His Lordship's True Lady (True Gentlemen #4)(90)

Why had Hessian had to fetch Annie the length of the realm? Why hadn’t she at least written? Why hadn’t Tippy said anything, ever?

Hessian abandoned his post by the door and joined Lily near the window. “Worth and I didn’t speak to each other for years. We had our reasons and would probably make the same mistakes again, given the same circumstances. I hope you and your sister can go forward without estrangement. I also hope that between the two of you, you can hold Walter Leggett accountable for stealing a fortune.”

These words were comforting, but only comforting. Hessian was being gentlemanly again, damn him.

“Is the money all gone?” Though in truth Lily cared more about ten years spent fearing exposure, fearing Uncle’s wrath, fearing prison.

“Likely not, but Leggett has much to answer for. Shall we share a pot of tea before we leave?”

“I’d rather share the bed.”

Hessian’s smile was fleeting, a will-o’-the-wisp of yearning and passionate memories. “If you choose to again join me in a bed, Lily Ferguson, you will do so after being put in full possession of the facts regarding your situation and my own, and in possession of whatever wealth is rightfully yours. Do you suppose anybody has freed Oscar yet?”

“I hope not. I hope he waits until Domesday for rescue. Am I married to him?”

“The marriage is not valid, by virtue of duress and by virtue of the license being inaccurate. At best, the noddypoop might have attempted to form a bigamous union with your sister, which is both felonious and invalid.”

Lily accepted Hessian’s arm, for if she dragged him to the bed, they’d miss their appointment in the park—they’d miss all their appointments for the next month.

“I said my vows before witnesses, Hessian.”

“True, but Rosecroft also reports that the clergyman made no effort to speak with you privately, despite the irregularity of the circumstances. At no point were those present asked if they knew of an impediment to the union. Worth hasn’t much contact with the ecclesiastical courts, but he knows the Bishop of London. If you are married today, you won’t be by this time next week.”

In the middle of the corridor, Lily stopped and wrapped her arms around Hessian. “I was so frightened.”

Slowly, his arms came around her. “You’re safe, Lily. You’re safe at last.”

She went a little to pieces, because she had needed for somebody to say those words to her, somebody she could trust. Hessian led her to an alcove and sat with her on a small sofa, his arm around her, his scent soothing her frayed nerves.

“I’m furious, Hessian.”

“You have every right to be.”

She was also, in a corner of her heart, still afraid. Hessian had said that when she knew her own circumstances—and his—then she might again join him in a bed. Was he keeping secrets, and if so, were they the kinds of secrets that could prevent Lily from marrying him?





Chapter Twenty





* * *



All manner of inanities occurred to Hessian as he escorted Lily to the secluded clearing where he’d arranged to meet the Delmars.

Don’t be nervous.

Promise me you’ll listen.

I have a daughter.

I love you.

None of that would help Lily get through this encounter with Mrs. Delmar.

“You’re very quiet,” Lily said as they emerged into a patch of sunlit grass.

“I’m very grateful to be done with my journey and have it successfully concluded.” To have known you and loved you. He seated Lily on the bench, took the place beside her, and consulted his watch. “We’re early.”

“You like to be early.”

How pretty she looked in a new dress, and how kissable. “I like to be punctual.” They had more than ten minutes to spare, which was an eternity to a man in love. “That’s not entirely true. Sometimes, I’d like to throw dear Papa’s watch into the middens. My grandfather’s watch, actually.”

He should move farther down the bench. They were more or less in public and would soon have company.

Lily slipped her hand into his, and Hessian damned all gloves to the bottom of the Serpentine.

“What is it you’re not telling me, Hessian?”

That I’ll love you until the day I die, that if you don’t choose me of your own free will —

Somebody was whistling Ae Fond Kiss, which was one of the most mournful parting songs Hessian had ever had the displeasure to learn.

“They’re coming,” Lily said, gripping Hessian’s hand more tightly. “You promised, Hessian. Don’t abandon me now.”

“As if I could.” He rose and drew Lily to her feet. “Your sister is more nervous than you are, and for good reason. She owes you, Lily. Don’t forget that. I owe you too.”

Lily had time to send him one baffled look before Hessian arranged her hand on his arm and arranged his features into that expression Worth referred to as His Bored-ship.

Delmar and his lady trundled into the clearing and came to a stop. Mrs. Delmar appeared to shrink against her husband—the self-same husband who had dismissed his own sister’s lying-in as an excuse for putting off this journey. He whispered something into Mrs. Delmar’s ear.

She squared her shoulders and held out a hand. “I have missed you so, Lilith. I have missed you and missed you.”