by Jane Charles
He was studying her far too closely. “Perhaps we should return.”
“Is that what you want?” Max leaned a little closer.
Her eyes fixed on his. The message was clear. A message that should send her running. Yet, she stayed rooted in her spot. “Yes.” Her answer was a little breathless.
“We will in time.” Max lowered his lips to hers.
Lily accepted the kiss hesitantly at first. She should pull away. She should run. This was not a wise position for any young woman to find herself. She must remember her goal and not be swayed, no matter how delicious his kiss.
Lily wound her arms around his neck though somewhere in the dark recesses of her mind she knew she should end this but couldn’t find the strength to pull away.
His hands splayed her waist, heating her skin through her gown as her pulse increased. She never dreamed kissing could be so pleasant, or that it could cause the strangest and unusual sensations in her body. Even her bodice seemed to grow tight, which Lily couldn’t begin to understand. Nor had she ever dreamed a kiss could involve more than lips, but as soon as she parted hers, he delved, tasting her and she attempted to mimic his actions.
Lord Maxwell, pulled away after a moment then kissed her gently before he placed a hand on her cheek and rested his forehead against hers.
Slowly Lily became aware of where they were and what had transpired. She jumped up and straightened her gown. How could she have let herself get carried away? This was not good. With his simple kiss, she had completely melted. If they married, she would be at his complete mercy.
No. This had to end now and moments like the one that just occurred could not happen again.
Maxwell stood and reached for her.
Lily pulled her arm away. She didn’t want him to touch her and stepped out onto the path. “We should return to the others.”
Chapter 15
Two brandies and Max was still no closer to answers. Lady Lilian was a conundrum. She kept him at a distance, yet melted when they kissed.
She wasn’t the only one. Max had always prided himself on keeping his passion in check, especially when it involved an innocent young woman. Yet, he deepened the kiss, longing for her as a man longs for water after being lost in the desert.
However, each time he believed they’d made progress in coming to know one another better, she moved them back to the beginning.
Further, his attraction to her went beyond her beauty. Perhaps that was the crux of his infatuation with her. He’d yet to meet anyone who was as shielded as Lady Lilian, who went out of her way to keep others at a distance, never allowing a glimpse into her heart or mind. The only time he’d come close was when she suffered the attack in his mother’s garden and during the stroll to her home. And then, there were the fireworks, when she’d lost herself in the spectacular sight, but the moment she was aware of her surroundings or was reminded he was there, she shut an invisible window or door to her thoughts.
A fitful night of sleep delivered no further answers except that Max wasn’t ready to bring an end to their faux courtship. And, despite the fact that she asked him not to send her anything, Max once again raided his mother’s garden and created a bouquet of the same flowers he had before, since he knew those would not make her ill. After tying them in a lavender ribbon he filched from his mother, Max had them delivered by a footman with a note asking that she accompany him to the Manchesterville Ball that evening.
As before, her father accepted on Lady Lilian’s behalf.
An hour later, he received a reply from the lady herself.
My father insists I allow your escort and will dutifully await your arrival. The flowers are lovely. Cease sending gifts.
* * *
Lady Lilian Bliant
Chuckling, he folded it and placed it in the bottom drawer of his desk.
Dresden and Lady Daniella accompanied Max and Lady Lilian to the ball that evening. Though her father, no doubt, would have loved for them to be unchaperoned, Maxwell couldn’t trust himself to be alone with Lady Lilian in the carriage. Seated next to her, he looked over her cool profile. She had remained polite since greeting him, though she was slightly friendlier when her father was present. Once they were seated however, she did not look at him once and remained rigid in her seat. When Maxwell’s leg accidentally touched hers, she shot him a disapproving frown and moved farther away. It seemed for every step Maxwell thought he gained she pushed him further back the following day.
It appeared the only way he would be able to know her better would be to remain with her twenty-four hours a day, until she had no wish to retreat. The only way to accomplish that task would be to marry her. The problem was, Maxwell didn’t know her nearly well enough to know if he wanted to marry her. She was beautiful beyond comparison and he desired her more than any other woman he had ever known. Yet, those were not reasons to marry. There had to be another way to make progress.
Lily had resolved to simply ignore Lord Maxwell as soon as they left her home. So far, in the few blocks they had traveled, she had managed well and had even had the opportunity to send him what she hoped was a scathing look. It was difficult in the closed confines of the carriage but soon they would be at the ball and she would hopefully be able to lose him. If he were any other gentleman, she might not be as concerned. But Lord Maxwell was making her think he cared, and no matter how much she reminded herself it wasn’t her but what her father offered, Lily was still drawn to him. Vulnerable. It scared her more than any of her father’s punishments.
Worse, Society was beginning to speculate. After they returned to their supper box at Vauxhall, a number of curious looks were cast their way, and discussions went on behind open fans. Already the ton had decided they were a match. While it helped to pacify her father, Lily had no desire to be placed continually at his side. Why everyone had suddenly determined they were as good as betrothed was beyond her. All she could hope was that it didn’t become a reality.
