by Meara Platt
Lily marched past him and threw it open, her pert chin raised in indignation. “Ewan, go back to your sweetheart. And don’t you dare spy on me through the window again!”
No one could out-stubborn a Scot. “Pruitt, talk sense into the girl.” Turning back to Lily, he felt his frustration mounting and knew he was about to make a Scottish ass out of himself. Why did he care that Lily wasn’t at the party? Why did he care that she was jealous of Callie? Unnecessarily so. He felt his gut churning. “I’ll stand outside your door and wait for you.”
“Make yourself comfortable. You’ll have a long wait.”
“Make no mistake, ye’re coming to that party with me, lass. Ye canno’ hide behind yerrr baboons and yerrr books.” He winced at his rolling r’s and thickening brogue, a sign of his mounting frustration. “If you’re not out here in five minutes, I’ll haul ye over my shoulder and carry you there myself!”
Complete ass of himself.
Instead of fury, he saw genuine confusion in Lily’s eyes. “Why?”
A simple question. One of the many he’d been asking himself. Why the party? Why the kiss? Why did he need Lily? He needed her desperately. He hated needing anyone. “No one makes up my mind for me. Not my grandfather. Not Callie. Not you. If I’ve a mind to marry a bluestocking Sassenach, then that’s what I’ll do.” He walked out, slamming the door behind him.
He was a complete and utter baboon’s ass.
CHAPTER 14
LILY STOOD GAPING at the front door for a long moment before finally turning to her butler. “Pruitt, what did he mean by that?”
“I’m not sure, Miss Lily. I think he just proposed to you.”
She shook her head and laughed. “No. No... that’s not... oh, crumpets. Do you really think so? He can’t have meant it. He’s going to marry Caledonia MacCorkindale. She called him darling.”
“But he kissed you.”
She winced. “You saw that? Never mind. Don’t answer. Truly, Pruitt. What do you think? Should I go?”
“Do you love him?”
She winced again. “Isn’t it painfully obvious?”
“Yes, Miss Lily. It is.”
“What would you do if you were in my shoes?”
“It isn’t for me to say, but I’ve never known a Farthingale to back down from a challenge.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Pruitt. You’ve been immensely helpful.”
It didn’t take Lily very long to slip out of her day gown and into the ivory silk with pale blue sash already set out on her bed. Ashton would simply have to wait another day for his lemur papers. She’d finish the report in the morning and somehow slip it to him tomorrow afternoon, no one the wiser.
To her surprise, Ewan was still standing by the front steps. She hadn’t really expected him to be there. He gazed at her with a surprised but satisfied smile that reached into his dark eyes. “Lass, you look beautiful.”
Prettier than Caledonia MacCorkindale? In truth, she wasn’t the most worrisome challenge. The Duke of Lotheil was the man to fear. He wanted an English wife of noble blood for Ewan. Lily hadn’t a drop of blue blood in her. No, the only things blue were her eyes. The men in her family were tradesmen. Successful ones, but still commoners. Plain red blood. “Ewan—” She didn’t know what to ask. She sensed that he didn’t know what he wanted. He’d tell her once he worked it out.
He straightened to his full height, looking ruggedly handsome and dangerous while standing under the moon’s glow. He reached out to take her hand. “Let’s go to a party, lass.”
He escorted her to Eloise’s familiar residence and led her inside, but he paused beside the music room. “Lily, will you allow me to introduce you to Evangeline? Properly this time. I know it’s asking much of you. I’ll understand if you prefer to avoid her.”
“I know how important this family reconciliation is to you and Meggie.” She nibbled her lip, giving his request serious consideration. “If it will help Evangeline and Desmond overcome their fear of you, accept you not only as one of the family but as their friend... of course, I’ll do it.”
“Thank you, lass.” Ewan’s tension noticeably eased. “There they are, standing beside your uncle George. Ah, his son is talking to Meggie. The lad seems to be around her quite a bit these days.”
Lily nodded. “You needn’t worry about him. He has a good heart.”
“He had better,” Ewan grumbled.
Lily couldn’t help but grin. “You men are the oddest creatures.”
