Wild Lily (Those Notorious Americans Book 1)(74)

Ada sniffed. “I think it’s slavery.”

Lily bristled, leary that a few guests who stood close by might overhear. “Do be discreet, my dears. This is my family now. Yours too.”

Ada inched nearer Lily. “I know, but this is terrible for her to have to marry him. To see them together is torture. We attended a dinner here last night, Lily. If you could have seen them. Horrid. He smothers her. She avoids him. Ignores him.”

“Hates him,” Pierce added and turned his back on the sight. Instead, he focused on Lily. “Tell me. I must learn. How are you, Lady Chelton? Well, I hope.” His blue gaze, a shade lighter than her own, pinned her with ribald interest.

She took a sip of her champagne. “I am, thank you, quite well.”

He narrowed his eyes on her. “You’re sure? No discomforts? Irritations? Lack for anything, do you?”

“Nothing.” She understood Pierce’s concern—and his probe. After all, he hadn’t met Julian until the day before their wedding and as her older brother, protector as he’d always thought himself to be, Pierce needed reassurance. Particularly now that he so obviously was appalled at Elanna’s situation.

Pierce twitched his nose. “My new brother-in-law is kind?”

“Very. A gentleman. You will see.”

“He has enough of our money to make him a gentleman, if not king of England.”

“Please, Pierce.” She hated that he was so put out. But he was used to stating his mind. “You’re here to make an impression. Win friends. Make money. Gather your manners.”

“I will when I see you are safe.”

“I am.” I question to what degree if I am only desired. She put on an assured face and arched a brow at her brother.

“I’ve no reason to trust any of them. Stuffed prigs, the lot of them.” He placed his empty flute down on a passing footman’s tray and took another full one. “Our groom-to-be there,” he said with a withering look at Carbury, “grabs her arm with a longshoreman’s grip. What kind of father permits that to marry his daughter?”

A poor one. “This is not our choice.”

“Not what we would do,” Pierce said.

Ada nodded. “I won’t buy a husband I can’t stand.”

Lily shook her head. “Papa would not ask you to, Ada.”

The girl tipped her head, considering Lily. “You’re sure?”

“I am. Stop this, the two of you. There are finer things to do this evening than complain about others. Ada, you have a few admirers here. If you stop pouting, I think after Lady Elanna and Lord Carbury lead the first dance, you’ll have worshipers at your feet.”

“Oh, yes!” Ada sighed and clasped her fan to her chest. “I long to waltz. Do you think the orchestra will play that?”

“We shall see. Pierce, I’m certain Papa expects you to appear social, ask a lady or two to dance and wipe that scowl off your face.”

“Ha, ha, sis,” he said, casting off his gloom with a grin. “I want to see the new Marchioness of Chelton take the floor. Hope you haven’t forgotten how to waltz.”

“We both will show you,” said Julian as he appeared at her side and took her hand, “how that’s done.”

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she told him as he led her toward the edge of the ballroom floor. The servants had chalked the slippery wood so that dancers could hold their forms. As soon as the engaged couple took to the floor and danced a few bars, the duke and duchess and Julian and she would join them. “I needed rescuing.”

Julian shot a dark glance over his shoulder. “From Pierce and Ada?”

“They need to get to know you.”

“Don’t trust me with you, do they?” His voice was low, his expression as seductive.

“But they will.”

“Invite them to Willowreach.”

She demurred. “I rather like us as we are, for now.”

He put his gloved hand to her waist and drew her seductively close. He brought her hand to his mouth. “Oh, my darling, you are a jewel.”

The compliment raced through her like a waterfall. At moments like these, she could believe he loved her. What stopped him from saying it was the puzzle she could not put together.

At that moment, the orchestra struck up a Viennese waltz. The guests parted for Carbury as he led Elanna to the center of the floor. He beamed, a wreath of pride on his chubby face. She tried. Dear heaven, she tried to smile, but the look she gave her future husband was tremulous at best. And when he took her in his arms, she stiffened. And did she flinch at the contact?

Lily winced.

Julian gave some unearthly sound in the back of his throat.

Lily took a furtive glance at those assembled on the opposite side of the ballroom. A few narrowed their gazes on the bride. One older man frowned. Marianne, who stood beside Remy, caught Lily’s eye and gave one slight shake of her head. She’d noticed. Remy, however, focused on Julian. Whatever passed between them had Julian pursing his lips.

At long last, Julian’s parents took the floor.

At their own turn, Julian led Lily out and off they went. In long sweeping circles, Julian commanded her around the floor and she grinned at him.

“You’re very accomplished, my darling,” he said.