Page 15

“Ah, no, Lord Montgomery and his family asked to join us, and I couldn’t deny them,” her father said grimly, placing a hand on Lily’s shoulder. “But we will all be together. It will be just fine.”

Somehow, she doubted that. How was she supposed to sit across from the man she had just declined, one she knew was already displeased with her? Not only that, but he would be accompanied by his parents, who she was sure were not altogether happy about her father’s denial of their partnership.

Her mother was the only one pleased about this arrangement, being such good friends with Lady Montgomery.

Lily sat with Emmaline on her one side, hoping to avoid sitting next to Lord Nathaniel.

She was to be disappointed.

Lord Montgomery, his wife, and son—Lord Nathaniel—were not far behind them, the room suddenly shrinking when they entered, suffocating Lily as she leaned into Emmaline. This was her mother’s fault, who had moved when she retook her seat, leaving the chair next to Lily’s open.

“Miss Evans,” Lord Nathaniel said, a smirk crossing his face, telling Lily that he would do all he could to make her uncomfortable. “I was hoping we would cross paths soon.”

“We do move in the same circles, so it was bound to happen sooner or later,” she said.

“And how wonderful that we can spend such an intimate time together,” he said, leaning in, and she moved back even farther.

“With our families,” she managed, looking desperately at Emmaline. “You are acquainted with Miss Whitmore?”

“Miss Whitmore, how are you?” he said smoothly, nodding. Emmaline smiled slightly but didn’t say anything in return, her disdain for him clear.

Lily’s mother fixed her and Emmaline a stern look, and Lily couldn’t help but allow her upbringing to intervene and cause her to mumble polite responses to Lord Nathaniel.

Lord Nathaniel leaned back in his chair as his eyes swept up and down her body, lingering on her chest. Lily was grateful for the high neck of her dress yet still felt exposed at how he studied her.

“I must say, Miss Evans, it is a pity that your family’s fortunes have turned downward. I have heard that your father’s mill is struggling to keep up with the latest innovations. A shame, for the Harcourt name used to command such respect.”

Lily bristled, her fingers tightening around her spoon as she had to push down the urge to smack Lord Nathaniel with it. She forced a polite smile instead.

“I assure you, Lord Nathanial, the Harcourt Mill is doing just fine. My father hires only the best.”

“Of course,” Lord Nathaniel said, waving a dismissive hand as Lily had to place her hand on Emmaline’s arm to hold her in place, for her friend seemed like she was about to jump out of her chair and tell Lord Nathaniel precisely what she thought of his insults.

“I meant no offense. I only heard that the mill had befallen a run of bad luck as of late. I am sure, however, it is no fault of your father’s. ”

Lily glanced at her father. He was conversing with Lord Montgomery, but she knew he had heard at least some of the conversation at her end of the table by how the skin around his eyes tightened and his jaw set.

Lord Nathaniel’s words had struck a nerve, and, she gathered, rightly so.

Lord Montgomery had always been a chief rival in business, society, and, now, football clubs.

As the first course was served, Lily tried to focus on the flavors of the consommé, but it was hard to ignore Lord Nathaniel’s presence next to her.

He dominated the conversation, although at least he had moved on from direct conversation with her and instead told the table tales of his recent travels and all of the influential people he had met.

When the main course arrived, Lord Nathaniel, unfortunately, turned his attention back to Lily, lowering his voice now. “I must confess, Miss Evans, that I was surprised by your decision not to marry.”

She raised a brow. Did he think she had turned down marriage as a whole? He didn’t seem to understand that it was marriage to him she was not interested in.

“As I am sure my father explained, I was not interested in the match that was proposed to me.”

“And just what was so contrary about it to you?” His smile didn't reach his eyes. “I believe we would have been well suited to one another.”

“Well,” Lily began, her voice steady despite the nerves in her stomach, but she had to speak her truth, even if the entire table was now listening to the conversation.

“I believe that a marriage union should be based on respect, affection, and shared values. I would… well, I would most like to marry for love.”

Lord Nathaniel looked at her in surprise for a moment, and she hoped that perhaps she had gotten through to him.

But then he began to laugh, the sound grating on Lily’s nerves. She sat stone-faced as he continued to the point that all at the table were staring at him until he finally placed his hand on his chest and allowed his laughter to subside.

“Oh, Miss Evans, I fear reality will fall short of your idealistic notions. You must understand that a woman’s role is to support her husband. Manage his household. Love is for fairy tales and na?ve little girls.”

Lily bit back the sharp retort that rose to her lips, mindful of their families' presence. She would not give him the satisfaction of provoking her.

It was then that she spotted movement through the glass-paneled doors, instantly knowing, before she even spotted him, who was on the other side.

Colin.

He had either bathed, or his hair was still damp from the rain, as he had it pushed away from his forehead, tendrils beginning to spring back into their unruly curls.

He was standing among his teammates, the glow of the fire casting shadows across his strong, angular features.

His dark wool waistcoat fitted snugly over broad shoulders, while his rolled-back sleeves hinted at a man more accustomed to action than idle conversation.

His keen eyes flickered toward the doorway as if sensing he was being watched, and Lily dropped her gaze just as Lord Nathaniel leaned over her.

Even though she was still annoyed by Lord Nathaniel’s closeness, knowing that Colin was near caused her to relax, her shoulders to fall, her heart to fill with warmth – safety.

When she risked a glance up again, Colin’s gaze caught hers, his eyes narrowing, but she realized it had nothing to do with her – his frown was directed at Lord Nathaniel.

Which told her one thing – he cared.