Daniel and Lily dressed slowly, the tense air between them gradually returning to normal. They crept stealthily down to the second floor to Lily’s chamber. The hallway appeared deserted, and Daniel pulled Lily to him and kissed her.

Lily returned the kiss and moaned softly. Daniel was enigma to her. She had found a chink in his armor this morning, and she wasn’t sure what to make of it. She broke away. “I do need to go to my chamber.”

“I know.” He led her to her door. “I’ll see you this afternoon.” He kissed her temple.

Suddenly the door to her chamber swung open, and Rose stood before them in her nightgown, her blond hair in a tumbling mass around her shoulders. “Lily, where in the devil have you—” Her gaze moved to Daniel standing behind Lily. “Your Grace, what in the world? Get out of here before someone sees you!” She grabbed Lily’s arm and yanked her into the chamber, shutting the door quickly and quietly. “You have some explaining to do.”

“I guess I do.” Lily sat down on her bed. “I’m sorry if I worried you.”

“You did. When you didn’t come back to the terrace last night, I had to make excuses to Mummy and Papa.”

“What did you tell them?”

“I told them you went to bed because you were feeling poorly, due to your…monthlies.”

Lily giggled. “That was smart.”

“Yes, I thought so. Neither Papa nor Thomas mentioned you again all evening. I kept Mummy at bay by pretending to check on you from time to time.”

“Thank you, Rose. I’m sorry I put you in that position.”

“Yes, you owe me. And I’ll start collecting right now. What the hell have you been doing?”

Rose’s curse shocked Lily. Her sister never spoke like that.

“And I want the whole sordid truth.”

“I’m not sure where to start.”

“At the beginning.” Rose sat down beside Lily. “If you expect my cooperation for the remainder of this house party, you owe me that much.”

“Yes, you’re absolutely right.” Lily told her sister everything, happy to finally confide in someone. She began with the kiss on the side of the mansion and ended with her return to the chamber a few moments earlier, although she left out the details of their lovemaking. That was between Daniel and her, and she didn’t want to share it.

“Oh, Lily, I admit that it sounds absolutely enchanting,” Rose breathed, closing her eyes, but then she opened them quickly. “But you’ve been compromised. You’re ruined. What are you going to do?”

“We’ve been discreet, Rose. No one will know. And you know that I don’t give two figs about finding a husband anyway.”

“I’m not sure you’ve been all that discreet,” Rose said. “The duke’s attention to you at dinner last evening was apparent to everyone, I’m afraid. And this morning, what was he thinking? He brought you back here in broad daylight.” Rose paused, her brow furrowed. “It’s almost as though he wanted to get caught.”

“That’s ridiculous, Rose. He wants discretion as much as I do. If we were caught, Papa might force him to marry me, and believe me, that is the farthest thing from Dan…er, the duke’s mind.”

“Are you certain about that?”

“Yes, of course. I’m not such a complete ninny that I’ve forgotten what kind of a man he is.”

“What about you? Do you having feelings for him?”

Heat rose to Lily’s cheeks. “I…I believe I care for him.” Her voice cracked, and she steadied it. “I can’t help it. But that doesn’t change who he is. I know he’s been an utter scoundrel. But I enjoy his company, and he seems to enjoy mine. We have some common interests. I’m having fun, that’s all.”

Rose’s gaze turned sorrowful. “Lily, I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I won’t. Believe me, I know what I’m doing. I have no intention of marrying any time soon.” Lily stood and turned. “Unfasten me, will you? I want to put on a morning dress and continue with my painting from yesterday. What are you going to do this morning?”

“I’m going to work on my Beethoven for a bit, I think. Are you going to be able to come along with Lord Evan and me on our ride this afternoon?” Rose finished unbuttoning Lily’s gown and untied her corset strings.

“Yes, absolutely. In fact, Daniel asked me to go riding, and he suggested we all go together. Isn’t that a perfect solution? We’ll have built in chaperones.”

“Daniel? And I suppose he’s using your Christian name as well?”

“Yes, he asked me to, and I saw no reason not to allow it.”

“And he’s taking you riding.”

“Yes, of course. He asked me yesterday.”

“Dear Lord,” Rose said. “I’m afraid he may be more serious about you than you think.”

“Don’t be silly,” Lily said. “You and I both know his reputation.”

“We shall see what we shall see.” Rose left it at that.

---

Lily finished her painting, pleased with the results. She headed back to the main house to return her art supplies to her chamber, after which she planned to browse in the library and choose a book to relax with for the rest of the morning. As she entered, a large brown crate and several white canvases sitting at the foot of her bed drew her focus. Her name was written in elegant script on a sheet of parchment sealed with the Lybrook crest. Her hands shaking, she opened the note and read it, admiring the masculine scrawl.

