Page 30 of Broken

Lilly had no dresses to change into. It could take weeks for dresses to be delivered, but by that time the perfect day would be gone and she could never get to enjoy it.

Giles rubbed his hands up and down her arms. It was one thing she liked most about him; he always seemed to be touching her. Little kindnesses she shouldn’t become used to.

Lilly stumbled toward the bed, dejected and fully prepared to burrow under the covers, pretending that it was snowing outside and miserable.

He curled his fingers around her arm, stopping her progress. “I have an idea,” he said, urging her toward the bedchamber door.

Intrigued by his strange excitement, she didn’t resist.

Giles poked his head out into the corridor then turned and scooped her up, curling her tightly against his chest. He walked directly across the hall, turned the handle to another room and darted inside.

It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the gloom. Trinkets and personal items filled every surface. Lilly did not know whose room it was, but it was cold and had an unlived-in air to it, despite the lack of dust or dustcovers. Giles deposited Lilly in a wingchair by the window, and opened the blue drapes wide.

“Welcome to my sister’s room. Consider this a shopping expedition, of sorts. Let me see what goodies dear sister has left behind.”

Giles smacked his hands together with apparent glee and opened the nearest draw. He found stockings and threw a pair at her that was so fine and delicate, she could not believe they wouldn’t tear the minute they were worn.

Next, a silk chemise settled over her legs. Lilly held it up to the light, and then her cheek to feel its softness. “Won’t she care that you are rummaging through her possessions?”

“Katarina will never know. She only comes once a year, and that is usually for the spring clean.”

Giles’ sister seemed to have a veritable hoard of things tucked into all the corners of the room. When Giles produced shoes, he measured one against her foot. While they were not a perfect match in length, she could wear them without fear of tripping.

When Giles opened a tall mahogany wardrobe, he pulled out dress after dress in all colors and styles. Her mind spun from the excitement. The bed piled high with ball gowns, day dresses, riding gowns, and even a formal presentation gown that looked to be new. He chose a light muslin gown in pale yellow and dug around to find a shawl to slip over her shoulders.

“My sister insists on having a permanent wardrobe here, and we shall take advantage of it. Come, up on your feet, we have a dressing to attend to,” Giles said.

Suddenly afraid of him, Lilly rose on shaking legs. He seemed determined to dress her himself, but that would mean he would have to undress her first. It was true that he had touched her entire body while he gave her relief, but she was always sure to keep clear in her mind the difference. Dressing her seemed far too personal and dangerous. “Giles, stop. You forget who I am.”

* * *

Panic settled over Lilly’s features and Giles could have kicked himself. He had gotten carried away. He had no right to be alone with Lilly or consider dressing her, but she had seemed so sad at the prospect of not going out that he had quite forgotten his place in her life. He had none.

Giles watched her fidget and then walked to the bell. “You are right, forgive me. I will wait outside. Mrs. Osprey will be here directly to fuss over you.”

Giles strode out of the room, irritated by the necessary delay. Damn it all, he had forgotten himself in the thrill of rampaging through his sister’s wardrobe and making Lilly happy. He had picked the finest silk stockings because he had wanted to touch Lilly’s skin as he pulled them up her slim legs. The chemise would have been near transparent and should have afforded him a fantastic view to enliven his fantasies.

Fantasies that threatened to become a daily relief.

Last night had been more difficult than he could have imagined. He had found himself unable to sleep and had crept down the hall to check on Lilly once. It was strange to feel displaced in his own room after just a few nights in Lilly’s company.

Giles paced the hall while waiting for Mrs. Osprey to answer the summons. He did not have to wait long. Mrs. Osprey came twittering up the servants’ stairs with Dithers in tow and ran the length of the hall to him.

“The lady requires dressing.” He gestured to Katerina’s room. “See to it, Mrs. Osprey.”

Mrs. Osprey glanced at him in confusion, but crossed the threshold when Dithers nudged her.

Giles pulled the door closed and stood looking at it, considering. He would plan more than a mere moment in the sunshine. He would do his best to surprise Lilly. Gathering Dithers with him, they descended the staircase and headed for the terrace.

“It’s a little sunny here. Are you sure this is the right spot, milord?”

“It’s exactly perfect. Now, go find a few pillows and a blanket, and have Cook arrange a tray of delicacies. Be sure to bring it out as quickly as you can.”

“Are you feeling all right, milord? You are going to a fair bit of trouble for Miss Winter.”

“Dithers, I always thought you understood women? This is perfect.” Actually, it reminded him of his mother. She used to sit out here, in this very spot, sipping tea and admiring her gardens. Lilly should love it.

CHAPTER TEN