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Giggling, Lillian stood from the bench, enjoying the sight of Westcliff being teased. He regarded his
friend with a slight scowl as he too rose to his feet.
Taking St. Vincent s proffered arm, Lillian wondered why he had bothered to come out here. Was it
possible that he had some kind of interest in her? Surely not. It was generally known that marriageable
girls had never been a part of St. Vincent s romantic history, and Lillian was obviously not the kind whom
he would pursue for an affair. However, it was rather entertaining to find herself alone in the company of
two men, one of them the most desirable bed partner in England, and the other the most eligible bachelor.
She couldn t help grinning as she thought of how many girls would commit outright murder to be in her
shoes at this very moment.
St. Vincent drew her away with him.  As I recall, he remarked,  our friend Westcliff forbade you to
ride his horses, but he said nothing about a carriage drive. Will you consider accompanying me on a tour
through the countryside tomorrow morning?
As Lillian considered the invitation, she allowed for a brief silence in anticipation that Westcliff might
have something to say on the matter. Naturally, he did.
 Miss Bowman will be occupied tomorrow morning. The earl s brusque voice came from behind them.
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Lillian opened her mouth to deliver a sharp retort, but St. Vincent sent her a sideways glance as he
opened the door, conveying a mischievous admonition to let him handle things.  Occupied with what? he
asked.
 She and her sister are meeting with the countess.
 Ah, what a magnificent old dragon, St. Vincent mused, drawing Lillian through the doorway.  I ve
always gotten along famously with the countess. Let me offer a bit of advice she loves to be flattered,
though she ll pretend otherwise. A few words of praise, and you ll have her eating out of your hand.
Lillian glanced over her shoulder at Westcliff.  Is that true, my lord?
 I wouldn t know, as I ve never bothered to flatter her.
 Westcliff considers flattery and charm a waste of time, St. Vincent told Lillian.
 So I ve noticed.
St. Vincent laughed.  I shall propose a carriage drive for the day after tomorrow then. Does that sound
agreeable?
 Yes, thank you.
 Excellent, St. Vincent said, adding in an offhand manner,  unless, Westcliff, you have some other claim
on Miss Bowman s schedule?
 No claim at all, Westcliff said flatly.
Of course not, Lillian thought with sudden rancor. Obviously Westcliff had no desire for her company,
unless it was to spare his guests the sight of watching her cast up her crumpets on the dinner table.
They rejoined Daisy, who raised her brows at the sight of St. Vincent and asked mildly,  Where did you
come from?
 Were my mother alive, you could ask her, he replied pleasantly.  But I doubt she knew.
 St. Vincent, Westcliff snapped for the second time that evening.  These are innocent girls.
 Are they? How intriguing. Very well, I ll try for propriety& What subjects may one discuss with
innocent girls?
 Hardly any, Daisy said glumly, making him laugh.
Before they reentered the dining hall, Lillian paused to ask Westcliff,  At what time shall I visit the
countess tomorrow? And where?
His gaze was opaque and cool. Lillian couldn t help but notice that his disposition seemed to have
soured since the moment St. Vincent had invited her on a carriage drive. But why would that displease
him? It would be laughable to assume that he was jealous, since she was the last woman in the world in
whom he would entertain a personal interest. The only reasonable conclusion was that he feared that St.
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Vincent might try to seduce her, and he did not want to deal with the trouble that would ensue.
 Ten o clock in the Marsden parlor, he said.
 I m afraid that I am not familiar with that room 
 Few people are. It is an upstairs parlor, reserved for the family s private use.
 Oh. She stared into his dark eyes, feeling grateful and confused. He had been kind to her, and yet their [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]