His escort this evening only fueled the gossips. Some of the older ladies actually hinted at an engagement in conversations with Lily, hoping she would let out a secret. They were all mad. Every last one of them. Why should they care whether she married Lord Maxwell or not? Then again, Lord Maxwell was a favorite among the ladies, so it stood to reason that Society’s interest in her was a direct result of her supposed relationship with him. She couldn’t wait for this Season to be over even though it meant that she’d once again be sequestered behind the walls of Serona Castle with rare contact with anyone outside of the servants and her father.
At least her father was unable to accompany them this evening and Lily allowed herself to relax a bit. She didn’t need to be pretend to be happy, nor was she forced to smile.
Maxwell had left her standing with Simon while he danced with his sister-in-law. Simon was engaged in conversation with some young lady whose name Lily had forgotten. Daniella was dancing as well and all Lily could think about was the oppressive heat in the room. Delicately wiping the sweat from her brow, she stepped away from Simon. He wouldn’t miss her and all she wanted was just a few moments outside where it was cool and quiet. She needed to be away from the crush of people. She needed a moment of peace, something she hadn’t had the opportunity to enjoy since the Chesterfield ball. Even though there were numerous opportunities to be alone in her home, Lily was never able to completely relax because she never knew when her father’s mood would change, which it could do in the blink of an eye.
Yes, a moment of peace and the calmness and clarity she needed was just a few steps away, in the gardens. With that thought, Lily stepped away from her cousin and slipped outside. There, she took a deep breath and descended down the few steps, thankful to be finally alone.
Chapter 16
After returning his sister-in-law to his older brother, Drake, Maxwell returned to where he had left Lady Lilian, except she wasn’t there.
“She did say something about it being overly warm,” Dresden offered.
Biting back a curse, Max strode for the door. For an intelligent lady, sometimes Lady Lilian did remarkably stupid things. Didn’t she know how being outside could ruin her reputation? Then again, perhaps she didn’t care since this was the second time she had gone off on her own into the dark.
Maxwell stood at the top of the stairs and looked out over the grounds. Unable to see her, he descended the stairs and took the path around the large bushes. He knew this would lead to a large fountain. As he suspected, there she was, sitting upon a bench staring at the water as it poured over three tiers adorned with cherubs frolicking in the showers. No one else was about, yet the area was lit with lanterns for those guests who ventured outside.
She stiffened as she noted his approach. He stopped before her and Lady Lilian looked up at him. “May I ask what you are doing?” He didn’t bother to hide his irritation.
Lily stiffened and lifted her chin. “Seeking a cool, quiet spot.”
“It is not safe, or proper for you to be out here alone.”
“It seems, Lord Maxwell, the only person I ever need worry about is you.” Lily stood and faced him. “Nor do you have the right to chastise or discipline me. I already have a father who does that very well.”
Her statement took him aback. “My words were of concern for you and your reputation, and what could happen if you aren’t protected.” He took a step toward her. “I am sorry if it sounded as if I was chastising you because that was not my intent.”
“Well, you sounded very much like the overbearing gentleman,” she pointed out. “The very reason I have no wish to ever marry. One day, if I am successful, I will be free and nobody can tell me what I can and cannot do.”
The anger in her words stunned him. Yes, her father was a bit controlling, but that didn’t mean a husband would be. He certainly would not be. “Don’t paint all gentleman with the same brush as your father.”
“Why not? Men obtain a wife, a possession, to rule over, much as my father did. Forgive me if I wish for something different. Better.”
Finally, he was seeing glimpses of why she felt the way she did about marriage and gentlemen as a whole. Was her father so tyrannical that she’d avoid gentlemen for the rest of her life?
Somehow Max needed to convince her that all gentlemen were not cut of the same cloth. “I am not your father, Lily, nor do I want to censure anything about you.”
She narrowed her eyes on him. The distrust was deep.
“Then leave me,” she suggested with a shrug.
That was the last thing he was willing to do. She was a beautiful, desirable, fascinating lady standing before him in her indignation and he had only one thought. “Not just yet,” he muttered before pulling her close and claiming her lips.
Why was he continually drawn to this woman? To always want to kiss her?
It was madness. Pure madness. She was making him insane. Soon he would be sent to Bedlam and for some strange reason, he didn’t care.
For but a moment they were kissing and then Lady Lilian was yanked out of his arms. Stunned, they both turned and came face to face with Artemisia. His face was red with rage.
Lily flinched. “Father....”
“Do not speak!” He looked her over in disgust. “I should have known trying to teach morals to someone of your mother’s ancestry was impossible. Her parents never married so why should I have expected you not to wait for vows before you threw yourself at a gentleman. You are nothing more than a harlot, incompetent of any sense, ignorant, unworthy of society, and a burden I’ve been saddled with.”
Maxwell sucked in a breath at Lord Artemisia’s hateful words. Lily nearly cowered, as if waiting to be struck, and his blood boiled with rage. “You misunderstand, sir. Your daughter has always behaved properly and I resent your implications because they are not only an insult to Lady Lilian, but to myself, as well.”
Lord Artemisia grunted. “Don’t be fooled, Lord Maxwell. Lilian came out here on her own and you followed. It is clear to me what she wanted.” He practically spit with disgust when he looked at Lily.
