by Jane Charles
“She is not the only brunette lady in the room,” Max pointed out. Though, nobody else’s hair was as silky or as midnight black as Lady Bliant’s.
“You know how most ladies protect themselves from the sun because they may freckle or burn their delicate noses?”
Max nodded.
“My cousin does not burn or freckle, but her skin does darken For that reason, you will rarely find Lily outside and if she is, her father will insist on long-sleeves, a bonnet and a parasol for fear her skin may begin to reveal what he wishes to hide.”
Max wasn’t the least bit disturbed by her heritage. If anything, it made Lily Bliant more interesting than the other young ladies on the marriage mart this Season. Maxwell stood. “Whether he realizes it or not, Artemisia will have no trouble finding a husband for Lily.”
“He has requirements.”
“Yes, I have heard. He said as much to my father.”
“He has gone so far as to make a list of the few gentlemen who qualify.”
Maxwell had to laugh. Artemisia was beyond obsessive in his quest for the perfect son-in-law.
“I wouldn’t laugh if I were you, Maxwell.” Dresden paused, and a sly smile tipped the corners of his mouth. “You are at the top of that list.”
Maxwell groaned. “I’m not surprised. In fact, I’d be disappointed if I had been overlooked. After all, who else could fulfill all the required qualifications than the bachelor fourth son of a duke?” Max turned to go, but Dresden placed a hand on his arm to stop him. Max turned. “Not to worry. Though I would like to meet your cousin, I fully intend to avoid her. I have absolutely no intention of entering into any courtship. Nor do I wish to be any man’s pawn.”
Chapter 4
Lily tried to keep her composure but it was difficult with her father standing next to her, criticizing. “You don’t have nearly enough powder on. Must I apply that as well to make you presentable?”
She refrained from answering. There was really nothing she could offer in her defense.
“I don’t know what your aunt was thinking when she picked out that gown. Surely there are better styles suitable for your figure. At least something that wouldn’t accent the attributes you lack.”
All Lily could hope was for no one to hear him. She knew as well as anyone she was thin, lacked the well-rounded curves other ladies seemed to possess, and stood taller than any other lady in the room. Regardless, she knew her failings would be overlooked for the grander prize, her wealth. She simply wished this particular evening to be finished.
As the musicians started, the gentlemen began to approach. Lily pasted on a pleasant smile and acted the part of demure debutante as her father demanded. He would witness nothing of which he could complain.
The first man to approach was Andrew Hinshaw. He was eight and twenty, the third son of a viscount. The family wasn’t overly wealthy, but they had a long, respectable history in society. As he led her to dance, Lily recalled every detail Simon had told her. Hinshaw was extremely religious and had considered becoming a minister. What was unusual was that his family objected fiercely. Becoming a vicar was a respectable and almost expected vocation for a third or fourth son, and Lily was curious as to why his family was different, not that she would ask or show that interest, of course. Still, Hinshaw remained true to his faith and never missed a service.
“Tell me of your home parish.”
Lily blinked at him. “It is small and quiet. I rarely leave the castle grounds.”
“And the church?”
“I don’t attend services.”
He blinked at her as if in shock. “What of in London?”
Lily let out a labored sigh. “I do not attend and have no intention of ever doing so.”
He chuckled as if he thought her jesting. “Come now. Everyone is affiliated with one religion or another, especially during the Season in London. While I don’t approve of the reasoning, several attend to see and be seen much like attendance at a ball.”
“You shan’t find me participating in such an archaic custom.” Aware her father watched, Lily gave him a sweet smile. “I abhor religion with all its rules and rituals. The Bible is nothing more than a book of morality on how each of us should live our lives.” She hoped she responded in a way to make Hinshaw avoid her, as she had nothing to base her counter attacks on. She simply assumed what the church taught from conversations she overheard. In truth, she’d never stepped into a church. Her father saw no purpose in worship, nor did he believe in God. He’d once told Lily that if there was a God, then he would have blessed Artemisia with a legitimate son.
The man covered his shock with a stiff smile. “Surely you aren’t saying you don’t believe in God.”
“I have little faith in what I cannot see or grasp with my own hands. However,” Lily added as an afterthought, “I am sure the Bible would make an interesting history book, don’t you agree?”
The music ended at that moment, and Mr. Hinshaw escorted her back to her father. Once the man was gone, Artemisia questioned his daughter. “What did you discuss with Mr. Hinshaw?”
Innocently, Lilian looked up at her father. “Religion. At one time he wanted to be a minister.”
Artemisia smiled. “Perhaps I should purchase a Bible for you. I never realized the necessity, but now that I think I should have had you study that as well. Maybe we should find a church. It wouldn’t hurt for you to attend, at least once, in case you converse with Hinshaw again. Which one does he attend?”
Lily stifled a groan. “He did not tell me.”
“Well, it should be easy enough to determine and we’ll see about getting that Bible in case Hinshaw calls on you again. Yes. We’ll keep it in the morning room for you to read when he is announced. Very good. Very good.”
