Chapter Two

 

Lillian wished that her father had never convinced her to have a Season. She had known it was a terrible idea and that she would have some difficulties. Her Aunt Harriet and her father had waved away her fears and promised her all would be well. Her father had bought her a whole new wardrobe to make her look like the belle of the ball. She felt foolish in a gown that was so different from the other women at the event.

She had thought it silly for a woman nearly twenty three to be dressed in white. Now she wished she had listened to her aunt and allowed the older woman to pick out her gowns. She felt like an imposter, standing in her light blue gown. Even if it was in fashion with its high waist and bare shoulders. She wondered if its scooping chest line was a bit too low, as it allowed a generous view of the swell of her bosom.

She swallowed and began to fan herself gently as she absently nodded to what Aunt Harriet was saying. The woman was like a second mother to Lillian, since her own mother had passed away a few years ago. The woman had been beautiful, but reckless and had been killed in a riding accident. The sting had faded over the years, but she still missed hearing her mother’s laugh. Her mother’s sister, Aunt Harriet, had stepped in and taken to role of hostess in their home. Showing Lillian what was expected of a high society woman; if only she had paid more attention, she would know how to handle this situation.

All of the ton had turned on her almost immediately and she still didn’t know why. She prayed that just one friendly face would appear among the crowd and save her from the scorn being directed at her back.

“Lady Harriet! I have a gentleman here who wishes to make introductions with your adorable niece.” Both women turned at the sound of their hostess’ voice and Lillian almost dropped her fan. It was the same man who had nodded at her from across the ballroom. She felt her cheeks flushing again as she got a better look at him. He was very tall and towered over her by several inches.

His black hair fell to the back of his neck in soft waves. She took in the features of his face; a strong jawline, firm lips that were currently curled up in a lazy smile, a straight nose and the darkest eyes she had ever seen. She had never seen eyes as black as sin, but when they met her own she didn’t feel an ounce of fear. Only a fluttering of her heart and a rising heat in her cheeks.

“Lady Lillian, may I introduce his grace, the Duke of Wilshire, Lord Drake.”

Lord Drake came closer to her and took her hand gently in his and bowed over it, making her breath catch. He straightened and smiled down at her again.

“Lady Lillian, it is an honor to meet such a lovely flower such as yourself. I hope you would honor me with the next dance?” He spoke in such a smooth, deep tone that shot straight through her and caused a throbbing that was unfamiliar and frightening. She nodded without speaking and allowed him to lead her to the center of the dance floor.

Too late she realized the next set was the waltz as his other hand wrapped around her waist and settled at the small of her back. She flushed and stared up at him to see his smile widen.

“Do not be afraid little lamb. I will not lead you astray.”

She doubted those words, but found herself smiling despite that. She looked up and met his eyes again and followed him as he moved in time with the steps. She felt as if she were floating along with Lord Drake. He was very large, but moved with the same grace of a natural predator. She didn’t need to fear that she would trip and give those in attendance even more to talk about.

“Are you enjoying your Season so far my dear?” He asked and her smile fell a bit. How should she answer that question? She knew that the proper thing to do was lie, but she was a terrible liar. Her face would flush even brighter whenever she tried to lie about anything. At her continued silence his smile softened and he leaned forward to whisper in her ear,

“You can be completely honest with me little one. Believe it or not, I can be a friend in this war zone.”

She jumped at the pressure applied to her back at his words and she was pulled closer than was proper. She gasped and looked up to see laughter dancing in his eyes and realized he was enjoying her embarrassment. She thought of what he said and realized her wish had somehow been granted. She smiled again, a genuine smile that lifted the weight in her chest. He had blinked at the sudden change in her and then his own smile widened in turn. She found that a small amount of joy was building inside her, after all this was her first dance of the Season. For her first dance, she couldn’t have asked for a better partner.

“Not particularly your grace. I find that society can be very biting to one who doesn’t belong such as myself.” She spoke in her usual soft voice and hoped that the duke could hear her alright. She was never one to be loud and often too shy to speak her mind about anything.

“Yes, I find that London has a nasty habit of drowning originality. However my dear, I think that with some help you can change that.”

