Lily awoke, naked, in Daniel’s bed. He held her gently, making love to her, softly crooning her name. “Lily, Lily, Lily.” She sighed, enjoying the feel of his hands on her skin. “Lily, Lily…”

Something cool and crisp fell from her eyes when she opened them to see Daniel sitting next to her, shaking her arm gently.

“Lily, Lily.”

She was still fully clothed, lying on his bed. The lovemaking had been a dream… What had fallen from her eyes appeared to be thin slices of…cucumber?

“Daniel?”

“I’m here. How are you feeling?”

“Why was there cucumber on my face?”

“It’s an old trick of my mother’s. When her eyes are tired and puffy, she swears by slices of cucumber, so I had the kitchen send some up.”

“Ugh. What is that awful taste in my mouth?”

“Just an after effect of your…indulgence.”

“It’s probably from that horrible glop you forced down my throat. What was in that stuff anyway?”

He chuckled. “You don’t want to know. Does your head hurt?”

Lily shook her head. “I must look dreadful, though.”

“You’ll always be beautiful to me, love. Your face looks good, actually. I’ll have to tell my mother that her old wives’ tale has merit. But your hair needs a little work, and you need a bath and tooth brushing.”

Lily twisted her face into a grimace. “You’ve seen me at my worst. Do you still want to marry me?”

“I’m sorry to tell you but, yes, I do.”

“Good God.” She stood, a little lightheaded, but remarkably sturdy on her feet.

“Lily, if you don’t feel you can attend the ball tonight, we can announce our betrothal on the morrow.”

“No, I feel…better. Surprising, but true. Perhaps Putney should market that concoction of his.”

“I’ve often thought so myself.”

She turned to face him. “Daniel, I…”

“What is it, love?”

“Thank you for looking after me.”

“I would do anything for you. I had hoped that you knew that by now.”

“I…”

“It’s all right.”

“No, it’s… Your gifts were very generous, Daniel. They touched my heart, really. But I can’t accept them, especially the Vermeer. It’s too much.”

“I want you to have the Vermeer. It will be half yours when we marry anyway.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Lily said. “When we marry, I cease to be. I’ll have no ownership rights. Everything of mine will belong to you, and I shall be forced to obey you and yield to you in every way.”

“Lily…”

“It’s true, and you know it.”

“I would never take away your identity.”

“But you will exert your husbandly rights, won’t you?”

“I’ll have to exert some of them. It will be my duty to take care of you and see to your best interests,” he said. “You’ll be my responsibility.”

“I don’t want to be anyone’s responsibility. Damn it all to hell!”

“Lily, please.”

“I need to go to my chamber and dress for the ball. There isn’t much time.”

He strode toward her.

“No.” She held up her arms. “Don’t bother escorting me. Discretion is a moot point now, isn’t it?” She walked out the door and shut it, not quietly, behind her.

Lily entered her chamber and found Rose bathing, looking pale and sickly.

“There you are, Lily. Lord, my head is throbbing.”

“I can fix that,” Lily said.

She rang for a maid. “I need a bath prepared for myself, and then I’ll need by hair done. First, though, I need a headache powder for my sister, and find Mr. Putney and tell him I need a glass of whatever he made for me earlier.”

“Milady?”

“He’ll know what I mean. In fact, I need three glasses. Deliver two of them to Ladies Sophie and Alexandra next door. Now go.”

“I would really like to die,” Rose said. “I swear on Mother’s life, I will never drink again!”

“Don’t say that, dear, you’ll miss out on the champagne tonight.”

“My goodness, don’t mention champagne.”

“Come on.” Lily held up a towel. “Out of the tub.”

Lily helped Rose dry off and put on a dressing gown, and then brushed out her hair for her. The maid came back with the headache powder and Rose grimaced when the bitterness fell on her tongue.

“It will help,” Lily said. “My bath is ready, and I need to hurry. When the maid comes with a glass of…disgusting looking liquid, I want you to drink it all, do you understand?”

Rose nodded. Lily bathed quickly, and then used double the amount of tooth powder and scrubbed her teeth thoroughly, trying desperately to remove the coating of invisible film that seemed to cover them. She brushed her hair briskly, noting that Rose was lying still on her bed. Lily responded to a knock on the door. Two maids stood in the hallway, one holding the concoction for Rose, the other her ball gown.

“Madame apologizes that the gown wasn’t here earlier, milady.”

“That’s all right, no harm done.” Lily took the gown and laid it carefully on her bed. “I’ll need you to return in half an hour and see to my hair, and my sister’s.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Lily carried the glass of liquid to Rose. “Drink up, dear.”