Lily,

I can’t wait to see what you create with these. Make Vermeer proud.

Yours,

D.

She knelt beside the crate. The nails had been loosened so she could remove the top easily. She gasped. The box was filled with tubes of oil paints, brushes and other tools, a color mixing palette, and several jars of various spirits. At the bottom was a book about oil painting. She grabbed it and opened it. No need to visit the library now. This would be her reading material for the rest of the morning.

“Oh, Daniel,” she whispered. “You’re so completely wonderful.”

She closed her eyes and sighed. How could she show him her appreciation for this most thoughtful of gifts? She took the watercolor she had just finished out of her leather case. It had turned out beautifully. She had signed it with a simple “L” in script, and then the date, the way she signed all of her paintings. She removed the painting she had completed eight years prior. The “L” had a girlish curl to it, and the technique was “raw and untamed,” as Daniel had put it. Still, he had seemed charmed by the painting, and she wanted him to have it. She would give him both pieces. Perhaps he would remember their time together, and she would rest easier knowing that a little part of her stayed at Laurel Ridge when she left.

But…was it appropriate for her to gift him with the paintings? In fact, was it appropriate for her to even accept his gift?

She laughed aloud. Of course it wasn’t. But she had slept with him. That certainly hadn’t been appropriate. The oils beckoned her. She had to accept them. And she so wanted to give him her paintings.

She picked up her journal, tore a page from it, and dipped a quill in ink to write a short note.

Daniel,

Thank you so very much for the loveliest gift anyone has ever given me. Please keep these paintings to remember our time together. I will never forget you.

Lily

Was that too personal? She tried again.

Daniel,

I love the oils. Thank you so very much. Please accept these paintings as my gift to you.

Yours,

Lily

No, that wasn’t right either. She ripped another sheet out of her journal and began scratching the quill once more.

Daniel,

Thank you for the lovely gift. I can’t wait to get started.

Lily

That was better. Short and to the point, with no room for second guessing. She wouldn’t mention the watercolors, she would just attach the note to them. He could decide for himself what her gift to him meant. She delivered her gift discreetly to Daniel’s chamber, leaving it against the door, and then sneaked down to the first floor and walked outside into the beautiful April day. When she found a tree that suited her, she sat down beneath it and opened her new book.

---

Daniel found Lily sitting under a giant oak, absorbed in a book.

“Good afternoon,” he said, smiling.

Her body visibly tensed. “My goodness, you must stop sneaking up on me like that,” she said. “You’re liable to send me into conniptions.”

Daniel laughed. “You were so engrossed, I doubt you would have noticed a cyclone. What are you reading?”

Lily held it up for him. “It’s the book about oils that you gave me. I just love it, Daniel. I don’t know how to thank you for the gift.”

She held her arm out to him and he sat down next to her. She looked around, and then gave him a moist kiss on the lips, setting his skin ablaze.

“There is so much information here. I’m so excited.”

Daniel stared at her, and for a moment he thought he would give his entire fortune to keep that unfeigned look of happy excitement in her glowing dark eyes. “I’m glad you like the paints, Lily.”

“Oh, I do. They’re just perfect.”

“Are you ready to go riding?” He played with her hand, entwining their fingers together.

“Already? I haven’t had any lunch yet. What time is it?”

“Two in the afternoon.”

“Goodness, I must have forgotten to eat. That’s my downfall, you know. I get so involved in reading, or writing, or painting, that sometimes I’m oblivious to all else. I’ve missed many a meal in my day.”

“I don’t have to worry about you getting plump on me, do I?” He winked at her. “Come on, let’s go to the kitchen. I’ll have one of the cooks make you a sandwich.”

“Are you sure there’s time?”

“Yes, Xavier and your sister are meeting us at the stables at half past. Come on.” He helped her up, crushing her body against his for a moment.

Daniel took Lily to the kitchen for her sandwich and then waited in the foyer while she changed into her riding habit.

“I’m sorry it took me so long.” She rushed down the stairs. “Now we’re running late, aren’t we?”

“They’ll wait for us.”

Lily took his offered arm and they walked to the stables. Rose stood in the distance with Lord Evan. She held a small black puppy, and several others panted at her feet.

“Lily!” Rose cried, “look at what we found!”

Lily broke from Daniel’s arm and started running toward Rose. A tiny brown puppy ran to Lily, whimpering to be held. She knelt down and picked up the dog, cuddling it to her face. “Rose, where did they come from?”

“They were here when we got here. I wonder where their mother is?”

Daniel reached them, relishing the joy on Lily’s face. “She’s behind the stables,” he said. “This particular bitch likes to nest there when she’s breeding. She won’t stay at the kennels. The pups are nearly weaned, so they come and go as they please.”

Lily continued to hug the puppy, looking down at the others. “They’re all black and yellow, but this one is brown. She’s the color of milky chocolate. No, brandy. She’s the exact color of that brandy Papa favors, Rose.”

