by HELEN HARDT
Lady Gregory had been linked to many men of import by way of illicit affairs since then, including Lord Daniel Farnsworth himself, before he became the Duke of Lybrook. Lady Gregory seemed pleasant enough and was very pretty. Thomas was chivalrous to a fault, so he filled her wine glass and saw to her other needs, despite the fact that he wished she were Emma.
“My lord,” Lady Gregory said, “I must thank you for your attentiveness. I can’t recall when I have been looked after so conscientiously.”
“It’s my pleasure, my lady.”
“I had the delight of meeting your sister, Lady Lily, at the opening ball. And of course I’m acquainted with your parents. Frederic always said that Ashford had a unique head for estate matters. It’s no secret that his is one of the most influential earldoms in England. I would love to know more about your family. Your dear mother, for instance. Where is she from?”
“My mother comes from London. She’s the daughter of the Baron White.”
“Really? How fascinating. How did she meet your father?”
“I’m not exactly sure, my lady. I’ve never asked.”
“I bet it’s a romantic story, my lord.”
“Perhaps it is. My parents have always had an abundance of affection for each other.”
“How nice. A love match, was it?”
“Whether it was at first, I don’t know. It certainly is now.” Thomas was beginning to find this conversation tedious, so he took a sip of wine, and then turned to Rose and Xavier.
“Oh, my goodness,” Lady Gregory exclaimed. “My lovely new dinner gown, ruined!”
Thomas turned back to see that Lady Gregory had spilled her glass of red wine down the front of her dress.
“May I be of service, my lady?” the gentleman on her other side asked.
“Oh, no, I couldn’t impose.” Lady Gregory turned to Thomas. “My lord, I do hate to burden you, but it seems that I must excuse myself. Could I trouble you to escort me to my chamber?”
Thomas sighed. What could he do? “Of course, my lady.” He rose, offered her his arm, and together they strode from the ornate dining room. Rose was engrossed in her conversation with Xavier, but both Lily and Emma saw him leave with Lady Gregory. Neither looked pleased.
* * *
Later that evening Lily sat on the terrace with Rose, Alexandra, and Sophie.
“Have any of you seen Emma?”
“She took a walk with Thomas,” Rose said. “Her mother went with them to chaperone.”
“I need to talk to her when they return,” Lily said.
“What about?” Sophie asked.
“I want to find out if that disgusting Lord Ludley tried anything uncouth during dinner. The poor thing was stuck between him and Wentworth this evening.”
“Horrors!” Alexandra cried. “At least Wentworth couldn’t stick his tongue into her mouth at the dinner table. He might have been able to reach her ear without anyone noticing, though.”
“Goodness, Ally,” Sophie said. “Where do you come up with such outlandish ideas?”
“It’s not so outlandish. In a novel I read, the hero—”
Sophie clasped her hands over her ears. “I don’t want to hear it! The thought of a tongue in my ear—how ghastly.”
Lily smiled. Ghastly wasn’t the term she would have chosen for that particular pleasure. “Wentworth and his tongue are the least of Emma’s problems. His uncle is a complete lech. Rose and I have been dodging him for years.”
“She’s right, I’m afraid,” Rose said. “He seems to know every trick in the book for stealing, shall we say, an impression of a woman’s charms.”
Sophie’s hand flew to her mouth. “How horrid!”
“Yes, it is,” Lily said. “I must talk to Emma. If he tried anything inappropriate, the duke will ask him to leave the estate. He told me so.”
“You’ve gotten pretty chummy with His Grace, Lily.” Alexandra smiled. “If there’s anything going on…”
“There’s nothing going on. I’ve been seated next to him at dinner twice, and we’ve gotten to know each other a bit. He’s very charming.”
“Charming and dashing,” Alexandra said. “Too bad he’s a renowned skirt chaser. But he’s so handsome. And rich. I think that could be overlooked. Lily dear, how was your tour of the art collection last evening? You never returned.”
