Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(74)

The duchess’s eyes shimmered with tears, and Lily offered her handkerchief.

“Thank you, dear. Imagine, for a moment, what it was like to lose a father and a brother, and then be plagued with new responsibilities for which you were completely unprepared. So what did Daniel do? He ran.”

“To the continent,” Lily said.

“Yes. I didn’t try to stop him. I don’t think I could have anyway. I understood his need for escape. I let him go. Luckily, our solicitors and bankers took care of the estate while he was gone, and our holdings are secure. Then, a few months ago, I received a letter from Daniel, telling me he was returning to resume his responsibilities. He apologized for leaving me when I needed him, and he vowed to do better in the future as a son, as a duke, and as a man. Lucy and I planned this house party to come out of mourning, but I had an ulterior motive. I wanted you and Daniel to meet again.”

“Did you know that we had actually met before?”

“Yes. He told me the day he found you in my little alcove. He mentioned your talent and what a pretty child you were.”

Lily’s heart jumped and her lips curved into a smile.

“I couldn’t think of a better match for my son than one of Flora and Crispin’s daughters. I intended to formally introduce the two of you, but somehow that took care of itself. I was elated when Daniel arranged for you to sit with him at dinner. I don’t know how the two of you managed to get together, but I thank God for it.” The duchess laid her hand on Lily’s forearm, squeezing gently. “You are Daniel’s savior, Lily. Please don’t abandon him.”

“I don’t want to leave him, it’s just…”

“What, dear?”

“I have reason to believe that he’s only marrying me because… This is difficult to say.”

“You’re going to be my daughter, Lily. You can tell me.”

Lily concentrated on a small wrinkle in her skirt. “He believes I might be with child.”

The duchess lifted her eyebrows. “With child? But Daniel ought to know how to prevent that.”

“He does. He told me he would. But he didn’t. I was…quite angry with him.”

“Oh my.”

“I’m sorry, Your Grace. I assure you that I never meant to… That is, if it had been anyone but him, I wouldn’t have… He and I seem to… We’re drawn together, or something.” Lily sighed. “This isn’t coming out right at all.”

“My dear, I don’t think any less of you. But don’t you see what this means?”

“No, I’m sorry.”

“He didn’t try to prevent you from conceiving his child. Lily, Daniel is in love with you.”

A tear slid down Lily’s cheek. “He’s never said that. He’s said other things. I suppose one might be able to construe…” She shook her head. “No, I need to hear the words.”

“I understand, but he’s afraid to love. The only people he ever allowed himself to love were ripped from him as a young boy.” The duchess wiped a tear from her cheek. “You must tell him how you feel first.”

“But that’s not the way…” Lily shrugged. “I’m afraid to.”

The duchess took both of Lily’s hands in hers, smiling into her eyes. “My darling girl, sometimes we women have to be the brave ones. You’ll find out for yourself once you’re married. Go to him. Admit your feelings to him. Show him he can love again.”

Lily gulped, apprehension flooding her. But the duchess was right. Poor Daniel had lost everyone.

“May I ask a favor, Your Grace?”

“Yes.”

“Would you keep this conversation in confidence?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you. I’ve enjoyed talking with you. It’s been enlightening.” She gathered her courage and rose. “I shall go to Daniel.”





Chapter 16





Daniel rose from his giant tub and toweled himself dry, smiling as he remembered his afternoon with Lily. He swathed himself in a velvet dressing robe, ready to ring for Putney to assist him, when a knock came on his outer chamber door. No one but Lily would come to see him at this time during the day. His heart leaped in anticipation of seeing her face, hearing her voice. He walked through his bedchamber to the sitting room.

“Come in, love,” he said, loudly enough to penetrate the closed door. “You’re not going to start knocking now, are you?” He went back into the bedchamber, grabbed a towel, and began to wring the moisture from his hair.

“How very kind you are, to say that I don’t need to knock.”

Daniel turned. Amelia Gregory stood in the door of his bedchamber.

“I thought you were someone else.”

“Your lovely Lily, no doubt?”

“I’m busy, as you can see. Please leave at once.”

“No. I want to talk to you.”

“We have nothing to say to each other.”

“I disagree, Daniel. I have much to say.” She walked toward him. “I have missed you so very much. I can’t sleep at night for want of you.”

“I’m sorry. As I’ve told you before, it’s over between us.”