Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(3)

“Sorry, Lily,” Thomas said. “The Lybrook collection can only be viewed by private invitation.”

“Perhaps the duke will invite me to see it. Surely he would appreciate my interest.”

“I’m sure he’ll appreciate many things about you,” her brother said, “the least of which is your commitment to the arts.”

Lily rolled her eyes at her brother and then closed them, remembering her previous visit to Laurel Ridge. When she had uncovered her painting, she had been surprised at how ghastly her technique had been a mere eight years earlier. But it had a cheerful innocence to it. She had never shown it to Lord Daniel, nor had she seen him again during her brief stay at the estate.

She would likely not see him this time either, as he would no doubt be busy with his many mistresses. Handsome Lord Daniel Farnsworth was now the Duke of Lybrook.



* * *



Daniel stepped out of his bath and into the towel held by his valet. He dried himself and held out his arms for the silk dressing gown. “Thank you, Putney,” he said, taking a seat in his leather armchair for a shave.

The valet soaked a towel in a basin of steaming water, wrung it out, and wrapped it around Daniel’s face. He tried to relax. He enjoyed a good shave, but right now all he could think about was the guests gathering below and how he had to begin his life as the Duke of Lybrook this evening.

Hosting a two week house party at what was now his estate was a daunting concept. Thank goodness for his mother and Aunt Lucy. They were renowned hostesses and would see that everything went according to plan.

He felt a smile coming, but kept it at bay so as not to disturb Putney’s shaving. Lady Amelia Gregory would be there. The attractive widow would no doubt be thrilled to warm his bed tonight. She could do marvelous things with her mouth. He stiffened.

Putney rubbed the last traces of shaving soap from Daniel’s face and went to the wardrobe to prepare his garments.

“I think you’ll find this acceptable.” Putney held out a suit jacket of dark burgundy velvet and black trousers.

Daniel dressed and poured himself a small snifter of brandy.

“Do you require anything else, Your Grace?”

“No, Putney. You may go.”

Putney bowed and left. Daniel drained the brandy in two gulps, left his chamber, and headed down the wide staircase to join the gentlemen who had congregated on the back terrace. Here goes nothing.

His father and brother had been good at this sort of small talk. Daniel had usually been debauching some willing widow or housemaid in a dark corner. His lips curved slightly upward at the thought. Those days were over, now that he was obliged to be the host of these blasted events. He pasted a smile on his face and joined the first group of gentlemen.



* * *



Fatigued from their journey, Lily and Rose fell into a slumber after a maid had shown them to their guest chamber. After what seemed like only seconds, Lily awoke to a knock on the chamber door. Quickly she flew off the bed, searching for her gown on the floor. “Who is it?”

“It’s us! Let us in!”

Lily ran to door and threw it open. “Ally, Sophie!” She grabbed her cousins in a hug.

“Lily, dear, you’re in your undergarments,” Sophie admonished.

“Rose and I were napping. We were tired and our bags hadn’t been brought up yet.”

“They’re right outside the door,” Alexandra said. “Sophie and I can get them for you.”

“Oh, don’t be silly, I’ll get them.”

“Lily, do not step one foot outside that door in your undergarments.” Rose sat up in bed. “Sophie and Ally can get our bags.”

“My God, what is in this one?” Alexandra asked, lugging in a huge leather case.

“Those are my art supplies.” Lily grabbed the bag. “Do be careful.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to paint during your stay here,” Alexandra said. “There are going to be lawn parties, and rides, and fancy dinners, and balls.”

“You tell her, Ally,” Rose said. “She’s absolutely determined not to have any fun at all.”

“You have your fun, and I’ll have mine. This estate is breathtaking. I intend to brush every bit of it onto paint board and describe every last foot of it in my journal.”

“I think that sounds lovely, Lily,” Sophie said.

Lily looked at her small cousin with affection. Sophie had thick golden hair and large hazel eyes that could mesmerize a person. Her younger sister, Alexandra, had chestnut hair, golden eyes, and a flamboyant personality. Gentlemen would no doubt be queuing up for Ally’s favors this very evening.

Their mother was Lady Ashford’s older sister, Iris, the Countess of Longarry. Their father, an abusive Scottish earl, had died two years earlier, his lifetime of reckless spending leaving them penniless. The Ashfords had supported them since then and planned to bring the girls out for their first season with Lily and Rose.

“We have the chamber right next to yours,” Alexandra said. “And mother is way down the hall. Where are Uncle Crispin and Auntie Flora?”

“I have no idea,” Lily said. “Rose and I were so tired from the trip that we passed out as soon as we got here.”

“Hopefully they’re far away as well. Then we won’t have any problem sneaking around.” Alexandra winked.