Then Came You (The Gamblers #1)(23)

“Unbearably dull without you, as always,” Zachary replied, taking the chair next to hers. “But I did attend a large dinner party recently, and observed that Annabelle is looking quite splendid since her marriage to Lord Deerhurst.”

“Glad to hear it,” Lily rejoined. “She deserves to be happy after enduring ten years of marriage to Sir Charles, the randy old goat.”

“Wilhemina!” Totty gasped in dismay. “How could you call Sir Charles, may he rest in peace, such a dreadful name—”

“How could I not? Annabelle was only fifteen when she was compelled to marry him, and he was old enough to be her grandfather! And everyone knows that Sir Charles wasn’t kind to her. Personally, I’m gratified that he passed on in time for Annabelle to find a husband of more suitable age.”

Totty gave her a disapproving frown. “Wilhemina, you sound quite heartless.”

Zachary reached over to pat Lily’s hand as he came to her defense. “You are rather forthright, my dear, but anyone who is acquainted with you knows that you have the most compassionate of hearts.”

Lily beamed at him. Out of the corner of her eye she saw that her sister looked dumbstruck. Penelope could scarcely conceive that the man she loved was calling Lily “my dear.” Sympathy and amusement battled within Lily’s chest. She wished she could tell Penelope that this was all a sham. “I shall try to curb my tongue,” Lily promised with a laugh, “if only for this afternoon. Do go on with your news, Zach, and I’ll refrain from spouting my shocking opinions. Let me pour your tea. Milk, no sugar, correct?”

While Zachary entertained them with his tales of London. Alex drew on his cigar and watched Lily. He was forced to concede there was a possibility the two were contemplating marriage. There was an easy familiarity between them that bespoke a long friendship. It was clear that they liked each other and were comfortable together.

The advantages such a marriage would present were obvious. Zachary would certainly be appreciative of Lily’s fortune, more sizeable than what he would stand to inherit. And Lily was an attractive woman. In the sea green gown she was wearing today, her skin took on a faint rosy glow, and her dark hair and eyes were strikingly exotic. No man would find it a chore to bed her. Furthermore, in the view of society Lily would be fortunate to land a man of such good family and character. Especially after she had strayed along the edge of the demimonde for so long.

Alex frowned at the thought of the two of them together. It was all wrong. For all his thirty years, Zachary was still a guileless boy. He would never be the man in his own home, not with a wife as headstrong as Lily. Zachary would always find it easier to obey her wishes rather than argue with her. As the years passed by, Lily would come to feel contempt for her callow husband. This marriage was misery in the making.

“My lord?” Lily and the others were looking at him expectantly. Alex realized that his thoughts had wandered, and he had lost track of the conversation. “My lord,” Lily said, “I just asked you if the hole has been dug in the garden yet.”

Alex wondered if he had heard her correctly. “Hole?” he repeated.

Lily looked extremely pleased with herself. “Yes, for the new pond.”

Alex regarded her in dumbfounded silence. Somehow he regained his voice. “What in hell are you talking about?”

Everyone seemed startled by his profanity except for Lily. Her smile remained unaltered. “I had a lovely conversation with your gardener Mr. Chumley yesterday afternoon. I gave him several ideas to improve the garden.”

Alex stubbed out his cigar and threw the butt into the fireplace. “My garden doesn’t need improvement,” he snarled. “It’s been the same way for twenty years!”

She nodded cheerfully. “Precisely my point. I told him that the style of your landscape is sadly outmoded. All the really fashionable gardens have several ponds all around them. I showed Mr. Chumley exactly where a new one must be dug.”

A flush of scarlet crept up from Alex’s collar to his temples. He wanted to strangle her. “Chumley wouldn’t overturn a spoonful of dirt without asking my permission.”

Lily shrugged innocently. “He seemed enthusiastic about the notion. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already begun digging. Really, I think you’ll adore the changes.” She gave him a fond, sisterly smile. “And whenever you walk by that dear little pond, perhaps you’ll always think of me.”

Raiford’s features contorted. He made a sound that resembled a roar as he stormed out of the parlor.

Totty, Penelope, and Zachary all stared at Lily.

“I don’t think he appreciated my idea,” she remarked, looking disappointed.

“Wilhemina,” Totty said faintly, “I know your efforts were well intentioned. However, I do not think you should attempt to make any more improvements about Lord Raiford’s estate.”

Suddenly one of the cook-maids, clad in a white apron and ruffled cap, appeared at the door of the parlor. “Ma’am, Cook wants to speak wi’ ye about the weddin’ feast, as soon as yer lady-ship ’as the time. She don’t know what to make o’ what, from the soup to the trifle.”

“But why?” Totty asked, perplexed. “She and I already agreed on those preparations, down to the last detail. There’s no reason for confusion.”