by HELEN HARDT
“Yes, and I do, but I’d rather stay here with you. I did promise to make up for our unfortunate interruption in the bath.” He eased the dressing gown off of her shoulders, caressing her arms as it fell to the ground.
“Oh…” She sighed. “No, I have to go. I must get back to my chamber and change into an afternoon dress. Goodness, what am I going to do about my hair?”
“Wear it down. It will dry in the afternoon sun, and you’ll look ravishing.” He stroked her nipples lightly with his thumbs.
“Stop that, I can’t think.” She reluctantly pushed his hands away. “And I couldn’t possibly wear my hair down. I’m twenty-one, not twelve.” She paused, regarding his handsome face. “How old are you, Daniel?”
“Thirty-two, though around you I feel no more than nineteen.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“Yes, love. It is.”
“Then thank you. I think.” She turned again. “Now, please help me. I do have to go.”
Daniel rose and strode toward her. “If you must.”
When she was dressed, he turned her to face him and gently kissed her. Then he put on his own clothes. “I’ll escort you to your chamber. We’ll be discreet.”
“I would appreciate that.”
He pulled her close. “May I come to you tonight?” he whispered, his breath caressing her neck.
She trembled, her knees weakening. “You can’t. I share a chamber with my sister.”
“Then you come to me.”
“Daniel…I…”
“Please.”
“How could I possibly?”
“I’ll figure something out. I’ll come get you, or send someone for you.”
“No. No one can know.”
“There are servants here who are trustworthy. I’ll take care of it.”
He kissed her lips, gently prying them open, taking her tongue with his. Lily reached for him, smoothing his still damp hair, caressing his muscled shoulders. As Daniel moved his mouth to her neck and nuzzled her with soft kisses, she inhaled the fresh clean male scent of him, pressing herself closer to his hard masculine body. Her nipples tightened and her sex throbbed. She still wanted him. But she had to say no.
“There is no need to prolong this affair, Daniel. I cannot come to you tonight.”
“Lily, please.”
“I’ve now had the experience of being in your bed. And I’m sure you have…other engagements.”
“If you’re sure, Lily. But I reserve the right to try to change your mind.”
“You won’t,” she said, and walked swiftly out into the hallway.
Chapter 5
Lily changed into a light beige afternoon dress with a pattern of small green-and-white polka dots sprinkled across it. Her hair had dried considerably more than she had anticipated, so she sat while the maid braided it and pinned it into an attractive coiffure. Pleased with the results, she dismissed the maid and headed downstairs and out to the lawn. The ladies were finishing their dessert, a plum torte with Bavarian cream. She found her mother seated with her sister, aunt, and cousins.
Bending to kiss her mother’s cheek, she said, “I’m so sorry to be tardy, Mummy.”
“Where have you been Lily?” the countess asked.
“You know me. I went out this morning to paint, and I lost track of time. I’m so dreadfully sorry.”
“Aren’t you hungry, dear?” Aunt Iris asked.
“Not at all. I had a rather large breakfast. I couldn’t possibly eat another morsel until dinner.”
“Would you at least like some dessert?” Rose asked. “This plum cake is delicious.”
“No, thank you. I’m fine, really.” She sat down in an empty chair next to Rose. “What have all of you been up to this morning?”
“I played the pianoforte in the main parlor for a while,” Rose said. “I’m working on that new Beethoven piece, and Her Grace said I should use the pianoforte as often as I like. Sophie and Ally read while I played.”
“That sounds enchanting,” Lily said. “What about you, Mummy?”
“Auntie Iris and I visited with Her Grace and Miss Landon a bit. Did you know that Miss Landon and Auntie Iris were best friends as girls?”
“No, I didn’t. Auntie, why have you never mentioned that before?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I had too much else to think about when the earl was alive, I suppose. It was good to talk to Lucy again.”
“Tell me, do you know why she never married?” Lily asked.
