“What? No. I can promise you I did not drink from the wrong punch bowl, but I do feel a bit dizzy.”
“Maybe it is the dancing. You may need to go home.”
“No, I am staying. But maybe I will go lay down in my room.”
“That is a good idea. Young ladies that slip into liquor cupboards and help themselves often feel out of sorts soon afterward.”
“You are talking gliber-gibler-nonsense. I simply am overheated and need to lie down.” She belched quietly but her cheeks flamed with embarrassment.
“As you wish, my dear. But take heed. That was a naughty thing to do and there will be more consequences than feeling hot and ill.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about, but rest assur-assured that you will never do that conse-kest thing. You have no right.”
“Oh, my dear.” He spoke low. “If you choose to sneak into a liquor cabinet again, I may not be available to divert youbeing discovered. However, you may count on me baring your backside and spanking you with meaning.”
“You… what? It was you with Lord Downing?”
“It was. But you won’t distract me. I promise to smack your bottom next time. Hard.”
She twirled around to leave, then grabbed his arm quickly. “Oh, I don’t feel well.”
“I don’t suppose you do, little one. Small movements. Let me walk you to your room.”
“No.”
“You’re right, it wouldn’t be proper at this juncture. There will come a day but never mind at present. I’ll grab a maid to come with us.”
Lilli looked as though she would like to say something but decided not to. She looked as though she needed a thorough emptying of her belly. Instead of taking her upstairs, he took her further into the garden, in a secluded spot.
“Empty your stomach, darling.”
“I beg your pardon. What did you say?” Lilli asked in a feeble voice.
“Cough or do whatever you require to empty the contents of your stomach. It will make you feel better.”
She shook her head. In a voice much younger than her normal tone, she said, “I don’t want to. Why are you being mean?” She ended her question with a moan.
The smile on his face and the joy in his heart to hear what he hoped was confirmation of Lilli being his Little darling he firmed his voice. “Induce purging, little girl. It is important that you get the contents of your insides, outside. Do as Daddy says.”
Lilli’s face was flushed, and her eyes were red and watery from crying. She looked disheveled and unwell as she swayed and clutched her stomach in pain. The secluded spot in the garden was surrounded by tall bushes and trees, providingprivacy for the two of them. If anyone were to hear the sound of her retching, they would assume it is a young man. They were notorious for vomiting in the bushes at parties. Young women never did.
Lilli hesitated as if unsure, then began coughing for a few seconds, and soon she was ejecting the offending fluid. She cried as she vomited the vile liquor. When she had finished, he pulled out his handkerchief, wiping her tears, then her mouth.
“I know you are angry with me, but this was the quickest way to eliminate the foulness in you. Now, go to your room, clean up, drink some rainwater, and take a sleeping drought. Then sleep. You will be better in the morning. I shall fetch you tomorrow promptly at three.”
Without another word, she accepted the maid’s hand. Oliver watched her retreating figure, his chest tightening with both satisfaction and unease. Was he overstepping? Perhaps. Yet the thought of her vulnerable state left unattended twisted his stomach. He reiterated his instructions to the maid, ensuring they would make it to bed through a side door where no prying eyes could witness their encounter. Just as he’d hoped.
He suppressed both his smile and his frown as Lilli stumbled slightly on the path. The maid moved forward, steadying her with practiced efficiency. Oliver’s hand twitched at his side, torn between rushing to her aid and maintaining proper distance. She righted herself quickly, and they continued through the door, leaving him standing alone with his warring thoughts.
Her breath had smelled of whiskey—Lord Downing’s whiskey—and her complexion had shifted from flushed to pallid. The foolish, reckless, endearing girl. How could he admire her spirit and fear for her safety, while fighting an ache to thrash that delectable arse in the same thundering heartbeat?Because she is who you have been looking for.
Oliver’s frown deepened as he contemplated what might have happened had he not intercepted Lord Downing and later, found her in the ballroom when he did. Young ladies were not permitted such indulgences, and the consequences would have been severe had someone else discovered her in such a state, peerage or not. Society was unforgiving toward women who stepped beyond the rigid boundaries of propriety. He turned away from the house, making his way down the garden path. The night air was cool against his face, a welcome respite after the stuffiness of the ballroom. The scent of roses hung heavy in the air, mingling with the distant sounds of the orchestra still playing for those guests who remained.
“Quite the knight in shining armor tonight, Weston,” came a voice from behind him.
Oliver turned to find Lord Barrington leaning against a marble statue, his expression amused.
“I haven’t the faintest idea what you mean,” Oliver replied, his tone deliberately casual.
