“Enough.” He leaned back in his chair.
“I’m just not sure.”
“Here is a little incentive. If you go home with me now, I won’t answer the need that I have to firmly smack your fleshy arse.”
“My Lord! That won’t happen in any circumstances.”
“I am legally your guardian, so I believe it is well within the purview of my position to keep you safe and appropriate. If you defy me, that is naughty and I must correct your behavior.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. I am an adult even if the law is blind to it, but fine. I will let you send out your man, but I intend to ask around in the shops before I leave.”
He was suspicious, but it did make sense, so he nodded. But as he caught her eye, there was mischief in them prompting him to change his course of action.
“I have had a change of heart instead of sending my man with you, I intend to be your escort. I am sure I need something whilst there.”
” It is such a distraction as I don’t need anyone with me but, in response to the world that is always trying to say a woman is inappropriate, I will bow to an escort only. But one of my choosing, surely.”
“It is either me or you stay in. Make the choice, my Little Lilli, for I stand firm on this point.”
“Fine. Do what you will, but I do hope you aren’t embarrassed to step into the women’s shops.”
“I have been known to frequent the seamstress shops for gifts for good girls.”
“I am ecstatic that you have someone who responds to your superiority, Your Grace.” His Little Lilli was peeking out saucily.
“It does make life more enjoyable. Is a dress shop a place you believe your father would frequent, for I own that sounds peculiar.”
“No, of course not. But I might need to add to my trunk of clothing. I did come with very little, after all.”
“That would be permissible. I should come in to make sure your choices are appropriate.”
“I have chosen my clothing for at least these last five years.”
“That may be true but your decision-making since my acquaintance has been less than stellar.”
She sniffed and stomped off. “Don’t forget to conduct yourself as the lady you are. I do not wish to disgrace you further by reddening your backside. And take note that I prefer to deal with disobedience and tantrums in the spot they happen.”
Her outraged squeal was almost too adorable to hold in his laughter. He succeeded though because he needed her safe and that was no laughing matter to him. Her protection was everything and Lady Lilliana needed to learn how to be obedient,or her future would be filled with humbling moments as his lessons were taught to her.
By the time she was ready to leave, she was in a mood, and an eagle eye was what was needed. He was glad he had decided not to rely on a footman to keep her in sight. She was going to be a trial today. Besides, he had every intention of following through with her lesson if she continued to defy him recklessly.
They used two stable horses to go into town. Lilli was pleasant enough, having pushed back her Little one to the recesses of her being. Her Little darling appeared more often now, and he missed her when she was gone.
Lilli was accommodating during their search and when she asked if they could stop in at the pub for refreshment, he agreed. He should have known she was not as compliant as she appeared for when he returned with their drinks, she was gone. The woman next to him smiled, displaying her decaying teeth.
He swallowed his dislike and asked, “Did you see where my companion went?”
The woman shrugged. “Maybe the privy. But I’m more woman that that bit of muslin.”
He wanted to show his anger at the reference. Lilli was not meant to gratify his manly needs, yet, but it didn’t matter. She had gone again. He took a long drink of his ale and went in search of his errant girl. This time he would teach her the lesson she had been begging for.
She hadn’t gone far. He asked those standing outside which way she had gone and they all pointed in one direction. He quickened his pace and found her speaking to the storekeeper that had been gone when they had wandered past.
“Lady Lilliana, it is time to go.” He sounded calm and easy going, but he knew his girl would understand the iron running through his words.
“But he knows Father.”
“Does he indeed?” His interest peaked, he inquired further. “And when was the last time you saw Her Ladyship’s father?”