“Yes, she was head over heels in love with an Irish sailor. They were betrothed, but he died at sea. Lucy’s father never approved of the match and made no secret of the fact that he was glad Nolan had perished. A month later, Her Grace married the duke, and poor Lucy was forgotten.”
“How sad,” Alexandra said. “She never met another man that she wanted to marry?”
“No, never,” Iris replied. “Her Grace made a place for Lucy here, so she could escape their parents. She has lived here since, and she and I lost touch eventually.”
“I’m so glad you’ve gotten reacquainted,” Rose said. “How is it that you first met Miss Landon?”
“She and I are the same age. The Landons had a London townhouse near ours.”
“Is Her Grace older or younger than Lucy?” Sophie asked.
“Older. She’s fifty-four.”
Lily did some rapid calculations in her head. That meant she had been twenty-two when she had Daniel.
Aunt Iris continued, “We all spent time together when our families were in London. Her Grace was being courted by an earl when she was seventeen, and the three of us used to follow her around and spy on them.” Aunt Iris laughed. “She was actually quite good about it. Lucy and I were fifteen, and your mother but eleven. What fun we had!”
“An earl?” Lily said. “What about the duke?”
“The earl had his heart set on someone else, actually. He broke Her Grace’s heart, and he didn’t marry until many years later. Her Grace married the duke when she was twenty. They had known each other for only a week. The duke approached Her Grace’s father, and a betrothal agreement was reached before Her Grace had even met the duke.”
“I wonder why the duke chose Her Grace,” Rose said. “He probably could have had whomever he wanted.”
“Maggie—I mean Her Grace—was exotically beautiful,” Aunt Iris continued. “Her hair was dark blond and her eyes the most remarkable emerald green. Her hair is lighter now, but she’s still a handsome woman for her age. Her intelligence was well known also. Most likely the duke thought she would bear smart and handsome heirs, which she did, of course.”
“That’s fascinating,” Lily said. “Whatever happened to the earl she was in love with?”
Aunt Iris grinned. “He married your mother.”
Lily widened her eyes into saucers. “You’re joking. Mummy!”
Lady Ashford smiled. “I was just a child when your father was courting the duchess. We renewed our acquaintance about six years later, when I was seventeen. By that time Her Grace had been married to the duke for two years. She had already produced an heir and was expecting another.”
Daniel. Lily smiled to herself, imagining the beautiful boy slumbering in Her Grace’s belly, with hair more tantalizing than his mother’s and eyes like no other.
“You look dreamy, Lily,” Rose said. “What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing,” Lily said abruptly.
“It is incredibly romantic,” Sophie said.
“What’s so romantic about it? The duke forced Her Grace to marry him.”
“Actually, Her Grace grew to love the duke,” Aunt Iris said. “They had a happy marriage. She was devastated when the duke and Morgan were taken from her last year. Thank goodness Lucy was here to take care of her. The duke—that is, the new duke—was no help at all.”
“You shouldn’t speak ill of our host, Iris,” the countess said.
“You’re right of course, Flora. I’ll say nothing mo
re.”
Lily fought a strong urge to defend Daniel. Suppressing the odd feeling, she nodded to Rose.
“Mummy,” Rose said on cue, “do excuse my interruption, but we—that is, the four of us—would like to walk about the estate a bit.”
“That’s fine,” Lady Ashford said, “unless you have an objection?” She nodded to Aunt Iris.
“Oh, to be young again,” Aunt Iris sighed. “Do go ahead. But stay out of trouble.”
“That means you, Lily,” the countess said.
“Mummy, whatever do you mean?” Lily asked.
“You know very well what I mean. Have a good time, then.”
The girls giggled as they walked away.
“I noticed our brother dancing with a lovely blonde last evening,” Rose said.
“I had the pleasure of talking to Emma and Thomas last night, Rose,” Lily said. “I am thrilled with their friendship.”
“She must be perfect then,” Rose said. “You’re terribly hard on the girls Thomas associates with. Now tell me”—she turned to the others—“what shall we do? Did you find any spectacular places while you were out painting this morning, Lily?”
