Lily slept late the next morning, waking to Rose’s gentle nudging at half past eleven. She opened her eyes to find herself on top of her covers, still in her ball gown from the previous evening with one breast precariously exposed. She hastily tucked it into her gown.

“Lily, you look terrible,” Rose said. “Your eyes are puffy and streaked with tears. I didn’t bother you when I came in last night, though you were sleeping fitfully. Can I do anything for you?”

“No. I’ll be fine. I do hope I haven’t ruined my gown.”

“I’ll call to have it laundered and pressed. Come on, let’s get you out of it.”

Rose helped Lily undress and rang for a bath for her. Lily sat in the tub limply, holding a cloth soaked in hot water to her face.

“Ask the kitchen to send up some cucumber slices, will you, Rose?”

“Whatever for?”

“My eyes. It’s a trick the duchess uses. I’ll show you when they get here.”

“All right.” Rose quickly rang for a servant and dispatched the order. “Now,” she continued, “tell me what’s going on.”

Lily sighed. “The duke went to London today. He won’t be back for dinner.”

“Is that all? Don’t tell me you miss him.”

“Of course not.” But she did. “It’s just that, there’s no reason for him to go to London except to…”

“To what?”

“Visit one of his mistresses.” Tears welled up in Lily’s eyes.

“Why would you think that?” Rose said. “He probably has business to attend to.”

“Any business could be conducted here. All of his bankers, stock analysts, solicitors, and whomever else he needs are right here. Even his personal physician is here, for goodness’ sake.”

“That doesn’t mean—”

“Of course it does. And it’s my fault. I told him I wouldn’t sleep with him again until we were married. I did it to punish him, and I’ve ended up punishing myself. Now he’s going to find someone else to… Oh, I can’t bear it!”

“You do love him. I knew it,” Rose said, smiling.

“No, I don’t.”

“It doesn’t matter whether you admit it. It’s obvious to me. I’m the closest person in the world to you. I know your thoughts before you do sometimes, as you do mine.”

“Rose…”

“The duke adores you, Lily. He may very well be in love with you. Why would he risk what the two of you share for an afternoon of physical pleasure?”

“It’s no risk for him. He’s forcing me to marry him anyway. I asked him to take me with him, and he refused. Besides, it’s his way. You know his reputation as well as I do.”

“We know only hearsay. We have no proof that he keeps mistresses or visits brothels.”

“I have proof.” Lily covered her eyes with the soft moist cloth. “I’ve met one of his mistresses.”

“Dear Lord, who?”

“Lady Amelia Gregory. She’s here at Laurel Ridge.”

“Not that woman who sat next to Thomas at dinner?”

“That’s the one.” Lily dropped the cloth in the water and straightened her back. “Which reminds me, we must find Thomas. I have reason to believe that she has set her sights on him, now that the duke and I are betrothed.”

“Why would you believe that?”

“Because she told me so. She’s a horrible woman, and Thomas isn’t known to be discerning.” Lily reached for a towel and stepped out of the tub.

“You seem to be feeling a little better,” Rose commented.

“Not really, but I can’t sit here feeling sorry for myself when our dear brother may very well be in danger from that harpy.”

“I suppose not. Let’s get you dressed. We can go fetch him from the bachelor house and talk him into lunching with us.”

“Splendid. But first I must lie with cucumbers on my eyes for about half an hour. You should try it too. Then we’ll have just enough time to find Thomas. After lunch I’ll get Brandy from the kennels and take her on a walk. Then maybe I’ll paint.”

“Sounds like you’re trying to get your mind off something. Or someone.”

“Perhaps.”

“I know. Why don’t you and I go riding?”

“I ride abhorrently, Rose.”

“Only because you don’t try. Wait. I know what will put a smile on your face. Let’s go back to the hot pool!”

Lily couldn’t help giggling. “Maybe… Although I did promise Daniel that I wouldn’t go back without him. But he’s not here, is he? He’s with his strumpet in London. So why not? Let’s do it.”

“I’m glad I thought to pack my bathing clothes. Did you bring yours?”

“Yes,” Lily said. “I suppose that would be prudent, given that many are out and about on the estate today.” Lily fetched the plate of cucumbers that a maid had left on one of the night tables. She handed two slices to Rose. “Lie down and put these over your eyes.”

“If you say so.”

---

The girls found Thomas lazing on the front terrace of the bachelor house with half a dozen other young lords.

“Jameson, your sisters are among the most beautiful creatures on this estate,” Lord Victor Polk said.

“Tuck your eyes back in their sockets before I bloody you,” Thomas said. “This one’s spoken for, as you well know.” He kissed Lily’s cheek. “I doubt Lybrook would appreciate your ogling. And this one”—he kissed Rose—“is under my complete protection. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

“We want to have lunch with you,” Lily said.

