Lily and the Duke (3 page)

“No, you don’t understand,” Daniel said. “I want you to ask her to dance, and I’m going to cut in.”

“Why don’t you ask her yourself, then?”

“Because I have reason to believe she will decline my invitation. But if I cut in on you, she’ll have no choice but to dance with me.”

“Why would she turn you down? You’re a duke.”

“Let’s just say she might and leave it at that.”

“What the devil did you do to her?” Polk’s ears reddened a bit.

Damn, did his friend carry a torch for this woman?

“Nothing, nothing. Just do as I ask. Or do I have to bring up that old debt about saving your life back at Weston?”

“When in hell will that damned debt be repaid? You’ve been holding it over my head for fifteen years. It was just a silly fistfight.”

“With three ham-fisted oarsmen, Polk. They would have bloody killed you. You never have learned how to keep your big mouth shut.”

“Fine, fine, I’ll ask her, and you can cut in.” Polk relented. “But I’m warning you, if she prefers me over you, I’ll fight you for her. This one is worth it.”

I don’t doubt it.

Polk walked toward Lily’s table, sat down for a moment, and then took her hand when the next waltz started. Daniel adjusted his gloves and began to walk toward them. Polk was holding her a little too closely. A stab of jealousy erupted like a knife in Daniel’s gut. It was a new emotion. He had never felt it before. If one woman left him, ten others were willing to take her place. He didn’t like the feeling, and he liked even less the smile that Lily was bestowing upon his friend.

He took a deep breath and tapped Polk on the shoulder. “May I?”

“Of course, Your Grace.” Polk bowed politely, playing his part well.

Daniel’s stomach darted as he led Lily’s left hand to his shoulder and took her in his arms. Why was he nervous around a woman?

“My lady, I wish to apologize for my abominable behavior earlier.”

“You simply mistook me for someone else,” Lily said. “It happens.”

“Why would you think that, my lady?”

“I just assumed so. Since we haven’t been formally introduced, you couldn’t have meant to…”

“Perhaps I did.” Daniel summoned his best rakish grin. “Perhaps I saw you and wanted you.”

“I suppose that is possible, knowing your reputation.”

He winced. “I deserved that one. The fact is, I
was
waiting for someone else. But I can’t say I’m sorry it turned out to be you.”

He twirled Lily into an ornate step and was impressed when she followed fluidly. She felt perfect in his arms, as though they were one body moving to the elegant music.

When the waltz ended, Daniel didn’t let go of her, couldn’t force his gaze away from her cognac eyes. “My lady,” he said softly, “If there’s anything I can do for you…anything at all…to make up for my disgraceful behavior, please—”

“Might I have the pleasure of the next dance?” Polk interrupted.

“Yes, of course.” Daniel let go of her reluctantly, scowling at his friend.

As Polk waltzed away with Lily in his arms, Daniel clenched his fists. She was smiling at him, damn her.

To cut in on them again would be bad form. But he couldn’t help himself, he was going to do it. As he began walking, someone grabbed his hand. He turned to look into the flushed face of Amelia Gregory.

“Darling,” she whispered wickedly, “I’m so sorry I didn’t meet you earlier. I was unavoidably detained. Perhaps we could enjoy our little reunion now?”

“I don’t think so, my lady,” Daniel said. “I must stay at the ball. I am the host.”

“You weren’t worried about your hosting duties earlier.”

“I am now.” He shook his arm loose from her grasp.

“What has gotten into you, Daniel? An hour ago you couldn’t wait to debauch me on the side of the manor.”

“Lower your voice,” he commanded. “And stop using my Christian name.”

“You never mind me using it in the bedchamber.” She slid her hand inside his jacket and caressed his chest.

“For God’s sake, stop that!”

Amelia removed her hand abruptly, her face tense, but then she eased her lips into a smile. “Your Grace, I feel a bit of a headache coming on. I shall have to retire. And you know, my chamber has been so dusty. I could hardly breathe in there this afternoon. I’m afraid I just can’t abide the thought of sleeping there.”

“I’m sorry it doesn’t suit you. I’ll send a maid to give it an extra cleaning on the morrow.”

“But what shall I do tonight?” she asked with mock innocence. “I fear I shall have to find an alternative place to sleep. But don’t you worry a smidgeon about me. I’ll find a bed. Somewhere.” She winked and then slowly turned and walked toward the door of the ballroom.

