Lily, One Lord's Temptation (The Garden Brides #1) Page 11

  “My pardon, Your Grace.”

  Her Grace reached out to take Lily’s hand. “I would like to offer my thanks as well. Drake and Jocelyn told me what you did for them today.”

  Lily was growing uncomfortably warm, not sure how she should respond. Thankfully, Simon came to her rescue and placed another glass of wine in her hand.

  Changing her focus to her cousin, she murmured her thanks as a waltz began. It was Maxwell who stepped forward. “May I have this dance, Lady Lilian?”

  Yes, she wanted to say but knew she would never make it through the dance “I am sorry, but I can’t.”

  “Given the circumstances, I agree that it is an odd request, but I would really like to dance with you.”

  “Lord Maxwell, I honestly can’t.” She didn’t want to have to explain.

  “I don’t think you understand, Max,” offered Simon. “Lily is saying she can’t dance because she physically cannot.”

  Max looked back at Lily. “What is wrong?”

  “Oh my goodness,” Lady Warrick exclaimed. “Forgive me, Lady Lilian. It is your feet, isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” Simon answered before Lily could form a less embarrassing response.

  “How bad?” Jocelyn continued.

  “It is not bad, really. Dancing would be too uncomfortable, is all.” Lily tried to make light of her injuries.

  Max glanced over to Simon for confirmation. Simon only shook his head. She would have kicked him in the shin for being disloyal to her, but it would have been too painful.

  Her Grace caught the look and turned back to Lilian. “Why don’t you accompany me to the retiring room, Lady Lillian, so I can see if I can be of any help?”

  Mortification swept through her. “It is really not necessary, Your Grace.”

  “Still, it would please me to help you if I can, especially after what you did for my family.”

  Simon smiled. “You wouldn’t want your father to learn you insulted a duchess.”

  Lily glared at him. Her own cousin had not supported her?

  “No, I wouldn’t,” she grudgingly admitted before turning back to the duchess. “I would be happy to accompany you,” Lily replied with a tight smile.

  The duchess didn’t take Lily to the retiring room however. Instead she took her into the deserted library. Lady Warrick followed and locked the door behind them. Lily was instructed to remove her slippers and stockings, much to her discomfort.

  Chapter 21

  As soon as the ladies left, Max turned to Simon. “How bad?”

  “The feet have not blistered, but they are swollen and sore.”

  “Why is she here then?” Max fought to keep his voice down.

  Simon looked him straight in the eye. “Her father insisted. He couldn’t accompany her tonight, otherwise he would have insisted on her dancing as well. Her injury is payment for poor behavior. Perhaps she will remember the consequences before she upsets a tea pot again or fails to secure a husband.”

  “She is suffering because of me,” Max stated with a groan.

  “That depends. Why aren’t you betrothed? Lily wouldn’t discuss it.”

  “I wouldn’t change my name,” Maxwell answered flatly and didn’t go into any further detail. “Does Artemisia seriously think his title can pass to a son-in-law?” Max still could not get over the grandiose dreams of the earl.

  Simon eyed him cautiously. “Surely you knew everything my uncle required when all this began.”

  “No. I only knew he offered a large dowry. I didn’t learn the rest until I met with Artemisia today.”

  Simon slowly smiled. “That explains it.”

  Maxwell furrowed his brow. “Explains what?”

  “Why Lily has apparently had a change of heart where you are concerned. I believe she said you did have a few redeeming qualities after all.”

  “She said as much herself,” Max grumbled. “Now, why shouldn’t I hold myself responsible for this latest punishment?”

  “Because no matter your reason, my uncle will still believe it is because of what his daughter did or didn’t do. He would never believe you would turn your back on all the wealth, land and titles he offered otherwise.”

  Max grunted. There were a number of things he wanted to say, but there were too many people surrounding them and the opinions he would like to voice were not meant for polite company.

  “My question is, do you plan to do anything?” Simon interrupted his thoughts.

