Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(39)

“All right, if you think it’s suitable.”

“I think it’s perfectly fine. And I’ll get the added pleasure of being close to you.” He stole a quick kiss. “I’ve missed you.”

“You just saw me this morning.”

“I know.” He kissed her once more. “You wait here for Xavier and Rose. They’ll be coming around from the guest stables. I’ll saddle Midnight.”



* * *



Lily settled against Daniel’s chest as Midnight trotted away from the stables. Rose and Evan rode side by side, behind them. Daniel held the reins with one hand, keeping his other arm around Lily’s waist. Snuggling back against him felt warm and wonderful. He was right. She was much more comfortable this way. So comfortable, in fact, that she wanted to lean against Daniel’s hard muscled chest forever. God help her.

“We’re coming up to a jump, Lily,” he said into her neck. “Should I warn your sister?”

“Goodness, no. She can jump in her sleep. Watch her. You’ll be amazed.”

Midnight took the two foot jump with ease and Lily was hardly jarred. Daniel turned to the side to watch Rose, and then Evan, handle the jump expertly.

“You are certainly graceful on horseback, my lady,” Daniel said to Rose.

“Thank you, Your Grace. I suppose it’s my compensation for not being blessed with Lily’s artistic talent.”

“Don’t listen to her,” Lily said. “She may not be able to draw a straight line, but she plays the pianoforte like an angel. Music is just another type of art, Rose. I myself never had the patience for it.”

“I would love to hear you play sometime,” Evan said.

“I’ve been playing in the main parlor most mornings. I’d like to ask Her Grace if I could play the grand in the conservatory. It’s magnificent.”

“Play it anytime you wish,” Daniel said. “In fact, why don’t you play for the three of us sometime?”

“I couldn’t possibly. I don’t have anything prepared.”

“Aren’t you working on that Beethoven?” Lily asked.

“The key word is ‘working,’ Lily. It’s not ready for an audience.”

“Don’t believe a thing she tells you,” Lily said. “She has a beautiful repertoire.”

“Fine then,” Daniel said. “Shall we say tonight after dinner? About eleven in the conservatory?”

“I-I’m not sure…” Rose stammered.

“She’d be delighted,” Lily said, laughing. “Now let’s see some more of this beautiful estate. And do pick up the pace, Daniel. I’m not made of china, you know. I want to ride!”

“All right, Lily,” he said. “You asked for it.”

He urged Midnight into a gallop, and Lily laughed with the pure exhilaration of the ride. Daniel slowed Midnight when they came to an ornate cast iron gate off the trail.

“Where does that lead?” Lily asked Daniel.

“It’s a garden. Would you like to see it?”

“Yes, of course. Is anything in bloom this time of year?”

“You’d be surprised.” He turned to the others. “Lily wants to take a look at the garden. Would you two care to join us?”

“Of course,” Rose said, turning to Evan. “If it’s all right with you, my lord.”

“Fine with me,” he said. “Is there a hitching post?”

“Yes, right here.” Daniel motioned. They dismounted and saw to their horses. Daniel opened the gate. They stepped inside and Lily and Rose both gasped. The garden was like a maze, with leafy shrubbery arranged in intricate formations. A few white benches sat nearby, and several little pathways led into the heart of the greenery.

“It’s so much bigger than I imagined,” Lily said. “It’s enchanting, like a labyrinth. Whoever dreamed up such a place?”

“My grandmother,” Daniel said. “She envisioned an oasis to attract fairies and gnomes and the like. She was a bit odd in the head, but a great duchess.”

“I definitely need to bring my paints here,” Lily said.

“Would you care to walk a little, my lady?” Evan offered his arm to Rose.

“That would be lovely.”

Lily started to follow them, but Daniel held her back. “Let them go alone.”

“I can’t,” Lily said. “I’m her chaperone. Rose is innocent.”

“So were you a few days ago.”

“I was never the innocent that Rose is. I read.”

Daniel chuckled softly. “Let them have some time. They seem to like each other.”

“If you think best,” Lily said. Once Rose and Evan were out of sight, she tilted her head upward and sought Daniel’s mouth with her own.

“Easy, Lily, or I may have to rip off your clothes and have you right here.”

“Control yourself.” Lily laughed, kissing him again.

He turned his face from her. “I want you so much right now. If you keep kissing me, I may not be able to stop. You know what I’m capable of.”

“Yes, and I like what you’re capable of.” She pressed her lips to his neck, inhaling the salty scent of his skin.