Lily and the Duke by Helen Hardt Page B

important things.”
    “We can’t sponge off of Aunt Flora and Uncle Crispin forever, Sophie,” Alexandra said. “And damn it, I don’t want to be poor.”
    “No one does, dear,” Sophie said. “But there are more essential matters, like love. Do you really want to end up in a loveless marriage with a tyrant like Father?”
    “Of course not, and if any of us are lucky enough to find a love match, I’ll be the first one to hoot and holler in glee. But in the meantime, I’m willing to settle for money, especially if he’s handsome, which Mr. Landon is.”
    “Well, as long as you have standards,” Sophie said, her tone sardonic.
    They conversed and laughed until a maid approached them. “My lady?” she said to Lily.
    “Yes?”
    “I was bid to bring you to the library.”
    “Whatever for?”
    “His Grace wants to see you.”
    “Oh.” How would she explain this to the others? “He’s going to show me the estate’s art collection. I nearly forgot. Will you all excuse me?”
    They all stared at her wide-eyed.
    “Would any of you like to come? Laurel Ridge is supposed to have some of the finest art.”
    Alexandra beamed. “No, no, dear. We’ll wait right here for you. Do tell us all about it when you’re done.”
    “You will have a chaperone, won’t you, Lily?” Sophie said.
    “I’m sure His Grace has it all arranged.” Lily stood. “Do enjoy your evening, then.”
    Lily followed the maid back into the house and dismissed her. Walking quietly through the entrance hall, she paused to glance inside the enormous dining room where servants were cleaning up after dinner. She continued down the hallway, looking for the library, but stopped when she came to a looking glass hanging on the wall by a small table. She quickly assessed her appearance, biting her lips, pinching her cheeks, and tucking a few stray hairs behind her ears.
    “Good evening, love.”
    “Goodness,” she said, nearly jumping. “Do you just appear out of thin air?”
    Daniel smiled. “Come with me.”
    “Wait a moment,” she said. “Shouldn’t we have a chaperone?”
    “Does anyone know you’re with me?”
    “My sister and cousins.”
    “Ah. And I assume one of them was your nude bathing friend?” Daniel’s eyes sparkled.
    “My cousin. Alexandra.”
    He winked. “I think our secret is safe with them.”
    He led her farther down the hallway to an enormous two story room filled with books and art. The overhead chandelier had been lit, and the soft velvety lighting cast brightness upon shelves and shelves of books. Lily breathed in the alluring scents of leather and parchment. She loved reading nearly as much as art, and this room was a treasure trove.
    “This is magnificent.” She hurried toward the rows and rows of beautifully bound volumes. Books of history and books of law, volumes of poetry and Greek mythology, novels, reference volumes, and religious treatises. Lily ran her fingers over rows of books, taking in their texture and warmth. “If I had the time, I’d devour everything in here.”
    “I thought you wanted to see art this evening,” Daniel said.
    “Oh, I do. I just never imagined seeing so many books at once. This simply dwarfs the library at our estate.”
    “Feel free to borrow anything you’d like while you’re here.”
    “I intend to. I’m going to finish my painting tomorrow morning, and then I’m going to curl up under a tree with a good book. Doesn’t that sound heavenly?”
    He smiled. “It actually does. In the afternoon, though, I’d like you to go riding with me.”
    “Of course, I’d love to.” Then, “Oh, Lord Evan asked Rose to go riding, and I think she wants me to go along. I’m sorry. I forgot.”
    “That’s not a problem,” Daniel said. “We’ll all go together.”
    “I don’t know.” Lily chewed on her lip. “Are you sure we should go with others? They might think you’re courting me.”
    “Perhaps I am.” His gaze met hers.
    Lily laughed aloud. “You’re