Christ. Now he would have to find somewhere else to sleep. He turned his attention back to Polk and Lily. They left the dance floor and sat down at the table with Lord Jameson and the blond girl. Lily was laughing gaily, talking with her hands again. As she smiled up into Polk’s admiring gaze, another twinge of jealousy speared Daniel. Damn it.

Polk rose, walked to the refreshment table, and brought back two glasses of champagne for himself and Lily. They sat, talking, while Jameson and the blonde got up to dance. Daniel thought of joining them, but what would he say to her?

Polk was his oldest and closest friend, yet at the moment Daniel wanted to jam his aristocratic nose into the nearest wall and then carry Lily off like a pirate’s prize.

God, he wanted to kiss her again. Just thinking about it aroused him. He grew stiff, but the release he craved…

Amelia. No doubt she was naked, lying in his bed. Bloody hell, a bird in the hand and all. He turned and walked swiftly out of the ballroom.

He entered his bedchamber stealthily, removed his clothes, and slipped under the cool sheets where Amelia lay.

“What took you so long, darling?”

He didn’t answer. He wasn’t interested in the niceties this evening. Quickly he moved on top of her.

“Easy, lover. I can see you’re impatient. It has been a long time, after all. But I want to please you. Have you forgotten how good I am at the preliminaries?”

“Don’t talk.” He reached between her legs, parted her intimate folds, and plunged his fingers into her depths.

Amelia gasped. “I’m not quite ready for you, Daniel. Give me some time, and it will be better for both of us.”

“I said don’t talk.” The sound of her voice bothered him.

He removed his hand from between her legs and rolled away from her. It was Lily’s voice he wanted to hear. Lily’s body he wanted to feel under his. Never before had he thought of one woman while he was with another.

He breathed heavily, the ache between his legs pulsating in a blind heat. He was barely aware of Amelia moving on top of him. She wet her fingers with her tongue and slid them back and forth across her pussy, moistening herself to receive him. She grasped his cock with one hand and rubbed the tip back and forth against her opening, sighing softly. Slowly she began to ease herself onto him.

“No, Amelia.” He grabbed her around the waist and easily lifted her off. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to do this.”

“What is the matter, darling? Aren’t you feeling well?”

“It’s not that. It’s just…”

“Of course, whatever you like, my love,” she said. “Just hold me for a while.” She snuggled against his chest and laid her head in the crook of his arm.

He stiffened. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I…this is hard for me to say.”

“Go on, dearest. We have the whole night ahead of us.”

“Amelia, I did ask you to meet me outside. I take full responsibility for that.”

“I’m so sorry that I was detained. Did it anger you?”

“No, of course not. I’m sure you had a good reason for…that is…”

“Daniel, do get on with it,” she barked. Then, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. It’s just that I’ve missed you so much.”

Though they had shared intimacies of the body, no real feeling had ever existed between them. Still, Daniel had no wish to hurt her. He could let her stay. He could sleep with her, but he lacked the desire to do so. It was a new feeling, something he had never imagined. He almost felt he was being unfaithful. But why? He had shared a few passionate kisses and one dance with a beautiful young woman. That was all.

“Amelia. I’m sorry to tell you this, but I wish to end our liaison.”

“What?” She jerked away from him.

“You heard me. I wish for you to leave my bedchamber. I don’t anticipate requiring your company in the future.”

“Daniel, if it’s something I’ve done…”

”No, no. It’s nothing you’ve done. It’s my fault. I’m the one who has changed. I no longer wish to have you in my bed.”

“After all we’ve shared, you would simply cast me aside?”

“You know we were never faithful to each other. Why are you reacting this way?”

“Perhaps I
have
been faithful to you. Have you considered that possibility?”

“Really, Amelia. I was gone for a year. I know your appetites.”

“Of all the… How can you insult me that way?”

Daniel began to lose patience. “Insult you? For God’s sake, this is probably the most we’ve spoken to each other since we met. We never had any relationship other than in bed, and it is not my wish for that relationship to continue.”

Amelia got out of bed, strode slowly across the chamber to the leather armchair where her garments lay, and began to dress. “You know, tomorrow night when you’re lonely, don’t bother coming to me. I will likely find a gentleman who appreciates what I have to offer. I already have my eye on someone. Perhaps you know him. Lord Jameson? He is quite devastatingly handsome, and I do believe he will be receptive.”

