Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1) - Helen Hardt Page 0,2
Taken in by a pretty face and a pair of big… I suppose I expected more of you, Thomas. I’ve idolized you since I was a babe. How you can stand that phony is beyond me. If you’re so taken with her, why didn’t you offer for her last season?”
“I’m still young, Lily. No need to rush things.”
“You’re twenty-eight! I’m barely twenty-one, and Papa can’t wait to marry me off.”
“It’s just the way it is. Do yourself a favor and accept it.”
“Never! I want more than that, Thomas. I will not shackle myself to some peer and become his breeder.”
“I won’t let anyone make you his breeder. Papa and I will see that both you and Rose are treated kindly by any interested gentlemen.”
“But I don’t want to be courted. There are too many other things I want to do first.” She sighed. “I absolutely must see that Vermeer.”
“Sorry, Lily,” Thomas said. “The Lybrook collection can only be viewed by private invitation.”
“Perhaps the duke will invite me to see it. Surely he would appreciate my interest.”
“I’m sure he’ll appreciate many things about you,” her brother said, “the least of which is your commitment to the arts.”
Lily rolled her eyes at her brother and then closed them, remembering her previous visit to Laurel Ridge. When she had uncovered her painting, she had been surprised at how ghastly her technique had been a mere eight years earlier. But it had a cheerful innocence to it. She had never shown it to Lord Daniel, nor had she seen him again during her brief stay at the estate.
She would likely not see him this time either, as he would no doubt be busy with his many mistresses. Handsome Lord Daniel Farnsworth was now the Duke of Lybrook.
* * *
Daniel stepped out of his bath and into the towel held by his valet. He dried himself and held out his arms for the silk dressing gown. “Thank you, Putney,” he said, taking a seat in his leather armchair for a shave.
The valet soaked a towel in a basin of steaming water, wrung it out, and wrapped it around Daniel’s face. He tried to relax. He enjoyed a good shave, but right now all he could think about was the guests gathering below and how he had to begin his life as the Duke of Lybrook this evening.
Hosting a two week house party at what was now his estate was a daunting concept. Thank goodness for his mother and Aunt Lucy. They were renowned hostesses and would see that everything went according to plan.
He felt a smile coming, but kept it at bay so as not to disturb Putney’s shaving. Lady Amelia Gregory would be there. The attractive widow would no doubt be thrilled to warm his bed tonight. She could do marvelous things with her mouth. He stiffened.
Putney rubbed the last traces of shaving soap from Daniel’s face and went to the wardrobe to prepare his garments.
“I think you’ll find this acceptable.” Putney held out a suit jacket of dark burgundy velvet and black trousers.
Daniel dressed and poured himself a small snifter of brandy.
“Do you require anything else, Your Grace?”
“No, Putney. You may go.”
Putney bowed and left. Daniel drained the brandy in two gulps, left his chamber, and headed down the wide staircase to join the gentlemen who had congregated on the back terrace. Here goes nothing.
His father and brother had been good at this sort of small talk. Daniel had usually been debauching some willing widow or housemaid in a dark corner. His lips curved slightly upward at the thought. Those days were over, now that he was obliged to be the host of these blasted events. He pasted a smile on his face and joined the first group of gentlemen.
* * *
Fatigued from their journey, Lily and Rose fell into a slumber after a maid had shown them to their guest chamber. After what seemed like only seconds, Lily awoke to a knock on the chamber door. Quickly she flew off the bed, searching for her gown on the floor. “Who is it?”
“It’s us! Let us in!”
Lily ran to door and threw it open. “Ally, Sophie!” She grabbed her cousins in a hug.
“Lily, dear, you’re in your undergarments,” Sophie admonished.
“Rose and I were napping. We were tired and our bags hadn’t been brought up yet.”
“They’re right outside the door,” Alexandra said. “Sophie and I can get them for you.”