Page 42 of Broken

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Lilly let out a soft sigh as the last servant departed. Although she’d never given the matter serious thought before today, she preferred for only Giles to see her informally dressed. Now that they had gone, she could stop clutching her robe closed. “What do you like most about London, Giles?”

“Oh, there are so many things.” Giles took a sip of wine.

He rolled the taste around his mouth in appreciation and the way he drank wine made Lilly want to giggle. “Do you go to the theater?”

“Yes, quite often.”

“What is it like?” Lilly smoothed out the creases in the silk robe, admiring the smooth material under her fingertips. She shifted food around her plate. “Have you met many actresses?”

“A few.”

Giles would probably have bedded them. How could anyone resist him? “Of course.”

Giles’ face held an odd expression, and then he scoffed. “Those who tread the boards are very passionate about their craft and pleasing their patrons.”

“Do they please you?” Lilly asked, and Giles laughed, the deep chuckle that vibrated up from her bare toes. “Actresses, I mean.”

He pressed her fork back into her hand. “Are you going to eat that food, or let it go cold?”

“Oh, forgive me. I like hearing you talk, Giles.” Lilly pushed another small bite between her lips and forced herself to swallow. “You didn’t answer my question, though.”

He grinned and poured himself another glass of wine. “And I was not going to either.”

“Why not?” Lilly persisted, enjoying watching him squirm.

Giles’ free hand squeezed the bridge of his nose, and then he shook his head. “How was your lamb?”

“Delicious, thank you. And yours?”

“Perfection. You should have another bite.”

Lilly obliged and when she glanced at Giles again, he was trying hard not to laugh.

Lilly scowled. “That was not nice, Giles. If you don’t want to talk to me, you don’t have to keep suggesting I shove food in my mouth.” Her fork fell with an unladylike clatter and she pushed her plate away.

“I’m not trying to silence you entirely. I’m simply trying to avoid the subject of my love life. It’s not an appropriate conversation to have during dinner.”

“Why can’t I discuss them with you? I have no one else to ask what gentlemen like.”

Giles leaned across the table and clasped her hand in his. “Actresses are not held in great esteem in society. Most ladies would not mention them at all.”

“I’m not most women.”

“Believe me, I appreciate just how special you are.” When Giles released her hand to touch her face, Lilly snuggled into his warm palm, content to let the matter drop. For now.

* * *

Lilly stood in the weak sunlight and rustled her skirts about her legs. It was such a delight to be properly dressed again and able to see the world. Even though the day was cloudy, it was a better day than she had thought to have.

Giles had made it better.

He had suggested she meet him after luncheon for a stroll around the grounds, but she was only to walk as far as the small pond and wait there for him.

Lilly grimaced at the water and kept a few feet away. Atticus, however, walked through the shallow depths, chasing tadpoles. She had once liked to watch them, too, but no longer. Water was too dangerous and she did not swim. She had enough trouble bathing and loathed water sliding over her face.

Footsteps crunched on the gravel behind her and she turned. Giles. He had spent the entire day with her yesterday, and dined in her room last night. He’d not left her side long enough for her to change into a proper gown.