Lily’s brother. Lily’s brother who was obviously taken with the blond woman who had monopolized him all evening. Clearly Amelia was bluffing, trying to hurt him. Daniel didn’t blame her for the attempt.

“By all means. I hope you do find someone. I wish you nothing but happiness, Amelia. However, I think it might be best if you left Laurel Ridge on the morrow.”

“You can’t be serious! You invited me here, Daniel!”

She was right of course. He had invited her, and she had done nothing to merit being sent away. “I spoke in haste. Of course you don’t have to leave. Please make yourself welcome, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay.”

“Fine.” She walked to the door, her dress unbuttoned in the back.

“Wait, I’ll fasten you,” Daniel said.

“Please, don’t bother. I’ll go straight to my chamber.” She slammed the door.

Daniel turned over, burying his face into his pillow, clenching his hands into fists. His unsated erection throbbed. He imagined a pair of soft white hands caressing it, ruby lips enfolding it.

“Lily,” he groaned aloud. “Lily.”

L
ily woke early
the next morning. She smiled to herself, remembering the ball. She had enjoyed it, to her surprise. Lord Victor had been charming company, although she didn’t wish to encourage him. Somehow, she had to get him interested in Alexandra.

And the duke. His kiss and his dance edged their way into Lily’s mind more often than she desired. Consciously, she banished them.

Lily brushed out her hair and plaited it, letting the long braid hang down her back. She dressed in a morning gown of pale orange and put on her ankle boots. The men would no doubt be meeting to begin their hunt. She decided to give them a few more moments before descending. Most of the women would still be abed due to the late hour of the ball last evening. Lily intended to take her art supplies and do some painting. She gathered her leather case that held her watercolors and paper. She took out a pint-sized jar, filled it with water from the basin, and capped it and put it in her case. She dropped her writing journal into the case as well. Then she left the room quietly. Rose was still breathing steadily in slumber.

She enlisted a young servant to carry her supplies and walked toward the alcove. Servants were hurrying about on the front lawn, setting up tables and chairs for the ladies’ lawn party that afternoon. In about ten minutes, she found the rocky path she had walked across eight years ago, and in the distance the stony alcove beckoned. The bench was still there, although foliage had grown over parts of it.

Lily dismissed the servant and hummed softly to herself as she set up her easel, placed a watercolor board upon it, and tied an apron around her waist. She opened her jar of water and saturated the paper. Delving in to the case again for her colors, she spied the painting she had brought from home. She looked beyond at the landscape she had painted. Remarkably, it hadn’t changed much in eight years, except no color bloomed now. It had been early autumn during her last visit. She put the painting back in her case and decided to start fresh. She continued humming as she mixed color for the sky, which was scattered with wispy white clouds. A bird twittered in the distance, and Lily stopped in mid stroke. She jotted a few sentences in her journal describing the sounds in the alcove and then went back to her painting.

D
aniel stood several yards back
. He smiled as he watched Lily paint, write, paint, and write. He’d first seen her years ago, in this very spot. She had been lovely, her dark hair and eyes promising true beauty as she matured. She had not disappointed. She dipped her head a bit as she mixed more color, and then she added some lush green to the light blue of her painting. Her strokes were deliberate, leaving the color in silky caresses on the paper. She turned again to her journal and wrote for a few moments, and then went back to painting. She changed to a thin brush and drew some delicate brown lines on her board.

Daniel stole forward. “My lady.”

She turned, startled. He recalled with a smile how she had stood up eight years ago, spilling her tin of water. She remained seated this time.

“Good morning, Your Grace. What are you doing here?”

She sounded remarkably calm at his presence. For some reason, this bothered Daniel.

“It
is
my estate,” he said.

“Why aren’t you on the hunt with the others?”

“I have some business to attend to this afternoon, so I decided to skip the hunt.”

“What on earth are you skulking about for then? I didn’t think men of your station were inclined to rise before noon.”

Daniel chuckled softly. “It seems you have some rather interesting ideas regarding men of my station.”

“You haven’t done anything to make me cast my notions to the wind.” Lily reached for her journal.

“Perhaps I can change your mind about some of your generalizations,” he said. “What are you writing?”

“Nothing much. Just descriptions really. I find that my painting and my writing often go hand in hand.”

“Really? Which do you prefer? Painting or writing?”

Lily turned her gaze to the horizon. “I’m not sure I could say. I suppose I can never decide, which is why I do both at the same time.”

Daniel regarded her with amusement. “I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone like you.”

