Her lips quivered, and then the lower one caught between her teeth. “Yes.”
“Then I will set you up in a house in town, with servants and a carriage and an allowance. We’ll visit Tattersall, and you can select a mare if you are of a mind to ride in Hyde Park. I know your shop is very important to you, so select one in High Holborn, and I will pay the lease for a year.”
She bestowed on him a small, quizzical smile. “You don’t need to do all of that. Your wealth and station aren’t the reason I want to be your lover.”
“I know.” He gripped her hips and dragged her up the length of his body so that her lips hovered close to his. “Let me take care of you, Lily.”
“I believe I can manage that on my own, and might I remind you that you still owe me a thousand pounds?”
Oliver smiled at her disgruntled tone. “I was simply hoping you would allow me the privilege of being a part of it.”
“Do you think perhaps society will know I’m your mistress? I would not want any rumors to reach my parents, even though they are so buried in the country.”
“We’ll be discreet,” he murmured.
Her eyes searched his intently, and he wondered if he was mistaken at the shadow of hurt lurking in her eyes.
“Lily, I—”
She stole the words from his lips in a soft but passionate kiss. He cradled her cheeks and ravished her mouth, groaning at her sweet taste.
They pulled apart, and she smiled. “Yes.”
Fierce triumph clutched at his heart. “I will make the arrangements through my solicitor. Until then, you will stay with me in Grosvenor Square.”
“Even so far removed in the country, my lord, I know that to be scandalous and quite improper.”
“You are a widow and my mother’s companion. I do not mean to be callous, my sweet, but we do not socialize with the same society for anyone to question your presence within my home. And it will only be until the lease on your townhouse is secured.”
Her golden stare pierced him with unfathomable emotions. “I understand,” she said softly.
“I’ll also set you up with an allowance of—”
Her lips against his once again derailed his train of thoughts.
“You are already being overly generous, my lord. An allowance is not necessary. You are helping me to secure a dream in a few weeks that might possibly take me years to accomplish. I thank you.”
“It is my pleasure to take care of you.”
“And it is my wish to not be fully dependent on your kindness. The profits from my shop will provide a more than sufficient living for my family and me.”
“Then allow me to front you the money you will need for materials. Another thousand pounds added to what I owe you.”
Her eyes widened at the sum. “My lord, in truth you do not owe me, for I did nothing to warrant the first promised thousand! I’ve not even sat f
or you as yet! This is remarkably silly.”
As of their own accord, her fingers traced his lips. “I confess, you make me feel that silly. It’s the only explanation, my sweet.”
Excitement burned in her eyes and joy filled him at the myriad of expression chasing her features. She worried her bottom lips with her teeth for several seconds. “I can only accept on the condition that it is an investment, and you will be an investor in my business, with a twenty percent share.”
There was something wonderful about her, something entirely unexpected. “Done.”
“Oh, Oliver,” she breathed and flung herself into his arms. An oomph escaped him as he tumbled back with her soft weight resting delightfully on him. Lily scattered kisses on his chin and lips, giggling her happiness. “I am dizzy with excitement at the possibilities!”
She rolled from his clasp and tugged on his banyan, which dwarfed her voluptuous figure. A sudden, inexplicable longing filled him to lay the world at her feet so that he could always bask in the radiance with which she currently glowed.
“I must retrieve my sketches and magazines. Oh, magazines! Now I’ll be able to subscribe to all the latest fashion magazines, even the one from Paris. I’ll be right back, Oliver.”