by HELEN HARDT
“I have no idea,” Lily said. “Rose and I were so tired from the trip that we passed out as soon as we got here.”
“Hopefully they’re far away as well. Then we won’t have any problem sneaking around.” Alexandra winked.
“Now you’re talking.” Lily laughed. “I plan to do my share of sneaking around as well.”
“Really? Who do you have your eye on?” Alexandra plunked down on the bed next to Rose. “I saw some exciting prospects out on the terrace when we came in.”
“She has her eye on Vermeer,” Rose said.
“Which one is he?” Alexandra widened her eyes. “Please tell me he’s not that dashing tall one with the auburn hair.”
“Really, Ally, Vermeer is an artist,” Sophie said. “Didn’t you pay any attention to Miss O’Hara’s lessons?”
“You want to sneak out to look at a painting?” Alexandra burst out laughing. “You are mad, Lily.”
“I’m certainly not going to sneak out to be debauched by some randy lord.” Lily opened her valise and began to unfold her garments.
“I am.” Alexandra curled her cherry lips upward. “Perhaps two or three. Perhaps even the duke himself!”
“He’ll most likely be debauching everything in sight, knowing his reputation,” Lily said.
“You had better watch your own reputation, Ally dear,” Rose warned. “If anyone sees you get compromised, you’ll be ruined and no decent man will ever offer for you.”
“Then I won’t be seen.” Alexandra’s sandy eyes gleamed.
“Ally,” Rose said. “You don’t really want to go down that path, do you?”
“I’ve been a good girl all my life,” Alexandra said. “I’m tired of wondering what it’s like. I want to be kissed.”
“Yes, it would be heavenly, wouldn’t it,” Rose agreed dreamily.
“It’s not all that much,” Lily said.
“Lily, you haven’t been kissed!” Alexandra stood. “Do tell all!”
“I knew it!” Rose said. “Why didn’t you tell me? Wentworth stole one, didn’t he?”
“Yes, just once, last Christmas,” Lily said. “But it was nothing. His lips were pasty and clammy. If that’s kissing, I need no part of it.”
“Any kiss is better than nothing.” Alexandra closed her eyes. “I’m quite envious.”
“Darling Ally, please don’t be. And you are welcome to Teddy if you want him. He’s Thomas’s age, and he’s not too bad to look at, although his hair is receding. He does have nice hands and a good strong build. Not the smartest peacock, but he’s got a sizeable fortune.”
“He sounds fine. Introduce us, will you, Lily?”
“I’d be delighted, if he’s here. But if he’s not, there will certainly be better prospects to choose from, especially for a girl as pretty as you with your vivacious personality.”
“What about Sophie?” Alexandra asked.
“There will be plenty for Sophie as well. And for Rose.”
“And for you too, Lily,” Rose said.
“I am definitely not concerned about that.” Lily embraced her cousins again. “I’m so glad you two are here. The four of us are going to have such fun. Now, about tomorrow. There’s a lawn party scheduled for the ladies after luncheon. What do you say that we sneak off and explore the estate a bit?”
“I don’t know, Lily,” Sophie said, nibbling on her lower lip.
“The men will be gone on a hunt all day,” Lily continued.
“No men at the lawn party?” Alexandra scoffed. “Then count me in.”
“All right, Lily,” Rose agreed. “It might be fun.”
“If the three of you are game, so am I,” Sophie said.
* * *
Lily found, to her dismay, that the Wentworths were indeed at Laurel Ridge, and just her unfortunate luck, she was seated next to Theodore Wentworth at dinner. At least he was better than his lecherous uncle, Lord Ludley. On her other side sat Lord Victor Polk, whose height and silky auburn hair identified him as Alexandra’s dashing knight. Thomas was seated across from her, between Regina Wentworth and a thin blond woman whom Lily did not recognize.
Both Wentworth and Polk took care of Lily, filling her wine glass and keeping the conversation lively as they feasted on Beluga caviar, vegetable chowder, poached cod, roast goose with apple-and-raisin dressing, creamed carrots and peas, and kidney pudding.