“She’s the runt of the litter, Lily,” Daniel said, “and the only brown one.”

“What kind of dogs are they?”

“St. John’s dogs, from Newfoundland. My father started breeding them years ago. Her siblings will be excellent hunting dogs, but I’m afraid this one is just too small.”

“Nonsense, she’s perfect.” Lily laughed as the puppy licked her nose. She set the puppy down and gave her bottom a shove back toward her brothers and sisters. The pup turned back around to Lily, reaching her small paws up and whimpering. Lily picked her up again. “My goodness, you certainly like attention, don’t you?” She giggled. “I just can’t put you down. You’re too precious!” She kissed the puppy’s head.

“Lybrook,” Lord Evan said amiably, as Rose picked up one of the yellow pups, “I think we’ve been jilted. These two seem to prefer the company of tiny drooling four-legged creatures over us.”

“Can we interest you in large four-legged creatures at least?” Daniel said. “I can’t promise you that they’ll drool, though they might snort a bit.”

Lily and Rose laughed. “Yes, I suppose we came here to go riding didn’t we, Lily?” Rose said. “Lord Evan picked out a mare for me from the horses he brought. She’s absolutely beautiful. Which one are you going to ride?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea, but His Grace did promise that I didn’t have to ride sidesaddle.” She smiled at Daniel.

“I have a sister who doesn’t like to ride sidesaddle either, my lady,” Evan said. “She says it’s extremely uncomfortable.”

“It is for me also, my lord, but wait until you see Rose ride,” Lily said. “She’s a natural.”

“Are you?” He turned to Rose. “Then I’m looking forward to this ride all the more. Shall we see if Lionheart and Beatrice are saddled?” He held his arm to Rose.

“Certainly, my lord. We’ll see you in a minute, Lily, Your Grace.”

Lily turned to Daniel. “I’m not the rider Rose is. Pick a gentle one for me, will you?”

He smiled. “How would you like to ride Midnight?”

“Your stallion? Have you completely lost your mind?”

“You can ride with me. My parents had a saddle for two made because my mother, like you, wasn’t a natural rider, but she enjoyed animals so she rode with my father. We can use that.”

“Is it sidesaddle or astride?”

“Astride for me, of course, side for you, I’m afraid. But my mother found it comfortable because she didn’t have to worry about controlling the horse. My father took care of that.”

“Do you think it’s appropriate for us to ride that way? Given the…circumstances?”

“What circumstances would those be? We’re chaperoned. There’s no harm.”

“It’s already clear that Lord Evan thinks you’re courting me, Daniel.”

“It is, is it?” He smiled at her. She was so adorable when she was pretending to care what others thought. He knew the truth.

“Well, of course it is.”

“Is he courting your sister?”

“Of course not. This is just a simple friendly outing. She would have told me if he… He probably hasn’t spoken to our father…”

Daniel lifted the large leather saddle. “What is the difference between what they’re doing this afternoon and what we’re doing?”

“Well, they’re riding separate horses.”

“Because Rose loves to ride. You may certainly ride your own horse, Lily, but you seem uncomfortable with the idea.”

“I’m not uncomfortable exactly. It’s just that I don’t really want to ride astride with others. I’ve always done it alone, and my dress will ride up my legs, and—”

“In that case, maybe you should have your own horse. I wouldn’t mind looking at your legs all afternoon.”

“Daniel…”

“Come now, this isn’t the decision of the century. I love to ride, and I want to share it with you. It seems the easiest way for me to do that is for you to ride Midnight with me.”

“All right, if you think it’s suitable.”

“I think it’s perfectly fine. And I’ll get the added pleasure of being close to you.” He stole a quick kiss. “I’ve missed you.”

“You just saw me this morning.”

“I know.” He kissed her once more. “You wait here for Xavier and Rose. They’ll be coming around from the guest stables. I’ll saddle Midnight.”

---

Lily settled against Daniel’s chest as Midnight trotted away from the stables. Rose and Evan rode side by side, behind them. Daniel held the reins with one hand, keeping his other arm around Lily’s waist. Snuggling back against him felt warm and wonderful. He was right. She was much more comfortable this way. So comfortable, in fact, that she wanted to lean against Daniel’s hard muscled chest forever. God help her.

“We’re coming up to a jump, Lily,” he said into her neck. “Should I warn your sister?”

“Goodness, no. She can jump in her sleep. Watch her. You’ll be amazed.”

Midnight took the two foot jump with ease and Lily was hardly jarred. Daniel turned to the side to watch Rose, and then Evan, handle the jump expertly.

“You are certainly graceful on horseback, my lady,” Daniel said to Rose.

“Thank you, Your Grace. I suppose it’s my compensation for not being blessed with Lily’s artistic talent.”