  Max absently looked toward the direction the ladies had walked. “I am still working on that, my friend.”

  The Duchess and Jocelyn gasped as Lily removed her shoes. Her feet were so swollen that the shoes left indents on her feet. Both knelt on the floor but neither lady dared touch Lily.

  “Jocelyn, I want my sons in here now.”

  Lady Warrick scrambled up from the floor and left the room.

  “Your Grace, this really isn’t necessary,” Lily protested.

  The woman looked up at Lily from where she was sitting on the floor, sympathy in her eyes.

  The gentlemen returned a few moments later. Simon joined them as well. At their appearance, Lily hid her feet underneath her gown.

  Lord Maxwell extended a hand to his mother to assist her in rising from the floor.

  “Maxwell, you will take Lady Lilian home at once,” Her Grace insisted as she shook the wrinkles from her gold skirt.

  “That is not possible,” Simon answered before Lily could protest.

  Lily pleaded silently for him to hold his tongue.

  “Her father would be disturbed if Lily returned before the ball was over.”

  “She should not even be out of bed,” Her Grace insisted. “Has a doctor even seen to her injuries?”

  Max’s eyes flew to Lily in concern. “Shall I call a physician?”

  “No,” Simon answered as if panicked.

  Her father abhorred doctors and they’d been banned from their home since her mother’s death. “No skin is broken and there are no blisters,” Lily reminded them.

  “That doesn’t mean you should not be resting,” Max insisted.

  Why did he have to be so caring and kind? She’d seen it in him before but assumed it was so he could gain the greater prize. She’d been so wrong

  “If Lily returns home before the ball is concluded, her father will be angry,” Simon said.

  Oh she wished her cousin would remain quiet.

  “She failed in landing Lord Maxwell, so she must remain so other gentleman who might fit Artemisia’s requirements will see her.”

  “Put on display,” Lord Warrick choked.

  Lady Jocelyn raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that what the Season is for?”

  “Surely, not when a lady is injured or ill,” Lord Warrick argued.

  “You are all making too much out of this,” Lily cried.

  “Lily must remain.” Simon’s eyes leveled with hers and she silently begged him not to say anything further. “This particular ball is intended to proceed until after the sun has risen and the guests given a final meal before returning home, as has been the custom for nearly two decades, Lily cannot return home until it has ended.”

  Even if she could be assured her father would never learn, and perhaps he was still curled up in the library, she couldn’t risk that a servant might say something. And, even though she was quite used to his punishments, truthfully, she was exhausted, and in pain, and had not wished to endure further. Her feet were a small price to pay to avoid further discomfort.

  “She shouldn’t even be walking, let alone dancing. She should be resting,” Her Grace argued.

  “Please, everyone stop,” Lily cried. “I am fine. I’ll go home at the end of the ball. You are all making far too much out of this.”

  It was as if they hadn’t even heard her because Her Grace turned back to Maxwell. “I can’t believe I am saying this, but I want you to take Lady Lilian somewhere to rest and relax without others disturbing her.”

  “Where would
you suggest, Mother?”

  “My preference would be far away from her father. Somewhere very much to the north, but I suppose that is being too hopeful,” she gave her son a knowing look.

  Lord Maxwell smiled at his mother in response to her penetrating look which made Lily wonder what exactly the two were up to.

  Everyone else in the room remained silent, looking at the duchess thoughtfully, except Lily, who couldn’t believe this was happening. Max must have gotten his habit of taking control from her.

  “Come, Lady Lilian.” Lord Maxwell picked her up and Simon pushed open the glass doors leading out into the dark garden. In his other hand, he carried her shoes and stockings.

  “Simon,” she cried back.

  “It’s for your own good,” her cousin said. “I’ve tried to protect you my entire life and finally, I’m no longer alone in doing so.” With that, he plopped her shoes and stockings into her lap.