Polk’s attentions flattered Lily. He was attractive and much more intelligent than Wentworth.
“I would be honored, Lady Lily,” he said, “if you would save dance for me at the ball.”
“Of course. I would be delighted.”
“The delight will be mine, I assure you. Tell me, where has Ashford been hiding you?”
“Hiding me?”
“I would remember you had we met before. I’ve seen your father and brother at many galas over the past few years.”
“I’m afraid my father and brother are both quite protective. This will be my first season.”
“Are you looking forward to it?
Lily took a swallow of wine and set her glass on the table. “Not in the slightest.”
Polk’s light brown eyes shone with amusement. “My, you certainly know your own mind. Tell me, what have you got against the season?”
“My lord, I’m sure you have no interest in my opinion on that subject.”
“You would be mistaken. Please, elaborate.” He smiled.
Lily knew she should hold her tongue. But— “Frankly, my lord, I consider the whole London season to be nothing more than a thinly veiled meat market.”
Polk erupted in a gale of laughter. “Without a doubt, you are the first person I have ever heard describe the season in that manner.”
“Well it’s true, isn’t it?” Lily gestured, nearly toppling her wine glass. “Men and women window shopping for a mate as if they were looking for the most sumptuous chops in the butcher shop. It’s barbaric.”
“You’re opinionated, aren’t you? It’s rather refreshing, actually.”
“Just remember, you asked.”
“Yes, I certainly did. And I agree with your assessment, although I think there are some who prefer the richest chops to the most sumptuous.” His eyes twinkled. “May I offer you some more wine?”
“No, thank you, my lord. I believe I’ve had enough. You wouldn’t want me to become any more loose tongued, would you?”
“I can’t think of a more pleasant way to spend the evening,” Polk said, his smile a bit devious, “than with a loose-tongued lovely like yourself.”
Lily’s cheeks warmed. Was Polk still speaking about her opinions?
* * *
Lily had chosen a gown of pale green for the opening ball that was fairly low cut. Thomas had shaken his head slightly when he came to the girls’ chamber to escort them to the ball, but she didn’t care. A maid had swept her dark hair into an elaborate chignon, leaving wisps of curls dangling around her face, framing her high cheekbones.
Thomas escorted Rose to the dance floor for a quadrille while Lily looked for a table. Before she sat down, Lord Wentworth approached her.
“Oh, Teddy, I’m so glad you’re here. There is someone I would love for you to meet. Come with me.” She took his arm and walked toward her cousins who had just entered, making the necessary introductions quickly and pushing Alexandra into Wentworth’s arms for a dance.
When Thomas deposited Rose back at the table, Lily grabbed his arm. “Thomas, you must dance with me.
“All right, Lily. I never knew you were much for dancing.”
“I’m not, but I need to keep Wentworth from asking me.”
He laughed. “I see. Shall we, then?” He held out his arm and expertly led her in the next quadrille.
“Who was that lovely young woman sitting next to you at dinner?” Lily asked.
“The blonde? Her name was Emma Smith or Smythe. I can’t remember.”
“I see her over there.” Lily motioned with her eyes. “You should ask her
to dance.”
“If I dance with someone else, how can I keep Wentworth from focusing on you?” He chuckled.
“I’ll take care of Wentworth. I’m trying to get him interested in Ally.”
“He’s not good enough for you, but you’d shove him at Ally?”
“Don’t be silly. He’s not good enough for Ally either. But she wanted to meet him so I obliged. In fact, she’s interested in meeting just about any eligible gentleman here. Do you have any ideas for her? And for Sophie and Rose?”
“I would suggest Lord Victor Polk, but he seemed quite taken with you at dinner.”
“I think Ally would like to meet him also. Now, about Rose and Sophie.”
“Good Lord, I’m no matchmaker.” He looked around the dance floor. “There’s Van Arden, his father is a viscount.” He motioned to a gentleman of average height who was not exactly handsome, but had a striking head of pale blond hair.
“Hmm. He’s too short for Rose, but he would do nicely for Sophie. Introduce them, will you?”
