His father stepped forward. “As my wife said, it’s been a very long day. We’ve made this difficult decision and I think we all agree it’s right. The engagement is broken and a night to think about how it would be best to handle it with the public would probably do us all good. I suggest we all get the rest that will clear our heads and meet again in the morning to discuss details.”
“I think you’re right, my lord,” Lily said. “Thank you for your kindness in this troubling situation. You and the countess have been nothing but compassionate.”
The earl inclined his head and then motioned for the door. Lily looked at George one last time and then she and her sister departed. When they were gone, his mother let out a great sigh. “Iamtired.”
“Then I’ll escort you, Louisa,” Lord Pembrooke said. “Good night, George. Don’t ruminate over this too long, yes?”
George nodded even though he wasn’t certain that was possible. He followed them up the stairs and down to his chamber. Once inside he stood at the bell, hand half extended to ring for his valet.
That would make the most sense, after all. To do as his family suggested and rest before the rest of decisions had to be made the next day. And yet there was one thought that continued to play in his mind over and over.
He was no longer engaged. He was free. The only obstacle that had kept him from touching Lily, kissing Lily, being near Lily, was gone now.
He found himself moving without truly meaning to, going to her. Hoping that when he knocked on her door she would answer and let him in, even if they hadn’t fully resolved the future that had once kept them apart.
* * *
Lily had left Alice at her chamber, with a promise from her sister to lock her door and not let her mother in, even if she knocked. Alice had seemed happy to oblige and had gone inside where Lily assumed Mary was waiting. Lily found herself happy that her sister had someone to support and comfort her.
Now she sat in her own room, staring at the fire that glowed in the hearth. For the first time that day, it felt like she couldthink.
Despite how awful everything was and the scandal that was about to come, she felt lighter than she had in weeks. The reason was shameful, a proof of her selfishness that would make Prudence crow if she saw it.
George was free. He no longer belonged to her sister, there were no longer barriers that could separate them, at least not physically. And all she wanted was to go to him, to feel his arms around her in comfort and passion. She wanted to relive that one beautiful night together and let herself forget her responsibilities even for just a little while.
She got to her feet, pivoted toward the door and threw it open to go to him, but as she did so, she found him standing there, hand raised as if he was about to knock.
Time slowed as they stared at each other, the realization that they both longed for the same thing becoming clear.
“Please let me in, Lily,” he whispered, his voice low and rough, his eyes dark as stormy seas and filled with all the desire they’d been trying to repress.
There was no option to say no. She couldn’t even recall that word existed. She caught his lapels and dragged him into the room. He pushed the door shut with his foot and pivoted, pressing her back against the barrier. Their mouths met with all the heat and desperation they’d been managing for weeks and it was like fireworks exploded in the wake.
Their tongues collided and she let out a needy moan that he answered with a deep one of his own. His hands gripped the fabric of her gown, bunching it around her lower back. She unbuttoned his jacket, shoving her hands inside the rough fabric to find the warmth of him beneath. When her palms moved over his chest through the layers of his waistcoat and shirt, they both moaned in time.
He pulled back and stared down into her face, his mouth turning down as he traced the line of the bruise on her cheek. She turned her lips into his palm and kissed him there.
“There’s no pain,” she whispered. “Not with you here.”
He cupped her chin and tilted her face up and this time when he kissed her it was far more gentle and slow. She melted into him, reveling now in this kiss that she’d been dreaming of for weeks. How could she have lived without it? In this moment it felt as though it was required to survive.
His arms tightened around her and slowly he walked them both toward her bed. His fingers glided down her spine and she felt him flick the buttons of her gown open one by one.
“At Donville you didn’t wear underthings,” he whispered while he stroked up and down her spine against her chemise.
“At Donville I was Aphrodite,” she said with a smile up at him.
“You’ll always be Aphrodite to me,” he said, and then he tugged her dress down.
It was odd, because he had seen her naked before. He had worshiped every inch of her body, but she’d worn a mask that night. They had been strangers. To have him stand before her in her underthings now, staring at her like she truly was a goddess felt…different.
After all they’d been through? All they knew about each other? It felt real.
“Are you blushing, Lily?” he asked, and the wicked tilt to his smile returned.
She reached up and tugged the chemise straps off her shoulders so she could push out of it. “Only in anticipation.”
He didn’t speak, but just stared at her now that she was naked save her stockings and slippers. His eyes were wide and he licked his lips like she was a feast and he a man starved.