  Chapter 22

  Scotland had crossed Maxwell’s mind as well, but he wasn’t sure how Lily would feel about the matter. She’d been adamantly against marrying him earlier, but that was before she knew he wasn’t willing to make the sacrifices her father required. Did she see him in a different light now? Would she be agreeable now?

  Carrying Lady Lilian in through the back of the house, he put her on the sofa in his library before the burning fireplace. He then sent the few servants who were still awake off to bed before making his way to the kitchen to brew a strong pot of tea. When he finally returned, Lady Lilian sat quietly, staring into the fire. He placed the tea service on the table.

  “I should be angry at you, your mother and Simon for taking control of my night, but I can’t find the energy,” she said, breaking the silence in the room. “I can’t believe she meant for you to bring me here though. It is highly improper.”

  “She didn’t.” Max chuckled. “My mother strongly suggested I take you to Scotland. Though that is also my first choice, I didn’t expect you to be in agreement.”

  Lady Lilian widened her eyes in shock. “She can’t expect us to marry. Doesn’t she know it is impossible?”

  Max ran his hand through his hair then removed his jacket and loosened his cravat. They were in his favorite room and he wanted to be comfortable. It was his private retreat and few had been allowed in here. Besides his desk and wall of books, the furniture was worn, overstuffed and comfortable. The fire never failed to warm on a cool day and he could escape here. Had Lady Lilian not been present, he would have removed his boots, along with his jacket, and poured a glass of brandy. Instead, he poured them each a cup of tea and settled back into the dark leather chair. “Why is it impossible?” If she would just give him a legitimate reason why they could not wed, perhaps he would let the matter drop.

  “If we married without your agreeing to all of my father’s terms, he would disinherit me.”

  “How can he? You are the last Bliant.” Not that it mattered to Max one way or the other.

  “No. There is one more, although my father refuses to acknowledge him.”

  Max didn’t pursue the topic further. Many families had one or two estranged relatives. He’d also heard the rumors of a child born on the wrong side of the blanket, though he wasn’t certain if that was who Lady Lilian referred. Besides, that isn’t what mattered. She is all he cared about. “Did you mean what you said today?”

  Her brows knitted together in thought. “What did I say?”

  “About respect.”

  Lily’s face softened. “Yes. You could have gained much by marrying me but you didn’t because you wanted to remain true to yourself. It takes integrity and honor for a gentleman to walk away from all that I bring. How can I not respect and admire you?”

  His chest expanded with the knowledge he had her respect. For some reason that was more important than love, for he doubted Lady Lilian respected very many people. “People marry for financial gain and connections all the time.”

  “Yes, and I can accept that. It is the way of nobility. I cannot respect a man who would turn his back on his own heritage or deny his own name, his own family.”

  So much was clear to him now. If only he had had the facts earlier, so much would be different. Or, perhaps not. He’d been drawn to Lily the moment he saw her.

  “I treated you horribly and I truly am sorry, but I cannot say I am sorry you courted me. Who knows who I may have been betrothed to if my father hadn’t been so intent upon you?” She visibly shuddered with disgust, not directed at him.

  Max grinned. “You are assuming that I would have ignored you had I known. That is not the case. I would have still pursued you but I would have been seeking a way to avoid his requirement.”

  “I have to admire your honesty as well, Lord Maxwell.” Lily lifted her cup to toast him.

  “Max,” he said softly.

  “Pardon?”

  “Max. We have been through much and should not continue on such formal terms.”

  Lily settled further back into the soft pillows. “Max.”

  The woman was entirely too desirable and this situation far too dangerous and intimate. “Which do you prefer? I have heard Lily and Lilian.”

  “Lily, from you. Only my father calls me Lilian.”

  Max had to laugh. “Well, I certainly don’t want to emulate him.”

  Lily giggled. It was a sound he would like to hear much more often.

  For some time they both stared off into the fire, lost in their own thoughts. They had a very long night ahead. It was just turning eleven now and Max intended to make the most of his night alone with her.

