Worth of Rubies by Anthea Lawson

Author:Anthea Lawson
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

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Discover what really happened on the Strathmore’s botanical expedition to Tunisia in PASSIONATE, Anthea’s RITA-nominated historical romance—available in ebook and print at all online retailers.

EXCERPT OF PASSIONATE

~*~ CHAPTER TWO ~*~

Lily Strathmore touched her brush to the paper, streaking crimson highlights along the petals taking shape on the page. She had finished the technical studies and now was painting for her own pleasure, letting the lush, perfumed warmth of the conservatory transport her into the heart of the flower. She stepped back from the easel and considered the rich red of the Amaryllis. Yes, that would do nicely.

“Lily?” Her cousin Isabelle stirred on the nearby chaise. “Do you really think your parents will take you back to London with them? The expedition wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“They won’t if I have any say in the matter. I’ve only been here a week—hardly long enough to make a start painting your father’s new specimens. I’ll find some way to stay. I always do.” Lily set her paintbrush down and smoothed back her unruly chestnut hair with both hands. “Mother only wants me back in Town because she has some scheme in mind—something matrimonial, no doubt.”

“London isn’t all bad, surely. If you return you’ll be able to attend the balls and parties. While you’re dancing with dashing gentlemen, I’ll be carted around Italy with father’s precious roots and twigs.”

“At least you won’t be required to dance and make conversation with them. I’d much prefer to travel about the Continent with your family. Collecting and painting flowers is far more interesting than trying to impersonate one in a ball-gown.”

“So you have told me, for the hundredth time. But what about suitors? Surely you have scores of them?”

Lily exhaled. “Hardly scores. And being pursued is not so enviable when it is your mother selecting the pursuers.” Lady Fernhaven had an unerring eye for the most placid, staid, and well-bred gentlemen Society had to offer. None of the men who had been allowed to present themselves over the last four Seasons had made Lily feel even a momentary flutter of emotion. No, that was not precisely true. Not if one classified boredom as an emotion.

“Don’t worry,” she added, seeing her cousin’s serious expression. “When your Season comes you’ll have a lovely time and dozens of handsome suitors, I promise.”

“Do you think so? I will pass?” Isabelle was due to make her come-out next year and cherished notions of London.

“Quite well.”

Isabelle’s sparkling nature, her golden hair and fair complexion, would be well received by Society. No doubt her cousin would have a throng of suitors. Lily did not envy her at all.

She took up her brush again and swirled it in a pan of deep green—the leaves needed more shading to bring the flower out. The delicate brushwork took all her attention.

A gentle hand fell on Lily’s shoulder, drawing her out of the world of shadow and tint and back into the conservatory. How long had it been? She looked up to see her Aunt Mary smiling.

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