keep her away from my brother. Put her next to Wentworth, and find some old lecherous codger for her other side. Now, for Alexandra, perhaps you could seat Lord Victor next to her.”
Daniel spoke slowly. “Polk seems taken with you, Lily. You spent a lot of time with him last night.”
“He’s very nice and I did enjoy his company, but as you know, I’m not in the market for a husband. I think he and Alexandra would get on well, and she finds him quite attractive.”
“So you’re not at all interested in Polk?”
“Not in the slightest.”
“I’m glad to know that,” Daniel said, smiling.
“No need to worry. Now, can you do all that, Daniel?”
Daniel shook his head and laughed.
“What is so funny?”
“You are adorable, do you know that?”
“Don’t change the subject. Can you take care of this or not?”
“Lily, do you really expect me to remember everything you just said?”
“Of course. What’s so difficult about it?”
“Why don’t I just have the seating chart sent to your chamber later for your approval?”
“There’s no need to tease me. I’m only asking for a simple little favor.”
“Simple?” He chuckled. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Thank you.” She leaned over and brushed her lips against his cheek. “Lunch was fabulous, but I really must go now.” She stood and walked to where her clothes lay in a heap on the floor. “Could you help me with my corset and gown?”
“I’d rather help you out of them.”
“I’m already out of them.”
“Then stay out of them. Come back to bed with me.”
“Didn’t you say you had business to attend to this afternoon?”
“Yes, and I do, but I’d rather stay here with you. I did promise to make up for our unfortunate interruption in the bath.” He eased the dressing gown off of her shoulders, caressing her arms as it fell to the ground.
“Oh…” She sighed. “No, I have to go. I must get back to my chamber and change into an afternoon dress. Goodness, what am I going to do about my hair?”
“Wear it down. It will dry in the afternoon sun, and you’ll look ravishing.” He stroked her nipples lightly with his thumbs.
“Stop that, I can’t think.” She reluctantly pushed his hands away. “And I couldn’t possibly wear my hair down. I’m twenty-one, not twelve.” She paused, regarding his handsome face. “How old are you, Daniel?”
“Thirty-two, though around you I feel no more than nineteen.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“Yes, love. It is.”
“Then thank you. I think.” She turned again. “Now, please help me. I do have to go.”
Daniel rose and strode toward her. “If you must.”
When she was dressed, he turned her to face him and gently kissed her. Then he put on his own clothes. “I’ll escort you to your chamber. We’ll be discreet.”
“I would appreciate that.”
He pulled her close. “May I come to you tonight?” he whispered, his breath caressing her neck.
She trembled, her knees weakening. “You can’t. I share a chamber with my sister.”
“Then you come to me.”
“Daniel…I…”
“Please.”
“How could I possibly?”
“I’ll figure something out. I’ll come get you, or send someone for you.”
“No. No one can know.”
“There are servants here who are trustworthy. I’ll take care of it.”
He kissed her lips, gently prying them open, taking her tongue with his. Lily reached for him, smoothing his still damp hair, caressing his muscled shoulders. As Daniel moved his mouth to her neck and nuzzled her with soft kisses, she inhaled the fresh clean male scent of him, pressing herself closer to his hard masculine body. Her nipples tightened and her sex throbbed. She still wanted him. But she had to say no.
“There is no need to prolong this affair, Daniel. I cannot come to you tonight.”
“Lily, please.”
“I’ve now had the experience of being in your bed. And I’m sure you have…other engagements.”
“If you’re sure, Lily. But I reserve the right to try to change your mind.”
“You won’t,” she said, and walked swiftly out into the hallway.
CHAPTER 5
Lily changed into a light beige afternoon dress with a pattern of small green-and-white polka dots sprinkled across it. Her hair had dried considerably more than she had anticipated, so she sat while the maid braided it and pinned it into an attractive coiffure. Pleased with the results, she dismissed the maid and headed downstairs and out to the lawn. The ladies were finishing their dessert, a plum torte with Bavarian cream. She found her mother seated with her sister, aunt, and cousins.
Bending to kiss her mother’s cheek, she said, “I’m so sorry to be tardy, Mummy.”
“Where have you been