  “I should be honest with you, Lily.” His words brought her eyes back to his face. “I had no intention of seeking a wife this Season and had every intention of avoiding you, as I do all families set on marrying off their daughters.”

  Her eyebrows wrinkled. “Then why did you?”

  “I was curious and you intrigued me.”

  “I can’t imagine why.”

  Max laughed. “Before I appeared at Almack’s I had been visited by some of the men from your father’s original list.”

  “They discussed me?” Her dark eyebrows rose in surprise.

  “They wanted to warn me away from you, along with their reasons. It didn’t take me long to realize your game. I was quite impressed.” He chuckled in rememberance.

  A blush spread across her cheeks and she looked down into her cup.

  “Naturally, I couldn’t resist finding out what you would say to me.”

  Lily looked up and bit her lower lip. Max had never seen anyone so embarrassed in his life, though she had no reason to be.

  “I must say I was disappointed,” Max added.

  “How so?”

  “I was expecting you to pick something from my character, as you did with the others.”

  “That is Simon’s fault. He told me he couldn’t think of anything I could use against you. I didn’t know at the time you were friends,” Lily grumbled.

  “I’ll have to thank him for his loyalty.” Maxwell softened his voice and looked into her eyes. “I have never enjoyed getting to know someone as I have you.”

  Lily toyed with her cup uncomfortably. If she weren’t careful, she would spill her tea again. “I was simply a challenge. I am sure that I am the first lady able to resist your charm.”

  Maxwell grinned. “I knew you liked me, even a little.” He rose to stir the fire and added another log while chuckling. He wasn’t about to sit and wait for her to correct him.

  Lily set her cup on the table and rubbed her arms as if to ward off a chill. Even though it was spring, there was a dampness in the air. Reaching beneath the sofa, Max retrieved a blanket. Unfolding it, he covered Lily before taking a seat beside her, instead of in the chair he had been sitting on.

  “Thank you.”

  Maxwell studied her for a moment while she continued to watch the fire. “I still wish to marry you, Lily.” There, he had said it.

  “It is not possible b
ut I thank you all the same.”

  “Why isn’t it possible? All you have to do is say yes and we can leave for Scotland.”

  “My father would disinherit me and you’ll gain nothing.”

  “I will gain you.”

  Lily turned and looked at him. “It is not enough. I am not enough. You deserve more.”

  Maxwell smiled. “I can assure you that wealth is not one of the qualifications I seek in a wife.”

  Skepticism was written in her expression from the raised eyebrows to the puckered lips. “Oh, what would those qualities be?”

  “Not so much qualities, but how I feel.” Maxwell turned toward her and lifted her hands in his. “It is how I feel when I am with you and how I feel about you. Your intelligence astounds me, as well as your resourcefulness. When I first met you, yes I was intrigued. My feelings are so much deeper than that now.”

  Lily blinked back tears.

  “Why the tears, Lily? Have I upset you?” Max asked with growing concern.

  Lily shook her head. “No. I just never expected anyone to actually care.”

  Maxwell sighed with relief. “The question is, do you feel anything for me?

  “More than I ever thought I could for any gentleman. You were a threat to my plan. I knew I couldn’t remain indifferent to you as I would have the others.”

  Maxwell was pleased to hear her confession. “When did you begin to feel this threat?”

  Lily answered, “The first time you kissed me.”

  The grin fell from his face. “I was hoping you would say that.” Max leaned in and settled his lips against hers. His kiss was gentle, almost painfully tender. He let his lips promise his heart, everything he was and everything he could be.

  Maxwell lifted his head to gaze into her eyes. She was as moved as he was. Eyes bright with amazement, hands were shaking the same as his. He never wanted to let her go and was amazed by the strong feeling of protectiveness that came over him, followed by a wave of longing and passion, stronger than he had ever felt or even thought to imagine.

  “What shall we do, Lily?”

  “I hope I can call you friend.”