Page 21 of Loving an Earl
“It isn’t. But I remember her first Season and Blackstone, then the Earl of Quincy, and Mr. Fitzpatrick both vying for her attentions. It appears Blackstone never lost his feelings for her.”
Lilly had a feeling the night would be interesting in more ways than just by watching the opera.
When the two gentlemen arrived, seats were moved. Langford sat on the end where Emmeline had been. Emmeline and Blackstone sat behind the four others.
Lilly envied their privacy. Langford would look forward around Aunt Vivian and glare at her every so often. What did he think she would do, strip naked and do a dance for Hollingsworth?Why on earth did I think such a thing?She wondered what had happened to Langford’s good mood from that afternoon. Her heart had certainly taken notice of the change, though that was clearly premature. Then again, perhaps Langford in a good mood wasn’t good for her. The last thing she needed was to develop strong feelings for him.
The curtain to the private box closed, and the lights extinguished, draping them in semidarkness. The curtain to the stage opened, and Lilly found herself sitting forward in her seat, leaning against the railing. Everything around her vanished as her entire being was drawn into the opera. She wept, she smiled, and she sighed. At intermission, she dried her eyes and relaxed into her seat, inhaling as her body tingled. “That was haunting,” she said to no one in particular.
Hollingsworth’s hand covered hers on her lap. “Yes. Haunting and beautiful.” Her eyes fell to their touching hands. He pulled his away.
“Forgive me. I have something to ask. Langford permitted me to court you. Are you favorable to that?”
She frowned. “You don’t need his permission.”
“He feels it’s his duty. I respect that.” He looked at her inquiringly. One brow raised. “You didn’t answer.”
“I’m agreeable to courting and getting to know you.” The words came easy to her lips, but would courting him be easy? She hadn’t a clue how courting worked. Except perhaps she did a little. It was probably no different than tonight or dancing attendance at a ball, taking a ride in Hyde Park or going to Gunter’s for ices.
He reached for her gloved hand, turned it over, brought it to his mouth and placed his warm lips upon her exposed inner wrist. She shivered from the intimate touch. His warm brown eyes looked deep into her soul. Or at least that’s what it seemed. “Thank you,” he said.
Lilly knew at the moment she would have to be careful with Hollingsworth. Getting to know him was fine, but she didn’t want to raise expectations she wasn’t ready for. And she suspected she was right about him seeming like a rakehell. If he didn’t have a reputation as a rogue, he should.
The moment was broken when Langford cleared his throat. “Hollingsworth, may I have a word with you?”
“Stay here,” Aunt Vivian interrupted. “The ladies and I will visit the retiring room.”
Lilly couldn’t help but look back at the three gentlemen staying in the box.
“Mama, why are we leaving?” Emmeline asked once they exited the box.
“Because I need to visit the retiring room.”
“Indeed,” Emmeline said it as though it was an odd thing to do. Lilly noticed her cheeks were tinged red.
What had been going on behind her during the opera? Something Emmeline didn’t want to be taken away from, even for a quick visit to the retiring room.
*
Nicholas, the Marquessof Hollingsworth, had no clue why Langford wanted to speak to him, but he would humor the man. “What is it?”
“I change my mind.”
Confused, he said, “You change your mind. About what?”
“You courting Lilly.”
“Ahhh,Lillyis it?” Nicholas had no intentions of stopping his courting of... Lilly. Such a pretty name. “Too late. She and I discussed it and she has agreed. You forfeited your chance with her when you gave me permission.”
Langford puffed up his chest. Did he think to intimidate him? Not bloody likely. It was fortunate he admired and liked the man. Otherwise, he’d hit him right on that perfect, straight nose of his, marring his handsome face for life.
“She doesn’t interest me,” Langford said.
“Keep lying to yourself.”
Langford frowned and shook his head from side to side. “Forget I said anything. If you gentlemen will excuse me, I have other commitments.”
Nicholas and Blackstone shared a look. Blackstone held up his hands. “Ignore my friend. He’s lost his bloody mind.”