The porcelain skin on her neck pinked. “You don’t really know me.”

Good Lord, she’s beautiful
. “I’d like to.”

The pink on her nape turned to crimson. “You would, would you? I suppose I should be flattered. However, I’m disinclined to associate myself with a gentleman—and I use the term loosely—of your reputation.”

An insult. Not many ladies would dare. She was a delight! Daniel reached to touch her. Her physical charms were overwhelming to any man, but what enticed him most was her loose-tongued sharpness. Clearly she cared little for propriety. He dropped his arm back to his side and ignored her comment.

“My lady, please, I must ask you again for your forgiveness for my behavior last evening.”

“Don’t give it a thought, Your Grace. I’m sure I’m not the first innocent maiden who found herself entrapped in your snare.”

“I wish you would stop joking.”

“I’m not joking.”

“Oh.” Daniel stepped backward. Oh, she was audacious, this one. And so beautiful and intriguing. “Then if you would allow me to make it up to you in some way…”

Lily put down her journal and stood, turning to face him. She wiped her hands on the apron covering her skirt. Daniel’s skin heated as her cognac eyes pierced his. She opened her mouth, but no words emerged.

“Yes?” he urged.

She bit her lip. “Your Grace, there is something that you could do for me.”

“Anything, my lady.”

“I would like to see your art collection.” She spoke quickly, her voice softening with each catch of her breath. “It’s rumored to be one of the finest in England, and my brother told me that it could only be viewed by private invitation. I have a passion for art, Your Grace, and Vermeer is one of my favorites. You do have a Vermeer, do you not?”

He grinned. “I do.”

“I know this must seem very forward, but I’ve been excited about this trip to Laurel Ridge for quite some time. To actually see a Vermeer! The thought of being close to something that he touched. I suppose this must sound crazy to you, but, well, to tell you the truth, I had planned to find it myself…”

“So you thought you’d do a little investigating, did you?” He smiled, enjoying her nervousness.

“No, of course not.” She blushed. The rosiness crept down her neck to the swells of her plump bosom. “Well, yes, actually.”

“Is that by any chance what you were doing last night, when I…caught you?”

Lily looked to the ground. “Yes, I suppose it was. I stole onto the terrace and was planning to go around to the front entrance and sneak through the house until I found it. Everyone was at the ball, so I figured it was a perfect time to have a look.”

“You would have found some beautiful pieces, but I’m afraid the Vermeer would have eluded you.”

She looked up. “Why is that?”

“Because I keep it in a very special place. A place you wouldn’t have dared to look.”

“Where?”

“My bedchamber.” He couldn’t help himself. He gave her his best rakish grin.

“Oh.” Her dark eyes radiated disappointment. “I suppose I shall never see it then.”

“Nonsense. I would be happy to show it to you.”
Oh, I would indeed.

“I can’t possibly go to your bedchamber. It would be highly improper.” She bit her lip again.

That soft plump lower lip, so satiny against his own last night…
Damn
. His cock twitched. “My lady, you don’t strike me as a woman who would let convention keep you from something you want.”

“I don’t know why you feel it necessary to insult me, Your Grace.” Lily reddened again, but she spoke with eloquence. “After all, you are the one who has behaved abominably.”

“You are right, of course, and I meant no insult.” He touched her arm lightly and his cock jerked again. “But my lady, it’s just a painting, and it happens to hang in my bedchamber. If you would like to see it, I will show it to you. I did promise to do anything you wanted to make up for my unforgivable behavior last night.”

“Oh, I do so want to see it.”

“Would it help if I gave you my solemn promise to keep you at arm’s length the entire time we are there?”

“I’m not sure I would believe such a promise.”

“Just as well, since I’m not sure I can make it.” He winked at her.

Lily widened her beautiful eyes. “Goodness…”

“Come with me,” Daniel said. “I will escort you to the house, and it will be my pleasure to show you the Vermeer. It’s been a long time since a woman has wanted to come to my bedchamber for something other than—”

“Your Grace, please.”

She was absolutely lovely when she blushed. He waited a few seconds, hoping her passion for Vermeer would win over convention.

“All right, Your Grace.” She took his offered arm. “May I leave my art supplies out here?”

“I’ll have someone take care of it. They’ll be delivered to your chamber.”

“Actually, give me just a minute. I’ll get things in order. I don’t want to leave my journal sitting out here, and this painting isn’t finished yet, obviously. I would like to…but I can’t possibly finish it today, can I? By the time we get back, the light will have changed significantly. Damn.”

