Blackwood Hall was situated on the outskirts of London, close enough to make it convenient to attend every important social event of the season and to be convenient to host gatherings if Lord Blackwood so chose, but far enough away from the press of humanity that the estate was large and country suitable for riding just a stone's throw away. Lily sped out of the gate and down the road, and before she knew it, tears were streaming down her face, mingling with the rain. How did that boy manage to be so aggravating, even as he managed to be so desirable? Why did Lily hate him, yet her heart bounded when she remembered his bare chest and tender kiss? And why, oh why, did the way the horse galloped press the saddle between her legs in a way that made her think of the night before?
Lily rode until her gown was soaked through and her hair plastered to her head. She was shivering a little as she rode back, and although her heart was still in turmoil, she felt a bit better. The countryside was lovely and deep green, and she had certainly stayed in worse places. Lord Blackwood was nigh intolerable, but the knowledge that she should have Rosie with her here soon gave Lily immeasurable strength and hope. Then she wouldn't feel so alone. Then her life would have some purpose and joy. All she had to do was be strong for a little bit longer.
Will was not in the stable when Lily finally returned, and as she dismounted and started removing the horse's saddle, she realized that she had, in at least some small way, hoped that he would still be there, and that he would give her another kiss. That kiss, she realized, was the first step on the path to that erotic bliss she had witnessed from her balcony, and Lily very much wanted to take the rest of the path, but she could not. She would not. If Lord Blackwood found out that she was being unfaithful, he would be very angry, he might hurt her, he might break off the engagement, he might never let Rosie come live with them. Lily breathed deep and steeled herself against her desire, reminding herself of what a boor Will Blackwood was and how he had his hand (and likely his head) up every noblewoman's skirt in all London.
The manor was pleasantly warm when Lily went back in, wringing her skirts of mud and rain. She slipped her shoes off at the door and smiled a bit bashfully as the manservant, Old George, passed by with a tea tray.
“Miss Minnie's layin' out your garments, mistress,” he said.
“Garments?” Lily smoothed her skirts self-consciously. How had they known she would need to change?
“Aye, you're to accompany Lord Blackwood this evenin' to a ball. You'll be leavin' in a few hours so best go get cleaned up. Miss Minnie'll help you.” Old George nodded and smiled. “I'll tell Lord Blackwood you're in.”
“... thank you, George,” Lily whispered. She had known that she would be required to attend social functions with Blackwood, but this soon? Why, Lily hadn't even recovered from the journey yet, she hadn't yet been able to take a full meal or get a good night's rest! Just being in Blackwood's house was enough to make her want to weep, but how could she, a disgraced noble herself, face all of London high society on the arm of the biggest boor in Great Britain? Lily could only imagine what cruelty she might have to endure, and, seeing as Minnie was about to dress her for a formal party, Lily guessed she would be squeezed into another tiny corset and therefore would not get to eat before they left... ah, well, at least she had breakfast.
She went upstairs and Minnie helped her out of her wet clothes. The moment was uncomfortable for Lily because she could only think about Minnie and Will together in the garden... until she changed into her dry corset, and Minnie pulled it tighter than ever.
“Ooh, Minnie, I can't breathe,” Lily whispered, lashes fluttering as she saw stars, “I shall swoon if I wear it this tight.”
“Lord Blackwood's orders,” Minnie said with a shrug. “Sorry, ma'am. But don't you worry, these London society folk 'ave gotten queer in their fads, and what with you being so small and pale, you look downright consumptive. It's all the rage. They'll be fantastical jealous if you do swoon, ma'am. And... bein' with Lord Blackwood, it behoove you to make 'em jealous of your beauty, on account of they'll be cruel to you about your husband.” Minnie bit her lip and gave Lily's hip a friendly pat. “Don't worry miss, you'll 'ave a wonderful time.”
Lily sighed as Minnie helped her into a beautiful, deep green ball gown made of silk. It seemed Minnie did not know that Lily, too, was in disgrace. No matter how fashionably consumptive she might appear, Lily knew that they would not likely be kind to her tonight. She only hoped she could keep herself together enough to get through the night without embarrassing herself or Lord Blackwood any further. Maybe if she did swoon she could be excused and sent home early!