“Yes, she is stunning on the outside, but quite a minx otherwise.”
“Only to you,” said Shropshire.
“Meaning?”
“When you are not in residence or attending the same parties, she is level-headed, graceful, accommodating, and fun to be with. When you are attending the same affairs, she is hotheaded and more opinionated than typical for her. She is restless and more daring.”
“I see. I bring out the best in her,” Oliver said.
“She is enamored with you, even if she doesn’t see it herself. Be careful with her if you intend on pursuing Lady Lilliana. She appears made of granite, but I assure you, that is a disguise. I am unashamed to say she is too strong for me to take to wife, but she will break if you apply too much pressure. And I, for one, will come after you if that were to happen. She is special. More than she knows. Hopefully, not more than you understand.”
After watching her most of the weekend, Oliver was convinced Lilli was a Little. She may not know or understand it, but she was. He reserved the dance before dinner so he could be her dinner companion without causing a scene. Most ladies were happy for an easy escort but not his Lilli. She sat sullen at the table, and he leaned closer to speak only to her.
“You are being very contrary for a young lady who has escaped several thrashings lately.”
She whispered back, careful not to be overheard. “What do you mean? It is most ungentlemanly to mention such things, and it is unseemly.”
Darkening his tone, he said, “I see. Then what way is appropriate?”
“What… none. Nothing is appropriate. You would ruin me and yourself.”
“Well, that’s a shame that you think that, because after we are married, your misconduct will not go unaddressed, nor will it ruin either of us.”
“Are you in your cups, Your Grace? These last days have been filled with ladies vying for your attentions. They would all marry you if they could. Why pursue the one woman who does not wish to marry you? It is a misguided waste of time.”
“I’ll be the judge of whether my time is wasted or not. You heed your behavior so that you may continue to sit pretty. And you are incredibly beautiful. Unparalleled, I’d say.” He leaned close again. “And adorable when you blush.”
When the first platter arrived, Oliver examined the food before it is served to her turning down one platter for another. “You believe me incapable of deciding on my dishes, Your Grace?”
“Not at all. I merely wish you to have the fresher bits. It gives me pleasure to serve you. I believe it gives you pleasure to receive my attention in this way.”
She blushed hard. “That is not so, Your Grace. I have been making decisions on my food since I was a young child.”
“Maybe it would have been more comfortable for you if someone had retained that task for you a while longer. You enjoy this.”
“Your Grace.” She spoke with a pleading voice.
“Don’t worry, my dear, no one will even take notice.”
It appeared he was right—at first. But one gentleman assisted his dinner partner, then several more. In fact, a few men decided that it was a chivalrous thing to do and quietly entreated their partners to allow them to take care of their choices. Most were still oblivious, but those who followed the Duke’s example found themselves with a much livelier dinner companion.
The long weekend was at a close. As Lilli prepared to leave, Oliver cornered her in the dimly lit cloakroom, his tall frame blocking the narrow doorway. The scent of his sandalwood cologne mingled with the musty odor of damp wool coats, igniting her senses again.
“Do you have more than the driver to escort you home, Lady Lilliana?” His voice was low, almost a whisper against the rustling of her silk skirts.
“Of course. I never go without two coachmen since...” Her voice faltered, her gloved fingers nervously twisting the pearl buttons of her pelisse as she busied herself in identifying her outer garments. “Since I began traveling alone. My maid is with me as well.”
Oliver’s amber eyes grew warm like honey in summer’s sunlight. He nodded, the crisp white of his cravat stark against his tanned skin. “Good. Shall I follow you home?”
“I do not need you dogging my steps even as I go home, Your Grace. I can live my life quite well without you interfering.” Her chin lifted defiantly, the pale column of her throat visible above her high coat collar. “Good day to you, Sir.”
He captured her arm, his large hand encircling her sleeve firmly but not harshly. The fine wool of his tailored coat stretched across broad shoulders as he leaned closer. His tone was stern but there was that distinct twinkle of gaiety in his eye, like a mischievous schoolboy hiding behind a duke’s authority. “Such a sassy mouth, my dear. You are not mine to correct yet, but I assure you, when that does occur, for it shall, you shall discover what I will and will not tolerate. Enjoy your freedom well, my little darling, for when you become my duchess, then you will dance to the tune I play and no others.”
“You shall be waiting an eternity, I fear,” she replied, her cheeks flushed pink with indignation, the rapid rise and fall of her chest betraying her agitation and heightened emotion. “For I will not give up my autonomy to another. Especially one who intends to curtail my freedoms. Better you redirect your efforts now and waste no more of your time on me.”
“Not your freedoms, my dear, merely your risky frivolity and defiance. And tame that insolent mouth of yours.” His thumb traced a small circle on her sleeve, sending an unwelcome shiver up her spine. “Mark my words. Soon, you will be happy tosubmit to me when I demand it and will offer yourself to me freely.”
She forced a laugh that echoed hollowly in the small space. Lilliana needed to leave before she said or did something like yell or kick his perfectly polished Hessian boots. She longed to kick his shins, but it would cause a scene, and she still wasn’t sure the duke would not upend her and thrash her for such an act, his powerful frame easily capable of subduing her.