Ewan arched an eyebrow. “Why do I think you’re about to compare us to your swamp baboons?”
“Perhaps because you’re acting just like them. They’re quite territorial and protective of their females. Male baboons bare their teeth to show their aggression. If that doesn’t deter a young male upstart, the dominant baboon will go after him, threatening to tear him to pieces with his sharp teeth if the upstart doesn’t back away. Just as William is now backing away from Meggie. Oh, and he’s looking straight at you. In fear.” She turned to stare at Ewan. “What did you just do?”
“Nothing,” he replied, but his expression revealed he was anything but innocent. Perhaps it was that Scottish mix of arrogance, pride, and stubborn sense of honor that made him seem so appealingly dangerous.
She shook her head and sighed. “Yes, you did. William is shaking in his boots.”
“Perhaps. Come on, they’ve all seen us now.”
Evangeline turned ashen as she approached. If Lily felt any trepidation, Evangeline obviously felt it tenfold. She saw that Evangeline’s eyes were now glistening. Were those unshed tears? Ewan had warned her of his cousin’s sensitive nature.
Lily sighed. She wanted to despise Ewan’s cousin but simply couldn’t. She’d seen that same look of fright and loneliness in her little cousin Harry’s eyes when Harry’s beloved father had died. “I’m delighted to meet you, Miss Cameron.”
Evangeline responded by launching into a sincere and humble apology, obviously so remorseful that Lily found herself feeling desperately sorry for the girl. Lily had to remind herself that she, and not Evangeline, had been the one struck by Desmond’s cane. However, as Evangeline poured out her regrets, Lily saw the extent of the damage caused by her grandfather. He hadn’t taken a cane to the girl, but he might as well have, for he’d surely struck wounding blows to her confidence with his sly and manipulative words.
“Apology accepted,” Lily said, managing a word in edgewise. The girl seemed truly distressed, and Lily never could stand to see anyone suffering. “Shall we make our way to the dining room? Lady Dayne’s parties are known for their excellent food. I don’t know about you, but I’m famished.”
Evangeline’s eyes rounded in obvious surprise. “You’re asking me to join you?”
Lily nodded. “I hope you will.”
George held out his arm to Meggie and Evangeline. “I’ll escort you ladies, if you don’t mind having this old man around.” It was true that her uncle was a little over forty years old, but he’d retained his youthful good looks, and there was no denying that he was a very handsome man. Evangeline appeared delighted, relieved, and ready to cling to his arm the entire evening if he’d let her. Since George had a soft spot in his heart for the downtrodden, Lily knew he wouldn’t mind at all. In any event, Evangeline was a beautiful young woman. Truly, he wouldn’t mind at all.
Meggie also seemed to be fond of Farthingale men. George’s son, William, in particular. At the moment, William was keeping a safe distance, as any young, upstart baboon would when faced with hostility from the older, dominant male. Ewan being the dominant male. Though only a few years older, Ewan was far stronger... tall, broad—chested, muscled thighs... muscled everywhere.
Lily watched in fascination as William circled around them, waiting for Ewan to leave before daring to approach Meggie again. She cast her poor cousin a hopeful smile, knowing he was miserable and pining for Meggie. He could not happily pass the evening until she and Ewan walked away. Well, she needed to retrieve he
r spectacles from Dillie. That was as good an excuse as any to draw Ewan away.
She made quick apologies and hurried off to find her twin. Reclaiming her spectacles was not the only reason to seek out Dillie. She wanted to confide all that had happened, especially Ewan’s kiss and what he’d said in front of Pruitt, but that would have to wait until she’d lost Ewan in the crowd.
Ewan clamped a hand on her elbow. “Lily, slow down.”
She gazed at him, uncertain what he intended, for he now had a worried look in his eyes. His grandfather was in attendance. So were the MacCorkindales.
“Lass,” he said in a husky voice, suddenly casting her a hot, tender smile that melted her heart. “You were brilliant in there.” He paused a moment, as though struggling to find the right words. “You went beyond merely accepting Evie’s apology. You forgave her, offered her your friendship, and made her feel valued.”
