Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(57)

“He doesn’t know the meaning of the word.”

“Lily, dear,” Sophie said, “if you’re not happy about the betrothal, what are we celebrating?”

“We are celebrating my new arrival.” Lily hugged Brandy. “Isn’t she precious?”

“Yes, she is,” Sophie agreed. “Where did she come from?”

“A gift from the duke,” Rose said, “along with all of these other incredible offerings.” She grabbed the leather case that held the diamond and ruby jewels. “Look at these.”

“Oh my God,” Ally said, her sandy eyes wide.

“And he gave her his Vermeer. Look.” Rose gestured. “I can’t even begin to imagine how much that painting is worth.”

“That reminds me,” Lily said, rising. “I’m going to move it to the dressing room. Otherwise Brandy might chew on it.” She lifted the painting. “I will miss looking at it though. My, he was inspired.”

“You’re the luckiest woman on earth, Lily.” Alexandra fingered the pearl choker and earrings. “These are beautiful. And all these art supplies. He certainly knows you, doesn’t he?”

“He doesn’t know me at all, Ally. If he did, he wouldn’t force me into this sham of a marriage. It’s his father all over again, isn’t it?’

“Not exactly,” Alexandra said. “Her Grace hadn’t even met the old duke when her marriage was arranged. You’re acquainted with your duke, and you seem to get on well enough, not to mention he’s handsome, rich, and titled.”

“None of that matters, Ally,” Sophie said. “Is he kind, Lily?”

“Well, he’s forcing me to marry him. That can hardly be called kind.”

“He is a kind man,” Rose said. “Lily and I have spent some time with him. He’s intelligent and articulate, and he has a pleasant personality.”

“Traitor,” Lily said.

“Lily, you are…fond of him. Admit it,” Rose said.

“All right, damn it. I am fond of him. Are you happy?”

“Incredibly. Now, for our celebration.”

Rose lifted a bottle of wine from the crate and summoned a servant to open it. It was returned quickly, along with four glasses.

“To our Lily.” Rose lifted her glass.

They clinked their glasses and feasted on the wine and truffles. After her first glass of wine, Lily began to feel quite celebratory, and the girls rang for the servant to open another bottle.

“Do tell us, Ally,” Lily said. “How was your tryst with Mr. Landon last evening?”

Alexandra giggled. “It was incredible, actually. We talked for a while, and then he put his arms around me and asked if I would grant him the honor of a kiss.”

“He asked? How gentlemanly of him,” Sophie said, “although I hardly approve of a man who requests that a lady meet him unchaperoned on a dark terrace.”

“I approve of him, that’s all that matters,” Alexandra said. “He’s incredibly wealthy, too. He has property in Scotland and America, and he owns a shipping company.”

“Who cares about all that?” Rose said. “How was the kiss?”

“Much better than Wentworth.”

“Well of course,” Lily said. “Brandy here is better than Wentworth, aren’t you, sweet?”

The puppy licked Lily’s face.

“Are you going to see him again?” Rose asked.

“Yes, we’re going on a carriage ride on the morrow. He’s in Bath today, on business, but he told me he expected to be back in time for dinner. Now, Rose, do you have any news for us?”

“Lord Evan and I—” She reddened. “Well, he kissed me after our ride yesterday. It was lovely.”

“How lucky you are!” Ally jumped up. “He’s almost as handsome as the duke. What of the duke, Lily? Has he kissed you yet?”

Lily’s skin heated all over, as memories of Daniel’s seductive kisses flooded through her. “No,” she said, glancing at Rose with a slight shake of her head. “But I expect him to be adequate, given his experience.”

“No doubt,” Alexandra agreed. “And I’m not sure I’d care one way or the other. Looking into that handsome face for a lifetime would be more than enough to keep me happy.”

Lily rolled her eyes and poured the last of the second bottle of wine into her glass. “Let’s open another bottle.”

“Perhaps we’ve had enough,” Rose said with a slur. “I’m feeling a bit lightheaded.”

“I’m marrying the duke, and I want another bottle.”

“The chocolates are almost gone,” Sophie said, hiccoughing.

“We may as well finish them,” Lily said, “and they go so sublimely with the wine, we simply have to open another bottle.” She giggled uncontrollably.

“I agree with Lily.” Alexandra rose to pull the cord.

Soon they were drinking again, laughing and chatting about their childhood, when knock on the door interrupted them.

“The modiste needs to see you, milady,” a housemaid said to Lily.

“What? Goodness, what time is it?”

“Half past seven, milady.”