Rose looked at the glass. “You can’t be serious”

Lily nodded. “Every drop, or I shall have to use force. I won’t lie to you. It’s dreadful. But you’ll feel much better in a half hour or so. Come on.”

Rose held her nose and drank.

“You may feel a little bit sick, so I’ll get a basin, but you probably won’t need it. I want you to lie down and close your eyes, and I’ll wake you in half an hour.”

Rose nodded. Lily fetched a basin for her sister, wished for some cucumbers but knew there wasn’t time, so she wet a cloth in cold water and placed it over Rose’s forehead and eyes. She continued to brush her hair until it shone and rang for a maid to help her into her gown.

The gown was revealing, as she had planned, but it was also lovely and flattering. The color highlighted her rosy skin tone and her dark hair, and despite the fact that the low curved V neckline made her breasts look as though they were likely to tumble out, the bodice of the gown was remarkably secure. The ruffling about the bustle made Lily’s narrow hips appear more luscious and curvy than they actually were, and the sleeves, which were off shoulder, draped seductively from the pearl studded clips, showing Lily’s well-shaped shoulders and arms.

“My lady, you are a vision,” the maid said.

“Fetch my pearls from the dresser,” Lily said.

Unfortunately, the rubies would clash with the vivid crimson of the gown, but the pearls would be exquisite. The maid returned and helped Lily clasp the choker and earrings.

“Now, what to do with my hair? I want something…shocking.”

“Leave that to me,” the maid said. “Come and sit.”

“I need to wake my sister first.” Lily hurried over to Rose’s bed and gently nudged her. “Come on, Rose, it’s time to wake up.”

Rose yawned and opened her eyes. “Is it time for the ball?”

“Nearly, dear. Sit up now. How do you feel?”

“Much better, actually. How in the world?”

“Mr. Putney’s secret.” Lily rang for another maid to tend to Rose and then seated herself at a dressing table to have her hair done before Rose had a chance to scrutinize her gown.

By the time Lily’s hair had been swept on top of her head, Rose was seated next to her, dressed.

“My, Lily, that gown…”

“Lovely, isn’t it?”

“Well, yes, of course, you’re lovely in anything, but what will Papa say?”

“I don’t give two figs what Papa says. He’s marrying me off. I’m no longer his concern.”

“Lily…”

“Everything will be fine, Rose. You look incredible, by the way.”

“Thank you, but I’m afraid I can’t hold a candle to you. I would never have the nerve to wear such a daring gown, but my, you are splendid in it.”

“Thank you, dear.”

The maid wove pearls through Lily’s hair and curled the soft waves with a hot iron, creating a cascade of curls that just brushed the back of her neck.

“You’ve done a lovely job,” Lily said to the maid.

“I’m glad you’re pleased, milady. Do you have need of anything else?”

“No, not at the present. Thank you.”

She dabbed clove oil on her wrists, behind each ear, and in her cleavage. She put on her white elbow length gloves, sighed, and took them off again. “I’m going to use just a bit of rouge.”

“Lily, you never paint your face,” Rose said.

“I’m going to tonight.”

Rose, stood, nearly knocking over the maid just finishing her hair. “Your skin is beautiful, like a moonstone cabochon, and your cheeks have the natural flush of a sweet raspberry mousse. Please don’t spoil it.”

“Oh, never mind. I won’t do it.” She carefully put her gloves back on.

“Thank God,” Rose said under her breath.

“I heard that,” Lily snapped. “Are you ready? We need to go.”

“Yes, yes. I can’t believe how much better I’m feeling.”

“Amazing stuff, isn’t it? Putney would be a rich man if he bottled it.”

On the arms of their brother—who had scrutinized Lily’s gown but said nothing—Lily and Rose were among the last to enter the magnificent ballroom. They found Sophie and Alexandra and sat down.

“My, Lily, you look radiant,” Alexandra said. “Only you could pull off a gown like that.”

“Don’t be silly,” Lily said. “You could do it in a heartbeat. Tell me, are you feeling quite well?”

“Yes, thanks to that concoction the maid brought us. What was it exactly? Goat’s blood? Eye of newt?” Alexandra giggled.

“Could be. I don’t actually know. His Grace’s valet mixed it up. It’s miraculous.”

“I’ll say,” Sophie chimed in. “I wasn’t sure I could make it to the ball, but I didn’t want to miss the announcement of your betrothal.”

“I’m so glad you’re both here.” Lily looked upstairs to the balcony. “Dear Lord,” she said, her breath catching in her throat.

