“I need to dress for the ball.”
“I’ll wake you in time. Close your eyes. I’ll stay and watch over you.”
“You?
?re so sweet.” She reached for him. “Hold me. I want to feel your arms around me.” She closed her eyes.
What could it hurt? He lay down beside her and gathered her in his arms.
“That’s nice,” she murmured and then began to snore softly.
Daniel kissed her chastely on the forehead, smiling because she wanted him. Perhaps she did care for him.
In vino veritas, he thought. In wine, there’s truth.
Chapter 13
Lily awoke, naked, in Daniel’s bed. He held her gently, making love to her, softly crooning her name. “Lily, Lily, Lily.” She sighed, enjoying the feel of his hands on her skin. “Lily, Lily…”
Something cool and crisp fell from her eyes when she opened them to see Daniel sitting next to her, shaking her arm gently.
“Lily, Lily.”
She was still fully clothed, lying on his bed. The lovemaking had been a dream… What had fallen from her eyes appeared to be thin slices of…cucumber?
“Daniel?”
“I’m here. How are you feeling?”
“Why was there cucumber on my face?”
“It’s an old trick of my mother’s. When her eyes are tired and puffy, she swears by slices of cucumber, so I had the kitchen send some up.”
“Ugh. What is that awful taste in my mouth?”
“Just an after effect of your…indulgence.”
“It’s probably from that horrible glop you forced down my throat. What was in that stuff anyway?”
He chuckled. “You don’t want to know. Does your head hurt?”
Lily shook her head. “I must look dreadful, though.”
“You’ll always be beautiful to me, love. Your face looks good, actually. I’ll have to tell my mother that her old wives’ tale has merit. But your hair needs a little work, and you need a bath and tooth brushing.”
Lily twisted her face into a grimace. “You’ve seen me at my worst. Do you still want to marry me?”
“I’m sorry to tell you but, yes, I do.”
“Good God.” She stood, a little lightheaded, but remarkably sturdy on her feet.
“Lily, if you don’t feel you can attend the ball tonight, we can announce our betrothal on the morrow.”
“No, I feel…better. Surprising, but true. Perhaps Putney should market that concoction of his.”
“I’ve often thought so myself.”
She turned to face him. “Daniel, I…”