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“You’ve gotten pretty chummy with His Grace, Lily.” Alexandra smiled. “If there’s anything going on…”
“There’s nothing going on. I’ve been seated next to him at dinner twice, and we’ve gotten to know each other a bit. He’s very charming.”
“Charming and dashing,” Alexandra said. “Too bad he’s a renowned skirt chaser. But he’s so handsome. And rich. I think that could be overlooked. Lily dear, how was your tour of the art collection last evening? You never returned.”
“Didn’t Rose tell you? I was feeling poorly.”
“Yes, of course, Rose told us. She checked on you several times also.” Alexandra winked. “That was quite the little coup you two devised.”
“What on earth are you talking about, Ally?” Rose feigned innocence.
“Come now. You don’t think we really believe that Lily was in her room resting after viewing the duke’s art.”
“Believe what you want,” Lily said. “But that’s exactly what—” She spied Emma and her mother returning to the terrace. “Emma!” She motioned. “Do come join us, please.”
Emma approached them and sat down. “How are all of you this evening?”
“We’re just fine, dear,” Lily said. “How was your walk with Thomas?”
“Just lovely. He’s heading back to the bachelor house now. There’s a poker game tonight or something.”
“Gambling? My goodness,” Sophie said.
“It’s probably just a friendly game, Sophie,” Rose said. “Thomas enjoys gaming. Papa does too, actually.”
“Emma,” Lily said, “I’m so sorry about your unfortunate dinner companions this evening. If I had known you would be seated with Lord Ludley, I’d have warned you.”
“Warned me about what?”
“About him. Tell me, did he try anything inappropriate?”
“He did seem to brush my thigh more than necessary, but I assumed it was because of his size. He is rather large.”
“Large doesn’t begin to describe him,” Lily said. “And his thigh caressing was not an accident, I assure you.”
“He also seemed to salivate a lot.”
Lily laughed. “Yes, he’s disgusting. Tell me, did he do anything that made you uncomfortable?”
“She’ll have the duke kick him off the estate for you, you know,” Alexandra said.
“No, no.” Emma said. “I’m absolutely fine. There’s no need… How can you get the duke the kick him off the estate, Lily?”
“Haven’t you heard?” Alexandra held two fingers up side by side. “Lily and His Grace are like this.”
“Ally, you’re making that up,” Lily said.
“I don’t think so,” she began, then, “My goodness, what time is it, anyway?”
“It was nearly ten when Lord Jameson and I parted,” Emma said. “Why do you ask?”
“I have an engagement,” Alexandra said, and then lowered her voice. “Mr. Landon and I are meeting on the back terrace.”
“Ally!” Sophie exclaimed. “Without a chaperone?”
“Of course without a chaperone,” Alexandra said. “What fun would it be otherwise?”
“I suppose I can’t talk you out of this, can I?” Sophie shook her head. “Please use good sense though. Don’t let him take any liberties.”