“Didn’t Rose tell you? I was feeling poorly.”
“Yes, of course, Rose told us. She checked on you several times also.” Alexandra winked. “That was quite the little coup you two devised.”
“What on earth are you talking about, Ally?” Rose feigned innocence.
“Come now. You don’t think we really believe that Lily was in her room resting after viewing the duke’s art.”
“Believe what you want,” Lily said. “But that’s exactly what—” She spied Emma and her mother returning to the terrace. “Emma!” She motioned. “Do come join us, please.”
Emma approached them and sat down. “How are all of you this evening?”
“We’re just fine, dear,” Lily said. “How was your walk with Thomas?”
“Just lovely. He’s heading back to the bachelor house now. There’s a poker game tonight or something.”
“Gambling? My goodness,” Sophie said.
“It’s probably just a friendly game, Sophie,” Rose said. “Thomas enjoys gaming. Papa does too, actually.”
“Emma,” Lily said, “I’m so sorry about your unfortunate dinner companions this evening. If I had known you would be seated with Lord Ludley, I’d have warned you.”
“Warned me about what?”
“About him. Tell me, did he try anything inappropriate?”
“He did seem to brush my thigh more than necessary, but I assumed it was because of his size. He is rather large.”
“Large doesn’t begin to describe him,” Lily said. “And his thigh caressing was not an accident, I assure you.”
“He also seemed to salivate a lot.”
Lily laughed. “Yes, he’s disgusting. Tell me, did he do anything that made you uncomfortable?”
“She’ll have the duke kick him off the estate for you, you know,” Alexandra said.
“No, no.” Emma said. “I’m absolutely fine. There’s no need… How can you get the duke the kick him off the estate, Lily?”
“Haven’t you heard?” Alexandra held two fingers up side by side. “Lily and His Grace are like this.”
“Ally, you’re making that up,” Lily said.
“I don’t think so,” she began, then, “My goodness, what time is it, anyway?”
“It was nearly ten when Lord Jameson and I parted,” Emma said. “Why do you ask?”
“I have an engagement,” Alexandra said, and then lowered her voice. “Mr. Landon and I are meeting on the back terrace.”
“Ally!” Sophie exclaimed. “Without a chaperone?”
“Of course without a chaperone,” Alexandra said. “What fun would it be otherwise?”
“I suppose I can’t talk you out of this, can I?” Sophie shook her head. “Please use good sense though. Don’t let him take any liberties.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” Alexandra said, winking. “I plan to take the liberties myself. I’ll see you all later. Will you be here for a while?”
“I’ll only be here for a bit,” Rose said. “I’m playing the grand piano in the conservatory for Lord Evan at eleven, and Lily is my chaperone. In fact, Lily, we should go. I’d like to warm up a bit. I haven’t actually played the grand yet, and I need to get the feel of it. Would you two care to come along?” She nodded to Sophie and Emma.
“Thank you just the same,” Sophie said. “I think I’ll stay out here. It’s such a nice evening.”
“I’ll stay and chat with Sophie,” Emma said. “But do have a lovely time.”
“We will, dear,” Lily said, linking arms with Rose and Alexandra. “Tomorrow evening there will be another formal ball. Won’t that be fun?”
&nbs
p; “Oh yes,” Alexandra said. “I had a wonderful time at the first one. Except for Wentworth and his errant tongue, that is.”
“Alexandra…” Sophie began.
“Sophie, darling, if you had been in my shoes, you would say the same thing. Do enjoy your evening, ladies.” She broke away from Lily and hurried off.
Lily and Rose said goodbye and entered the house, making their way past the library to the conservatory. The chandelier had already been lit, and cast a luminous glow on the black lacquer grand piano in the center of the room. One wall of the large room was devoted entirely to bookshelves which housed written music of all kinds. In a corner stood a gilt-edged harp, and in another corner, several guitars and mandolins. The walls were filled with more paintings, and Lily slowly walked through the room, looking at each one with interest. She made a mental note to have Daniel explain them to her later and took a seat on a lush sofa covered in forest green satiny fabric.
