Chapter Eight

L yric and Allegra got ready for the evening, a maid helping them to change their gowns. Lyric sat before the dressing table's mirror and asked for the maid to dress her hair simply. The maid suggested an elegant chignon, and she agreed to the style.

When it came time to dress Allegra's hair, she sat, looking out of sorts. Lyric felt she must say something.

"What is wrong?" she asked her sister. "You have been so quiet. Is it Lord Carroll who has you feeling so morose?"

Her twin's chin moved up a notch in defiance. "We do not need to discuss Lord Carroll," she said dismissively.

Lyric picked up the brush, signaling to the maid to leave them. She began brushing her twin's long, dark hair. She had a talent for arranging hair, and she often played with Allegra's, testing new styles.

"I do not think he is good for you," she said quietly, pinning her sister's hair into place.

"He might not be—but he is the one I want," Allegra admitted.

She stepped back and sat on the bed. Allegra spun to face her.

"If you are in love with him, you should be happy, Allegra. You aren't. You are miserable. And just because you love him, it does not mean that he loves you in return," she pointed out.

"Well, thank you for being so frank," snapped her twin. Immediately, Allegra burst into tears, and apologized. "I am sorry, Lyric. I do not want Lord Carroll—or any other man—to ever come between us."

She patted the bed, and her twin came to sit beside her. Lyric put an arm about her, hoping to comfort her.

"I am glad that you have found someone yourself," Allegra said, sniffing. "I told you before how much I like Lord Blankenship. I hope by the time this house party ends, the two of you will be betrothed."

Lyric hoped the same. It was mad how quickly she had fallen in love with him. She did not even know where his country residence stood, much less his favorite food. Yet she knew from what Georgie had said about the Season that a girl making her come-out might dance with a man a handful of times and suddenly find herself betrothed to him without knowing much about him at all.

It did not matter. She knew the essence of Lord Blankenship. That he was a kind, caring man who would make for an excellent husband and father. She only hoped he loved her as much as she loved him.

"I hope the same," she said, responding to her sister's comment. "I worry about you though. I am noticing how couples have begun to form attachments. Miss Markle and Lord Lamkin seem quite attracted to one another. Lord Tillings and Miss Bancroft are smitten. And surprisingly, Lady Lida is spending quite a bit of time with Lord Motley. In fact, I found her coming down from the nursery earlier today. She told me she had been playing with Lady Viola."

Lyric took Allegra's hand in hers. "That means you have been left out. The only man available is Lord Carroll. Please, Allegra, promise me you will not do anything rash. That you will not fall for his seductive airs. I know he is a handsome devil, but you have always had good sense about you."

"What if he has changed?" Allegra asked. "Aunt Dinah believes there is more substance to him than he reveals to others. He did make a poor first impression upon me, but he has tried to amend that impression ever since. I know he and Lord Blankenship were friends at one time, Lyric. Perhaps the viscount's influence on Lord Carroll has helped bring about a change within him."

She squeezed Allegra's hand. "I do not want to see you hurt. Please, be careful."

"I will," her twin promised.

But Lyric knew Allegra better than anyone. Allegra was already in love with Lord Carroll, and it would most likely prove to be disastrous. Men such as the earl did not make for good husbands even if they did decide to wed. She did not want her sister imprisoned in a marriage which would make her miserable for the rest of her life. Allegra might love Lord Carroll, but he would never love anyone but himself.

"If no betrothal from Lord Carroll comes by the end of this house party, would you participate in the Season next spring?"

Allegra was silent but finally said, "I cannot think that far ahead. Let us get through this house party and see what happens."

They went downstairs and met the other guests in the drawing room, going into dinner after that. Allegra was seated between Lord Tillings and Lord Carroll, but Lyric noted all her twin's time was devoted to the earl. She watched them carefully throughout the entire meal. They spoke continuously. She shook her head, thinking this would end badly.

As the ladies withdrew to the drawing room, Aunt Dinah reminded Lyric that she and Allegra were to entertain their guests this evening. She suggested they go to the music room to collect their sheet music, hoping her twin might reveal something about her dinner conversation with Lord Carroll. Allegra never mentioned the earl's name, however, and Lyric thought her twin already prickly enough, causing her to refrain from mentioning him herself.

They decided the pieces they would play, and Allegra suggested they sing a duet together for their final number. Their voices had always blended well together, and Lyric readily agreed, thinking their guests would enjoy it.

She and Allegra went to the music room after the meal to retrieve their music and even played a song apiece to warm up their fingers. They returned to the drawing room as the men came in from their after-dinner brandy and cigars. Aunt Dinah nodded to her. Lyric made her way to the pianoforte to play her two songs.

Much to her surprise, Lord Blankenship joined her.

"I will turn the pages of your music, Miss Lyric," he volunteered. "You have no need to worry. I do read music, you know. I will not cause your fingers to stumble as you play."

