“Let go, Matthew.”
“Why?” His thumb caressed her hand beneath the water, and he found himself captivated by her lovely face and the softness of her skin.
She stood on tiptoe until her face was a breath away from his. “Because.” Her lips were sensual, her eyes filled with yearning. Itevoked the memory of her kiss, and a sudden heat swelled within him.
Without warning, a sudden shock of frigid water hit his neck, and he yelped, releasing her hand. Lily laughed, lowering her hand. “Because I said so.”
He wiped off the water and glared at her, though he didn’t truly mean it. Despite the trick, he was enjoying her playful mood. “You should be careful next time, Lily.”
She smiled and placed her hand in his arm. “Perhaps.” He led her away from the fountain, and she added. “Iamglad you seem to be feeling better now. And I do hope you’ve begun to eat again.” Her hand pressed lightly against his arm. The gentle pressure offered a quiet support, and he was grateful for it.
He led her through the garden, back to her sister, Rose, who was waiting for them. “I am glad to see that my sister did not drench you in the fountain.”
“She did try. But I managed to defend myself.” He raised an eyebrow at Lily, who winked at him.
Rose limped slightly as she took a step toward them. Matthew offered his arm for support, and she took it. “Would you care to go back inside, Lady Rose?” Though he didn’t particularly want to make an appearance among the guests, neither did he want her to stumble.
“I should like to sit for a moment,” Lady Rose answered. “If you will help me to hobble over to the bench, that will do.”
He assisted her over to the bench while Lily trailed behind them. Once she was seated, Lady Rose sighed with relief. “Lily, will you stay with me for a moment?”
“Of course.” She moved to sit beside her sister, and Matthew understood that this was his hint to leave them alone.
“Thank you for the walk,” Lily said to him.
He bowed to the women. “Lady Lily. And Lady Rose.” With that, he returned to the doorway leading inside.
Just as he was about to enter, he glanced behind him at the women. Lily was speaking with her sister in a hushed tone, but then she glanced back at him. For a moment, she met his gaze with a frank stare of her own.
The very sight of her made him aware of exactly what he’d given up. And how very difficult it was to let her go.
Chapter Six
“Would you care to dance, Lady Lily?”
She turned and saw a dark-haired gentleman, impeccably dressed in black. His hair was cropped short, and his brown eyes held undeniable interest. He appeared familiar somehow, but she did not recall his name.
“I am Adrian Monroe,” he said. “We were introduced earlier this evening, but I suppose you may not remember me.”
She lifted her shoulders in an apologetic shrug. “Forgive me, but I have met many people tonight.”
“As have we all,” he agreed. Offering his arm, he said, “If you are not spoken for, perhaps we might take a turn?”
She pretended to glance at her card, though she was aware that all her remaining dances were free. “All right, Mr. Monroe.”
He smiled at her and offered his arm to guide her toward the other dancers. They joined the circle, and he took her hand, leading her in the steps. “I saw you speaking with my cousin a few moments ago,” he said. “Matthew Larkspur, the Earl of Arnsbury, I mean.”
She felt her cheeks flush. “Yes, I have known Lord Arnsbury for several years. I did not realize you were cousins.”
“Distant cousins,” he clarified. “On my father’s side.” Mr. Monroe spun her lightly, his gloved palm holding hers. “I understand he was unwell after his return from India.”
Because he was tortured,Lily thought to herself. But in answer, she said, “He is still convalescing. I am certain he will make a full recovery.”
Mr. Monroe nodded to that. “Perhaps. I suppose he’ll be seeking a wife soon enough. He’ll need an heir, after all.”
“It’s really none of my affair,” she answered. “I’m certain Lord Arnsbury will do whatever he wishes.”
Mr. Monroe’s demeanor softened. “Forgive me. I was merely wondering if you were already spoken for, with my cousin. You were very close to him, not so long ago.”
