Stifling a laugh, Lily smiled. “Poor thing, I do hope her reputation will not be ruined.”
Arabella’s eyes widened as she seemed to realize what she had been implying. “I did not mean to wish anyone ill. I just meant that gossip is to be expected during the Season. It would be ghastly for any young woman to be compromised, and…”
Lily silenced her with a smile. “There is no need to apologize, dearest Arabella. I understood your meaning perfectly. I was only teasing.”
A breath of relief escaped her throat as Arabella sighed. “Thank you, Lily, truly. It had been hard for me to maintain good friendships when I am constantly saying what is on my mind without thinking. You will never know how much it means to me that I can be myself around you. You are like a breath of fresh air.”
Her words warmed Lily’s heart. “And I am just as glad to have met you. Speaking of a breath of fresh air, I think I would like to have some.” She glanced over her shoulder at the empty terrace that led to the gardens.
“Of course, I will be with you in just a moment. I quickly just want to check with my mama if I am allowed to accept a second dance, and then I shall join you with a new set of gloves.” Lifting the hem of her dress, Arabella flitted off in the opposite direction.
Bless her.
Lily watched as she practically danced away toward her Lady Tremaine. Her attention was quickly drawn back to the group of ladies who seemed utterly enthralled by her. They only seemed to look away when Lily shot them a scathing glare.
The ladies seemed shocked and quickly turned their backs.
“I will pay for that later,” Lily whispered to herself and turned, moving as far away from the incident as possible.
The crispness of the evening kissed her flushed cheeks as she stepped out onto the terrace and headed for a quiet corner.
Winter roses were just beginning to bud on the bushes that lined the walkway into the gardens. Several torches were aflame, lighting the path, but Lily knew better than to wander off on her own. Even unaccompanied by a man, a woman’s reputation could be ruined if she was seen alone in the gardens.
Stopping just at the edge of the terrace beside a few potted trees, Lily found refuge as she took a deep breath, removing her gloves as she waited for her friend. She was far enough away from the doors for the music and chatter to have died down, but not so far that she could not slip back in.
Taking a moment to catch her breath, she thought of how angry her mother and aunt would be later that evening. She had caused a small scene on the dance floor and walked off unaccompanied by her partner. There would be a lashing of tongues as soon as she entered the carriage; there was no doubt about that.
You must be softer and more amiable when talking to men!
Her aunt’s words made her roll her eyes as she placed her bare hands behind her neck and sighed. It was difficult to be either of those things when the memory of how Oliver had betrayed her fueled her every move. She knew that she should find a husband and leave him in the past where he belonged, but the task was easier said than done.
“And what do we have here? It would seem that lady luck has smiled in my favor!” A male voice made her freeze.
Slowly turning, Lily came face to face with Lord Gall, who had been one of her chosen suitors. She had not seen him earlier in the evening.
His round face was red from drink, and even from a distance, Lily could smell that he had either fallen into a barrel of brandy or had drunk the contents. His gait was unsteady, and his eyes seemed to be struggling to focus on her as he tweaked his gray, handlebar mustache.
“Lord Gall, I was just…” She took a step back, frantically looking for an exit. His large body was blocking the doors behind him, and there was no possible way that she could escape without being seen. Had she and Arabella not just discussed how bad it would be for any young woman to be caught alone with a man?
Lord Gall’s belly jiggled slightly as he took another step forward, his buttons threatening to burst.
Lily’s pulse began to race furiously as panic set in.
He sniffed disgustingly and laughed. “You owe me a dance, Miss Prescott. You were not exactly kind to me after our last meeting,and I demand retribution!” He reached for one of her gloves, where the dance card was still securely attached.
Stepping aside, Lily quickly backed away. “I am afraid that my dance card is full, Lord Gall, but I thank you for your offer. I must take my leave now.”
Lord Gall caught himself just in time as he stumbled past her, his balance clearly affected by drink. Coming up straight, he glared at her. “I do not think so, Miss Prescott. You shall dance with me. What is wrong with you? I thought you Americans were supposed to be moreeasy-going?” He snarled and lunged for her arm again.
Thinking quickly, Lily stepped aside and allowed him to fall into the bushes behind her. But he was quicker this time and gripped her arm, holding her back.
A scream caught in her throat, stopping just in time. Any sound she made would alert people to her situation and ruin her reputation. Using the heel of her shoe, she dug her foot into his, hoping to buy some time escape.
Lord Gall gasped, letting go of her for just a second, but quickly regained his composure and gripped her arm once again.
Lily attempted to elbow him in the face, but a fist flew past her head and connected with his jaw, knocking Lord Gall backseveral feet until he fell backward at the edge of the terrace. She turned to run but found herself face-to-face with a solid chest.
“My apologies, Miss Prescott.” The voice instantly made her look up.