sparkled with laughter. She looked like a dainty princess. The complete opposite of Lily.
Lilian could only hope Lord Maxwell Warrick didn’t make an appearance tonight. He was the only one on her father’s list who hadn’t approached her yet and she still knew nothing about him. He was supposedly handsome and charming and Lily needed much more to work with than that. Even Simon shrugged his shoulders when he told her that he couldn’t think of anything she could use against the gentleman.
Everyone had something they had a passion for. Something they would not alter for anyone or anything in the world. She just needed more time to find that weakness.
Though the night was young by London’s standards, already they had been at Almack’s for nearly two hours. If Lord Maxwell Warrick didn’t arrive by eleven, he would not be granted entry, a rule enforced most vigorously. Lily assumed he wasn’t here, though she had absolutely no idea what he looked like. Or, perhaps he was here and had no interest in what her father offered.
That was an intriguing thought. If that were the case, then Lily was at least interested in meeting him. Anyone whose principles weren’t swayed by her father’s offer was certainly worth knowing. Her father was also becoming anxious, and she wouldn’t be surprised if he tracked Lord Maxwell down himself.
Lilian had yet to dance this evening. Daniella had danced almost immediately as she was given the nod to waltz. Lily hadn’t been granted the same permission. Then again, no one had asked either. Breathing a sigh of relief as the clock struck eleven, Lily almost relaxed until she noticed Simon approaching with the gentleman Lily had seen too often. Dark hair and beautiful green eyes. The gentleman who she often caught watching her, as if she intrigued him. Was he now going to request an introduction?
“This is your last hope, young lady. Do your duty,” her father hissed in her ear.
Lily’s heart sank. Even though she had no intention of ever marrying, let alone entering into a courtship, the gentleman with Simon had intrigued her. He always carried himself with relaxed confidence and smiled easily. There had been an air about him that spoke of kindness, not the false flattery that she’d observed in much of the ton. Now to learn that her father wished for her to make a good impression could only mean one thing—the gentleman with Simon was Lord Maxwell Warrick.
Daniella was right about one thing, he certainly was handsome, but Lily refused to let simple appearance sway her.
Oh, if only she knew something about him but neither Simon nor Daniella had said a negative thing about the gentleman. He couldn’t be that good.
Nobody was, so why were they protecting him?
After pasting a pleasant smile on her lips, Lily lifted her hand to Lord Maxwell as Simon made the introductions. “So nice to meet you.”
He then turned to her father, who was exuberant in his greeting.
“How is your father?”
“He is well, Lord Artemisia?”
“Your mother? Such a lovely woman?”
Lily blinked at her father. He’d never described any woman as lovely. They served one purpose—heirs. Her father cared more for his horses and dogs than he ever had for anyone of the female persuasion.
“She is well, thank you for asking.”
“Give them my best and I do hope to visit with them very soon.”
Was her father’s liking of this gentleman obvious to everyone, or just her. It was almost embarrassing, or perhaps shocking, as she’d never seen her father this friendly with anyone ever before.
Lord Maxwell returned his focus to her when a waltz began. “Would you do me the honor of this dance, Lady Lilian?”
Inwardly she sighed with relief. “I am sorry but I have not been granted permission. But thank you for asking.”
“We shall see,” he said with a smile before he turned toward where the proprietress stood. Lord Maxwell caught the eye of Lady Jersey, who spared Lilian only a glance before giving Lord Maxwell her nod. Lily had no choice but to allow him to lead her on the floor and pull her into his arms. As she had no ammunition to use against him, Lily refrained from talking and kept her features polite and pleasant for her father.
Maxwell was surprised at the silence. Surely this wasn’t the same lady who had gone out of her way, successfully discouraging so many gentlemen within a week. Perhaps he should begin the conversation. “I understand this is your first season,” he observed casually.
“Yes.”
Maxwell waited for a moment but no further comment came. Perhaps a question that couldn’t be answered with one syllable. “How do you find Almack’s?”
“I find it, um, lacks.”
Her voice was cool and low. Why wasn’t she attacking one of his passions? Boxing would have been an ideal first target. He never missed an opportunity to exercise at Gentleman Jackson’s.
As she remained silent, Maxwell took the opportunity to admire Lady Lilian more closely. Tonight she wore a pale lavender dress with matching ribbons woven through her black hair. She was as attractive up close as she was from across the room, and the scent of lilacs suited her well. “Are you always this quiet?” he finally asked.
“Only when my companion is uninteresting,” Lady Lilian retorted with a smile.
Maxwell had to laugh. It didn’t take her long to insult him and he wondered what else she planned.
Lady Lilian looked up at him as if surprised and wrinkles marred the lovely skin between her eyes. “My comment was not meant to humor you.”
Maxwell tried to sober his expression. It was difficult since he had obviously caught her off guard. He would be willing to bet the others hadn’t accomplished this feat. “Of course you jest, Lady Lilian. You don’t know me well enough to know how interesting I can be or cannot be.”
“I am sure you find yourself interesting enough for both of us,” Lady Lilian rebuffed coolly.
“Come now, aren’t you even the slightest bit curious to see how interesting I am?” Maxwell offered what his sister-in-law coined a devastating smile. The corner of his mouth quirked as he arched his eyebrow, as if daring her to deny him.
She quickly looked away and stumbled. “I assure you, you are the last gentleman I am curious about,” she answered in a frosty tone.