“Start with the Mozart sonata, dear. It’s my favorite,” she said.
Rose sat down on the cushioned piano bench and sighed, lovingly running her fingers over the sleek ivory keys. “This is the most glorious instrument I have ever seen.”
“It looks a lot like the one at our estate,” Lily said.
Rose rolled her eyes. “Lily, this is at least two feet longer than ours, and the finish is far better quality. As for the sound, let’s see.” She played a few measures. “Can’t you hear the difference?”
“Not really,” Lily said.
“You are a goose. The tone is far superior.” Rose began playing the Mozart. “It’s almost as if the piano crescendos on its own. It knows exactly what to do.”
“That’s you, not the piano.”
Rose blushed. “You put too much stock in my talent, Lily. I hope I don’t embarrass myself.”
“You play beautifully and you know it. When Daniel and Lord Evan get here, you should start with the Mozart. Then play your Bach. Then Handel’s Water Music; that’s lovely. And don’t forget that cute little sonata by Scarlatti. I suppose you should play an English composer as well. How about Purcell? The music from the Fairy Queen is sweet.”
“Goodness, Lily, this is just an informal little gathering. I’m not playing a full concert.”
Lily ignored her. “Do you need me to go upstairs to the chamber and fetch your sheet music?”
“No, I can do it from memory. If only the Beethoven were ready.”
“Try it now. I’ll tell you if it’s ready or not.”
“I suppose I could, since the gentlemen aren’t here yet.” Rose began to play, her fingers dancing over the keys as the music soared from the piano.
“That’s the Beethoven that isn’t ready yet,” Lily said to Daniel and Evan, who had entered while Rose was playing. “I thought it was tantalizing, Rose.”
“Don’t be absurd, Lily,” Rose said, flushing. “I didn’t even get through half of the concerto.”
“You play beautifully,” Evan said. “Which concerto is it?”
“Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto in E Flat Minor,” Rose said. “He completed it in 1811. I’ve only been working on it a short time. I didn’t mean for anyone but Lily to hear it.”
“Nonsense, it was lovely,” Evan said.
“Play the Mozart now, Rose.” Lily turned to Daniel and Evan. “Mozart is my very favorite composer, ever since Papa took Rose and me to the opera to see The Marriage of Figaro. How old were we, Rose, about ten and eleven?”
“I was but nine, so you would have been ten,” Rose said. “It was a wonderful performance.” She laughed. “Thomas was seventeen. He escorted me and Papa escorted Lily. We had such fun playing grownup.” Rose’s face glowed. “All right, Lily, I’ll play the Mozart for you.” Her hands began dancing over the keys again, lightly bringing forth the delicate sonata.
Evan eventually went to sit beside her on the piano bench, watching her attentively. Daniel took Lily’s hand in his and kiss her upturned palm. Lily smiled at him, enjoying the music and his attentions. Rose played for over an hour, ending with Scarlatti’s sonata.
“You do play beautifully, my lady,” Daniel said. “I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed a concert more.”
“You flatter me, Your Grace,” Rose said. “But thank you for the compliment, and thank you also for allowing me to use the conservatory. It was a pleasure to play such a magnificent instrument.”
“It’s been a long time since anyone has played it so compellingly. Please feel free to use the conservatory anytime you wish during your stay at Laurel Ridge.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“I must agree with His Grace, Rose,” Evan said. “Your playing is compelling—more than just talent and technique. There is an emotional component to your music that is nearly indescribable. I’m not sure the composers themselves could have played their own pieces any better, or with more feeling.”
“My lord, I do believe that is the nicest compliment I have ever received,” Rose said, lowering her head. “I do thank you.”
“It’s quite late. May I see you to your chamber?” he asked her, standing and helping her to her feet.
“Yes, that would be fine. Lily can accompany us.”