“Where’s Lybrook?”

“In London. All day. So Rose and I thought there was nothing we would rather do than take a meal with our charming brother.”

“I was planning to take a leisurely lunch here at the house.”

“You’re mad, Jameson,” Polk said. “Turning down lunch with two delightful women to stay here with a bunch of bachelors.” Then, to the girls, “I’ll have lunch with you two lovelies.”

“So will I,” another young lord said.

“No, you won’t,” Thomas said. “They invited me. All right then, I’ll grace the two of you with my dashing presence. Although, knowing you as I do, I think there must be an ulterior motive at work here.”

“Why would you think that?” Lily asked innocently.

“Because I’m familiar with your work, my dear.”

Polk let out a snorting laugh.

“Nonsense.” Lily took his arm. “We’ll see you gentlemen later.”

“I shall take not one breath until you return,” Polk said, smiling as he bowed deeply.

“Then you’ll be dead when we return, you fool.” Thomas turned to his sisters. “My God, he thinks he’s such a heartbreaker.”

“He’s quite engaging actually,” Lily said. “As you recall, I spent some time with him our first night here. Ally was taken with him also.”

“She seems to prefer young Mr. Landon,” Thomas remarked.

“She prefers his fortune,” Rose said dryly.

“You can hardly blame her, Rose,” Lily said. “The earl left them penniless, and she doesn’t want to be a burden to Papa and Mummy.”

“She’s no burden,” Rose said.

“I know that, and you know that, but how would you feel if the situation were reversed? I wouldn’t want to be dependent on someone else’s good will either.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

They chatted until they reached the side of the main manor. Thomas flagged a servant and requested that lunch be served to them on the side terrace.

“So, my lovely sisters,” Thomas said, holding chairs for each of them, “what is it that you want to say to me?”

“Nothing Thomas,” Lily said. “Tell me, how is Emma?”

“She’s fine.”

“Are the two of you getting serious?”

“Lily, I’ve known the girl for less than a week.”

“The duke and I have only known each other that long.”

“You make a good point. What about you and Xavier, Rose? What’s going on there?”

“We’re talking about you, not Rose,” Lily said.

“He said he was going to ask Papa for permission to court me,” Rose said. “To my knowledge, he hasn’t yet.”

“Let’s get back on subject, shall we?” Lily snapped. “What are your feelings for Emma?”

“I’m fond of her. She’s attractive and bright, and I enjoy her company. But that’s it. I’m not looking for a wife. Now, tell me what you really want to know, will you?”

Lily sighed, rolling her eyes. “Fine. You really think you can read me like a book, don’t you?”

“Yes. Go on.”

“It’s Lady Amelia Gregory, Thomas. I want you to stay away from her.”

“What?”

“You heard me. I have reason to believe that she wishes to”—Lily lowered her voice—“seduce you.”

Thomas shrugged. “Why would you believe that?”

“She told me so. She wants the duke, actually. She intimated that if she can’t have him, she’s going to take you.”

“So I’m to be yesterday’s leftovers if she can’t have today’s gourmet feast?” Thomas smiled lazily.

“That’s not what I meant. I’m just saying that she may try to lure you into her bed.”

“She already has.”

“Oh, God.” Lily groaned. “We’re too late, Rose.”

“Thomas, really,” Rose said. “I should think you would have more sense.”

“Holy hell,” Thomas said. “Do the two of you really think I’m no more discriminating than a stag in rut?”

“You are a man after all,” Lily said.

“I’m not Lybrook, damn it. I have no interest in the widow Gregory.”

Lily widened her eyes. “You know about their affair?”

“It was never a secret.”

“So you didn’t sleep with her?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but no, I didn’t, although she was quite persuasive.”

“Thank goodness.” Lily sighed, relieved. “She’s bad news, Thomas.”

“Yes,” Thomas agreed. “There were rumors after her husband died. They weren’t even married a year.”

“How did he die?” Rose asked.

“I did some asking at the bachelor house. He fell down a flight of stairs in their London home six or seven years ago.”

“How terrible!” Rose gasped.

“He was only forty-five years old, and Lady Gregory was twenty. She was a commoner, you know. The gossip was that she married Gregory for his fortune and did away with him. But nothing was ever proven.”

“Oh Lord,” Lily said.

“What is it, Lily?” Rose asked.

“It’s just a little disconcerting to know that my intended didn’t have the sense to stay away from such a money-grubbing trollop. What has Papa gotten me into?”

“Lybrook is a good man, Lily,” Thomas said. “I mean that. He’s not the only man on earth to ever get blindsided by a seductress. In fact, he’s in the majority.”

