Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(59)

Another knock on the door delivered Brandy.

“Here’s your puppy, Lily,” Daniel said, placing Brandy in her arms.

“You adorable creature. I missed you.” She yawned. “I’m sleepy, Daniel.”

“Lie back now. Get some rest.”

“What about Brandy?” she asked drowsily, snuggling into Daniel’s pillow.

“Putney will take her to the kennels. They’ll care for her until tomorrow.”

“All right then.” She closed her eyes.

Daniel pressed a damp cloth to her forehead.

“That feels nice,” she murmured. “Come lie with me, Daniel.”

“No, love, not while you’re foxed.”

She opened her eyes abruptly. “I am not foxed!”

He laughed softly. “Of course not. Now go to sleep, I’ll wake you in a bit.”

“I need to dress for the ball.”

“I’ll wake you in time. Close your eyes. I’ll stay and watch over you.”

“You’re so sweet.” She reached for him. “Hold me. I want to feel your arms around me.” She closed her eyes.

What could it hurt? He lay down beside her and gathered her in his arms.

“That’s nice,” she murmured and then began to snore softly.

Daniel kissed her chastely on the forehead, smiling because she wanted him. Perhaps she did care for him.

In vino veritas, he thought. In wine, there’s truth.





Chapter 13





Lily awoke, naked, in Daniel’s bed. He held her gently, making love to her, softly crooning her name. “Lily, Lily, Lily.” She sighed, enjoying the feel of his hands on her skin. “Lily, Lily…”

Something cool and crisp fell from her eyes when she opened them to see Daniel sitting next to her, shaking her arm gently.

“Lily, Lily.”

She was still fully clothed, lying on his bed. The lovemaking had been a dream… What had fallen from her eyes appeared to be thin slices of…cucumber?

“Daniel?”

“I’m here. How are you feeling?”

“Why was there cucumber on my face?”

“It’s an old trick of my mother’s. When her eyes are tired and puffy, she swears by slices of cucumber, so I had the kitchen send some up.”

“Ugh. What is that awful taste in my mouth?”

“Just an after effect of your…indulgence.”

“It’s probably from that horrible glop you forced down my throat. What was in that stuff anyway?”

He chuckled. “You don’t want to know. Does your head hurt?”

Lily shook her head. “I must look dreadful, though.”

“You’ll always be beautiful to me, love. Your face looks good, actually. I’ll have to tell my mother that her old wives’ tale has merit. But your hair needs a little work, and you need a bath and tooth brushing.”

Lily twisted her face into a grimace. “You’ve seen me at my worst. Do you still want to marry me?”

“I’m sorry to tell you but, yes, I do.”

“Good God.” She stood, a little lightheaded, but remarkably sturdy on her feet.

“Lily, if you don’t feel you can attend the ball tonight, we can announce our betrothal on the morrow.”

“No, I feel…better. Surprising, but true. Perhaps Putney should market that concoction of his.”

“I’ve often thought so myself.”

She turned to face him. “Daniel, I…”

“What is it, love?”

“Thank you for looking after me.”

“I would do anything for you. I had hoped that you knew that by now.”

“I…”

“It’s all right.”

“No, it’s… Your gifts were very generous, Daniel. They touched my heart, really. But I can’t accept them, especially the Vermeer. It’s too much.”

“I want you to have the Vermeer. It will be half yours when we marry anyway.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Lily said. “When we marry, I cease to be. I’ll have no ownership rights. Everything of mine will belong to you, and I shall be forced to obey you and yield to you in every way.”

“Lily…”

“It’s true, and you know it.”

“I would never take away your identity.”

“But you will exert your husbandly rights, won’t you?”

“I’ll have to exert some of them. It will be my duty to take care of you and see to your best interests,” he said. “You’ll be my responsibility.”

“I don’t want to be anyone’s responsibility. Damn it all to hell!”

“Lily, please.”

“I need to go to my chamber and dress for the ball. There isn’t much time.”

He strode toward her.

“No.” She held up her arms. “Don’t bother escorting me. Discretion is a moot point now, isn’t it?” She walked out the door and shut it, not quietly, behind her.

Lily entered her chamber and found Rose bathing, looking pale and sickly.

“There you are, Lily. Lord, my head is throbbing.”