“Actually,” Lily said. “I would like for Daniel to explain some of these lovely paintings to me. Would you care to wait a bit?”
“I’m frightfully tired,” Rose said. “I-I suppose it’s all right for us to go alone. It’s just a walk to our chamber, after all. Shall we, my lord?” Rose took Evan’s arm and he led her out of the conservatory.
“Alone at last,” Daniel said to Lily, kissing her lightly on the lips. “Your sister is a splendid talent.”
“I told you so,” Lily said. “She has always considered herself a merely adequate musician. She’s so blasted modest, it’s annoying. But I think she’s incredible.”
“I agree, but you’re even more incredible, in my humble opinion.” He gathered her in his arms and kissed her, opening her lips with his tongue.
“Daniel, the paintings…”
“Can we talk about them tomorrow?” he asked softly, teasing her neck with warm, moist kisses.
“I suppose so. But Daniel, I can’t go to your chamber again… I can’t… Oh, bother.”
Daniel led her out of the conservatory, down the hall and up the servants’ staircase to his chamber.
* * *
Amelia stood in the dark outside the bachelor house. Jameson had come back from taking a walk with the skinny blond wench and then had gone inside and hadn’t come out again. It was still early. What on earth was going on in there? Was she losing her touch? Jameson hadn’t responded to any of her subtle advances when he escorted her to her chamber during dinner. She had ruined a perfectly good gown for nothing. She had never failed to attract any man of her choosing in the past, but just days ago the duke had rebuffed her. She would simply have to be more persuasive with Lord Jameson.
She may have lost the first battle, but she had every intention of winning the war.
Chapter 10
In Daniel’s chamber, a small feast awaited them again at the table in the sitting window. “What is that glorious smell?” Lily asked, inhaling.
“I’ll show you in a minute. First…”
He turned her toward the wall facing the bed. In place of St. Praxedis hung Lily’s two watercolors, framed in dark cherry.
“Oh!”
“Thank you for the paintings, Lily.” He kissed the top of her head. “I hope you meant for me to keep them, because I’m going to anyway.”
“Yes, of course, I want you to have them,” Lily said. “But where is the Vermeer, Daniel?”
“I took it down.”
“You can’t possibly replace Vermeer with my work.”
“It’s my bedchamber. I’ll do as I please. Now I’ll think of you whenever I look up.”
Lily turned around and kissed his cheek. “You are sweet. How on earth did you get them framed so quickly?”
“We keep a carpenter on the estate. When I returned from our ride and found the watercolors, I summoned him and asked if he could frame them by this evening, and he assured me he could. And there they are.”
“But the Vermeer…”
“Don’t worry about the Vermeer, Lily. It will be well enjoyed.”
“Where are you going to put it?”
“I haven’t quite decided yet.” His eyes sparkled. “But you’ll be the first to know, I promise.” He touched her cheek and smoothed his thumb over her bottom lip. “I wanted to thank you for the paintings when I saw you at dinner, but you went into a tirade about the seating, and then it slipped my mind. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry about that. You’ve thanked me more than enough by displaying them in such a touching way. But now that you mention it, what was going on with the seating?”
“I don’t know. As I said, I told Aunt Lucy to keep the seating the same as it was last night.”
“It’s that Amelia Gregory.” Lily seethed, her pulse jumping. “She wanted to sit next to Thomas so she changed her place card with Emma’s. But when did she do it?”
“I don’t know. Could we drop the subject now, Lily? I promise you it won’t happen again, and I really don’t want to talk about Lady Gregory and her—”
“I spoke to Emma,” Lily interrupted. “She said Ludley did brush her thigh more often than she thought necessary.”
“I’ll see that he leaves on the morrow.”
“No, you needn’t. She said she was fine, and she didn’t want him forced to leave. He is a lech, though.
“So you’ve told me.” Daniel placed his hands on her shoulders. “Lily, if he so much as comes within ten feet of you, I want you to tell me.”
