her lower lip.
“The men will be gone on a hunt all day,” Lily continued.
“No men at the lawn party?” Alexandra scoffed. “Then count me in.”
“All right, Lily,” Rose agreed. “It might be fun.”
“If the three of you are game, so am I,” Sophie said.
* * *
Lily found, to her dismay, that the Wentworths were indeed at Laurel Ridge, and just her unfortunate luck, she was seated next to Theodore Wentworth at dinner. At least he was better than his lecherous uncle, Lord Ludley. On her other side sat Lord Victor Polk, whose height and silky auburn hair identified him as Alexandra’s dashing knight. Thomas was seated across from her, between Regina Wentworth and a thin blond woman whom Lily did not recognize.
Both Wentworth and Polk took care of Lily, filling her wine glass and keeping the conversation lively as they feasted on Beluga caviar, vegetable chowder, poached cod, roast goose with apple-and-raisin dressing, creamed carrots and peas, and kidney pudding.
Polk’s attentions flattered Lily. He was attractive and much more intelligent than Wentworth.
“I would be honored, Lady Lily,” he said, “if you would save dance for me at the ball.”
“Of course. I would be delighted.”
“The delight will be mine, I assure you. Tell me, where has Ashford been hiding you?”
“Hiding me?”
“I would remember you had we met before. I’ve seen your father and brother at many galas over the past few years.”
“I’m afraid my father and brother are both quite protective. This will be my first season.”
“Are you looking forward to it?
Lily took a swallow of wine and set her glass on the table. “Not in the slightest.”
Polk’s light brown eyes shone with amusement. “My, you certainly know your own mind. Tell me, what have you got against the season?”
“My lord, I’m sure you have no interest in my opinion on that subject.”
“You would be mistaken. Please, elaborate.” He smiled.
Lily knew she should hold her tongue. But— “Frankly, my lord, I consider the whole London season to be nothing more than a thinly veiled meat market.”
Polk erupted in a gale of laughter. “Without a doubt, you are the first person I have ever heard describe the season in that manner.”
“Well it’s true, isn’t it?” Lily gestured, nearly toppling her wine glass. “Men and women window shopping for a mate as if they were looking for the most sumptuous chops in the butcher shop. It’s barbaric.”
“You’re opinionated, aren’t you? It’s rather refreshing, actually.”
“Just remember, you asked.”
“Yes, I certainly did. And I agree with your assessment, although I think there are some who prefer the richest chops to the most sumptuous.” His eyes twinkled. “May I offer you some more wine?”
“No, thank you, my lord. I believe I’ve had enough. You wouldn’t want me to become any more loose tongued, would you?”
“I can’t think of a more pleasant way to spend the evening,” Polk said, his smile a bit devious, “than with a loose-tongued lovely like yourself.”
Lily’s cheeks warmed. Was Polk still speaking about her opinions?
* * *
Lily had chosen a gown of pale green for the opening ball that was fairly low cut. Thomas had shaken his head slightly when he came to the girls’ chamber to escort them to the ball, but she didn’t care. A maid had swept her dark hair into an elaborate chignon, leaving wisps of curls dangling around her face, framing her high cheekbones.
Thomas escorted Rose to the dance floor for a quadrille while Lily looked for a table. Before she sat down, Lord Wentworth approached her.
“Oh, Teddy, I’m so glad you’re here. There is someone I would love for you to meet. Come with me.” She took his arm and walked toward her cousins who had just entered, making the necessary introductions quickly and pushing Alexandra into Wentworth’s arms for a dance.
When Thomas deposited Rose back at the table, Lily grabbed his arm. “Thomas, you must dance with me.
“All right, Lily. I never knew you were much for dancing.”
“I’m not, but I need to keep Wentworth from asking me.”
He laughed. “I see. Shall we, then?” He held out his arm and expertly led her in the next quadrille.
“Who was that lovely young woman sitting next to you at dinner?” Lily asked.
“The blonde? Her name was Emma Smith or Smythe. I can’t remember.”
“I see her over there.” Lily motioned with her eyes. “You should ask her to dance.”
“If I dance with someone else, how can I keep Wentworth from focusing on you?” He chuckled.
“I’ll take care of Wentworth. I’m trying to get him interested in Ally.”
“He’s not