Daniel smiled at her curse. She didn’t seem to notice that she’d said it.

“I may as well put this all away now,” she continued. “I’ll have to come back out tomorrow at the same time.”

“If you would like to complete your work, we can see the Vermeer later.” Daniel ran his finger lightly over her forearm. God, he loved touching her. “I can think of nothing I would rather do, actually, than watch you paint.”

Lily whisked her arm away. “Surely you have better things to occupy your time, Your Grace.”

“Not really.” He leaned against the bench as she covered her watercolor palette.

“As much as I would like to finish, I really want to see the Vermeer. So I shall continue this on the morrow.” She hastily packed her supply case. As she bent to slide in the unfinished painting, the edge of another piece caught Daniel’s eye.

“What is that one?” he asked.

“Oh, this? I actually painted this same scene when I was last here. I brought it with me to see how the landscape had changed. However, it seems my perception is what has changed.”

“May I see it?”

“I suppose, if you want to. But my technique wasn’t really up to par then. It’s not very good.”

“Let me be the judge of that.” He regarded the painting. “My lady, this is truly lovely. I remember you painting it. Do recall our first meeting?”

Lily blushed again. “I believe so. I was just a child.”

“I remember thinking that you had a remarkable gift. I can see that I was correct.”

“Th-Thank you,” she stammered. “But I’m a much better painter now. That work is just, well, yes, it’s pretty, I agree, but—”

“Nonsense, it’s wonderful. May I?” He pulled out the unfinished watercolor and compared the two. “Yes, your technique has definitely improved, but this one shows your talent when it was raw and untamed. There’s an innocence to it, yet a wildness as well.”

“I’m…glad you appreciate it, Your Grace.”

“I do, my lady. Perhaps you should return to Laurel Ridge more frequently and paint the same scene. It would be incredibly interesting to see how your perception changes over time.”

“Certainly, I would…love to return sometime. I’m sure my family would appreciate another invitation.” She fidgeted. “May I have the painting? I’m almost finished putting everything in order. I cannot wait to see the Vermeer.” Lily put both paintings away.

“Please, allow me.” Daniel took her supply case but set it on the bench. He moistened his thumb in his mouth and rubbed it across Lily’s jawline. Her skin was warm and oh so soft.

“Your Grace?”

“You have the most adorable smudge of blue paint on your lovely face.”

There went the rosy flush again. “If it’s so adorable, why are you removing it?”

Daniel warmed and gave a half smile. “Are you flirting with me, my lady?”

“Your Grace, of course not.”

“Folly. I was hoping you were.” Daniel lifted her supply case and led her out of the alcove toward the main house. “You know, I don’t usually escort a lovely lady to my chamber during midmorning. What will the servants think?”

Lily cleared her throat. “I would appreciate discretion, Your Grace.”

“Of course, I was only teasing. No one will know that you’ve been to my chamber. I promise you.”

W
hen they reached the house
, Daniel handed Lily’s supplies to a servant with orders to deliver them to her chamber and then led her through the dining hall and kitchen where cooks were busy preparing the luncheon. She felt extremely conspicuous, but no one seemed to notice them. He led her up a back stairway to his suite on the third floor.

They entered a large sitting room decorated in an eastern style. A large sofa covered in a fiery red brocade graced one wall. An intricate Oriental rug covered the floor and was so plush that Lily’s shoes sank down at least an inch as she stood on it. Two leather armchairs surrounded a mahogany reading table, and two tall elegant barristers’ bookcases lined one wall, housing gilt edged leather bound volumes. Oriental prints adorned the walls, framed beautifully in black lacquered wood. Lily stopped, her feet sinking into the soft fibers beneath her, and looked around the room, taking it all in. Daniel nudged her forward to a door on the far wall, and she entered his bedchamber.

His four poster bed was solid cherry draped in burgundy silk. An elegant sitting window housed a chaise longue and settee, both covered in a burgundy brocade. A small table sat between the two seats. On it were several crystal bottles filled with a dark liquid. Probably brandy, Lily thought. A lush leather armchair sat opposite the bed, next to a door that undoubtedly led to a lavatory with modern plumbing. For some strange reason, Lily was curious to see the duke’s bath chamber. She must have been staring, for he came up behind her, lightly touched his hands to her waist, and slowly turned her to the left.