Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(37)

“Don’t be silly,” Lily said. “You and I both know his reputation.”

“We shall see what we shall see.” Rose left it at that.



* * *



Lily finished her painting, pleased with the results. She headed back to the main house to return her art supplies to her chamber, after which she planned to browse in the library and choose a book to relax with for the rest of the morning. As she entered, a large brown crate and several white canvases sitting at the foot of her bed drew her focus. Her name was written in elegant script on a sheet of parchment sealed with the Lybrook crest. Her hands shaking, she opened the note and read it, admiring the masculine scrawl.

Lily,

I can’t wait to see what you create with these. Make Vermeer proud.

Yours,

D.

She knelt beside the crate. The nails had been loosened so she could remove the top easily. She gasped. The box was filled with tubes of oil paints, brushes and other tools, a color mixing palette, and several jars of various spirits. At the bottom was a book about oil painting. She grabbed it and opened it. No need to visit the library now. This would be her reading material for the rest of the morning.

“Oh, Daniel,” she whispered. “You’re so completely wonderful.”

She closed her eyes and sighed. How could she show him her appreciation for this most thoughtful of gifts? She took the watercolor she had just finished out of her leather case. It had turned out beautifully. She had signed it with a simple “L” in script, and then the date, the way she signed all of her paintings. She removed the painting she had completed eight years prior. The “L” had a girlish curl to it, and the technique was “raw and untamed,” as Daniel had put it. Still, he had seemed charmed by the painting, and she wanted him to have it. She would give him both pieces. Perhaps he would remember their time together, and she would rest easier knowing that a little part of her stayed at Laurel Ridge when she left.

But…was it appropriate for her to gift him with the paintings? In fact, was it appropriate for her to even accept his gift?

She laughed aloud. Of course it wasn’t. But she had slept with him. That certainly hadn’t been appropriate. The oils beckoned her. She had to accept them. And she so wanted to give him her paintings.

She picked up her journal, tore a page from it, and dipped a quill in ink to write a short note.

Daniel,

Thank you so very much for the loveliest gift anyone has ever given me. Please keep these paintings to remember our time together. I will never forget you.

Lily

Was that too personal? She tried again.

Daniel,

I love the oils. Thank you so very much. Please accept these paintings as my gift to you.

Yours,

Lily

No, that wasn’t right either. She ripped another sheet out of her journal and began scratching the quill once more.

Daniel,

Thank you for the lovely gift. I can’t wait to get started.

Lily

That was better. Short and to the point, with no room for second guessing. She wouldn’t mention the watercolors, she would just attach the note to them. He could decide for himself what her gift to him meant. She delivered her gift discreetly to Daniel’s chamber, leaving it against the door, and then sneaked down to the first floor and walked outside into the beautiful April day. When she found a tree that suited her, she sat down beneath it and opened her new book.



* * *



Daniel found Lily sitting under a giant oak, absorbed in a book.

“Good afternoon,” he said, smiling.

Her body visibly tensed. “My goodness, you must stop sneaking up on me like that,” she said. “You’re liable to send me into conniptions.”

Daniel laughed. “You were so engrossed, I doubt you would have noticed a cyclone. What are you reading?”

Lily held it up for him. “It’s the book about oils that you gave me. I just love it, Daniel. I don’t know how to thank you for the gift.”

She held her arm out to him and he sat down next to her. She looked around, and then gave him a moist kiss on the lips, setting his skin ablaze.

“There is so much information here. I’m so excited.”

Daniel stared at her, and for a moment he thought he would give his entire fortune to keep that unfeigned look of happy excitement in her glowing dark eyes. “I’m glad you like the paints, Lily.”

“Oh, I do. They’re just perfect.”

“Are you ready to go riding?” He played with her hand, entwining their fingers together.

“Already? I haven’t had any lunch yet. What time is it?”

“Two in the afternoon.”

“Goodness, I must have forgotten to eat. That’s my downfall, you know. I get so involved in reading, or writing, or painting, that sometimes I’m oblivious to all else. I’ve missed many a meal in my day.”

“I don’t have to worry about you getting plump on me, do I?” He winked at her. “Come on, let’s go to the kitchen. I’ll have one of the cooks make you a sandwich.”

“Are you sure there’s time?”

“Yes, Xavier and your sister are meeting us at the stables at half past. Come on.” He helped her up, crushing her body against his for a moment.

Daniel took Lily to the kitchen for her sandwich and then waited in the foyer while she changed into her riding habit.