My Fair Lily(63)
A cool breeze ruffled across her cheeks and through the loose curls of her hair. However, Lily could only feel the warmth of Ewan’s body, so close to hers as he came up beside her and crossed his arms over his chest. “You shouldn’t be out here on your own, lass.”
“I’m not.” She glanced up at him and smiled, aching to touch those broad, flexed muscles. “You’re with me.”
He wasn’t smiling as he said, “That’s even more dangerous.”
“Why?” Was he going to kiss her? Yes. Please. But he did not care for her romantically. He merely considered her a friend, even though they’d shared a few spectacular kisses. She’d been the one to initiate each one. He had merely gone along.
“Lass, it’s dark. You’re alone. Who knows what evil is lurking out here?”
“We’re in the Simmingtons’ garden. There are sixty people close by in the music room.”
“None of whom would notice if someone came up from behind, clamped a hand over your mouth, and dragged you into the shadows.”
Lily’s smile faded. “My, you’re morbid this evening. Have you discovered something about those villains who attacked you at the horse auction?”
“No, but I intend to.” He stared at her hard, and then ran a hand across the back of his neck, something he tended to do when perplexed about an issue. “They attacked you as well.”
“That still troubles you?”
“Of course, lass. I won’t stop thinking about it until I figure it out. Why did they come after you?”
“I’ve also given it thought since we discussed it this morning. I’m certain it was simply a matter of mistaken identity. Those horrid men mistook me for Meggie.”
“You’re assuming those wharf rats were hired to send me a warning. Problem is, I don’t know of anyone who wishes to harm me... now that we’ve ruled out my own family.”
She placed a hand on his arm, unable to resist comforting him. There was pain in his voice when he spoke of his family. “I’m glad they’re innocent. Even Despicable Grandfather, so Meggie ought to be safe now. No one will dare approach her while she’s in his company. And he always travels with a contingent of footmen. They’d stop any stranger who got near her. When she isn’t with your grandfather, she’s with you.”
“Then there’s you.”
Lily shook her head. “Since that incident with Desmond, your grandfather’s footmen have been with us wherever we go. To the shops. To the park.”
“Only when you’re with Meggie. Whenever you’re not with Meggie, there’s no one protecting you.”
“But I’ve assured you that I’ll be more careful. Oh, I see.” He was pointing out that he did not plan to protect her, that he couldn’t protect her since he was going to be busy with Corky MacCorkstopper now that she was in town. “You needn’t worry about me.” She reached into the fashionably styled sash that was designed into her gown and circled just beneath her breasts. “I have this.” She held up a hat pin.
“A meager weapon, and of no use if you’re attacked from behind. The first thing any self-respecting assailant would do is grab your hands.”
Lily sighed, wishing he would grab her hands and drag her into his embrace. She wouldn’t struggle. Indeed, she was leaning so close, her body was more than halfway there. “Consider me duly warned. May we please speak of something else? Did you know that your grandfather and Meggie joined us for supper? He’s been wonderful to Meggie all evening.”
Ewan’s expression darkened, and though his arms were still stiffly crossed over his chest, she saw that he’d curled his hands into fists. Was standing in a moonlit garden with her such a chore? “Bastard. He only did it to torture Desmond and Evangeline. They couldn’t attend because I broke Desmond’s nose. But they’ll hear all about the musicale, particularly how the old duke fawned over Meggie.”
“That’s horrid.” Lily hadn’t thought of that possibility. She’d been so easily taken in by Ewan’s grandfather, so delighted by the courtesy and attention he was giving to Meggie. Of course, horrid old men didn’t turn into gentle lambs overnight.
Ewan eased his stance and turned to face her. Silvery starlight shone on his hair and broad shoulders. He looked like a Highlands warrior. Brave. Strong. Fearless. “Don’t be taken in by his games, Lily. His cruelty is all the more venomous because of its subtlety.”
Which explained why Ewan had worn the kilt. Deliberately. As she’d first thought. He meant to stick his thumb in the duke’s eye, meant to let the old man know that he wasn’t fooled by the outward show of kindness. Also, Ewan was a Scot through and through. The second part of his message was a declaration—Ewan was not going to bend to the duke’s English ways.