Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(62)

“Punch will be fine, thank you.”

Soon men were gathered around them, begging Lily for the honor of a dance.

“You can’t keep her to yourself all night, Lybrook,” Polk said, leading Lily to the floor.

She danced with Polk, her brother, Ally’s Mr. Landon, Lord Evan, her father, one of Daniel’s solicitors, his personal physician, and what seemed like a hundred other young men with whom she wasn’t acquainted. Daniel also claimed her three more times. When her feet and legs could no longer bear the strain, she stole out to the terrace for some fresh air and found a private dark corner in which to regain her composure.

“That was quite a little exhibition you put on in there,” a voice said from behind her.

She turned to face Lady Amelia Gregory.

“And may I say, that dress is quite…becoming.”

“Oh, Amanda,” Lily said, “how lovely to see you.”

“It’s Amelia, you fool, but you know that don’t you? Perhaps I should call you Lila?”

“Call me whatever you wish for now, but by the end of the house party, you’ll be addressing me as Your Grace.” Lily couldn’t help smirking.

“I suppose so. Quite a coup d’etat for someone who wasn’t the least bit interested in the duke a mere few days ago.”

“I wasn’t then.”

“Of course you weren’t. And I’m not the least bit interested in your brother. He’s fascinating, by the way.”

“Your threats won’t work with me. My brother would never lower himself to get involved with you.”

“Why not? The duke did. He lowered himself many times actually.”

Lily winced at the double entendre. “If you’ll excuse me, there are many young men waiting for the honor of dancing with me.”

“No, I don’t think so,” Amelia said tersely. “You and I need to have a little chat.”

“I can’t think of anything we need to chat about.”

“You’re going to step aside.” Amelia looked Lily square in the eye. “You’re not going to marry the duke.”

“Ha! Fat lot you know. I’ve been trying to step aside. He won’t let me.”

“My God, do you ever tell the truth?”

“I tell nothing but the truth. I’m afraid he has his heart set on me, though. I know it must hurt to be the loser in our little game. Ta-ta.” Lily pushed Amelia out of her way and headed back toward the ballroom.

Amelia grabbed her arm. “You will step aside, is that clear?”

“You have a lot of nerve. And if I don’t?”

“You’ll be sorry.”

“I’m already sorry. Sorry that I gave more than two seconds to this conversation. Good evening.”

Anger surged through Lily when she reentered the ballroom.

Daniel came to her. “Are you feeling well?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” she said. “Aren’t you going to dance with me again?”

“It’s bad form for me to monopolize you.”

“Thank God. My feet are killing me. Could we take a walk?”

“Your feet are killing you, so you want to walk?” He gave her a lazy half smile.

“Just walk me to the library or the parlor, so I can sit down in peace.”

“All right. Come on.”

He led her to the dark library and lit a lamp on a small table. Lily collapsed on a sofa.

“What I wouldn’t give for some warm water and Epsom salts right now. I’ve never danced that much in one evening. Never even half that much.”

Daniel sat down next to her and pulled her legs onto his lap. He removed her slippers and gently massaged her feet.

Lily closed her eyes, leaning into the lush comfort of the cushion. “Oh, that’s heavenly.”

“Just relax.”

Lily yawned and stretched her arms. “What’s on the agenda for tomorrow?”

“I don’t know what my mother and Aunt Lucy have planned for the guests, but I’ll be in London.”

“All day?”

“I’m afraid so. I’m leaving before dawn, and I won’t be back in time for dinner. But I’ll see you the next day.”

“What is so important that will keep you in London all day?”

“Just business matters. You wouldn’t be interested.”

“Of course I’m interested,” she snapped. “I’m more than just an empty-headed bauble for you to wear on your arm. May I go with you?”

“Not this time. I’ll take you to London whenever you want after we’re married.”

“But why—” A disturbing thought jolted her mind. “You’re not going to visit one of your— Oh, never mind.” She drew her feet off of his lap and put her slippers back on. “I’m tired. I want to go to bed.”

“It’s early yet. You shouldn’t leave the ball.”

“I’ve had a trying day, Daniel, as you are well aware. I want to go to bed. You can walk me to my chamber, or I’ll go myself.”

“I’d rather take you to my chamber.”

She didn’t respond right away. She was exhausted, but she wanted him. Her body still sizzled at his every touch. Moreover, if she slept with him tonight, maybe he wouldn’t go to London tomorrow to visit one of his mistresses. For that was the only possible reason for him to go. Any estate business could be conducted at Laurel Ridge. But if she went to bed with him solely for the purpose of keeping him from making love to someone else… Well, that wasn’t a routine she wanted to set in motion. She deserved far better.