Lily, One Lord's Temptation (The Garden Brides #1)

by Jane Charles

  Lady Lilian moved toward the tea service. “If you don’t mind, Your Grace, I believe my father would prefer a cup of tea.”

  The duchess moved to pour.

  “Please, allow me.” She smiled and lifted the pot.

  Dresden leaned over and whispered in Max’s ear. “Artemisia allows only Lily to fix his tea. She is the only one who can do it correctly.”

  Artemisia watched his daughter with intent until she handed the cup and saucer to him.

  His mother and father asked questions of Artemisia such as where his estates were located. Max did not pay too much attention as it mattered little to him. Instead he watched Lady Lilian and waited for her to speak. At the moment, she barely moved a muscle and her attention did not waver from the two in conversation, a serene expression fixed on her face.

  When the parents ran out of polite subjects to discuss with Artemisia, his mother turned to Lady Lilian. “Do you play an instrument, Lady Lilian?”

  “She is proficient at the piano,” Artemisia answered.

  The duchess smiled at Artemisia and returned her attention to Lady Lilian. “What of hobbies? Is there anything particular you enjoy?” She lifted the plate of cakes and offered them to the young woman.

  “No thank you,” Lady Lilian demurred.

  “My daughter does not indulge in frivolous activities, if that is your concern,” Artemisia assured the couple.

  The duchess’ smile froze and there was only a slight widening of her eyes. Had it not been his own mother, Max would have missed the subtle look of irritation.

  “What of studies? Or, who are your favorite authors?”

  “She is fluent in French and did well in all subjects presented by her governess. As far as authors, my daughter’s time is better spent preparing for her future role as wife and mother and cannot indulge in the time it takes to read a novel.”

  Max nearly jerked as shock surged through his body. No hobbies. No reading. Was she allowed to do anything that might offer enjoyment?

  Truth be told, he had spent very little time in conversation with Artemisia, only long enough to ask for permission to call on his daughter and a few polite exchanges the times Max had called. He’d known the earl was peculiar, but was he actually insane or just needed to be in complete control?

  Lady Lilian never answered a question, nor did she even try. Her family members, Dresden, Lady Dresden and Lady Daniella did not seem surprised with the progression of the conversation. His family, on the other hand, was aghast at the man’s words and attitude. Not that they said anything, but Max could read it in the narrowed eyes, pinched lips and straightening of spines. Artemisia was oblivious and offered his mother a charming smile at the end of each of his answers to the questions that had been directed to Lady Lilian. Max had been involved with interviews for staff that were more relaxed and pleasant than this.

  After nearly a half hour of erect posture and pleasant expression, Lady Lilian finally shifted in her seat and looked out the doors leading to the terrace.

  “Would you care for a stroll in the garden, Lady Lilian?” The duchess suggested.

  Lady Lilian blushed, and focused back on Max’s mother. “I am fine, thank you.”

  Maxwell knew his mother wasn’t being polite but was looking for an opportunity to get Lady Lilian away from her father.

  “Her Grace has a beautiful garden, Lady Lilian. You really should see it,” his sister-in-law, Lady Jocelyn offered.

  “Please, take a stroll with me?” his mother asked.

  “It would be my pleasure,” Lady Lilian murmured. She placed her cup and saucer on the table and stood. When her father stood to follow, the duchess turned toward him. “You don’t need to accompany us, Lord Artemisia. We will be gone only a short while. I am sure my husband would enjoy your company.”

  Artemisia stiffened and his lips pressed into a thin line before he glared at his daughter, as if warning her to behave. Lady Lilian was hardly a child on her first outing with adults. Lady Lilian’s cheeks shaded to a deep rose before she inclined her head in submission.

  Lily mentally sighed when she realized she would be away from her father, even if for a short time. Her Grace was a lovely woman and Lily suspected she hoped to bring a match between her and Lord Maxwell. It was impossible, but Lily would not ruin the afternoon by informing the duchess of that fact. She would learn soon enough when no further relationship developed.