Daniel entered, descending the grand staircase. He was dressed formally, in a dark grey velvet coat and white shirt with a black silk cravat. His hair was pulled back in a queue, disappointing Lily slightly. She did so love the sight of his thick layered hair gleaming as it touched his broad shoulders. But pulling it back gave him a noble, no, royal look, as if he were the prince himself. He wore crisp white gloves and snug black trousers tucked into shiny black leather boots.

“Is your heart going pitter-patter yet, Lily?” Alexandra giggled, staring in the same direction.

“My, he is something,” even Sophie admitted, fanning herself. “I know looks aren’t paramount, but… Goodness!”

Lily stared at Daniel, barely hearing as the duchess strode with grace to the middle of the dance floor, silencing the room, announcing the betrothal of her son, Daniel Farnsworth, the seventh Duke of Lybrook, to Lady Lily Jameson, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Ashford. The thunderous applause was muted in her ears, and she swallowed nervously as Daniel walked toward her, took her hand, and led her to the dance floor. She ogled him, his magnificence and gloriousness, as the orchestra began a waltz. Daniel took her in his arms, positioning her carefully, as her arms and legs seemed to hang limply, and started twirling her around the dance floor. She sighed audibly.

“You look stunning, Lily.” He gazed into her eyes as if he couldn’t stare at her hard enough.

She jolted back to reality. “For God’s sake, I’m not trying to look stunning, I’m trying to look like—”

“A strumpet. Yes, I know. But you failed to take a few things into account, love.”

She looked up at him, but said nothing.

“First of all, you have too much natural grace and class to ever be mistaken for a strumpet. You could have come out dressed in nothing but a feather boa, and it wouldn’t have mattered.”

“Perhaps I should have tried that,” she said hotly

Daniel’s eyes narrowed, but he spoke smoothly. “Had you done that, you would have no doubt earned the undying gratitude of every married woman here on the morrow.”

Lily regarded him, confused by the comment.

“Secondly, you are the future Duchess of Lybrook. You make your own style. Within a fortnight, every woman here will be shamelessly imitating you.”

“Oh, Lord…”

“So you see, your attempt to humiliate me and yourself has failed miserably. However, you have succeeded in convincing every man here that I am the luckiest bastard on the face of the earth.”

“Daniel…”

“There isn’t another woman here, not even your mother or your sister, who comes close to your beauty tonight. You were made for vivid colors. You were made to shock people. You were made for that gown, Lily. It works for you.” He laughed softly, his breath caressing her cheek. “You will fill my life with surprises. Every day I shall wonder what you will do next. It will be a joy to be your husband. You haven’t succeeded in driving me away.”

“Will I ever drive you away?”

“I’m afraid not.”

He twirled her in dance steps unfamiliar to her, but due to his superior skill she followed effortlessly, the momentum pushing her closer against his body, her skin tingling from his heat.

“You want to shock people?” He winked at her. “I’ll show you how to shock people.” He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her.

“Daniel!” she gasped.

He winked again. “You bring out the beast in me, Lily.”

“Oh my.”

When the waltz ended Daniel led her to the refreshment table. “You probably don’t care for any champagne,” he said.

“Punch will be fine, thank you.”

Soon men were gathered around them, begging Lily for the honor of a dance.

“You can’t keep her to yourself all night, Lybrook,” Polk said, leading Lily to the floor.

She danced with Polk, her brother, Ally’s Mr. Landon, Lord Evan, her father, one of Daniel’s solicitors, his personal physician, and what seemed like a hundred other young men with whom she wasn’t acquainted. Daniel also claimed her three more times. When her feet and legs could no longer bear the strain, she stole out to the terrace for some fresh air and found a private dark corner in which to regain her composure.

“That was quite a little exhibition you put on in there,” a voice said from behind her.

She turned to face Lady Amelia Gregory.

“And may I say, that dress is quite…becoming.”

“Oh, Amanda,” Lily said, “how lovely to see you.”

“It’s Amelia, you fool, but you know that don’t you? Perhaps I should call you Lila?”

“Call me whatever you wish for now, but by the end of the house party, you’ll be addressing me as Your Grace.” Lily couldn’t help smirking.

“I suppose so. Quite a coup d’etat for someone who wasn’t the least bit interested in the duke a mere few days ago.”

“I wasn’t then.”

“Of course you weren’t. And I’m not the least bit interested in your brother. He’s fascinating, by the way.”

“Your threats won’t work with me. My brother would never lower himself to get involved with you.”

“Why not? The duke did. He lowered himself many times actually.”

Lily winced at the double entendre. “If you’ll excuse me, there are many young men waiting for the honor of dancing with me.”