“Anything for you, dear sister.”
“Now, you must find Rose a nice gentlemen. I can’t bear the thought of some rogue taking advantage of her.”
“I’m not exactly comfortable with this, Lily.”
“Yes, I know. You’re just being overprotective, as usual. But wouldn’t you like Rose to meet someone you approve of rather than some lecherous goat?”
“You have a point there. I’ll introduce her to Lord Evan Xavier. He’s quite intelligent, and I believe his intentions would be honorable.”
“Which one is he?”
Thomas looked around. “He was here earlier. Don’t worry, I’ll find him. You’d recognize him if you saw him. He’s tall with blondish hair, built like a tree trunk. He was an oarsman at school.”
“Is he handsome?”
“I don’t really know what you women consider handsome.”
“Well, you’re handsome, Thomas.”
“Of course he can’t compare to me.” Thomas laughed. “But I don’t think Rose will have any complaints. Now, if you’re done telling me what to do, the dance has ended.” He led her back to their table.
“Thank you, Thomas.” Lily took a seat. “You dance divinely. Now, as soon as you make all the necessary introductions, I want you to ask Miss Smythe to dance.”
“Aye, aye, Lily.”
Lily sat, smiling, as the gentlemen came by and escorted her companions to the dance floor. When Thomas approached Miss Smythe, and her parents were busy dancing, she silently rose. No one would notice if she stole out of the ballroom in search of the Vermeer.
She crept along the back wall of the ballroom and headed to the double door that led out to the terrace. She’d sneak around to the front of the house and begin her quest there.
As she stepped onto the terrace, she delighted in a breath of fresh air. It was a gently warm night, and she had always preferred outdoors to indoors. Several couples chatted intimately in the shadows. No one seemed to notice as Lily crossed the terrace and descended the staircase to the lawn. Swiftly she walked around to the side of the mansion, giggling to herself. The manor was built onto the side of a hill. As she walked up the incline, she took care to stay in the shadows, away from the torch lights.
She smiled, humming to herself. This had been easier than even she could have imagined. In less than an hour, she’d gotten her sister, her brother, and her cousins out of her hair. Pleased with her success, she began to skip a little. She was almost laughing out loud when a pair of strong arms grabbed her and pulled her behind a large flowering bush. Before she could scream, a mouth clamped down on hers.
Chapter 2
Lily pushed her palms against her attacker’s shoulders, but his strength defeated hers and he pulled her closer to his body. She gasped at the hardness of his chest. At her slight opening, he dipped his tongue into her mouth and circled gently, exploring. She dropped her arms limply to her sides. He tasted of brandy, or was it port?
Run, Lily. Run!
Yet her feet seemed glued to the ground. Her pulse quickened as a stabbing flame surged between her legs. Her heart lurched as fear coursed through her, yet she found herself standing on her toes, trying to get closer, as warmth enveloped her entire body.
Slowly her captor released her waist and slid his hands down until they were clasping hers. He gently guided her arms around his neck without breaking the kiss. She feathered her fingers over the velvety skin covering corded muscle and moved downward to caress his broad shoulders clad in soft fabric. Was it velvet? She didn’t know. She didn’t care. But she was certain that his hard body was the most glorious thing she had ever touched.
What am I doing?
But her thoughts evaporated until only feeling remained. Oh, she had been wrong about kissing. This was heaven. Apprehensively, she let her tongue touch his, and he groaned softly. Her nipples stiffened and she pushed them into his chest. Something was making her want more. Was it his groan? The smooth stroking of his tongue on hers? She trembled as they tasted each other. She tilted her head upward to meet his mouth better and opened her eyes briefly.
In the edge of her vision, she saw a shadowy figure stop and then hurry away. The spell broken, Lily panicked. She was kissing a complete stranger. His tongue was in her mouth. He could be anyone, the local idiot for goodness’ sake!
With all her strength, she removed her hands from around his neck, pushed at his shoulders, and tried to retreat.
“Wait!” He grabbed her arm and pulled her back, right into the path of one of the torch lights.