  The three ladies stepped out on the terrace and into the sunshine, but Lily still sensed her father hovering not far behind, torn between remaining and the need to follow, even though he would not. This match was too important to him to risk insulting the Duke and Duchess of Wayland.

  “I’m so pleased with the gardens this year and so many plants are in full bloom,” Her Grace stated. “From the daisies and asters, lilacs, tulips and even the roses I adore.”

  Lily took a step back. “Daisies, asters and roses?”

  “Why, yes.” The duchess offered with a bright smile. “I love to blend the wild with more formal and the roses are some of the most fragrant species known.”

  Lily couldn’t take a step forward and searched for an excuse and glanced up at the sky. “Oh dear, do you think it might rain?” Lily inwardly groaned for not coming up with a better excuse. The two ladies glanced at the clear blue sky and frowned. They must now consider her a complete simpleton. And, why shouldn’t they? She hadn’t uttered over a few words since they arrived. Not by her choice, but at her father’s order to allow him to do all the talking for fear she’d ruin this perfect opportunity.

  Lord Artemisia approached from behind and nudged his daughter discreetly, frowning in her direction. “I am sure the rain will hold off, my dear. Don’t be impolite.”

  Surprise passed over Her Grace’s face, but it was quickly replaced with a pleasant look. “If you would rather remain inside, Lady Lilian, you can visit the garden on another day.”

  “Nonsense. Lilian loves flowers. Don’t you, dear?”

  “Yes, Father,” she answered and hoped she remembered to bring a handkerchief.

  Maxwell pulled away from where he had been standing. “I believe I will join you, Mother.”

  Lily wanted to object, but it would be impolite.

  “I, as well,” Simon offered with a worried look.

  At least Simon would be of assistance.

  Lily concentrated on trying not to breathe through her nose. Perhaps she would make it through the garden without the usual attacks. Half way into the garden Lily finally began to relax when none of the usually symptoms assaulted her as she enjoyed the delightful chatter of the duchess as she described the various species of plants, many of which that had not yet bloomed. Lily answered her questions about her home, family, the governess who had taught her and her interests as she warmed to her Grace and found herself confessing her hobby of bird watching and identified a few of the species flying in the garden.

  Lord Maxwell, who walked along behind with Simon, did not interrupt the conversation. Lily wondered what he was thinking. Several times she dismissed him from her mind, as if he wasn’t there. To dwell on the fact would cause her discomfort and she was determined to enjoy herself for the moment.

  “As a child, I use to sit for hours under the willow trees and watch the birds.” Smiling at the memory. “We have large old willow trees on our estate. In the summer, when the branches and leaves sweep the ground I would lie on my stomach and watch mother birds gather twigs and grass for nests and later, worms and berries to feed the chicks. I could remain there for hours.” Turning slightly, she smiled at Simon. “For my tenth birthday, Aunt Claudia gave me an encyclopedia of birds, so I could identify those I watched.”

  “How delightful,” the duchess said. She really did seem interested and not just polite.

  They stopped in the center of the garden and Lily pointed out a nest of robins in a nearby tree none of them had ever noticed before. “It’s a game, I suppose, to find nests hidden in trees and wait to s
ee what species of bird visits.” With her last words, the tickle began in the back of her throat.

  No, she would not acknowledge the discomfort and perhaps it would go away. Coughing slightly, she answered some questions from Lord Maxwell’s mother. Soon the itching began in her nose. Lily twitched it, hoping it too would go away.

  Next, her eyes began to itch and water. Her throat thickened and nose filled. Lily could not hold back the sneeze. Anticipating her needs, Simon handed her a handkerchief. Once the first sneeze came, several followed. Soon, Lily had tears rolling down her face and was coughing between sneezes. She had been fine for the most part. What had brought this on all of a sudden? Wiping her eyes she looked around and realized she was surrounded by red, pink and white roses in full bloom as well as every type of daisy and aster known, and several other spring blooming plants.