She frowned up at him and tilted her head slightly. What in heavens could this man be referring to? She was not an original, she was just a normal girl with silly dreams in her head. Dreams such as this, standing in a man’s arms as he moved her about the dance floor. She looked towards the crowd and started to shrink away. In her dreams, there weren’t so many eyes watching and judging her.

“Don’t look at them, just at me.” He whispered to her again, bringing her gaze back to him. He was smiling at her and there was encouragement in his eyes. She nodded and smiled again as they finished the dance in silence. When the music had ended he tucked her hand in his arm as he led her to Aunt Harriet. She expected him to move off then and she would once more be left alone. Instead he fetched the three of them drinks and stayed to talk with the ladies.

She found herself relaxing in his presence and the night became much more enjoyable. Several other guests came to their small group and introduced themselves to Lillian. She realized that being in the duke’s presence made her seem more approachable and Lord Drake was making sure they all spoke with her. She was asked to the dance floor by several other gentlemen and accepted each until Lord Drake claimed her hand once more for another waltz.

This time she felt lighter and moved with him easier. His smile was warm and made her stomach flip. She whispered so only he could hear,

“Thank you my lord…”

“Drake…” He corrected and she flushed brighter. She shook her head and gave him a gentle smile.

“My lord...Tonight has been wonderful and it’s all thanks to you. I don’t know how I could possibly express my gratitude to you.” She met his eyes and noticed that his had darkened. She didn’t think it possible for eyes already so dark to darken further, but there was no denying the heat that rose from their depths. His hand pressed against her back and he purred,

“Your welcome my dear. Tonight has been very enjoyable for me as well. You have turned a dull night into a memorable one. I would ask that you allow me to call on you tomorrow? For a morning ride through Hyde Park.”

She jumped slightly and stared at him in wonder. She hadn’t been expecting anything like that. To dance with her was one thing, but to call on her again...could the duke be… She shook the thought from her head. Of course the duke was not courting her, he was simply offering his friendship. That’s all someone like her could hope for with a man like Lord Drake…

“Your silence is not very encouraging Miss Lillian. Am I to assume you do not wish me to call on you?” He asked, one eyebrow slightly raised and it made his features look even sharper. She shook her head to clear her mind and graced him with a bright smile. He took in a sharp breath at the sight of it and she giggled softly.

“I’m sorry my lord. I was just surprised by the invitation. I would love to go for a ride tomorrow morning with you.” She knew that she should have asked Aunt Harriet first, but she didn’t want to chance him changing his mind. He smiled and nodded as he twirled her around the dance floor. This time Lillian allowed herself to enjoy being in his arms, completely ignoring those around them.

This time when he returned her to her aunt he bent over her hand once more and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Her skin tingled through her kid gloves, she could almost feel his lips against her bare skin. She felt scalded by his touch, but not in an unpleasant way. He straightened and bid them good evening.

“I shall bring my phantom around nine to take you lovely ladies through the park.”

Lillian ignored the questioning gaze her aunt gave her and instead watched Drake leave the ballroom. She wasn’t the only one to watch him go and she caught the jealous eyes of several women. Not all of them were unattached either. She blushed and looked at her Aunt Harriet,

“I...I think I should like to return home now as well Aunt Harriet...I’m...I’m feeling quite tired all of a sudden.”

Her aunt stayed thankfully silent and the two of them made their way to say goodnight to their hostess. Then in the carriage Lillian sighed in relief and leaned back against the cushions. She shut her eyes and her mind began to wander back to the ballroom, of being in Drake’s arms. He was a man like she had never seen and he set her heart racing without trying. She smiled softly as she thought of tomorrow when she would see him again. Maybe her Season wouldn’t be so unbearable after all.

 

Reviews

[Toonsgirl]

Hi Atomicpuffin! It's Toonsgirl from Fimfiction! This story is going well!

[AtomicPuffin]

Thank you for coming to read this! I hope you enjoy the rest of it. Thank you so much for listening to my blog on fim!

[Melodycraft]

Loving it! Excited to see what happens next :).

[North Dakota]

This is a wonderful story my friend! I'm quite excited to see how this story turns out.