Lily fought a smile as she thought of the spectacular place she had found—Daniel’s bedchamber. “I spent most of the time in one place, and it’s more for painting than for fun. Let’s explore a little. This estate is absolutely beautiful. I do think I love it more than our own. How did all of you enjoy the ball last night? Did any of you meet anyone interesting?”
“I danced with your Lord Wentworth twice,” Alexandra said.”
“Please, he’s not my Lord Wentworth. You may certainly have him.”
“I’m not sure I want him.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “He stole a kiss on the terrace.”
“No!” Rose said. “I can’t believe it.”
“Believe it. And you were right about kissing, Lily. His lips were sticky, and he tried to push his tongue into my mouth.”
Rose and Sophie gasped.
“I was only talking about kissing Wentworth, Ally,” Lily said. “I’m sure that we can’t judge all men by his efforts.” She smiled to herself. How right she was!
“Why on earth did you go to the terrace with him?” Sophie asked.
“Curiosity, I suppose. I won’t do it again.”
“Still, I’m a little jealous, even if the kiss wasn’t to your liking,” Rose said. Then, “Oh, that reminds me. Lord Evan asked me to go riding with him tomorrow. I was hoping you could go along, Lily, as our chaperone.”
“Me?”
“Of course,” Rose said. “You’re older than I.”
“By only eleven months, and I’m unmarried.”
“Goodness, Lily, since when are you so sensitive about convention? It’s just a ride during a house party. Dozens of others are likely to be about.”
“Of course I’ll go along,” Lily said. “I take it you found Xavier acceptable then?”
“Yes, I had a lovely time.”
“Did he take any liberties?” Alexandra asked.
“Goodness, Ally,” Sophie said. “Is that all you think about?”
“Well?” Alexandra asked again.
“No, but he did ask me to call him by his Christian name. Isn’t Evan a lovely sounding name?”
“Yes, it is,” Sophie said. “Oh, look. There’s a little lake up ahead.”
“We’ve been talking so much that I haven’t been paying a bit of attention to the scenery,” Lily said. “But I love the idea of a lake. Maybe we can go wading.”
“Or swimming!” Alexandra said.
“Dear Ally,” Lily laughed. “I admit the idea intrigues me, but it’s only April. It’s a delightful afternoon, but the water will be cold. We’d likely freeze to death.”
“No harm in checking, is there?” Alexandra ran toward the lake. “Last one there has to kiss Wentworth!”
“Goodness, we’d better all hurry,” Lily said, giggling. “Trust me, you don’t want that fate.”
By the time they reached the lake, Alexandra had already kicked off her shoes and stockings and was pulling up her skirts and heading toward the water. She dipped her foot in. “You’re not going to believe this. It’s actually warm.”
What had appeared to be a small lake was actually a large pool, fed by a stream of water cascading from a jagged gray rock formation. Steam rose from the surface of the water, coiling upward in cloudy drifts. Lily hurriedly removed her shoes and stockings and dipped her foot in. “It is warm. How can that be, do you suppose?”
“Likely it’s an offshoot from the hot springs in Bath,” Rose said. “They’re not far from here.”
“I see why Lord Evan adores you, Rose,” Lily said. “You’re so bright. That must be so.”
“Then swimming is definitely on the agenda.” Alexandra turned her back to Lily. “Here, undo me.”
“This is highly improper.” Sophie said.
“Ally, Sophie is right,” Rose said. “Anyone could come by and see us.”
“Nonsense,” Lily said. “The men are all on the hunt and won’t be back for hours yet. And the women are at the lawn party. Besides, we’ve been walking for almost an hour, and how many people have we seen along the way?”
“None, but…” Sophie fidgeted.
“There you are, dear.” Lily loosened Alexandra’s corset and turned around. “Now you do me.”
“Lily, we don’t have towels,” Rose said tentatively.
“True,” Sophie said, “and our undergarments will be wet. We simply mustn’t—”
Alexandra smiled and raised her eyebrows. “Then we’ll swim in the nude.”