  Lily groaned just before another fit of sneezing attacked.

  “Goodness. What is the matter, dear?” The very concerned duchess placed a hand on Lily’s arm.

  Lily couldn’t answer her and held up a hand for patience, until the next sneezing spell passed.

  Simon answered for her. “She has a reaction to certain flowers. Not all, just a number that are in bloom right now, in your gardens.”

  Lord Maxwell fished out a handkerchief, as did the duchess, both handing them to her. “Why didn’t you say something?” Lord Maxwell asked with concern.

  Lily didn’t answer, not wanting to voice the truth, and accepted the handkerchiefs with a thank you.

  “Lily’s father believes it is a weakness she could overcome if she only set her mind to it.” Simon’s words dripped with bitterness.

  “That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.” The outraged duchess put a comforting arm around Lily’s shoulders. “No wonder you balked at walking in the garden. Let’s get you back into the house.”

  Lily shook her head and turned to her cousin with a pleading look.

  Simon understood her need. He always did and made another suggestion. “If you don’t mind, Your Grace, I will escort Lily home. We’ll use the back gate.”

  A worried frown came to Her Grace’s face. “You don’t need to worry, dear. None will think poorly of you if you return sneezing.”

  Maxwell looked from Lady Lilian to Simon before he stepped forward and offered an alternative. “I’ll escort Lady Lilian,” he said and took Lily’s arm. “You will explain?” This request was addressed to Simon.

  “Of course I will.”

  “I don’t understand.” Her Grace stepped forward.

  “I believe they are more concerned with how Lord Artemisia will respond,” Lord Maxwell offered, his eyes bore into his mother’s.

  Max took his mother aside and bent close to her ear although he didn’t speak low enough that Lily couldn’t hear him. “I am not sure what is exactly happening here, though I suspect Artemisia will not be pleased that Lady Lilian could not control her reaction.” He jaw tightened and the side of his cheek ticked. “Lady Lilian has suffered enough and should not have to endure him.”

  Why couldn’t the garden just open and swallow her up? It was certainly preferable to the humiliation that currently engulfed her.

  His mother sucked in a breath, her lips pinched in irritation and Lily prayed that she was not the cause.

  “I would never ask you to lie, Mother, but for me, could you let Simon explain? I am sure he knows best what to say to Lord Artemisia”

  “Of course, Son. Just get her home.”

  Her Grace started back toward the townhouse and Lily could swear she heard Her Grace mutter something about an ill-mannered earl. If she didn’t feel so miserable, Lily might have laughed.

  “I suppose this means I won’t be seeing you this evening, Dresden.”

  Startled, Lily looked between the two gentlemen. She was to accompany Simon and Daniella to Vauxhall with a few other couples. She hadn’t known Lord Maxwell was to be in their group.

  “Yes you will. Lily’s father will insist on her accompanying me now that he knows you were included in our party.”

  Embarrassment flooded her face to hear how it was no secret to anyone how much her father would like Lord Maxwell to seek her hand in marriage.

  During their walk to her townhouse, Lily sniffled often. “I am sorry to inconvenience you in this way. Simon could have seen me home.”

  Lord Maxwell patted her hand linked through his arm. “It is not an inconvenience, though I wish you would have mentioned your reaction sooner. We could have avoided that part of the garden.”

  Lily dabbed at her nose. “I had no wish to insult your mother.” Didn’t he understand that to decline viewing the duchess’ garden would have been a grave insult and she didn’t even want to contemplate her father’s reaction had she done so.

  “My mother would not have been insulted. If anything, she is distressed that her suggestion has caused you to suffer this way.”

  Lily stopped and looked up at him. “Please, tell your mother not to be concerned. This has happened before and will quickly pass.” The last thing she wanted was for Her Grace to be upset. The woman had been nothing but kind to her.

  “I promise to tell her.” Lord Maxwell smiled down at Lily. “Already I can see an improvement. You aren’t sneezing and I don’t think your nose is running as much.”

