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“I would suggest Lord Victor Polk, but he seemed quite taken with you at dinner.”
“I think Ally would like to meet him also. Now, about Rose and Sophie.”
“Good Lord, I’m no matchmaker.” He looked around the dance floor. “There’s Van Arden, his father is a viscount.” He motioned to a gentleman of average height who was not exactly handsome, but had a striking head of pale blond hair.
“Hmm. He’s too short for Rose, but he would do nicely for Sophie. Introduce them, will you?”
“Anything for you, dear sister.”
“Now, you must find Rose a nice gentlemen. I can’t bear the thought of some rogue taking advantage of her.”
“I’m not exactly comfortable with this, Lily.”
“Yes, I know. You’re just being overprotective, as usual. But wouldn’t you like Rose to meet someone you approve of rather than some lecherous goat?”
“You have a point there. I’ll introduce her to Lord Evan Xavier. He’s quite intelligent, and I believe his intentions would be honorable.”
“Which one is he?”
Thomas looked around. “He was here earlier. Don’t worry, I’ll find him. You’d recognize him if you saw him. He’s tall with blondish hair, built like a tree trunk. He was an oarsman at school.”
“Is he handsome?”
“I don’t really know what you women consider handsome.”
“Well, you’re handsome, Thomas.”
“Of course he can’t compare to me.” Thomas laughed. “But I don’t think Rose will have any complaints. Now, if you’re done telling me what to do, the dance has ended.” He led her back to their table.
“Thank you, Thomas.” Lily took a seat. “You dance divinely. Now, as soon as you make all the necessary introductions, I want you to ask Miss Smythe to dance.”
“Aye, aye, Lily.”
Lily sat, smiling, as the gentlemen came by and escorted her companions to the dance floor. When Thomas approached Miss Smythe, and her parents were busy dancing, she silently rose. No one would notice if she stole out of the ballroom in search of the Vermeer.
She crept along the back wall of the ballroom and headed to the double door that led out to the terrace. She’d sneak around to the front of the house and begin her quest there.
As she stepped onto the terrace, she delighted in a breath of fresh air. It was a gently warm night, and she had always preferred outdoors to indoors. Several couples chatted intimately in the shadows. No one seemed to notice as Lily crossed the terrace and descended the staircase to the lawn. Swiftly she walked around to the side of the mansion, giggling to herself. The manor was built onto the side of a hill. As she walked up the incline, she took care to stay in the shadows, away from the torch lights.
She smiled, humming to herself. This had been easier than even she could have imagined. In less than an hour, she’d gotten her sister, her brother, and her cousins out of her hair. Pleased with her success, she began to skip a little. She was almost laughing out loud when a pair of strong arms grabbed her and pulled her behind a large flowering bush. Before she could scream, a mouth clamped down on hers.
Chapter 2
Lily pushed her palms against her attacker’s shoulders, but his strength defeated hers and he pulled her closer to his body. She gasped at the hardness of his chest. At her slight opening, he dipped his tongue into her mouth and circled gently, exploring. She dropped her arms limply to her sides. He tasted of brandy, or was it port?
Run, Lily. Run!
Yet her feet seemed glued to the ground. Her pulse quickened as a stabbing flame surged between her legs. Her heart lurched as fear coursed through her, yet she found herself standing on her toes, trying to get closer, as warmth enveloped her entire body.
Slowly her captor released her waist and slid his hands down until they were clasping hers. He gently guided her arms around his neck without breaking the kiss. She feathered her fingers over the velvety skin covering corded muscle and moved downward to caress his broad shoulders clad in soft fabric. Was it velvet? She didn’t know. She didn’t care. But she was certain that his hard body was the most glorious thing she had ever touched.
What am I doing?
But her thoughts evaporated until only feeling remained. Oh, she had been wrong about kissing. This was heaven. Apprehensively, she let her tongue touch his, and he groaned softly. Her nipples stiffened and she pushed them into his chest. Something was making her want more. Was it his groan? The smooth stroking of his tongue on hers? She trembled as they tasted each other. She tilted her head upward to meet his mouth better and opened her eyes briefly.
In the edge of her vision, she saw a shadowy figure stop and then hurry away. The spell broken, Lily panicked. She was kissing a complete stranger. His tongue was in her mouth. He could be anyone, the local idiot for goodness’ sake!
With all her strength, she removed her hands from around his neck, pushed at his shoulders, and tried to retreat.
