Wild Lily (Those Notorious Americans Book 1)(33)

But the crux of her anticipation was that she trusted him to keep their secret—and she had no evidence she should. He’d been so casual about the offer, it shocked her. Would he offer such an escapade to an English lady? Or was she ripe for tricking? Mocking? He was a man of his class with all its foibles, and as such, he could disregard society’s rules and live to tell about it. Could she trust her instinct that with her, he might be honorable?

Julian’s gaze met hers and the small smile curving his lips had her pulse beating faster. He’d been quick to name the arrangements for their ride. One hour after everyone had retired, he would meet her at the far end of Carbury’s stables. Julian would escort her to his own stable block where he would have instructed his groom to saddle two horses for them. And hers would bear a man’s saddle.

With a resounding thrill singing through her veins, she found herself staring like a loon into the eyes of Elanna Ash who had approached her and Pinkie. By her side was a doting Carbury.

“Horses?” said their host. “Don’t care to know much of them. You, Elanna?”

“No, my lord. I prefer tamer pleasures. Art, for one.” She faced Lily. “Have you visited the South Kensington Museum since you’ve been here, Miss Hanniford?”

The young lady’s words held notes of desperation in them and Lily feared she knew what caused them. “I’m sorry to say I have not. Do you enjoy it?”

“I do very much.” Elanna trained her gaze on her with hot intensity as if to hold Lily’s interest by force of will.

Lord Carbury stood, frowning into his wine. He’d acquired a pettishness whenever Elanna gave her attentions to someone else.

Had Elanna been too much pursued by Lord Carbury?

Lily was happy to offer diversion. “I like museums. Please tell me about the exhibits.”

Elanna went on about the collection of furniture of recent periods. “Textiles from all over the world are displayed. I adore the Chinese silks, embroidered in threads of vibrant shades.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

Lily smiled at her. “Perhaps after we return to town, we could all visit the museum together?”

“I’d like that very much,” Elanna said and turned to Julian who had entered their circle. “What do you say? Would you attend us?”

“I’d be delighted to offer my escort.”

Elanna leaned toward Lily. “Chelton is modest. He knows more about the Chinese silks than I, and he’s always eager to share his knowledge.”

And there it was, another reason to be in Lord Chelton’s company. An offer that sent a ripple of glee through Lily. She was becoming quite a goose about how well she liked the man.

She caught his eye. “How is it you have an understanding of Chinese fabric?”

“For more than three decades, our family traded in Shanghai. Our principle export was silk fabric and silk worms to England and France until recent peasant revolts near the ports cut off our supply and our factories were burned.”

From the corner of her eye, Lily saw Lord Carbury lean toward Elanna. “My dear, would you care for more wine? The footman stands ready to—”

Elanna grew flustered by Carbury’s intrusion into the conversation. She stared at him, then at his footman and found her voice. “No. Thank you. I wish no more.”

The butler appeared at the doorway and announced the service.

“We should go in,” Carbury said to her in a low voice that brooked no argument. “Would you lead the way?”

“My lord,” Lily heard Elanna whisper to him, “it is not my place.”

His lips thinned. Anger glistened in his eyes. “It could be.”

“As the ranking woman here, my mother should have your arm, sir,” she responded.

He glared at her.

A tingle of foreboding electrified Lily. What was the man about? The glint in his eye—of possession—was fiery. One that set Elanna back on her heels. One that had Lily fretting.

Carbury excused himself and went for the duchess. Throughout dinner, the man said barely a word. If others noticed, no one seemed to let the conversation lag.

At last, the six courses were ended and the women departed to the drawing room for tea, while the men remained for their brandy and cigars. That too, was short as the duchess and Elanna made their excuses to retire early.

Eager to escape upstairs and change her clothes, Lily grinned at Marianne as they hooked arms and made their way up the staircase.

“You’re chipper,” Marianne said. “Had a good time gazing down the table at a certain gentleman, did you?”

“Shhh.” Lily made big eyes at her.

“No one hears,” whispered Marianne, “except the footmen who are supposed to be deaf. Blind, too, I hear. So tell me. What’s going on between our host and lovely Lady E, hmmm?”

“Unrequited feelings?”

“I’ll say.”

“I didn’t detect a mean streak in him when we first met him,” Marianne said.

“No. Still.” Lily worried. “He does intend to ask for her.”

“Fool’s errand that will be. She won’t be accepting him,” Marianne whispered.

“Or maybe she will.” Lily had to tell Julian. He’d want to know that Carbury might not be the perfect gentleman.