  Heat blanketed her face and Lily turned and marched forward, practically pulling Lord Maxwell along. Lily wanted to run home and hide. She still hadn’t come to terms with the kiss they had shared in the park and now he was being nice and considerate, even if he pointed out the mess of her nose. He didn’t look down on it, or seem even the least bit disgusted.

  Blast! As soon as she resolved to put him from her mind and life, he found a way back in, as he did today.

  The footman opened the door with the housekeeper at his side as soon as they began ascending the steps. One look at their mistress and they knew what had happened. “Oh dear, don’t tell me. Daisies, asters or roses?”

  “All three, and others,” Lily sniffled.

  “An entire garden,” Lord Maxwell offered with sympathy.

  “Goodness, child. We have got to get you upstairs immediately. I’ll have Cook brew some tea.”

  With a weak thank you to Lord Maxwell, Lily allowed the housekeeper to lead her up the stairs. Somehow, between now and this evening, she needed to strengthen her resolve to remain unaffected by the presence of one Lord Maxwell Warrick.

  Chapter 14

  “Please tell me the daffodils and irises didn’t produce a similar reaction,” Maxwell asked as the fireworks burst overhead. While Lady Lilian watched the display, he studied her. The bottom of her nose was still red, but no one would notice it through the powder unless they were studying her as intently has he.

  “No.”

  She didn’t even glance in his direction, instead her eyes were fixed on the sky and with each burst of light she smiled. He’d not seen her this relaxed and unguarded at any time during their short acquaintance.

  “I am relieved to hear that. I will know in the future what not to send you.”

  When the last of the fireworks had died in the sky Lady Lilian turned to him, and as if to remember herself, she straightened and the smile fell from her lips. She reminded him of a knight who raised their shield to prepare for battle.

  “I believe I requested you not send me anything again.” Her voice was crisp and cool.

  “I believe you did.” Though that would not stop him from cutting a fresh bouquet from his mother’s garden to have delivered to Lady Lilian at the next opportunity to do so.

  As the crowds returned to the boxes near the orchestra, Max pulled Lady Lilian down a path.

  “Where are we going?”

  “I thought a stroll would be nice.”

  “We have already taken a stroll today. I think we should return to the others,” she insisted.

  “You can’t tell me you actually enjoyed our little stroll earlier today. You could
barely breathe at the time.”

  “It is rude of you to acknowledge my malady,” she huffed.

  “I was merely making a point.” He tugged on her arm to get her moving again. “Please forgive my insult. I thought perhaps you would enjoy another walk. I know I would.”

  Lily knew she should make Lord Maxwell take her back, yet she allowed him to lead her further into the darkness. Her heart pounded, though she wasn’t certain if it was from fear or in anticipation that he might kiss her again, which she certainly should not allow. “We have walked far enough. I believe we should return.”

  “Are you getting tired?” Maxwell asked with concern.

  Lily grabbed at the excuse. “Yes. I would like to return so I can sit down and rest.”

  “Then we can rest here.” Max gestured to a small bench almost hidden within the trees.

  “We can’t sit there. Others would not be able to see us. It is certainly not appropriate.”

  “We will only rest a moment.” Max pulled her onto the bench gently.

  With reluctance she sat, but kept her spine stiff and remained alert for anyone who may approach. It was bad enough that she had to combat her father and his plans but she was not about to make it easy for both of them by being caught in a compromising position, thus sealing a fate.

  Maxwell sat next to her. The bench was small and his thigh pushed against hers.

  “Truthfully. Are you feeling better?” He searched her face for the answer.

  Lily looked into his eyes. He really was concerned. Why did he have to be so thoughtful? “I am well. Honestly.”

  He picked up her hand and kissed the back of it. “I have never seen anyone show such a strong reaction to anything before. Nor have I seen any illness come and go so quickly.”

  Lily shrugged, uncomfortable with his obvious concern. “It is simply a reaction. That is all.” Don’t care about me. Don’t make me like you any more than I already do.