Lily’s eyes widened a little. It seemed surprising that Tess would have considered something so scandalous since she was the epitome of a genteel lady. Yet her next words were even more startling:
“If Claybourne is concerned about dishonoring you, Lily, you may have to be prepared to seduce him.”
After a surprised moment, Lily gave a soft laugh-not so much at the idea of seducing Heath, but that Tess had been the one to suggest it.
It was a relief, however, to have her decision made. She would become Heath’s lover, even if she was required to act as his seducer.
She wondered how he would respond when she was the pursuer for a change.
Amusement curled the corners of Lily’s mouth. It was difficult to think of herself as a brazen femme fatale and Heath her victim. Even so, the endeavor should prove vastly interesting.
Chapter Fourteen
Seducing him was more difficult than I expected. Lord Claybourne can be a very stubborn man.
– Lily to Tess Blanchard
Lily’s stomach felt highly unsettled as she waited in her borrowed rooms at the Darnley Hotel for Heath to appear. She’d written to him directly after luncheon, asking him to meet her here at ten o’clock tonight, yet she wasn’t certain he would come.
She was seated facing the door, at a small table near the hearth, although she hadn’t touched a bite of the sumptuous supper the hotel staff had served a short while ago. She was too aware of the curtained bed at one side of the chamber to have much appetite.
When a quiet knock sounded at the door, Lily gave a start, but she wet her dry lips and bid entrance. Her heart began thudding in recognition even before Heath stepped into the room and slowly shut the door behind him.
He looked supremely handsome dressed in formal evening finery, Lily saw, taking in his burgundy coat, silver embroidered waistcoat, and gray satin knee breeches. His gaze swept over her own attire-a modest, high-necked gown of sapphire silk. She had kept on her veil to maintain anonymity before the servants, and that was what Heath studied the longest before finally speaking.
“What do you mean by asking me here, angel?”
Removing her veil, Lily summoned a welcoming smile. “I wanted to thank you properly for your generosity. You refused Fleur’s invitation to dinner last night.”
“I had a previous engagement last night.”
“Oh?” she asked casually. “You were not simply avoiding me?”
His gaze remained enigmatic. “No. I attended a musicale hosted by Lady Beldon-Marcus’s aunt.”
The disclosure raised Lily’s curiosity more than it should. “I suppose Lady Eleanor was there as well?”
“Of course. Lady Beldon is not only Eleanor’s aunt but chaperone also. Nell lives with her.”
“And tonight? Did you have a prior engagement this evening?”
Heath’s gaze narrowed. “I was at my club. What does it matter to you, sweeting?”
“I was simply curious,” Lily prevaricated.
“What of you? I trust you mean to explain what you are doing alone in a hotel, unchaperoned by a maid. Do your friends even know you are here?”
Lily shook her head briefly. “No, I made no mention of it. I allowed Fleur to think I would be staying at Marcus’s house tonight, helping Roslyn with her wedding plans-which is certainly not the case.” Her smile turned impish. “Roslyn doesn’t want my help, I suspect because she is afraid I will try to talk her out of marrying her beloved duke. Won’t you join me?” Lily added, gesturing toward the empty chair at the table.
Although Heath’s penetrating regard never faltered, at least he moved a few steps closer. “I am not hungry.”
“Well, I am. I couldn’t eat a bite all evening, I was so anxious.”
That much was true. There was a quaking excitement inside her that set all her nerves on edge.
Heath did not appear to share her excitement, however. On the contrary, he looked impatient. “Why don’t you come to the point of your invitation, Lily? What the devil are you up to?”
She swallowed. “Well, the thing is…I have a proposition to put before you.”