Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(5)

“You would be mistaken. Please, elaborate.” He smiled.

Lily knew she should hold her tongue. But— “Frankly, my lord, I consider the whole London season to be nothing more than a thinly veiled meat market.”

Polk erupted in a gale of laughter. “Without a doubt, you are the first person I have ever heard describe the season in that manner.”

“Well it’s true, isn’t it?” Lily gestured, nearly toppling her wine glass. “Men and women window shopping for a mate as if they were looking for the most sumptuous chops in the butcher shop. It’s barbaric.”

“You’re opinionated, aren’t you? It’s rather refreshing, actually.”

“Just remember, you asked.”

“Yes, I certainly did. And I agree with your assessment, although I think there are some who prefer the richest chops to the most sumptuous.” His eyes twinkled. “May I offer you some more wine?”

“No, thank you, my lord. I believe I’ve had enough. You wouldn’t want me to become any more loose tongued, would you?”

“I can’t think of a more pleasant way to spend the evening,” Polk said, his smile a bit devious, “than with a loose-tongued lovely like yourself.”

Lily’s cheeks warmed. Was Polk still speaking about her opinions?



* * *



Lily had chosen a gown of pale green for the opening ball that was fairly low cut. Thomas had shaken his head slightly when he came to the girls’ chamber to escort them to the ball, but she didn’t care. A maid had swept her dark hair into an elaborate chignon, leaving wisps of curls dangling around her face, framing her high cheekbones.

Thomas escorted Rose to the dance floor for a quadrille while Lily looked for a table. Before she sat down, Lord Wentworth approached her.

“Oh, Teddy, I’m so glad you’re here. There is someone I would love for you to meet. Come with me.” She took his arm and walked toward her cousins who had just entered, making the necessary introductions quickly and pushing Alexandra into Wentworth’s arms for a dance.

When Thomas deposited Rose back at the table, Lily grabbed his arm. “Thomas, you must dance with me.

“All right, Lily. I never knew you were much for dancing.”

“I’m not, but I need to keep Wentworth from asking me.”

He laughed. “I see. Shall we, then?” He held out his arm and expertly led her in the next quadrille.

“Who was that lovely young woman sitting next to you at dinner?” Lily asked.

“The blonde? Her name was Emma Smith or Smythe. I can’t remember.”

“I see her over there.” Lily motioned with her eyes. “You should ask her to dance.”

“If I dance with someone else, how can I keep Wentworth from focusing on you?” He chuckled.

“I’ll take care of Wentworth. I’m trying to get him interested in Ally.”

“He’s not good enough for you, but you’d shove him at Ally?”

“Don’t be silly. He’s not good enough for Ally either. But she wanted to meet him so I obliged. In fact, she’s interested in meeting just about any eligible gentleman here. Do you have any ideas for her? And for Sophie and Rose?”

“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.