She was already forced to fill each waking hour with deportment and study. Now she would have to attend services on Sunday mornings. How long did they last and what was required in such a setting? She would need to ask Simon or Daniella for they rarely missed a Sunday service.
Lily glanced around the room and waited for her father’s next candidate, her next victim, and stopped when she saw Daniella. At least one of them was enjoying herself. A few young ladies and several gentlemen surrounded her cousin. Daniella’s smile was bright and the dimples clearly visible even from this far away. Lily felt a warm smile pull at her lips when Daniella glanced her way and gave a quick wave. Lily would have returned the same had her father not stood beside her. Such an act would be deemed unladylike.
A gentleman standing behind Daniella caught her attention. Though he appeared to be in conversation with Simon, he watched her. It was rather disconcerting. Who was he and what might his interest be? If he was on her father’s list, she would learn soon enough. Or, perhaps he was titled, thus ineligible. By the end of the night she was certain to know one way or the other depending on if he requested a dance.
Oh, why did he watch her so?
The next gentleman allowed to dance with Lily was Joseph Pandle. The man was known to be a scholar and such a man would never take a featherbrain as his wife. At least Lily hoped he would not.
“Have you visited many of the attractions London has to offer, Lady Lilian?” he asked once they were away from her father.
“The shops are very lovely.”
“What of the museums, theater, Royal Academy or even a visit to Parliament?”
Of course she would love to visit each place he listed but knew her father would never approve. Such intelligent pursuits would be lost on Lily, or so her father believed. She must make this man believe it as well. Without answering, she looked at him blankly.
His smile faltered. “Perhaps you have just not had the opportunity.”
“No,” Lily answered. “It never occurred to me to venture to such places.”
The gentleman held his pleasant expression, but she could read the disappointment in his eyes.
“What do you enjoy, Lady Lilian?”
Lily seemed
to think about his questions before answering. “Shopping, I suppose. I enjoy riding in the park as well.”
“What if the weather isn’t conducive to such pursuits? How do you enjoy your day?”
“Needlework, I suppose,” she answered as if she wasn’t sure what she did.
“On a dreary day I like nothing better than a book,” Mr. Pandle offered. “Do you enjoy reading, Lady Lilian?”
“I find it troublesome, truthfully,” Lily admitted with a giggle.
“Perhaps spectacles would make it easier,” Pandle offered as if willing to suggest anything that would provoke a deeper response from her.
“What are spectacles?” Lily anxiously asked.
“They are round pieces of glass on wire one wears to see better,” Pandle explained in a slow, deliberate manner.
“How delightful.” Lily brightened. “Do they make the words shorter, Mr. Pandle? I don’t understand big words, but if the glass will help, I’ll buy these spectacles next time I shop, which should be tomorrow, of course. They would make a fabulous fashion accessory, don’t you agree?”
Mr. Pandle’s eyes widened and his jaw clenched. No doubt he would never consign himself to being married to such a simpleton for all the gold in the empire.
So far, matters were progressing as she planned.
Simon waited beside her father when Pandle returned her from the dance floor. He politely thanked her for the dance before taking his leave. Lily breathed a sigh of relief at having successfully discouraged a second potential suitor without her father being any wiser.
“Would you care for a glass of wine?” Simon asked.
“No,” Artemisia answered. “She will not partake of spirits at a time like this.”
Lily fought to keep the serene expression on her face.
“Perhaps a glass of punch,” Simon offered and held out his arm. “I will happily escort you to the beverage table.”
“She will not be leaving my side unless to dance,” Artemisia dismissed him with a wave of his hand. “You may bring her a cup of punch, however.” He returned his attention to those wishing an introduction to Lily.
Heat of embarrassment blanketed her cheeks when she realized that those standing close had heard the entire conversation. What was more bothersome was that the same gentleman who had been watching her was now within earshot and couldn’t have missed her father’s comments. Now that he had moved closer, she could see him more clearly. His eyes were a warm green, reminding her of a fresh, spring lawn and his hair was nearly as dark as hers.
Though the gentleman continued to watch her, Lily did not try to mask her study as she was most curious about him. If he were so intent on what she was doing or who she was, why did he not approach? Unless he was one of the forbidden. His face was handsome, with high, chiseled cheekbones and a strong jaw. His lips were full and when he acknowledged her study of him, he quirked a half smile as he nodded his head in greeting. Lily felt the blush renew and turned her attention to a safer object or person.
Why was she so curious about the tall gentleman? She knew nothing about him. Perhaps it was because he made a study of her. Yes, that must be it.
Her father rejected four gentlemen before accepting Mr. Gerrard on her behalf. The man held an appreciative gleam in his eye as he led her to the floor. He was handsome and finely formed, which he was well aware of given his air of conceit.
“I feel honored your father agreed to my request,” he whispered in her ear.
His tone was a bit too sensuous for her taste. In fact, it made her ill, given what she knew of his reputation.
“I have a great admiration for beautiful women.”
It was meant to be a compliment but Lily intentionally did not take it as one. “So I have heard, Mr. Gerrard.”
“None can compare to you, my dear.”