“You men are all pigs,” Lily said dryly.

“Men are simply men,” Thomas replied. “On that note, may we please change the subject? This conversation has gone far beyond the limits of what I’m comfortable with. Why can’t I have sisters who are loathe to mention body parts in the company of men?”

“You’re not a man, Thomas, you’re our brother,” Lily said.

“Yes, but I agree with him,” Rose said. “Let’s change the subject. Discussion of Lady Gregory has become tedious.”

“You don’t have to convince me,” Lily said. “I can’t abide the little hussy.”

---

Amelia watched them from a distance—the two little Jameson shrews lunching with their devilishly handsome brother. He wouldn’t be stupid enough to tell them about her failed seduction attempt. It irked her, though, that he hadn’t wanted her. He was as attractive as Daniel, but in a different way—dark and classic as opposed to blond and exotic, the image of his father, the Earl of Ashford.

Hmm. Ashford himself was still an attractive man, and a wealthy one. Of course he was hopelessly devoted to his adoring wife. On the other hand, happily married men took mistresses all the time. He couldn’t offer her a name, but he was likely to be an animal in bed. And wouldn’t that just bunch Lily’s bustle, to find out that Amelia was fucking her father!

Alas, it likely wouldn’t work. Amelia would only make a fool of herself, as she had with his son. She would refocus her efforts on Daniel. She would find him, seduce him, and show him exactly what he would miss by marrying his precious Lily.

---

Lily and Rose never made it to the hot pool that afternoon. Miss Lucinda Landon approached them after Thomas had gone back to the bachelor house.

“My lady,” she said to Lily, “the duchess is feeling poorly this afternoon, and today is our scheduled time to see to the tenants’ needs. I was hoping you might accompany me.”

“Of course, I would be happy to help,” Lily said. “But aren’t there some maids who would be better suited?”

“No, my dear. You’re the future duchess, and this will be your responsibility before long. It’s a good chance for you to see what will be required of you.”

The future duchess. Responsibilities. Duties. Lord, help her. “Of course, Miss Landon.” She turned to her sister, “I’m sorry, Rose. I won’t be able to spend the afternoon with you.”

“Nonsense,” Rose said. “I’ll come along with you. I’m sure an extra hand would be helpful.”

Lily and Rose rode with Miss Landon in the duchess’s private carriage, followed by several wagons full of food, clothing, and other necessities for the Lybrook tenants.

“Twice a month, the servants pack up leftover food, old clothing, medication, whatever else we have in abundance that the tenants might need,” Miss Landon explained. “Maggie and I bring it out to them, visit with them, and then return and let the duke know how they are getting on and if they have need of anything from us. Most of them are quite nice folk, as you shall see.”

“This will all be my responsibility after I’m married?” Lily asked nervously.

“Yes, my dear, but Maggie and I will still be here to help you.” Miss Landon took Lily’s hand. “I’m sure you and your sister have helped your own dear mother see to the Ashford tenants.”

“Yes, of course.”

“This won’t be completely new to you. I’ve no doubt that Flora has prepared you well for the responsibilities you will face as the duke’s wife. You will be a splendid duchess, my lady. My nephew adores you. It’s plain to see. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him as happy as he has been since you arrived at Laurel Ridge.”

Lily’s neck warmed. The thought that Daniel adored her filled her with elation soaked in despair. After all, at this moment he was no doubt warming another’s bed.

The tenants welcomed them and accepted the offerings with gratitude. Miss Landon had an affectionate and humble way of giving, making it seem like the tenants were doing the Lybrooks a favor by taking the extra food and supplies. She knew them all by name and asked after those she didn’t see. The women and children were thrilled to meet Lily and Rose when Miss Landon introduced them and explained that Lily would be marrying the duke.

“You’re both so pretty!” one adorable little girl with dark brown hair exclaimed. She carried a basket and was accompanied by an older girl of about fourteen or fifteen.

Lily picked the small child up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “What is your name, little one?”

“Katrina, my lady.”

“And how old are you, Katrina?” Rose asked.

“Six, my lady. How old are you?”

“You shouldn’t ask that question, Katrina,” Lily said. “You’ll understand when you’re older. My, but you are precious.”

“Will you come back to see us again?”

“Of course, we both will,” Lily said.

“This is my sister, Patricia,” the little girl said, introducing her companion. “Would you like to come home with me to meet my mum and brother?”

“No, Kat,” the older girl said. “I’m sure the ladies don’t have the time.”

“We’d be delighted,” Lily said. “Is it all right with you, Miss Landon?”