“No, I don’t think so,” Amelia said tersely. “You and I need to have a little chat.”

“I can’t think of anything we need to chat about.”

“You’re going to step aside.” Amelia looked Lily square in the eye. “You’re not going to marry the duke.”

“Ha! Fat lot you know. I’ve been trying to step aside. He won’t let me.”

“My God, do you ever tell the truth?”

“I tell nothing but the truth. I’m afraid he has his heart set on me, though. I know it must hurt to be the loser in our little game. Ta-ta.” Lily pushed Amelia out of her way and headed back toward the ballroom.

Amelia grabbed her arm. “You will step aside, is that clear?”

“You have a lot of nerve. And if I don’t?”

“You’ll be sorry.”

“I’m already sorry. Sorry that I gave more than two seconds to this conversation. Good evening.”

Anger surged through Lily when she reentered the ballroom.

Daniel came to her. “Are you feeling well?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” she said. “Aren’t you going to dance with me again?”

“It’s bad form for me to monopolize you.”

“Thank God. My feet are killing me. Could we take a walk?”

“Your feet are killing you, so you want to walk?” He gave her a lazy half smile.

“Just walk me to the library or the parlor, so I can sit down in peace.”

“All right. Come on.”

He led her to the dark library and lit a lamp on a small table. Lily collapsed on a sofa.

“What I wouldn’t give for some warm water and Epsom salts right now. I’ve never danced that much in one evening. Never even half that much.”

Daniel sat down next to her and pulled her legs onto his lap. He removed her slippers and gently massaged her feet.

Lily closed her eyes, leaning into the lush comfort of the cushion. “Oh, that’s heavenly.”

“Just relax.”

Lily yawned and stretched her arms. “What’s on the agenda for tomorrow?”

“I don’t know what my mother and Aunt Lucy have planned for the guests, but I’ll be in London.”

“All day?”

“I’m afraid so. I’m leaving before dawn, and I won’t be back in time for dinner. But I’ll see you the next day.”

“What is so important that will keep you in London all day?”

“Just business matters. You wouldn’t be interested.”

“Of course I’m interested,” she snapped. “I’m more than just an empty-headed bauble for you to wear on your arm. May I go with you?”

“Not this time. I’ll take you to London whenever you want after we’re married.”

“But why—” A disturbing thought jolted her mind. “You’re not going to visit one of your— Oh, never mind.” She drew her feet off of his lap and put her slippers back on. “I’m tired. I want to go to bed.”

“It’s early yet. You shouldn’t leave the ball.”

“I’ve had a trying day, Daniel, as you are well aware. I want to go to bed. You can walk me to my chamber, or I’ll go myself.”

“I’d rather take you to my chamber.”

She didn’t respond right away. She was exhausted, but she wanted him. Her body still sizzled at his every touch. Moreover, if she slept with him tonight, maybe he wouldn’t go to London tomorrow to visit one of his mistresses. For that was the only possible reason for him to go. Any estate business could be conducted at Laurel Ridge. But if she went to bed with him solely for the purpose of keeping him from making love to someone else… Well, that wasn’t a routine she wanted to set in motion. She deserved far better.

“I’ll go to my own chamber.”

“Very well then. I’ll escort you. Come on.”

He helped her up and took her up the back stairwell to her chamber on the second floor of the east wing. He leaned down, kissed her virtuously on the mouth, and opened the door for her.

Lily looked in quickly. Rose hadn’t yet returned. She grabbed Daniel’s arm and pulled him inside the room, flinging her arms around his neck. She kissed him as though it were her first taste of his maleness, exploring him with her tongue, tasting him, savoring him. She wanted him badly. One kiss wouldn’t hurt, and maybe, on his way to London tomorrow, he might think of her.

He responded with a fiery passion. She pressed her breasts against his hard chest and tugged his hair out of the queue so she could thread her fingers through it. He moved forward, their mouths clamped together, until her back was against the wall. Gently he separated her legs with his thigh. She rubbed her sex against him as his lips moved from her mouth to her ear, her neck, down between her breasts, which were swollen, tingling, and nearly bursting from her gown. He released one rosy globe from captivity and feasted on her nipple, covering it with wet kisses that landed like a flash of lightning between her legs. Her heart thumped against her chest, and moisture trickled in her drawers.

When Daniel returned to her mouth she fisted her hands in his hair, pulling him as close as she could as they kissed. They were both panting when Lily finally broke away. She hoped it was enough for him to forego his visit to his mistress on the morrow.

“Are you certain you don’t want to come to bed with me?”