She performed her two selections and retreated to a nearby settee, the viscount joining her on it. Just sitting next to him, their shoulders brushing against each other's, caused her belly to feel as if a thousand butterflies swarmed within in it. She hoped during their stroll in the gardens later that he would make known his feelings to her because she was dying to tell him how much she loved him.

Once Allegra had played her songs, Lyric rejoined her twin at the pianoforte. Allegra played while the two of them sang. A sadness tinged their performance, however, with Lyric thinking the day was coming when she would not see her twin every day. They woke up together each morning and spent much of their time during the day together, sleeping in the same bed at night and sharing confidences before they fell asleep.

Aunt Dinah suggested that the group sing a few songs, so Allegra remained seated and played several folk songs they all knew. Their guests gathered around, enjoying singing in a group. Even with so many voices, two stood above the others. Lady Lida's sweet soprano floated above the women's, while Lord Blankenship's rich tenor reverberated among the men.

As they finished singing The British Grenadiers , everyone else silenced their voices, allowing the viscount to sing the last verse solo. Lyric could imagine nights after they supped, with her playing and her husband singing to her—and eventually, one day—their children. It filled her with a tremendous warmth, and love for this man poured from her.

Their chaperones, along with James and Sophie, talked about heading to bed. The younger people, however, were not ready to do so. She watched as those they had spoken about paired off, and Lyric joined the viscount after commenting to Lady Lida that she thought they might stroll through the gardens to cool down.

He offered his arm to her, and she slipped her hand into his crook, enjoying the feel of her fingers against his strong arm.

They reached the gardens and leisurely strolled through them, speaking of the various guests and how budding romances seemed to be forming.

"I am worried about my sister, "she confided. "With couples forming attachments, Allegra has been left out. The only bachelor available to her is Lord Carroll."

"Would that be such a bad thing?" he asked. "Yes, Carroll has been a wild one up to this point, but he and I have shared a couple of conversations in recent days. I believe the earl is quite taken with your sister."

"So much that he could change his rakehell ways overnight?" she demanded.

Lord Blankenship shrugged. "That, I could never guarantee. It is up to Miss Allegra to decide if she wants a life with him, and it is up to Carroll to decide if he can be the man your twin needs him to be."

By now, they had reached the gazebo, an octagonal structure which had benches lining all but one of its sides. They ascended the stairs up to it and moved to the center, the sweet smells of the garden's blooms floating about them.

He placed his hands on her shoulders. His touch alone had Lyric's pulse leaping and her nipples tightening.

"Thank you for agreeing to be alone with me this evening, Lyric. I wanted to spend time with just us so I might demonstrate the depth of my feelings for you."

His words told her this was the man for her.

"Kiss me, Silas," she insisted. "Kiss me. Now."

He smiled down at her. "It is what I want to do most in life, my dearest. Something I wish to do every day from now on."

That told her he would be offering for her. They would create a life together as man and wife. She had never been so certain about anything as she was about Silas Chase.

His lips grazed hers. He did not rush. Lyric knew they had all the time in the world. His arms went about her, pulling her against him, and she reveled in the feel of his hard body. His kisses became more demanding, and she gave over to them. To him.

To her future husband . . .

She raised her arms, locking her fingers behind his nape. As they continued to kiss, his tongue swept along her bottom lip, causing her breasts to swell and her core to tighten. Need pooled low in her belly, and Lyric opened to him. The heady kisses caused her to lose all track of time. She wanted to live in this moment forever. Her tongue teased his playfully, and he growled, his hands sliding down her back, gripping her buttocks, kneading them. Flames burst within her at this touch. She wanted so much of him. No, all of him.

He broke the kiss, his lips trailing down the column of her throat. He nipped at it, causing a new rush of desire to rage through her.

Breaking the kiss, he took her hand and led her to a bench. Silas sat, pulling Lyric down, not next to him, but into his lap. She brought her arms around him and bent, kissing him. She liked taking some initiative with him, this man she would vow to love always.

They kissed for a long time, the kisses growing more heated. His hand ran back and forth along her thigh, its heat easily felt through her clothes. Her core now throbbed unmercifully, and Lyric wanted more from him.

She broke the kiss. "I feel so funny all over," she revealed. "I... want your hands on me. Everywhere. Does that make me a wanton?"

He smiled lazily at her. "If it does, then you are my wanton." Gazing intently at her, he said, "We can do something to help alleviate the need within you. Do you trust me?"

"I will always trust you, Silas," the comment laying her soul bare to him as she used his given name for the first time.

He kissed her hard, and broke the kiss. "Then if you trust me, know that when I say you will feel as you never have before, I mean it. You will do this with me—and no other."

His hand slipped under her skirts, stroking her calf, sending wonderful tingles throughout her. His fingers danced up to her thigh, brushing the inner side of it, causing her core to throb with renewed need.

Her breath hitched when he touched her intimately, caressing the seam of her sex. She watched as his eyes darkened.

"You are wet for me, Lyric."

"What does that even mean?" she asked, knowing how na?ve she must sound to him.

"It means you will truly enjoy what we do next. Close your eyes and give over to the new sensations you feel."

