“Sit down, my lord. Your charm has no power over me.” Lilly gestured with a wave of her hand. Someone had fetched her a cushioned ottoman to rest her ankle upon, and her aunt had gone in search of something cold to put on the injury. Lilly hoped it wasn’t a sprain, but she could see it swelling already. She was finally making progress in the garden and knew it would be neglected if she could not maintain it.
Danbury eyed the offending appendage with a wry smile. “Has someone gone after a cold compress?” His friendly demeanor was reassuring, considering she’d just ordered Michael away from her.
“Aunt Eleanor has,” she said cautiously. Perusing the seats around her, she ascertained that Lord Hawthorne had abandoned his watch. Many of the guests were now milling towards the dining hall. “Thank you—for your assistance earlier.” Looking down at her hands, she felt sheepish. She had beenveryrude to Michael. What must Lord Danbury think of her? But she’d had no choice!
“What did Hawthorne say to you?” He did not mince his words with trite conversation. “A vile creature. I can’t imagine why you would dance with him.”
Lilly stared thoughtfully at the handsome features of the man sitting beside her. She could not argue Lord Danbury’s assessment of the Earl of Hawthorne. “A lady must accept unless she has already promised a set. If she wishes to stand up later in the evening, that is.” And then, “Did His Grace send you to interrogate me? Because it’s none of his business. And it’s none of yours either.” Why was she snapping at Danbury? What hadhedone to deserve this?
She felt frightened. That was why.
“Hawthornehasthreatened you then. Cortland was right.” Danbury suddenly didn’t look harmless and good-natured anymore. “What exactly did he say?”
What had Michael told his friend? She could not take any chances. Especially not here. She’d voiced personal matters in a public setting before and look where that had gotten her. “I cannot discuss that with you, my lord.” And then more softly, she added, “But I would speak with His Grace about it in a more private setting. If you would relay that to him.”
Nodding slowly, Lord Danbury remained sitting beside her. “Of course.” And then replacing his earlier mask of pleasant enjoyment, he smiled at her dazzlingly. “Tell me, lovely lady, what have you been up to this past decade?”
Lilly was to experience the effect of the full arsenal of Danbury charm.
And for the rest of the evening, it seemed, except to fetch her a plate of food, the viscount did not leave her side. He even followed her aunt’s carriage on horseback, all the way back to the town house on Curzon Street. As one of her aunt’s footmen let down the step, Danbury reined his horse to a quick stop, tipped his hat, and then finally left them to their own devices.
“Quite an admirer, you have.” Aunt Eleanor spoke matter-of-factly as they handed their cloaks to Jarvis. “He didn’t leave your side for a moment.”
Lilly laughed, albeit uneasily, and then kissed her aunt good night. She was suddenly very, very tired. And as much as she loved her aunt, she did not wish to stay up and chat. “He was being chivalrous. The debutantes love that…” Then, on her swollen and tender ankle, she hobbled up the stairs without further assistance. It did not seem to be sprained, thank the heavens. She could likely work in the garden tomorrow after all. She would most certainly need the peace it usually afforded her.
BETWEEN A ROCK AND A VERY HARD PLACE
Afog hung low over Hyde Park early the next morning as Michael and Danbury simultaneously pulled back on their reins and slowed to a walk. They had given the horses a free head early on, and it was time to let them cool down. Both men had meetings scheduled around parliamentary duties most days and so had set aside one day a week to ride together while in the city. The early hours left the Row to themselves, and the air was usually crisp and fresh.
On this morning, however, they were to be joined by another.
Michael recognized the Earl of Ravensdale, his affianced’s father, even from a distance, as the esteemed gentleman approached upon his own steed.
“Cortland, Danbury.” Ravensdale nodded in both of their directions before glancing around. “A somewhat tolerable park, when it isn’t swarming with dandies.”
Danbury laughed, but Michael was in a less amiable mood. Although, as a duke, Michael held the loftier position in society, the earl was a powerful man—an enviable alliance to have—one who could also be a formidable enemy. “My lord,” Michael returned.
The earl steered his horse so he could join their conversation.
“I’ve obtained assurance from Riverton. We have his vote.” He announced in a grim voice. “But it’s tight, yet.”
Danbury’s eyes shifted toward Michael. Michael knew what Danbury was thinking.
He was concerned about Lilly’s return and Hawthorne’s interference. He would also be concerned that Michael’s engagement was jeopardized. The timing was horrible, and Danbury, more than anybody, knew how Michael had felt about Lilly way back when.
There was a great deal at stake. His betrothal to Lady Natalie was more than a dynastic one. It had political ramifications as well. It solidified Ravensdale’s support and improved Michael’s reputation. A married man was always considered more responsible and worthy of respect than a bachelor. They needed all the help they could get if they were to have any luck at eroding the strength of the Corn Laws.
Yes, the timing of Lilly’s return was regrettable indeed. And yet. Michael clenched his fists around the leather strap. And yet…
“I understand Hawthorne was involved in something of a mishap last night. With a friend of Natalie’s, Lady Beauchamp.” The earl spoke casually, but Michael knew better. He was not a man to waste his time with small talk. “Natalie told me she wasn’t convinced it was an accident…She also told me the two of you assisted the lady afterwards.”
Michael tightened his jaw. “Your daughter was concerned for her friend.” He would say no more. He did not appreciate feeling coerced.
“Beautiful gel, Lady Beauchamp.” Danbury toggled his eyebrows and effectively drew the earl’s attention away fromMichael. “I’ve had my eye on her all season. Delightful. If anyone were to lure me out of bachelorhood…” Danbury’s statement was tantalizing bait, indeed.
At this statement, the earl’s brows rose. “Couldn’t hurt, Danbury, couldn’t hurt at all. The last thing we need now is even a hint of scandal.” And then he nodded. Apparently, what he’d heard had satisfied his concerns. “Well, then, I’ll leave you two to carry on.” The earl spurred his horse and departed as quickly as he’d arrived.
Michael and Hugh rode in silence for a full two minutes before either of them spoke.