She’d been referred to as brilliant before, but usually with disdain. Women weren’t supposed to be brilliant. They were supposed to smile and simper, and look as though they needed help to manage the easiest chores. But Ewan wasn’t like others. He admired her for who she was, a bluestocking who frightened away most men and understood very little about social etiquette, but did understand the importance of love and family.
She returned his smile with a warm one of her own. “Will you help me find Dillie?”
He laughed. “Ah, the spectacles switch.” He craned his neck and scanned the room, his height a decided advantage. “There she is, in the corner speaking to the Duke of Edgeware.”
Him again?
“Him again,” Ewan said, frowning as he echoed her thought. “I wonder if he thinks he’s speaking to you? I noticed him seated beside you at the Simmingtons’ musicale.”
Holy crumpets! Was he jealous? He couldn’t be. But a subtle change had come over him, a slight tension in his stance, and he’d puffed out his chest as a baboon would have done when preparing to challenge an interloper.
Fascinating!
He still held her possessively by the elbow, a sure sign he was marking his territory. “I’ll walk you over there.”
Dominant males within the animal kingdom would establish the boundaries of their territory by lifting their leg and emitting a spray at each corner. It not only warned away interlopers but also attracted females willing to mate.
No wonder she found him so appealing. He had all the characteristics of the dominant male. Good looks, arrogance, and a fiercely protective nature. He was a rugged Highlander who refused to be civilized, who looked dangerous even when wearing fashionable clothes, and who refused to bend to his grandfather’s wishes.
His gaze shot to hers as they made their way through the elegant crowd. “Lily, why are you looking at me that way?”
She blushed. “No reason.”
“I’m not one of your male baboons.” He arched an eyebrow, as though waiting for her to agree, and then chuckled when she didn’t. “Come on, let’s get you to your sister.”
Lily approached her twin carefully, even though she sensed that Edgeware had not been fooled by the spectacles. Not wishing to give away their ruse, she decided to take her cues from Dillie on the chance that she had guessed wrong.
“We’re safe. He knows and won’t tell,” Dillie said, making quick introductions. She took off the spectacles and handed them to Lily. “Thank goodness, I can see again. Do I look cross-eyed?”
“No, you look perfect,” she and Edgeware answered at the same moment.
Lily stared at him. Edgeware stared at Ewan. Ewan once again arched an eyebrow as he stared back. In the animal kingdom, two males staring each other down was extremely aggressive behavior. Would they spray their territories next? Apparently, it was not necessary. Edgeware realized that Ewan had no amorous intentions toward Dillie. At the same time, Ewan was satisfied that Edgeware had no such intentions toward her.
Crumpets! This was most interesting.
Edgeware and Dillie? Though not nearly old enough to be considered a confirmed bachelor, the duke had made no secret of his intention never to marry.
And what of Ewan? Despite Pruitt’s assessment, Lily doubted that Ewan had marriage in mind. He had to settle his family matters before considering a bride. Hopefully, he’d dismiss Callie as a prospect. She knew he would if his head were clear, but at the moment it was crammed with deathbed promises and a general dislike for all things English. He was proud and stubborn and on terrible terms with his grandfather, and his grandfather was just as proud and stubborn. She hoped he would not goad Ewan into making a stupid decision, but she knew the old duke was just the sort to goad and poke at festering family wounds.
How would Ewan respond? By poking back at his grandfather and marrying Callie MacCorkindale to spite him?
Ewan tipped a finger under her chin and forced her gaze to his. “Lass, I’m not one of your baboons.”
“What?”
“Your head’s in the clouds again. Have you heard a word we’ve said?”
“Sorry. I didn’t.”
He grinned. “I have a few matters that require my attention. I’ll escort you to your uncle. He’s still entertaining Meggie and Evangeline.”
“I think I can keep my head out of the clouds long enough to make my own way into the dining room.” She turned to the crush of guests merrily chatting in the overheated room. “I know a shortcut across the terrace. I’ll avoid the crowd entirely.”
***
Ewan was about to insist on accompanying Lily, but his grandfather was making his way toward him with a scowl as dark as thunderclouds. Callie, also scowling and with claws bared, was approaching from the other direction. “Go straight to your uncle. Promise me, Lily.”
