Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(56)

“How very wonderful for you, my dear. And your intended is?”

Lily cleared her throat. “The Duke of Lybrook.”

“The duke? Splendide! How lucky you are. If I were twenty years younger, I would marry him myself. This calls for a special gown.”

“Yes, I would like something…frivolous and compelling. Something that stands out in a crowd.”

“With your beauty, ma belle, you already stand out. What are you thinking by way of couleur?”

“Something bright. Vivid, actually.”

“For this time of year? Non, I do not think so.”

“Yes. That is what I want. How about red? Or orange?”

“Orange would be dreadful with your skin tone, my lady. But perhaps red.” She rustled through the garments she had brought with her and pulled out a red satin ball gown. “This color would be magnifique,” she said, turning Lily around and unfastening her dress.

Lily stepped out of her dress and into the gown, turning to let Madame LeRou fasten her. The gown was beautiful, featuring a scalloped neckline and a high waist. It fit Lily’s slender but voluptuous figure well, and she couldn’t help thinking how perfect the diamond and ruby jewelry would complement it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite what she had in mind.

“It’s lovely, but I was thinking of something a little more…I don’t know. Revealing?”

“Ah, so you would like to create a petite scandale?” Madame winked at her. “You are not the first well-bred lady to ask this of me. Let me take a look.” She pulled out a gown of shocking red velvet.

The fabric stretched over every curve of Lily’s body. The neckline was low, coming down in a curved V design that, between the shape of the bodice and of Lily’s chest and waist, created the illusion of a large red heart. The short puffed sleeves were connected to the frock with only the tiniest clips set with pearls.

“Could we lower the neckline a little?” Lily asked.

“Bien sur. But with your ample bosom, my lady, I don’t advise it.”

“Do it,” Lily said. “And I want the sleeves to be off the shoulder.” She gestured to her bosom right above the neckline. “From here up, I want to appear naked.”

“Mon Dieu! I cannot possibly recommend—”

“That is what I want. Cinch the waist in a bit also, and ruffle up the bustle a bit. I’ll need dancing slippers to match. Can it be completed by the hour of ten? The ball starts at eleven.”

“Oui, oui, my lady, but I must start right away. I will need you to come back here for a final fitting at, shall we say, eight?”

“Dinner is at eight.”

“D’accord. Half past seven, but that is the best that I can do.”

“I will be here. Do you require anything before then?”

“I suppose I will be hungry soon,” Madame LeRou said.

“I’ll have a tea tray sent up now, and I’ll see that a dinner tray is delivered later.”

“That is most kind of you, my lady.”

Lily nodded and left the room briskly. If Daniel wanted to make her one of his many doxies, she should at least look the part. She returned to her chamber, but Rose was still gone, so she picked up the copy of Oliver Twist and began to read. Soon she was lost in the adventures of the young orphan.



* * *



“We’re here, Lily, wake up,” Rose’s voice said.

Lily opened her eyes to Brandy’s adorable panting face. “Oh, you gorgeous little thing!”

Her sister and her cousins stood over her, giggling.

“Ally, Sophie, what are you doing here?”

“We came with Rose,” Ally said. “She told us you two were having a little celebration, and we thought we’d join the fun. What is going on?”

“You mean you haven’t heard?”

“No, Lily,” Rose said. “Thomas and I found Mummy after we left you this morning, and she asked us not to say anything until tonight.”

“Well, it’s my life, and I want them to know.” She turned to her cousins. “Apparently I am betrothed.”

“What?” Sophie gasped.

“To whom?” Alexandra wanted to know.

“None other than the Duke of Lybrook himself.”

“You’re kidding!” Alexandra squealed. “How did this happen?”

“Tell me and we’ll both know,” Lily replied cynically. “His Grace arranged everything with Papa. I didn’t have a word to say about any of it.”

“Who cares?” Ally shrieked. “You’ve just landed the most luscious man in England, Lily.”

“Yes, he has a certain appeal,” Lily admitted. “But you’re forgetting one very important point. I don’t want to be married.”

“Lily, this is such an honor,” Sophie said.

“An honor? Are you completely mad? To join his merry band of strumpets? I suppose there’s some small consolation in the fact that at least I’ll be his lawful wife, but that won’t stop him from humping—”

“Lily!” Rose admonished.

“Well, it’s true!”

“You don’t know that,” Rose said. “He may be faithful to you.”