“Are you looking forward to it?
Lily took a swallow of wine and set her glass on the table. “Not in the slightest.”
Polk’s light brown eyes shone with amusement. “My, you certainly know your own mind. Tell me, what have you got against the season?”
“My lord, I’m sure you have no interest in my opinion on that subject.”
“You would be mistaken. Please, elaborate.” He smiled.
Lily knew she should hold her tongue. But— “Frankly, my lord, I consider the whole London season to be nothing more than a thinly veiled meat market.”
Polk erupted in a gale of laughter. “Without a doubt, you are the first person I have ever heard describe the season in that manner.”
“Well it’s true, isn’t it?” Lily gestured, nearly toppling her wine glass. “Men and women window shopping for a mate as if they were looking for the most sumptuous chops in the butcher shop. It’s barbaric.”
“You’re opinionated, aren’t you? It’s rather refreshing, actually.”
“Just remember, you asked.”
“Yes, I certainly did. And I agree with your assessment, although I think there are some who prefer the richest chops to the most sumptuous.” His eyes twinkled. “May I offer you some more wine?”
“No, thank you, my lord. I believe I’ve had enough. You wouldn’t want me to become any more loose tongued, would you?”
“I can’t think of a more pleasant way to spend the evening,” Polk said, his smile a bit devious, “than with a loose-tongued lovely like yourself.”
Lily’s cheeks warmed. Was Polk still speaking about her opinions?
* * *
Lily had chosen a gown of pale green for the opening ball that was fairly low cut. Thomas had shaken his head slightly when he came to the girls’ chamber to escort them to the ball, but she didn’t care. A maid had swept her dark hair into an elaborate chignon, leaving wisps of curls dangling around her face, framing her high cheekbones.
Thomas escorted Rose to the dance floor for a quadrille while Lily looked for a table. Before she sat down, Lord Wentworth approached her.
“Oh, Teddy, I’m so glad you’re here. There is someone I would love for you to meet. Come with me.” She took his arm and walked toward her cousins who had just entered, making the necessary introductions quickly and pushing Alexandra into Wentworth’s arms for a dance.
When Thomas deposited Rose back at the table, Lily grabbed his arm. “Thomas, you must dance with me.
“All right, Lily. I never knew you were much for dancing.”
“I’m not, but I need to keep Wentworth from asking me.”
He laughed. “I see. Shall we, then?” He held out his arm and expertly led her in the next quadrille.
“Who was that lovely young woman sitting next to you at dinner?” Lily asked.
“The blonde? Her name was Emma Smith or Smythe. I can’t remember.”
“I see her over there.” Lily motioned with her eyes. “You should ask her
to dance.”
“If I dance with someone else, how can I keep Wentworth from focusing on you?” He chuckled.
“I’ll take care of Wentworth. I’m trying to get him interested in Ally.”
“He’s not good enough for you, but you’d shove him at Ally?”
“Don’t be silly. He’s not good enough for Ally either. But she wanted to meet him so I obliged. In fact, she’s interested in meeting just about any eligible gentleman here. Do you have any ideas for her? And for Sophie and Rose?”