The Scandalous Diary of Lily Layton
“Good God, and you’ve been widowed twice?”
Shadows lingered in her eyes. “I have.”
“May I ask about your first marriage?”
Surprise flashed in her eyes. Dark red tendrils floated around her delicate face as she peered up at him. “We grew up in the village together. Our mothers were the best of friends. I truly liked him and enjoyed his company. It seemed natural we would marry after we came of age. I married Charlie when I was seventeen. Several months later, he bought a junior commission for the war.” She cleared her throat. “He never came home. His family mourned his sacrifice and celebrated his courage. I, too, grieved him, for he had been a kind and gentle soul who deserved much more from life. A few years later, I married the local vicar.”
A small smile on her lips as she spoke of her first husband implied fond memories. Yet a shadow flashed at the mention of the vicar. “How long were you married to the vicar?”
A slight frown marred her lovely brows. “Three years.”
“So, you remarried at twenty.”
Her lips twitched. “That I did, my lord.”
“I’m sorry for your losses. You have endured much for one still so remarkably young,” he said softly.
“Thank you.”
And now his mother and possibly her society urged her to find a third husband. Yet the strong beauty before him did not appear as if she needed another spouse.
He spun her in a graceful arc, and the only indication of any nervousness was the tightening of her fingers on his shoulder.
She cleared her throat delicately. “I believe we must discuss the preposterous notion of me helping you find a wife amongst your guests.”
“And to think I thought it a most ingenious suggestion.”
“I know you only made such an offer so I would take the money. I am grateful for your kindness, truly, but I do not mix well with your society, and the small observations I’ve made tonight cannot help in your pursuits.”
He needed a moment to collect himself. She had seen through his offer, and he was damn glad she hadn’t taken offense to his charity. He suspected she never asked anyone for anything and much preferred to earn her way in the world. Quite admirable and so very different from many people he knew. It was irrational to feel disappointment at the thought she would not take his money to further her dreams. “Your honesty is charming, Mrs. Layton. Many would pretend to dole advice to collect on the bounty offered.”
She lifted her chin quite arrogantly, further baring the swanlike grace of her neck. “I am not like many others.”
“I am beginning to see that,” he murmured. “You could still help.”
She rolled her eyes. “I doubt it. The many ladies here tonight have not deigned to converse with me. And I cannot imagine how I would get close enough to anyone to determine their character.”
“I could help you narrow the list.”
Her eyes widened. “How?”
“I think we could start with the widows—”
Her gasp cut him off. “You are seeking a widow for your next wife?”
He went silent for a brief moment, assessing her wide-eyed expression. “As a man of the world, I think it wise to marry a lady with experience.”
The pulse fluttered wildly at her throat. “I did observe you conversing with two widows earlier. Were they to your liking?”
No. He hadn’t felt any spark or even a physical attraction. The conversation had been mundane, their dulcet tones entirely unfamiliar. Their scent unrousing. “They were not,” he admitted softly.
She made no reply, and they silently twirled to the graceful waltz.
“You are truly an apt pupil, Mrs. Layton. You dance beautifully.”
Another radiant smile bloomed on her lips. “Flattery will get you everything, my lord.”
“Then will you sit twice for me and accept my payment of one thousand pounds for the privilege?”