Chapter 4 #2
Oliver’s frown deepened as he contemplated what might have happened had he not intercepted Lord Downing and later, found her in the ballroom when he did.
Young ladies were not permitted such indulgences, and the consequences would have been severe had someone else discovered her in such a state, peerage or not.
Society was unforgiving toward women who stepped beyond the rigid boundaries of propriety.
He turned away from the house, making his way down the garden path.
The night air was cool against his face, a welcome respite after the stuffiness of the ballroom.
The scent of roses hung heavy in the air, mingling with the distant sounds of the orchestra still playing for those guests who remained.
“Quite the knight in shining armor tonight, Weston,” came a voice from behind him.
Oliver turned to find Lord Barrington leaning against a marble statue, his expression amused.
“I haven’t the faintest idea what you mean,” Oliver replied, his tone deliberately casual.
Lord Barrington nodded. “Is all well, then?”
“For now, I believe so.”
“My wife finds herself in all manner of scrapes and I must admit a few white hairs have come from her adventures, but I love her to distraction.” He smiled, “And my days are full of laughter and creating a tender derrière. I would not trade my life for any man’s.”
Oliver nodded. “That is heartening to hear, Lord Barrington.”
“It is indeed. Good evening, Your Grace.”
“Good evening. Offer my regards to Lady Barrington.”
“I shall indeed.” Lord Barrington nodded and walked on.
He had forgotten about Lord Barrington and his close group of friends. Yes, they do seem happy mixed with exasperation brought on by their spouses. It was a good reminder that other men look forward to handling their sassy women every day. He could as well.
Oliver shook his head with a mixture of concern and amusement. Had she truly been so na?ve as to believe he wouldn’t notice her change in demeanor? The telltale signs were evident to anyone who paid attention, and Oliver prided himself on his observational skills—especially when it came to Lilli.
He made his way back to the ballroom, adjusting his cravat as he entered.
Several hopeful mothers with their daughters in tow attempted to catch his eye, but Oliver deftly navigated through the crowd toward the outer hall and his room beyond.
It turned out to be a fortuitous choice to have accepted this invitation.
Anything could have happened to his little darling if he wasn’t here.
He shuttered to think of his Lilli in a compromising spot.
It did not bear dwelling on. He would make sure she did not continue dipping her toe in the pool of discord. The danger was real.
He rubbed his temples, already dreading the headache she would surely face come morning.
For all her bravado, Lilli was unaccustomed to spirits, as all young ladies should be, particularly the potent whiskey Lord Downing was known to favor.
The thought of her suffering brought on a protective instinct he hadn’t fully recognized until this moment.
Oliver turned to reenter the ballroom, nodding politely to a passing couple of friends who seemed not to have noticed his extended absence or his companion’s departure. Society had eyes everywhere, but tonight fortune had favored them both.
The next afternoon, he accompanied her on a stroll through the garden. They were enjoying a quiet time but there were some things Oliver needed to say. He expected the quiet to end.
“I have caught you doing or in the process of doing things that are not safe. That will not happen again. Do you understand me, Lilli? You are not to court trouble. It seems to find you often enough unassisted. What you did last night was unacceptable. It was dangerous. I will not have that where you are concerned.”
“You won’t have it? Who are you to say that to me? You are not now and hopefully never going to be my guardian. I please myself and am intelligent enough to find my own way in the world, Your Grace, without your assistance.”
“That is foolhardy, girl. I would advise careful guarding of yourself, or you will find that glorious backside painted red.”
“Oh! We were having a pleasant meander until you decided to control me. And chastise me. So ungentlemanly of you.”
“Your safety and welfare are of utmost concern to me. I do not apologize for that.”
Lilli’s thoughts and her body’s responses were at war.
Once again, one part is enamored of the young duke’s chivalry which leads to her desire for that feeling of importance to someone which makes her physical response all but flow down her inner thighs.
Her other bits, the indignant ones, remain furious she even listens to him at all.
Lilli turns and stomps back toward the manor as much to save face as in anger.
It appeared that confusion reigned everywhere.
Oliver watched as his future duchess marched off in irritation.
She drove him to distraction with her mixed signals.
He wanted her, though, and once he verified her lineage, there was no need to convince his mother.
Not that it would change his mind, but life would be easier.
It began to disturb his peace of mind the amount of time he thought of Lilli.
She laughed and danced with every available male at parties and only occasionally had an available dance for him. She did stay within propriety, but sometimes only just. He longed to take her into his arms, right after he takes her over his knee.
Oliver’s closest friends enjoyed watching her take him on a merry chase, but he was upset she wasn’t his to chastise, teach, and take to bed.
“I accept her independent nature, but do not like her reckless behavior whenever I am around. I cannot figure out why I am unable to look elsewhere, but there it is. She had permeated my mind and soul.”
“You have it bad, my friend.”
“I admit to it. Therefore, I intend to make her mine, however I can.”
“Good luck. She is a difficult one.”
“Challenges are invigorating.” Charles simply clapped his hand on his back and laughed.
That evening, when speaking to a gentleman he had only recently become acquainted with, Oliver found they were both watching Lilli.
“Beautiful, isn’t she?” said Lord Shropshire.
“Yes,” answered Oliver. “I’m sorry. To whom were you referring?”
Shropshire chuckled. “Lady Lilliana.”
“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 hot headed 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.