“Of course, dear. I’ll come along. I haven’t had the chance to chat with the widow Price the last couple of visits. It will be nice to see her.”

Katrina and Patricia hopped into the coach and led them to a small brick house surrounded by several gardens and plowed fields. A young man sat on the large front porch, playing a guitar. Even from a distance he was striking, with hair the color of coal in unfashionably long wavy layers, clear silver-grey eyes, and a strong jaw covered in the beginning of night beard.

“Cam!” Katrina shouted. “I brought some ladies to meet you. This is Lady Lily.” Katrina gestured. “She’s marrying the duke. And this is her sister, Lady Rose. My brother, Cameron.”

“It’s a pleasure.” Cameron bowed slightly, his gaze focused on Rose.

“Mr. Price,” Miss Landon said. “It’s very nice to see you. Is your mother at home?”

“Yes. Go on inside. She’ll be happy to see you.”

“Thank you.” Miss Landon entered the humble dwelling, leaving Lily and Rose on the porch with Cameron and the girls.

“So, Kat,” Cameron said to his sister, “how did you talk these nice young ladies into following you home?”

“How do you know it wasn’t Tricia?”

Cameron winked at his little sister. “Because I know you, Kitty-Kat.” He turned to Lily and Rose. “I’m sorry if she caused you any trouble, my ladies.”

“Oh, not at all. She’s adorable,” Lily said.

“Yes,” Rose agreed. “I think we would have followed her anywhere.”

“She has that effect on people.” Cameron began to strum his guitar again, bringing forth a haunting melody.

“That’s lovely,” Rose said “I can’t quite place the tune. What is it?”

“I wrote it myself.”

“Cam has sold two songs in London!” Katrina beamed.

“Really?” Rose said. “Which songs?”

“I’m sure you’ve never heard of them, my lady,” Cameron said. “Neither had a very large distribution. They were only popular among us common folk.”

Rose reddened, and Lily seethed. How dare this man speak to her sister so rudely? But his silver gaze, as he looked upon Rose, was not rude. It was very nearly…intimate.

Lily gritted her teeth and said, “Rose is quite the musician also. She plays the pianoforte beautifully.”

“I’m no composer,” Rose said shyly. “I’ve always admired those who could string notes together into melody and harmony. I’ve never quite had the aptitude for it.”

“I’m afraid my work would probably disappoint a highbred lady such as yourself.” Cameron laid down his guitar. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve loafed long enough on the porch. I need to get back to the fields. Kat, take them in to meet Mum, will you?”

“Yes, Cam.”

Miss Landon sat on a davenport next to a striking woman with silvery streaked black hair.

“There they are now,” Miss Landon said. “Come, my ladies. I want you to meet Mrs. Clementine Price. Mrs. Price, this is Lady Lily Jameson, the duke’s betrothed, and her sister, Lady Rose.”

“Congratulations on your betrothal, my lady,” Mrs. Price said.

“Thank you, Mrs. Price.”

“I think Cam likes the other one,” Katrina said, an impish grin on her adorable face. “He couldn’t take his eyes off her!”

Rose blushed and fidgeted with her handkerchief.

“Kat, do be quiet,” Mrs. Price said.

“It was wonderful to see you,” Miss Landon said, rising. “I so enjoyed our chat. However, the girls and I have many more families to visit this afternoon, so we must be going.”

“Yes, of course,” Mrs. Price said. “We do thank you for the provisions.”

“It’s our pleasure. Good day to you all.”

As they walked back toward their carriage and wagons, Lily nudged Rose and whispered, “That young man was rude and impudent, but a wonderful musician. And he fancies you.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Rose said, flushing. “Lord Evan wants to court me, and Mr. Price is a commoner.”

“Yes, I know,” Lily said. “But for a commoner, he strikes me as quite…uncommon.”

Rose didn’t reply. They both knew it didn’t matter whether he fancied her, or she him. Uncommon or not, Mr. Price was not for her.

---

Lily chose to take dinner alone in her chamber that evening, unable to bear sitting next to Daniel’s empty space at his table. When she had finished her meal, she took Brandy on a walk about the estate. After strolling for over an hour, she dropped Brandy back at the kennels to be cared for overnight and went to her chamber. Rose came in later and asked her to come down to the terrace and visit with her and Sophie and Alexandra, but Lily declined. She would be terrible company anyway.

Visions of Daniel plagued her, as she imagined him embracing another woman, kissing her, touching her, loving her the way he had loved Lily. As hard as she tried to shoo the images from her mind, she could not escape them. Touching her belly, she again wondered if Daniel had given her his babe—and whether he had sired any bastards during his last decade of exploits.

“Oh, Daniel,” she whispered aloud. “Why do you torment me so?”