Wild Lily (Those Notorious Americans Book 1)(44)

He shot a look at Lily. But she was offering up her own blessings to the match and drank with the others to health and welfare of the new couple.

Fear stabbed Julian like a knife.

Would Hanniford sell his daughter to a man she did not want? The American had no reason to. But when a man was ruthless, it was possible. Would she agree?

Julian doubted it.

But then, he could not take the chance.





The moon glowed brightly as Julian stood before the stable doors, the two horses already saddled. Across the yard, he examined the path from the house. Anyone who gazed out of the windows at the right time and the right place could see her cross.

He patted the noses of the restless animals. “She’ll arrive soon. Be assured.”

A flash in the dark caught his eye. He spied her dashing toward him. His survey of the windows showed him no need for alarm. No one stood there.

“Hello.” She ran right up to him, breathless. Tonight she wore her riding jacket and her usual hip-hugging man’s pants, but no hat. Her hair curled over her shoulders in rich dark waves. “Have you waited long?”

Eternities. “I occupied myself and prepared the horses. No need to call Colin tonight, I thought. Come. Mount up.” He wished to be alone with her. Away from here and the turmoils of the day. He helped her up on the mare. “Those trousers of yours are certainly an aid to riding.”

“Not good for a lady’s reputation, however.” She watched him climb up and directed her horse toward the far lane and the woods where they’d gone last night.

“I won’t tell.”

“I know you won’t.” She narrowed her gaze into the road ahead. “Others would. Many would rejoice to ridicule me or Marianne and especially my father.”

“For profit, yes, I know.” All too well.

“So much of your society is built on propriety and yet so many hide their foibles. Even your Prince of Wales carries on with women at house parties.”

Julian sighed. His horse kept pace with hers. “Those parties are arranged by many who wish to curry his favor. It’s disgraceful on everyone’s part.”

“You wouldn’t ever do that,” she said with conviction.

“No. I wouldn’t. I cultivate other aspirations. Some new, others older and not so well accomplished.”

“I like a man with ambitions. Tell me about them.”

“I’d improve the yield of our farms on the estates. Though I’m no farmer. I’d like to see my tenants better fed and healthier. Though I’m no expert on diseases.”

She dropped her jaw and the look on her face stopped his breath. “Truly noble. Unlike some I’ve met.”

What other men had caught her fancy or merited her disdain? “For example?”

“I’d be impolitic to reveal them.”

“Do. For me.” When she demurred, he said, “I won’t tell.”

“Let’s say of the three other men who visit with us this week, I like only Lord Pinkhurst.”

“Pinkie?” Why did that man pique her interest? “He’s a good fellow. In want of a wife.” He’s got two thousand a year. Not much. Barely enough to put a lady into his bed.

“He’s pleasant. Funny. Kind. But—”

“But what?”

“If I tell you, that gives you too much information.”

“To do what?”

“Make fun of me.”

“I may be cold, solitary, even sour, but I doubt anyone has ever said I was critical of others.”

She cast her eyes away, her shoulders flexing in discomfort.

“Please don’t think me capable of ridiculing you. Far from it.”

“Why would you ask about my feelings for Lord Pinkhurst then?”

“I’m curious because—” Oh, hell. “I want to learn what kind of man does appeal to you.”

She stiffened in her saddle, as if she girded for battle. “That’s very personal.”

“Of course it is. It gives me an advantage.”

“Do you need one?” she threw back at him.

“Do I?” he persisted, undiplomatic as that was.

Her eyes locked to his, she considered that a long moment. “He’s asked for my hand once.”

Julian stiffened, alarm winging through his blood. “I would assume because you’re here with me that you refused him.”

She sniffed. “I did not.”

No? “What then?”

“I told him I was not considering any proposals until June.”

“Why?” he blurted, in frustration and fear.

She rolled a shoulder. “I want to take my time to consider such a momentous decision.”

“I’m pleased.”

“Are you?” She faced him, her brilliant gaze locking on his and searching for truth.

I wish to God I had Pinkie’s income. That sum could commend me, if only a little. But he couldn’t tell her that, lest she link his finances to his desire for her hand. “Very pleased.”

She said nothing but only nodded and rode onward.

He sought to bridge the gap. “I’d like to show you the house. It’s old, filled with treasures and totally mine.”

“Wonderful.” She followed his lead.