Sophie clasped her cheek. “Where do you get such ideas, Ally?”
“I read, Sophie. A little gem called The Ruby.”
Lily warmed as Alexandra loosened her corset. She’d heard of The Ruby, an underground paper that published erotic stories. But how on earth had Ally seen it?
“What is The Ruby?” Sophie shook her head. “Never mind. I don’t want to know.”
Alexandra laughed. “I’m sure you don’t. But we’re perfectly alone here. And if we don’t wear any garments, we can dry in the sun before we put our clothes back on.”
“We should at least keep our undergarments on,” Rose said.
“By all means, if it makes you feel better to have a soggy chemise and drawers, then do so,” Alexandra said, “but I’m going in naked.”
“So am I!” Lily tossed her dress in a heap and stepped out of her corset and drawers.
“Lily, at least keep your chemise on,” Rose said.
“For goodness’ sake, Rose, there’s not another person within sight.”
Lily lifted the delicate garment over her head and ran into the water where Alexandra was already splashing around. The warm waves flowed over her naked form like a sensual embrace. Her mind wandered to the bath she had shared with Daniel that morning, but she shooed the thought away. She drifted over to Alexandra, where the water was nearly five feet deep. Her breasts floated on the surface as she splashed her cousin.
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful,” Alexandra said, grinning, “if some young men came by right about now?”
“That would be embarrassing, Ally.” But Lily couldn’t help giggling.
“No, it would be hilarious,” Alexandra continued. “They would be embarrassed beyond measure. They would see us frolicking about like two naked water nymphs, laughing and splashing each other. They would probably fall right off their horses!”
Lily turned to where they had left their clothes. “You were kidding, weren’t you Ally? I see a horse yonder.”
“Oh my.” Sophie gestured to them. “Stay under the water. If he comes close enough to see, duck your heads at the same time.” She pulled Rose away behind a cluster of large trees.
“Who could it be other than some servant out and about?” Lily said.
“You’re probably right,” Alexandra agreed. “Let’s just keep our treasures under the water unti
l he goes away.”
“Oh dear God.” Lily gulped.
The beautiful hair she had washed and caressed earlier drifted in the slight breeze. Daniel sat atop a majestic black stallion. He wore a brown riding outfit and his shirt was open at the neck. His hair blew softly in the warm April breeze.
“What is it, Lily?” Alexandra nudged her arm. “Do you recognize him?”
“I’m afraid so. It’s the duke.”
“I’m going to faint,” Alexandra said.
Lily steadied her cousin. Their secret would be safe with Daniel, she was sure, but she didn’t know how to tell Ally without divulging her affair. “He probably doesn’t see us. Come on, let’s just move over here, towards the rocks, until he goes away.”
Daniel rode closer, guiding his horse around the piles of clothing. He looked out into the pool. Ally was turned away, but his eyes met Lily’s. She gave him a quick nervous grin. His head rolled back in gales of laughter as he turned his horse around and rode away. When she could no longer see him in the distance, she poked Ally. “You can turn around now. He’s gone.”
“He saw us,” Alexandra said. “I heard him laughing.”
“He couldn’t have known who we were. Our backs were turned. There’s no need to worry.”
“He may have recognized you, Lily. I saw you dancing with him last night.”
Lily’s skin heated, though not from the steaming bath. “While he was dancing with me, he wasn’t looking at my back. How would he recognize me?”
Rose and Sophie returned as Lily and Ally stepped out of the water.
“It was the duke!” Sophie said.
“Yes, we know,” Lily said. “I’m sure he didn’t know who we were.”
“He’s so handsome,” Ally gushed.
Lily looked away. “Of course, he’s attractive, but you know his reputation.”
“I think I could overlook a reputation to dance with such a delectable man,” Alexandra said dreamily. “How was he?”
Lily jumped backward. “What do you mean by that?”
“As a dancer, of course, you ninny. What did you think I meant?”
Lily’s heart hammered against her chest. “He…he’s marvelous on his feet. Better than Thomas even.”