It took everything in Max’s power not to strike Lord Artemisia. Movement behind Artemisia caught his eye. Thank goodness it was only his sister-in-law, Jocelyn, his brother Drake, and Dresden. Had they accompanied Artemisia?
It didn’t matter and Max once again focused on the earl. “You, my lord, are mistaken,” he bit out.
Lord Artemisia seemed to dismiss him. “It is clear what you two were intent on doing.”
Maxwell heard his sister-in-law’s gasp at the insinuation. Through gritted teeth he faced the man. “Again, you are mistaken.” He knew Lady Lilian would very well kill him but the situation left him no choice. Besides, someone needed to rescue her from her father. “I would like the honor of marrying your daughter.”
This time it was Lilian who gasped as she stared at him and her eyes darkened and filled with betrayal.
Didn’t she understand? He couldn’t stand there and let her father treat her in such a manner. Besides, Max’s honor had just been called into question. If he wasn’t so set on protecting Lily, he’d call Artemisia out.
In the blink of an eye, Artemisia relaxed and smiled broadly. Max had never seen anyone’s mood change so quickly.
“I will anticipate your calling on me to discuss the details before anything can be finalized.”
“Would late tomorrow afternoon be convenient?”
“I’ll clear my schedule.” Lord Artemisia strode for the steps. He stopped, turned and glared at his daughter, waiting for her to follow.
A pale and nearly fragile Lady Lilian stared at Max. A wealth of emotion flashing in those dark eyes: fear, betrayal and anger.
“I wasn’t given a choice.”
“There is always a choice.” Her voice was cold and hard. A chill swept down his spine.
“I couldn’t stand there and let your father talk to you in that manner. Besides, I did compromise you. My honor gave me no choice.”
“I suggest you rethink this matter before you speak to my father tomorrow, for if you go through with this, I will never forgive you.”
As the carriage pulled into traffic her father chuckled and Lily’s stomach tightened. How could everything have gone so wrong so quickly and how was she to escape?
“It is not how I would have preferred matters to progress, but in the end you managed to bring him up to scratch, even if you had to use your body to do so.”
Lily kept her glare focused on her lap, unable to look at her father. She didn’t have the strength to control her emotions and she didn’t dare let him get a glimpse of how she was truly feeling.
Her father was not supposed to have been at the ball and that is where she erred. She relaxed and let her guard down, and in doing so, Max swooped in and claimed her. Now, her father would get the son-in-law he wanted most, and Max would gain everything that was offered and she was stuck in the middle.
He betrayed her. She should have never trusted Max when he said that he would step out of her life. Further, she couldn’t believe how badly it hurt. It was all she could do to keep her tears in check until she finally arrived in her chambers and closed the door.
Lord Maxwell made a decision about her future without a thought or consideration as to her feelings on the matter. All those assurances in the garden meant nothing. He had faced her father and the two of them decided there would be a marriage and she was no more than a pawn to be passed from one to the other.
She’d thought better of Max, which proved how foolish she truly was. He had slipped inside her heart where she’d never allowed anyone to venture before. Somehow he’d gotten in and Lily wasn’t even sure when or how it happened, but she had started to trust him, more the fool than ever before in her life.
He used her, got past her defenses and played the game far better than any gentleman she’d encountered and now she was stuck with him for the rest of her life.
Worse, no matter how angry she was with Lord Maxwell at the moment, a pa
rt of her still cared. There was a spark of hope that perhaps being married to him wouldn’t be as horrible as being the daughter of Artemisia.
A hope that she must extinguish. If he had even an inkling that she’d come to actually care for her, Max would have even more power over her. That was something she would never allow and she must find a way to keep from being any more vulnerable than she already was. Unless, she managed to escape.
That is what she must concentrate on. An escape.
There were plans for such an event and it was time that she began reviewing those in earnest. If she didn’t see to her future, nobody else would. It wouldn’t matter that she’d be alone for the rest of her life, it was far better than being the possession of any man to do with as he chose.
Chapter 17
There were a number of things he should be doing today but Max could concentrate on none of them. He needed to speak with Lady Lilian, but she was not at home to him. Maxwell had no objection to marrying Lady Lilian. In fact, after he had time to think about his actions, he already contemplated a Special License. With that in hand they could be married at any time.
If she would have him.
Max’s stomach tightened. Not only would she not have him, he was fairly certain she hated him. That was not the best way to start a marriage.
Max had betrayed her last night and he needed to make it right for Lily. Surely he could convince her that they’d get on well together and might even come to love one another one day. Already his heart warmed for her. But she did not share his feelings and the pain he saw in her eyes last night was like a knife to the gut. He’d find a way to make it up to her. Somehow and someway, he’d make this right and never hurt her again.
He’d hoped to have a word with her this afternoon, while his sister-in-law met with Lily over tea, but he was even turned away from there. Jocelyn wanted no interference from Max as she wished to get to know her future sister-in-law better. So, after being turned away from his brother’s house, Maxwell had simply walked until he found himself standing at the door of his favorite club. As he would be useless for anything else until he had spoken to both Lady Lilian and her father, Max decided to enter and catch up on some news.