She looked up into the mesmerizing green eyes of Daniel Farnsworth, the Duke of Lybrook. Lord, he was still handsome, but not the pretty boy he had been. His beauty had matured. The edge of his jawline glittered with golden stubble, and his amazing eyes were deeper set and surrounded by tiny laugh wrinkles. His golden hair still flowed flawlessly past his shoulders. How might it feel against her fingers?
No! She gulped, willing herself not to stammer.
“Y-Your Grace?
* * *
Daniel looked down at the dark-haired woman whose mouth he had been ravishing. How could he have made such a mistake? She wasn’t who he expected. Yet he had known, somehow. Her kiss had been different. Innocent and sweet.
Her lovely dark curls and eyes the color of aged cognac seemed slightly familiar, but he couldn’t place her. Who was she—this maiden whose lips met his with a tender purity he had never known? He longed to take her in his arms again, to hold her, to kiss her. He wanted more of her. Much more.
But that was not to be. He had to apologize and let her go. It was the decent thing to do. Even he drew the line at seducing innocents. Most of the time, anyway. He was the duke now. He had responsibilities.
The pulsing inside his trousers convinced him otherwise. “Oh, bloody hell,” he said aloud, and pulled her body into his again.
She responded, and his heart pounded so hard he thought it would leap from his chest.
“Yes,” he whispered, “give me your tongue, love.”
Sweet, so sweet. He breathed deeply and inhaled her scent—spice cake and mulled wine. Wonderful. Slowly he guided one of her hands to his head and laced her fingers through his hair. Her other arm reached around his neck and caressed the muscles of his shoulders and back. He slid his hand from her waist, up the gentle curve of her spine to her nape, tilting her head farther back. He slid his lips away from her mouth, across her cheek and to her ear, tracing her lobe with his tongue, her ivory skin smooth as Oriental silk under his lips.
“I want to touch every part of you,” he said, rasping.
She shuddered and pushed into him. Yes, good. She wanted this too. He trailed his lips across her cheek, her sigh a delicate whisper against his skin. He moved to her throat, found her pulse point, and nuzzled it gently. He slid his tongue down farther and dipped in between her breasts. Such a soft, plump, rosy bosom—the satin skin heaven against his tongue. Her dress hid the flesh
y crimson of her nipples—like cherry bonbons but so much sweeter. How he wanted to suck them, pinch them. Bite them until she screamed.
He pressed his groin into her and groaned. God, she felt good against him, a perfect cradle for his manhood. He grabbed her bottom and pulled her closer.
Too far. Her lovely body tensed against his. Yet he didn’t let her go. He couldn’t. He nibbled at her lips, teasing them, sucking them.
A few breathless moments later, she pushed him away.
“Your Grace, have you lost your mind?”
“Yes,” he murmured, sucking in a breath and pulling her back to him.
She turned her head away, and his tongue slid across her satin cheek.
“Let me go!” She pushed hard and broke his grasp, and then she lifted her skirts and ran toward the front of the mansion.
Daniel wanted to follow her. He wanted to grab her and carry her up to his bedchamber. He wanted to undress her, sink into her body, and make her his. His arousal ached in his trousers. Slowly he slid to the ground, snagging his velvet jacket on the stones of the building. He buried his head in his hands. Good God, he didn’t even know her, yet his reaction to her was one he had never expected. He hadn’t thought there was anything new to experience with women.
* * *
He had been wrong.
When Lily reached the front entrance to the mansion, she leaned against the doorway before entering, her pulse racing. Her legs trembled as she forced them to bear her weight. She tried to regain her composure, but after a few moments, she realized it was a lost cause. All she could think of was his silky blond hair between her fingers, his soft full lips on her neck and between her breasts, his tongue exploring her mouth. His ravishment had permeated every cell of her body, centering in the damp heat between her legs. The sensation alarmed her, but she wanted more. More of him. God help her, she had enjoyed it.
She forced back a shudder and opened the front door. Lily walked until she found the ladies’ retiring area. She entered and sat down on a stool to view her reflection in the looking glass.