No, she wasn’t certain at all. “Yes.” Her voice cracked. “I-I just wanted a good night kiss.”

“Dear God, Lily. Please. I’m aching for you.” His voice was full of passion and smoke as he pressed his forehead to the wall, aligning his head with hers. His hard cock prodded against her belly.

Her eyes misted with tears. She had made a terrible mistake. Now he was aching for her, and he would ease his hunger elsewhere on the morrow.

“I can’t. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t cry. Whatever it is, I’ll fix it.” He brushed a tear from the corner of her eye with his thumb.

“I’m just tired. Good night. I’ll see you the day after tomorrow, I guess.” She nudged him toward the door, gave his hand a squeeze, and closed the door silently. Then she threw herself onto her bed and wept into her pillow.

---

Thomas walked to the bachelor house, having escorted Emma to her chamber. Amelia Gregory, several yards ahead, walked toward him.

“Good evening, my lord,” she said when she crossed his path.

“My lady, what are you doing out at this hour unescorted?”

“Dear me,” she said. “I’m afraid I shall never get used to this large estate. I seem to have taken a wrong turn. And you’re right. It is late and I shouldn’t be about alone. Could I trouble you to see me to my chamber?”

“Of course, it would be my pleasure.” Thomas offered his arm.

Lady Gregory looked gorgeous in a pale tan ball gown that enhanced her shapely figure. Her dark hair had been swept up, braided, and fell in loops down her back. He took her to the door of her chamber and bid her good night.

“Won’t you come in?” she said. “I have some wonderful Armagnac. It was a favorite of Frederic’s, God rest his soul. I would so like to thank you for your chivalry.”

A night cap sounded good, and Thomas did enjoy a good brandy. What would be the harm? “Thank you, my lady. I would be obliged.”

She led him to a small table near the window of her chamber and bade him sit down. She brought a bottle and two snifters to the table.

“Allow me.” Thomas poured the dark golden liquid into the glasses and warmed one in his hand before giving it to her.

Amelia picked it up, swirling the fluid daintily, and brought it to her lips. “Shall we toast to your sister’s impending nuptials?”

“By all means. Lily has done well for herself.”

“I should say so. Landing the most eligible bachelor in England in a mere three days. One might think…”

“One might think what?”

“Oh, nothing,” Amelia said. “I’d much rather talk about you.” She took another sip of the Armagnac. “Why hasn’t a handsome eligible bachelor like yourself settled down?”

“I’m not quite as old as Lybrook yet.”

“Of course not. But your father no doubt has impressed upon you the importance of siring an Ashford heir, has he not?”

Thomas sighed. “Yes, I’m afraid he has. But he was two years older than I when he married my mother, so he can’t get too excited about it yet.” He took another sip. “My lady, this is excellent.”

“Yes, my Frederic adored it,” Amelia said. “Tell me, do you have anyone in mind for the position?”

“What position?”

“The position of mother to your heir, of course.”

Thomas nearly choked on the brandy. “Well…I haven’t given it a great deal of thought, to tell you the truth.”

“Of course. A man like you doubtless enjoys his freedom.”

Thomas grinned. “I won’t deny it.”

“I know exactly what you mean. Though I adored my dear Frederic—may he rest in peace—I, too, have become accustomed to a certain amount of freedom since his death. Being able to come and go as one pleases, without answering to another, is liberating.” Amelia topped off their snifters. “May I speak frankly to you, my lord?”

“By all means.”

“I’m a lonely widow. There have been rumors, I know, about various exploits that I have allegedly engaged in, but most of them are completely untrue. Not all, of course. A woman has needs, you know. But the majority are unfounded. It has been quite a long time since I have been…intimate with a man.”

Thomas cleared his throat. He was no fool. She wanted to bed him.

Amelia lowered her voice to a husky rasp. “I find you very interesting and attractive, my lord.”

“I’m flattered, my lady. However, you should know that my heart lies…elsewhere.”

“It’s not your heart I’m interested in.” Amelia finished her brandy, stood, and moved behind Thomas’s chair and began to massage his shoulders. “You’re so tense, my lord. I’ve always thought it must be difficult for men of your station to balance all of your responsibilities. I know it was for my Frederic.” She moved down to his upper arms, kneading his muscles tenderly, and leaned down to his ear. “I can help ease your tension.”

Thomas fidgeted in his seat. The tickle of her breath on his neck aroused him, and his cock stiffened. She was nothing if not tempting. He placed his hands over hers and pulled her around to face him.

“What exactly is it that you’re after, my lady?”

She sat down in his lap and entwined her arms around his neck. “A night of passion with you, my lord.” She lowered her mouth to his.