––––––––
After leaving Lilly to rest, Dominic went to his study to compose a letter to Lord Douglas and check his other correspondence. He would tell Lord Douglas about the plan and set up a meeting to go over what he knew from Lilly and how to involve the Prince Regent in their scheme. He also needed to discuss the preparations for the ball with his aunt, but he was already dreading it. Lord only knew why she would bring her daughter into a bachelor’s household when they were already treading the waters of scandal with Lilly’s presence.
Their first week would be rather slow starting today, Monday, with Chance starting the first whispers of Lilly’s return. He would enlist the aid of some of Lilly’s closest friends: Miss Olivia Brentton and Miss Lydia Covvington. The ladies could be trusted, according to Lilly, to spread the word in the right tone. They were walking a delicate path and couldn’t afford any missteps. Lilly would enter the social whirl with light entertainments such as afternoon teas and garden parties here and there. Shopping excursions, walks in the park, and drives down the promenade would prepare her for the first ball, selected carefully by its size and safety of the residence in which it was being held.
In two weeks, Dominic would be opening his own home for a ball in Lilly’s honor, hosted by his aunt, where they would reach the climax of their plan and hopefully catch their enemy and bring him to justice, freeing Lilly and freeing himself. With the Prince Regent as guest they would make a grand gesture of returning the diamonds, which Lilly would be wearing that evening, with everyone as witness. What happened after that Dominic didn’t know, but hopefully their well-placed crumbs would bring a rat into the light.
Fields knocked softly before entering as Dominic bid, and bowed. “My lord, the footman Charles did as you requested and fetched Lady St. James’s belongings without incident.”
“Good. I am glad your carriage was not far behind ours, Fields.”
“Lady Seavers also requested an audience with you, my lord.”
“Thank you, Fields, you may escort her in.”
“Yes, my lor—”
Lady Seavers breezed in, unaware of the scowl the butler threw her. “My lord, thank you for granting me a moment of your time.”
“It is no problem at all, Aunt Millicent. In fact, I needed to discuss our planned schedule for the coming week. Once word spreads of Lilly’s return we will need to carefully decide which invitations to select.” Dominic hadn’t realized he had so openly used Lilly’s given name, nor did he take notice of his aunt’s rather pinched expression as he casually penned a note to Chance.
“I see. Are you not concerned that she will not be readily accepted by polite society?”
“I’m sure there will be some talk of a malicious nature, but with our help, and a carefully laid plan, she should make a phenomenal return.”
“Oh,” his aunt said quietly.
Dominic stopped writing and looked up at her. Was that disappointment he heard in her voice?
She looked up brightly and smiled. “I’m sure the wealth of attention my daughter will garner will enable Lady St. James a smoother entry. Why, the Belowhughs have already extended an invitation to Clarissa for tea this very afternoon. I would not mind bringing Lady St. James along.”
His temper began to slip just a bit. “I would certainly hope so, seeing that your sole purpose here is to act as chaperone to Lilly, not parade your daughter around London.”
Aunt Millicent blushed contritely. “Of course, my lord. I was only hoping to allow the dear girl some time to rest, but seeing as it would be highly improper to leave her and it is too late to cry off...”
Dominic looked at the mantle clock. It was nearly three in the afternoon. “I suggest that you send Jenny to help Lilly prepare for this unexpected engagement. In the future, Aunt Millicent, any invitations must be approved by either me or Lilly. You may go.” He dismissed her without another glance.
***
Aunt Millicent fairly fumed as she exited the study, daring any footman in the hall to look at her. Curiously, they were nowhere to be found. “The nerve of that man,” she said angrily once she was out of earshot. “How dare he dictate to me what invitations I can and cannot accept, and to have to answer to that... to that light skirt. We will see about that!”
***
Lilly returned from her sudden afternoon tea feeling like a wrung-out rag. The Belowhughs had been standoffish, to say the least. It didn’t help that Lady Seavers introduced her very colorfully in a way that painted her as Dominic’s mistress in training. It was unbearable. Never in her life had Lilly been treated with such disrespect, and from people of lesser social standing to boot. When Miss Belowhughs inquired after her background, Lilly was only too delighted to discuss her family name and origins. She even drew out the ducal crest for Miss Belowhughs’ benefit. Lady Seavers had failed to mention that Lilly was the daughter of a duke, only that Lilly had suddenly come under the guardianship of the earl for a short time.
Lilly thoroughly enjoyed Lady Seavers’ angry blush when Lady Belowhughs began to fawn over Lilly’s every word and need. However, the coach ride back to Dominic’s townhouse was excruciating. Clarissa pouted unmercifully and Lady Seavers kept making snappy remarks towards Lilly. Lilly refused to be baited with the subtle accusations about her relationship with Dominic, nor would she cower under that woman’s icy glares. Three seasons in the ton had given Lilly a veritable army of responses and set-downs, but she would not waste a single one on Lady Seavers.
Lilly returned to her room to find Dominic standing by the fireplace, staring into the flames. He looked up as the door clicked shut.
“You shouldn’t be in here,” Lilly stated as she leaned against the door.
Dominic closed the distance between them and placed his hands against the door, caging her as he studied her face. “What’s wrong?”
“I am tired, that’s all,” she said flatly. Lilly looked down, but he only tilted her face back up to meet his gaze.
“Did afternoon tea with the Belowhughs not go so well?”
“To say the least.” Lilly stepped out of his arms and moved away from him. “Your aunt seems to have some preconceived notions about us.”
“You cannot believe that I told her about us.”
“I know. It is only to be expected.” Lilly sighed as she sat before the vanity and began to take down her hair. She was desperate for an hour’s rest before meeting Lady Seavers again over the dinner table.
“I will speak to her,” Dominic said angrily.
“No.” She caught his gaze in the mirror. “It would only make it worse. We can’t show any kind of special preference for each other, other than normal guardian and ward behavior.”
“Lilly.” He stepped behind her and massaged her aching scalp. “If I can protect you, I am going to.”
“I know but... in this I need to protect myself." She swiveled to look up at him. “It does not help if you’re always in my bedchamber.”
He smiled devilishly. “I can’t help myself.” He leaned down and brushed her lips with his. He groaned. “All right, but don’t think this will be easy for you. You want me just as much as I want you."
“As a woman I can control myself,” Lilly said.
“We will see about that.” He leaned down as if to kiss her again, her face lifting automatically, but this time Dominic pulled away. He walked back towards the door as Lilly scowled at his back.
“I never back away from a challenge.” He looked back at her with his hand on the door handle.
“Is this a game, then?” Lilly challenged.
“It is, my love”—he opened the door—“and I’m going to win.”