She eyed him curiously. “I will. Are you always this demanding?”
“No. Sorry, lass.” He didn’t know why he had such a bad feeling about letting her out of his sight. The little hairs at the nape of his neck were on end and stiff as iron spikes. No doubt because he was about to face his grandfather—who would be furious that he’d brought Evangeline to the party, and furious that she was having a nice time with the Farthingales. No doubt because he was also about to tell Callie to find someone else to marry (and make miserable)—and she’d be furious and ready to lash out at anyone who got in her way. Couldn’t have Lily standing beside him when that happened. “I’ll meet you in the dining room. I won’t be long.”
He was about to ask Dillie and Edgeware to accompany her, but the pair were now distracted by Rupert Farthingale, one of the many Farthingale uncles, who was decidedly in his cups and mistaking Dillie for her twin, although Dillie had already handed off the spectacles. Edgeware was helping to steady the man, who seemed about to tip over.
Ewan stepped away, knowing Edgeware and Dillie had the matter well in hand. He started toward the terrace, then stopped himself. He was being overly protective. And hadn’t Homer Barrow, the Bow Street runner he’d retained, put a man on to watch Lily?
So why were those little hairs still on end?
Callie reached him first, the old duke having been delayed by Eloise, who’d called him over for more questions about his birthday party. He’d have to thank her afterward, for Eloise had surely done it on purpose, drummed up some excuse to divert the old bastard from spewing his venom at Ewan during her party. Ewan knew him better than that. The appearance of civility and proper English manners was too important to his grandfather. Likely all he would have done this evening was quietly threaten Ewan. He’d proceed to the task of destroying him, Meggie, and Evangeline once the party was over. Lovable old fellow.
Callie clamped a cold, bony hand on his forearm to gain his attention. “Who do you think you are? You can’t make a fool of me. We had an understanding.”
“We’ve been friends a long time, Callie. But you and I know we never had any such arrangement. If there had been one, I would have honored it.” He doubted she would have, though. When looking back, Callie had never been a sappy, moon-eyed gir
l. She used people, treating most as though they were some small, inconsequential trinket such as a comb or hair ribbon to be used until something newer and shinier came along. Then the old trinket would be tossed into the dustbin and forgotten. She was that way with men as well, tossing over one suitor when bored for the next who happened to catch her fancy.
“We’re alike, Ewan. We suit each other.”
He hoped not. “I’m not that same man I was a year ago. However, I value our friendship and am sorry if I ever gave you hope it might turn into something more.” He met her gaze, looking for a spark of anything other than the anger that now marred her beautiful face. Nothing. No pain of lost love, no gleam of hopefulness, no trace of affection. Had she ever cared for anyone other than herself?
Lily was so different, a delightful mix of logic and warmth. She genuinely cared for others. He’d seen the pain, the ache of love in her eyes, and cursed himself a fool for failing to appreciate how important she’d become to him. She could add meaning and wonder to his life. So why was he desperate to keep her out of his heart? Instead of reciting reasons why he and Lily could never work, he should have been counting his blessings. To be sure, there were problems to overcome, but Lily was worth the effort.
“I know what’s troubling you.” Callie’s voice was now a kittenish purr that he found surprisingly unappealing for its lack of sincerity. “You’re hurt that we never shared that bit of something more. I was willing. You were always such a prude about it, Ewan.”
“It was never my style to seduce virgins.”
“You worried needlessly. I was never the sweet, innocent sort. I can prove it to you now, if you’ll let me.”
He arched an eyebrow, not particularly eager to indulge in the sexual pleasures she was offering. “This isn’t the time or place to speak of such matters.”
“Join me in the garden and I’ll show you what you’ve been missing.” Her hand still felt like a clamp about his forearm, not soft or caressing as Lily’s had been. She leaned close and brushed her breasts against his tense body. Her nipples were hard, and her skin lightly pink with arousal. “I know how to please a man. I’m wet for you, Ewan. So hot and wet, aching to take you inside of me.” She gazed at his crotch as she ran her tongue slowly across her lips. “I’ll make you forget the Sassenach virgin. Wait a few minutes and then follow me into the garden. I’ll meet you beside the lilac trees.”