She did as he asked, and his fingers went to work on her. He stroked her, causing her breasts to grow heavy. He continued kissing her as he did this, and suddenly, he pushed a finger inside her, mimicking with it what he did with his tongue.

Lyric's hips raised instinctively, and he chuckled against her mouth.

"That's it. Feel. Move. Accept the pleasure."

He dipped a second finger into her, caressing her deeply. She gave over to the impulse and began rocking against his fingers. Something began building inside her, something forbidden and wonderful. She realized she was on the cusp of some new, wonderful adventure.

And then she tumbled over the edge, crying out, rocking violently against him, a warmth like sunshine spreading through her that flowed to her fingertips and toes. The incredible sensations filled her, and then finally trickled away. Lyric went limp, her head falling against his chest.

"What was that?" she murmured, hearing the low rumble of laughter within him.

"That, my darling girl, was an orgasm. It is but one of the ways a man can pleasure a woman."

Suddenly, she came to her senses, her head snapping up. "Did we just make a babe?" she worried.

He smiled indulgently at her. "No, my sweet innocent Lyric. No babe will result with something such as that. Has your aunt not explained such things to you?"

She shook her head. "Aunt Dinah said once we are betrothed, she would tell us what happens between a man and woman."

"Well, you have had a glimpse of what is to come. Suffice it to say, there are many more things we will do together to make you come alive as you just did."

Shyly, she asked, "Are there things I can do for you to make you feel that wonderful?"

He seized her mouth, kissing her passionately.

"Yes, there are things you, too, can do to make me feel the same way."

Silas cupped her cheek. "You know this moment between us has been coming Lyric. I want to make it official between us. Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" she cried enthusiastically, throwing her arms about him and covering his face in kisses.

When her lips touched his, more heated kisses began. Lyric knew the happiness that other Strongs had known. She loved and was loved.

She broke the kiss this time and smiled at him. "We are going to be so happy together, Silas. I love you so very much."

He stiffened at her words, and she frowned. "What? Did I say something wrong? Oh, I know. You are supposed to tell me first that you love me."

Lyric waited. He said nothing. Her heart thumped against her ribs.

"Silas? Talk to me."

He took her hands in his. "You know how much I wish to be with you, don't you?"

"Yes," she said slowly, searching his face.

"And that we are suited for one another."

"Yes," she agreed again, panic starting to rise within her. "But?"

"I enjoy being with you Lyric. You are unlike any woman I have ever known. I know when we kiss that we are meant to be man and wife."

Understanding struck her. "But... you do not love me."

He raked his hands through his hair. "I simply do not believe in it, Lyric. I know you say you have seen it in your own family, but I believe it is the flush of passion your cousins have with their mates."

Silas grabbed her hands and kissed them. "We, too, have that passion between us. I promise I will always be faithful to you. You are the only woman I wish to be with, the only one I wish to make love to. We will have a good life together and make babes."

Dully, she said, "But you will never love me."

"I like you, Lyric. A great deal. That is what is important. Passion can fade, but we always remain husband and wife. I will always care for you and respect you."

"Yet love will not play a part in our marriage."

He kissed her hands again. "We do not need love. We have passion and each other. We can build a good life together, different from most couples of the ton ."

Lyric jerked her hands from his. " I need love, Silas. Your love. I love you so much it hurts. I will love you until the end of time and beyond."

She rose. "What I refuse to do is speak vows with you which you do not believe. If you cannot love and cherish me, then there will be no marriage."

He shot to his feet, his hands fastening on her shoulders. "Do not be ridiculous, Lyric."

"I am being ridiculous?" She stepped back, breaking the contact between them. "What I am being is true to myself. Strongs marry for love. I will settle for nothing less."

He looked at her sadly, and she knew she had lost him. "Then you are a fool. We could have had a good life together. You are the only one preventing that now."

Rage filled her. "That's it. Go and pout. Or run away." Lyric shook her head. "You are afraid, Silas Chase. I never thought you a coward, but that is exactly what you are. I have no intention of wedding a man who is a coward, much less a man who cannot love me in return. I wish I had never met you!"

Lyric hiked her skirts and took off, dashing from the gazebo and through the gardens. She ran, leaving them behind. Leaving him behind. She ran until she could not run anymore, collapsing on the ground, gut wrenching sobs gripping her. As the tears flowed, she regretted ever meeting him. Kissing him. Doing such intimate things with him.

Finally, her tears subsided. She picked herself up and trudged back to Shadowcrest, entering through the front door. The footman on duty leaped to his feet, shock filling his face when he saw her.

"What is wrong, Miss Lyric?" he asked, causing tears to fall again.

"Nothing," she said softly. "Nothing at all."

Going up the staircase, Lyric did not regret telling the servant a lie. It would be one she would tell others for the rest of her life. That she was fine. That nothing was wrong.

What would never change was that Lord Blankenship had trampled upon her heart—and she was ruined to ever love any man.

Except the one who could never love her in return.