“Don’t listen to her,” Lily said. “She may not be able to draw a straight line, but she plays the pianoforte like an angel. Music is just another type of art, Rose. I myself never had the patience for it.”

“I would love to hear you play sometime,” Evan said.

“I’ve been playing in the main parlor most mornings. I’d like to ask Her Grace if I could play the grand in the conservatory. It’s magnificent.”

“Play it anytime you wish,” Daniel said. “In fact, why don’t you play for the three of us sometime?”

“I couldn’t possibly. I don’t have anything prepared.”

“Aren’t you working on that Beethoven?” Lily asked.

“The key word is ‘working,’ Lily. It’s not ready for an audience.”

“Don’t believe a thing she tells you,” Lily said. “She has a beautiful repertoire.”

“Fine then,” Daniel said. “Shall we say tonight after dinner? About eleven in the conservatory?”

“I-I’m not sure…” Rose stammered.

“She’d be delighted,” Lily said, laughing. “Now let’s see some more of this beautiful estate. And do pick up the pace, Daniel. I’m not made of china, you know. I want to ride!”

“All right, Lily,” he said. “You asked for it.”

He urged Midnight into a gallop, and Lily laughed with the pure exhilaration of the ride. Daniel slowed Midnight when they came to an ornate cast iron gate off the trail.

“Where does that lead?” Lily asked Daniel.

“It’s a garden. Would you like to see it?”

“Yes, of course. Is anything in bloom this time of year?”

“You’d be surprised.” He turned to the others. “Lily wants to take a look at the garden. Would you two care to join us?”

“Of course,” Rose said, turning to Evan. “If it’s all right with you, my lord.”

“Fine with me,” he said. “Is there a hitching post?”

“Yes, right here.” Daniel motioned. They dismounted and saw to their horses. Daniel opened the gate. They stepped inside and Lily and Rose both gasped. The garden was like a maze, with leafy shrubbery arranged in intricate formations. A few white benches sat nearby, and several little pathways led into the heart of the greenery.

“It’s so much bigger than I imagined,” Lily said. “It’s enchanting, like a labyrinth. Whoever dreamed up such a place?”

“My grandmother,” Daniel said. “She envisioned an oasis to attract fairies and gnomes and the like. She was a bit odd in the head, but a great duchess.”

“I definitely need to bring my paints here,” Lily said.

“Would you care to walk a little, my lady?” Evan offered his arm to Rose.

“That would be lovely.”

Lily started to follow them, but Daniel held her back. “Let them go alone.”

“I can’t,” Lily said. “I’m her chaperone. Rose is innocent.”

“So were you a few days ago.”

“I was never the innocent that Rose is. I read.”

Daniel chuckled softly. “Let them have some time. They seem to like each other.”

“If you think best,” Lily said. Once Rose and Evan were out of sight, she tilted her head upward and sought Daniel’s mouth with her own.

“Easy, Lily, or I may have to rip off your clothes and have you right here.”

“Control yourself.” Lily laughed, kissing him again.

He turned his face from her. “I want you so much right now. If you keep kissing me, I may not be able to stop. You know what I’m capable of.”

“Yes, and I like what you’re capable of.” She pressed her lips to his neck, inhaling the salty scent of his skin.

He grasped her shoulders, pushing her away from him. His eyes were smoky and sunken.

“Daniel?”

“Come sit with me, Lily. I want to talk to you.” He led her to one of the small benches.

“What is it?”

“I want you to know that I…care for you, and I’m so sorry about what happened this morning.”

“Is that what this is about?” Lily touched his cheek. “You don’t have to apologize. I’m not angry.”

“I was so rough with you.”

“Daniel, I wanted you.” Lily was bewildered. “Did I scream? Did I try to get away from you? I went to you willingly, like I always have.”

“You are the last person in this world I want to hurt.”

His face was twisted in so much anguish that Lily wanted to clasp his head to her bosom and comfort him as though he were a child.

“I swear to you that it won’t ever happen again. Why did you let me do it?”

She met his gaze. “Because you…seemed to need me. You were so emotional. I wanted to help.”

Daniel looked away. “I just… When you said I would replace you… Damn it, Lily, I don’t know what’s going on with me.”

Lily stroked his hair. “You shouldn’t keep your emotions bottled inside you. It’s not healthy. You’ve been through so much in the past year. Have you ever let yourself mourn for your father and your brother?”

“I won’t speak of that,” he said abruptly.

“All right. I understand.” She reached for his cheek and pulled him back around to face her. “But if you ever change your mind, you can talk to me. About anything. I mean that.”

He wrapped his arms around her and drew her head to his chest, kissing the top of her hair.

Lily snuggled into his warmth. “Everything will be fine, Daniel,” she said. “I promise, everything is fine.”