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“Then you’ll be dead when we return, you fool.” Thomas turned to his sisters. “My God, he thinks he’s such a heartbreaker.”
“He’s quite engaging actually,” Lily said. “As you recall, I spent some time with him our first night here. Ally was taken with him also.”
“She seems to prefer young Mr. Landon,” Thomas remarked.
“She prefers his fortune,” Rose said dryly.
“You can hardly blame her, Rose,” Lily said. “The earl left them penniless, and she doesn’t want to be a burden to Papa and Mummy.”
“She’s no burden,” Rose said.
“I know that, and you know that, but how would you feel if the situation were reversed? I wouldn’t want to be dependent on someone else’s good will either.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
They chatted until they reached the side of the main manor. Thomas flagged a servant and requested that lunch be served to them on the side terrace.
“So, my lovely sisters,” Thomas said, holding chairs for each of them, “what is it that you want to say to me?”
“Nothing Thomas,” Lily said. “Tell me, how is Emma?”
“She’s fine.”
“Are the two of you getting serious?”
“Lily, I’ve known the girl for less than a week.”
“The duke and I have only known each other that long.”
“You make a good point. What about you and Xavier, Rose? What’s going on there?”
“We’re talking about you, not Rose,” Lily said.
“He said he was going to ask Papa for permission to court me,” Rose said. “To my knowledge, he hasn’t yet.”
“Let’s get back on subject, shall we?” Lily snapped. “What are your feelings for Emma?”
“I’m fond of her. She’s attractive and bright, and I enjoy her company. But that’s it. I’m not looking for a wife. Now, tell me what you really want to know, will you?”
Lily sighed, rolling her eyes. “Fine. You really think you can read me like a book, don’t you?”
“Yes. Go on.”
“It’s Lady Amelia Gregory, Thomas. I want you to stay away from her.”
“What?”
“You heard me. I have reason to believe that she wishes to”—Lily lowered her voice—“seduce you.”
Thomas shrugged. “Why would you believe that?”
“She told me so. She wants the duke, actually. She intimated that if she can’t have him, she’s going to take you.”
“So I’m to be yesterday’s leftovers if she can’t have today’s gourmet feast?” Thomas smiled lazily.
“That’s not what I meant. I’m just saying that she may try to lure you into her bed.”
“She already has.”