Lily lifted an eyebrow. “Thank you, though I am well aware your attention will wander soon enough.” She knew she was going to step over the line of propriety. They were about to discuss matters that no young lady should know about, let alone voice. But she was at war with her father’s plan and would breach any taboo subject if necessary. Had she not grilled Simon so long and hard today she would have never had this valuable information.
“Ah, so you understand a gentleman, such as myself, cannot help but enjoy all the delicacies London has to offer,” Mr. Gerrard purred.
“I understand you are an immoral rake and womanizer, and would make some lady a very poor husband,” Lily smiled up at him.
“My wife would never lack of my affection,” he insisted in quiet argument.
“Would she receive this affection before or after you have enjoyed your lover or only when you are between mistresses?” Lily kept her facial expression pleasant for her father to observe.
“A gentleman must marry, as must a lady. Should that curtail all sampling?” Gerrard asked, smiling as well.
“Understand this, Mr. Gerrard. If I ever found my husband to be unfaithful, I would ensure he was incapable of infidelity ever again.” Lily smiled brightly up at her dance partner.
The gentleman next to them stumbled for a moment, grazing Lily’s shoulder and she glanced over at him. It was the gentleman who had been watching her all evening. He must have heard her last comment. She should be embarrassed to have spoken so frankly but could not find it in herself. Perhaps word would spread and all gentlemen would avoid her now. While that thought held promise, if this conversation reached her father’s ears, she’d suffer a punishment like never before so Lily could only hope what she had said was never, ever repeated.
Maxwell stood across the room where he could watch Lady Lilian unnoticed. He wasn’t surprised that practically every man in the room asked her to dance. Nor was he surprised Artemisia was so selective.
At first, Max was content to remain across the ballroom, then he moved closer only to hear her father insist she could not have wine, that only punch was allowable, nor was she allowed to leave his side except to dance. Max had not meant for her to catch him watching her but could not help himself.
Why was he drawn to Lady Lilian? He knew nothing of her character, only that she was the beautiful daughter of a very peculiar lord, who also happened to be a tyrant.
Lady Lilian intrigued him with her poise and serenity and had taken him completely by surprise when she threatened castration if her husband was not faithful. Nothing could have been more shocking to hear, especially for someone like Gerrard who made no secret of his conquests. No young lady should even know about, or at the very least acknowledge, that particular sin amongst the nobility, but something told him that Lady Lilian was no wilting violet either.
Chapter 5
“What is so urgent?” Daniella asked.
“How am I supposed to dress?” Lily turned and scanned the room. Gowns covered the bed, settee and every available chair. She stood in her ivory, back-laced corselet, secured tightly over her batiste chemise. She already wore her white silk stockings and shoes.
“Where are you going?” Daniella took in the destructive scene.
“Sunday Services, with you and your family. Since dancing with Hinshaw, Father decided I must now attend church.” Exasperated, Lily flounced onto a pile of gowns on her bed. “I have ball gowns, opera gowns, tea gowns, walking dresses and everything imaginable. I just don’t know which one is appropriate for church.”
Daniella giggled and moved dresses from a chair, piled them neatly on the ones overflowing the settee and sat down. “Well a ball gown certainly would be inappropriate.”
Lily shot her an irritated look. “Are you going to help?”
“Of course, but we need to hurry.”
“Why?”
“Services will begin in about an hour.”
Lily forced the panic from her mind. When her father had ordered her to attend church this morning, she rushed to her room, with ladylike decorum of course, and rifled through the clothing. The rules of society, dress and manners had been drilled into
her since she was a child. However, no one ever mentioned how one dressed or behaved in a sanctuary designed for worshipping God. For the first time, she was unsure how to proceed.
“We have time,” Daniella rose from the chair and looked over the gowns strewn about the room. “Why isn’t your maid helping?”
“Mary refused, afraid she will make a mistake and Father will dismiss her from the position. She knows I won’t say anything because I don’t want her to face Father’s wrath.”
“This is the one.” Daniella held up a simple gray chintz morning gown.
“Are you sure?” Lily took the gown.
“Positive.”
“You really haven’t been in a church before, have you?”
“Father always believed it a waste of time.”
“Until Hinshaw?”
“Until Hinshaw.”
Over the following week, Lady Lilian constantly drew Max’s attention wherever they were, regardless of whether they were attending the same ball, luncheon or musicale. He couldn’t help himself and paid close attention as the men approached, wondering who would marry her. Artemisia was always at her side, and a total of nineteen men had been granted permission to dance with her. Few asked for a second. Dresden had shared the names Artemisia felt were worthy. Maxwell was the only one who had not approached the lady.
Tonight, according to Dresden, Lady Lilian would make her debut at Almack’s. Maxwell agreed, with great reluctance, to attend in support of his friend since Lady Daniella had received her voucher, as had Lady Lillian. It was well known that only those the proprietresses deemed worthy were granted exclusive entrance into the hallowed halls, and it was the goal of every debutante to receive admission. If one was turned away, one may as well return to the country as a complete failure, for society would undoubtedly shun the poor women.