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“Yes, love. It is.”
“Then thank you. I think.” She turned again. “Now, please help me. I do have to go.”
Daniel rose and strode toward her. “If you must.”
When she was dressed, he turned her to face him and gently kissed her. Then he put on his own clothes. “I’ll escort you to your chamber. We’ll be discreet.”
“I would appreciate that.”
He pulled her close. “May I come to you tonight?” he whispered, his breath caressing her neck.
She trembled, her knees weakening. “You can’t. I share a chamber with my sister.”
“Then you come to me.”
“Daniel…I…”
“Please.”
“How could I possibly?”
“I’ll figure something out. I’ll come get you, or send someone for you.”
“No. No one can know.”
“There are servants here who are trustworthy. I’ll take care of it.”
He kissed her lips, gently prying them open, taking her tongue with his. Lily reached for him, smoothing his still damp hair, caressing his muscled shoulders. As Daniel moved his mouth to her neck and nuzzled her with soft kisses, she inhaled the fresh clean male scent of him, pressing herself closer to his hard masculine body. Her nipples tightened and her sex throbbed. She still wanted him. But she had to say no.
“There is no need to prolong this affair, Daniel. I cannot come to you tonight.”
“Lily, please.”
“I’ve now had the experience of being in your bed. And I’m sure you have…other engagements.”
“If you’re sure, Lily. But I reserve the right to try to change your mind.”
“You won’t,” she said, and walked swiftly out into the hallway.
Chapter 5
Lily changed into a light beige afternoon dress with a pattern of small green-and-white polka dots sprinkled across it. Her hair had dried considerably more than she had anticipated, so she sat while the maid braided it and pinned it into an attractive coiffure. Pleased with the results, she dismissed the maid and headed downstairs and out to the lawn. The ladies were finishing their dessert, a plum torte with Bavarian cream. She found her mother seated with her sister, aunt, and cousins.
Bending to kiss her mother’s cheek, she said, “I’m so sorry to be tardy, Mummy.”
“Where have you been Lily?” the countess asked.
“You know me. I went out this morning to paint, and I lost track of time. I’m so dreadfully sorry.”
“Aren’t you hungry, dear?” Aunt Iris asked.
“Not at all. I had a rather large breakfast. I couldn’t possibly eat another morsel until dinner.”
“Would you at least like some dessert?” Rose asked. “This plum cake is delicious.”
“No, thank you. I’m fine, really.” She sat down in an empty chair next to Rose. “What have all of you been up to this morning?”
“I played the pianoforte in the main parlor for a while,” Rose said. “I’m working on that new Beethoven piece, and Her Grace said I should use the pianoforte as often as I like. Sophie and Ally read while I played.”
