“I’m sorry about that. Come on. I think we should appear available to dance.”
The evening was entertaining, not at all filled with spying on Oliver, however, he did inquire about a dance, and her dances were claimed.
“I do apologize. If you are in attendance in two days for the second dinner party, I should be happy to offer you a dance then.”
“Another one? That is shear agony, I’m sure.”
“Lady Mary Margaret assures me that her mother could not invite everyone to this event and therefore created another so no one felt slighted. I have decided to stay longer.”
“That sounds a bit tortuous. I intend to stay until Tuesday so that will suit. I suppose I shall be here for the second round as well. Are you enjoying yourself?”
“I always do when I visit. I hear Lord Charles is a friend of yours from school.”
“Yes, he is. We attended Eton at the same time. Then I went on to Oxford, and he went to Scotland. Did you have tutors?”
“Yes. More than I would have liked. There is Lady Sheridan. I believe we have spoken the limit without a reason, Your Grace.”
“Ah, yes. Propriety. I shall see you at breakfast, if you do not sleep too late.”
“Good evening, Your Grace.”
His voice dropped low, “Stay out of trouble tonight, my darling. Come to me if you are in need.”
“What would I be in need of, sir?”
“One never knows with you. Agree to call on me should you encounter any difficulties.”
“I shall take it under advisement, sir.”
“Minx. See that you do.” He gave her a short bow and walked away.
Why must he be so amiable and make her feel like she was misjudging him? And yet, he negated those feelings bydemanding she go to him for her needs. She determined there would be no such need.
Chapter Four
The hostess’ daughter, Margaret, had been her friend since she was a child. They pushed the rules but rarely broke them. Tonight, Margaret grabbed her hand and sedately led her into the garden.
“Where are we going?” asked Lilli.
“To Papa’s study.”
“Why?” she asked as she was being firmly pulled along.
Margaret grinned. “Because, I want to taste something that isn’t honey wine or lemonade.”
“We aren’t to drink anything stronger. I’m not sure I want to risk grandmother’s wrath.”
“Just a sip. That is all. Aren’t you even the slightest bit curious what all the fuss is about and why it is a man’s drink? Whoever heard of such a thing? Women don’t eat differently from men.”
“I certainly do. I don’t put some of the vile things in my mouth that men do. Besides, you don’t smoke a pipe, and I don’t see you trying that out.”
“Hm, good point. I may do that next. But Papa is busy tonight, so this is the best opportunity we have. Don’t make me do this alone.” She pulled harder. “Here. This is the study.”
The door opened from the garden and the young women stepped in, closing the beautiful wood and glass door quietly behind them. Margaret went straight to the liquor cabinet and pulled out a decanter of amber liquid.
“How are we to drink it?”
Mary Margaret asked, “Can you not just sip from the decanter? It isn’t large.”