Maxwell leaned a little closer, pleased he had unsettled her. “That is too bad, Lady Lilian, for I am very curious about you.”
“I am simply a woman. Nothing more, nothing less.” She focused back on him. “I can assure you within an hour you would be convinced how uninteresting I am. Why don’t you save us both the time and effort and pursue some other young lady who could possibly appreciate you.”
Maxwell simply grinned down at her as the music came to an end. As he was escorting her from the dance floor, he leaned over to whisper, “I’ll think on what you have said.”
He had every intention of learning more. Lady Lilian Bliant was the most intriguing lady he had met in a very long time. Had he not been warned away by five gentlemen, who had conflicting views on the lady in question, Max would not have given her another thought because in truth, she was the most unpleasant lady he’d ever waltzed with.
Was it simply rebellion? Did she not want her father to choose her husband and had decided to be difficult?
It could be the explanation, but Max’s gut warned that there was more involved. A mystery. A puzzle. Max wasn’t about to give up until he learned more.
Chapter 7
Lily hoped Lord Maxwell would not make an appearance at the Dempsy ball, but he stood just across the room. She had learned nothing further since the evening before. Simon refused to offer any information and Daniella blushed at the mention of his name. That was enough to convince Lily that she’d have more difficulty finding flaws within his character. He was perfect for what her father wanted and he didn’t even flinch at her treatment of him. She had been rude, cold and unpleasant and still he continued to smile and find humor in the situation.
Lord Maxwell had not responded as she expected, which was of very serious concern.
Why hadn’t she been able to discourage him as easily as the others? Was he so desperate for what her father offered that he’d put up with her no matter how unpleasant she might be?
Lily took a deep breath and prepared herself for another meeting as Lord Maxwell approached. Her father straightened. “Don’t ruin this for me, Lilian,” her father hissed.
She simply nodded. A response was not required and her father preferred she not speak at all unless it was absolutely necessary.
Lord Maxwell stopped before her and bowed. “Lady Lilian, might I pencil my name in on your dance card?”
Before she could answer, Lily’s father practically grabbed it from her and shoved it toward Lord Maxwell.
He opened it and paused. Not one name was written within and she’d hoped to have kept it that way.
A slow smile curved on his lips as he penciled his name in beside the next waltz.
Lily forced herself to remain calm, serene and pleasant so as not to betray any of her thoughts. Why couldn’t he have chosen a country dance? At least then they wouldn’t have to touch as much.
Maxwell couldn’t help but chuckle at Lady Lilian’s repeat performance of indifference as they waltzed again. She did not speak and a pleasant expression remained upon her lovely face.
“Lovely weather we’re having, isn’t it?”
Lifting her nose slightly she answered, “If you prefer fog and dampness, I suppose.”
Max gave her half a smile. “Are you enjoying your first Season?”
Lily sighed as if bored. “It has its moments.”
She had yet to look anywhere other than over his right shoulder and Maxwell leaned just enough so she would have to look at him and gave her a warm smile. “Might this be one of them?”
Almost faltering in her steps, Lady Lilian took a deep breath. “No,” she answered, before focusing somewhere over his shoulder once again.
Refusing to be put off, noting her slight fluster and controlled breathing, Max continued. “I am sorry you feel that way. I had hoped we could become better acquainted.”
“That is not a possibility, Sir.”
“Really?” Max feigned confusion. “I was under the impression your father would encourage my suit.”
Lily pressed her lips into an angry line, but quickly relaxed them. “I, however, would not.” She somehow managed to paste a pleasant smile on her face once again.
Max’s irritation mounted. She was setting him aside. “You make this decision without knowing anything about me?”
“I know everything I ne
ed to.” Lily shrugged as if he were of no consequence.
Whether she realized it or not, she had just issued a challenge. Max knew what her father was looking for. What Max didn’t know was what Lady Lilian was searching for and why she was so against him. They’d barely spoken and shared all of two dances, so how could she possibly know whether they would suit, unless she was automatically against anyone her father preferred. Lady Lilian didn’t strike him as being so narrow-minded, so there must be something more involved.
Lady Lilian was riddle, and a puzzle was something he could never refuse.
After escorting her back to her father’s side, Maxwell ignored her, as she had him, and addressed Lord Artemisia directly. “I would like the pleasure of calling on Lady Lilian tomorrow afternoon, Lord Artemisia, if that is agreeable to you. Perhaps you would allow me to take her for a drive in the park.”
Chapter 8
Lily’s irritation with Lord Maxwell mounted when he spoke directly to her father as if she didn’t exist. Had he learned all that he needed and was now set on pursuing her for his own gain?
Of course he had and he just proved how much he and her father were alike. She would not marry a gentleman who quickly dismissed her. She would not marry any gentleman at all and the sooner Lord Maxwell realized that fact, the quicker he could move on to another heiress.
Her determination renewed, Lily vowed once again to never marry, no matter how handsome or charming a gentleman may be. She knew what to expect after the betrothal period and would have none of it. Besides, Maxwell Warrick would become bored with someone like her and Lily could see the future now, if her father had his way. Once she was with child, not that she had any intention of ever providing the required heir, Maxwell Warrick would deposit her in the country and return to more beautiful and charming pursuits.
No, she wouldn’t live a life like that. She’d spent enough years hidden away at Serona Castle, rarely allowed to step beyond the stone walls and only to visit her cousins or one of her father’s other three estates. She refused to be sequestered away for the remainder of her life with her only duty being to bring heirs into the world.
