Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(43)

“Come now. You don’t think we really believe that Lily was in her room resting after viewing the duke’s art.”

“Believe what you want,” Lily said. “But that’s exactly what—” She spied Emma and her mother returning to the terrace. “Emma!” She motioned. “Do come join us, please.”

Emma approached them and sat down. “How are all of you this evening?”

“We’re just fine, dear,” Lily said. “How was your walk with Thomas?”

“Just lovely. He’s heading back to the bachelor house now. There’s a poker game tonight or something.”

“Gambling? My goodness,” Sophie said.

“It’s probably just a friendly game, Sophie,” Rose said. “Thomas enjoys gaming. Papa does too, actually.”

“Emma,” Lily said, “I’m so sorry about your unfortunate dinner companions this evening. If I had known you would be seated with Lord Ludley, I’d have warned you.”

“Warned me about what?”

“About him. Tell me, did he try anything inappropriate?”

“He did seem to brush my thigh more than necessary, but I assumed it was because of his size. He is rather large.”

“Large doesn’t begin to describe him,” Lily said. “And his thigh caressing was not an accident, I assure you.”

“He also seemed to salivate a lot.”

Lily laughed. “Yes, he’s disgusting. Tell me, did he do anything that made you uncomfortable?”

“She’ll have the duke kick him off the estate for you, you know,” Alexandra said.

“No, no.” Emma said. “I’m absolutely fine. There’s no need… How can you get the duke the kick him off the estate, Lily?”

“Haven’t you heard?” Alexandra held two fingers up side by side. “Lily and His Grace are like this.”

“Ally, you’re making that up,” Lily said.

“I don’t think so,” she began, then, “My goodness, what time is it, anyway?”

“It was nearly ten when Lord Jameson and I parted,” Emma said. “Why do you ask?”

“I have an engagement,” Alexandra said, and then lowered her voice. “Mr. Landon and I are meeting on the back terrace.”

“Ally!” Sophie exclaimed. “Without a chaperone?”

“Of course without a chaperone,” Alexandra said. “What fun would it be otherwise?”

“I suppose I can’t talk you out of this, can I?” Sophie shook her head. “Please use good sense though. Don’t let him take any liberties.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” Alexandra said, winking. “I plan to take the liberties myself. I’ll see you all later. Will you be here for a while?”

“I’ll only be here for a bit,” Rose said. “I’m playing the grand piano in the conservatory for Lord Evan at eleven, and Lily is my chaperone. In fact, Lily, we should go. I’d like to warm up a bit. I haven’t actually played the grand yet, and I need to get the feel of it. Would you two care to come along?” She nodded to Sophie and Emma.

“Thank you just the same,” Sophie said. “I think I’ll stay out here. It’s such a nice evening.”

“I’ll stay and chat with Sophie,” Emma said. “But do have a lovely time.”

“We will, dear,” Lily said, linking arms with Rose and Alexandra. “Tomorrow evening there will be another formal ball. Won’t that be fun?”

“Oh yes,” Alexandra said. “I had a wonderful time at the first one. Except for Wentworth and his errant tongue, that is.”

“Alexandra…” Sophie began.

“Sophie, darling, if you had been in my shoes, you would say the same thing. Do enjoy your evening, ladies.” She broke away from Lily and hurried off.

Lily and Rose said goodbye and entered the house, making their way past the library to the conservatory. The chandelier had already been lit, and cast a luminous glow on the black lacquer grand piano in the center of the room. One wall of the large room was devoted entirely to bookshelves which housed written music of all kinds. In a corner stood a gilt-edged harp, and in another corner, several guitars and mandolins. The walls were filled with more paintings, and Lily slowly walked through the room, looking at each one with interest. She made a mental note to have Daniel explain them to her later and took a seat on a lush sofa covered in forest green satiny fabric.

“Start with the Mozart sonata, dear. It’s my favorite,” she said.

Rose sat down on the cushioned piano bench and sighed, lovingly running her fingers over the sleek ivory keys. “This is the most glorious instrument I have ever seen.”

“It looks a lot like the one at our estate,” Lily said.

Rose rolled her eyes. “Lily, this is at least two feet longer than ours, and the finish is far better quality. As for the sound, let’s see.” She played a few measures. “Can’t you hear the difference?”

“Not really,” Lily said.

“You are a goose. The tone is far superior.” Rose began playing the Mozart. “It’s almost as if the piano crescendos on its own. It knows exactly what to do.”