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“Because she told me so. She’s a horrible woman, and Thomas isn’t known to be discerning.” Lily reached for a towel and stepped out of the tub.
“You seem to be feeling a little better,” Rose commented.
“Not really, but I can’t sit here feeling sorry for myself when our dear brother may very well be in danger from that harpy.”
“I suppose not. Let’s get you dressed. We can go fetch him from the bachelor house and talk him into lunching with us.”
“Splendid. But first I must lie with cucumbers on my eyes for about half an hour. You should try it too. Then we’ll have just enough time to find Thomas. After lunch I’ll get Brandy from the kennels and take her on a walk. Then maybe I’ll paint.”
“Sounds like you’re trying to get your mind off something. Or someone.”
“Perhaps.”
“I know. Why don’t you and I go riding?”
“I ride abhorrently, Rose.”
“Only because you don’t try. Wait. I know what will put a smile on your face. Let’s go back to the hot pool!”
Lily couldn’t help giggling. “Maybe… Although I did promise Daniel that I wouldn’t go back without him. But he’s not here, is he? He’s with his strumpet in London. So why not? Let’s do it.”
“I’m glad I thought to pack my bathing clothes. Did you bring yours?”
“Yes,” Lily said. “I suppose that would be prudent, given that many are out and about on the estate today.” Lily fetched the plate of cucumbers that a maid had left on one of the night tables. She handed two slices to Rose. “Lie down and put these over your eyes.”
“If you say so.”
* * *
The girls found Thomas lazing on the front terrace of the bachelor house with half a dozen other young lords.
“Jameson, your sisters are among the most beautiful creatures on this estate,” Lord Victor Polk said.
“Tuck your eyes back in their sockets before I bloody you,” Thomas said. “This one’s spoken for, as you well know.” He kissed Lily’s cheek. “I doubt Lybrook would appreciate your ogling. And this one”—he kissed Rose—“is under my complete protection. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
“We want to have lunch with you,” Lily said.
“Where’s Lybrook?”
“In London. All day. So Rose and I thought there was nothing we would rather do than take a meal with our charming brother.”
“I was planning to take a leisurely lunch here at the house.”
“You’re mad, Jameson,” Polk said. “Turning down lunch with two delightful women to stay here with a bunch of bachelors.” Then, to the girls, “I’ll have lunch with you two lovelies.”
“So will I,” another young lord said.
“No, you won’t,” Thomas said. “They invited me. All right then, I’ll grace the two of you with my dashing presence. Although, knowing you as I do, I think there must be an ulterior motive at work here.”
“Why would you think that?” Lily asked innocently.
“Because I’m familiar with your work, my dear.”
Polk let out a snorting laugh.
“Nonsense.” Lily took his arm. “We’ll see you gentlemen later.”
“I shall take not one breath until you return,” Polk said, smiling as he bowed deeply.
