Lily, One Lord's Temptation (The Garden Brides #1) by Jane Charles

Author:Jane Charles [Charles, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jane Charles

Chapter 23

“What functions will Lily be attending this evening?” Max demanded without bothering with pleasantries once he tracked down Dresden at Whites. The day had him running against time. After dressing for the day he had visited his mother. She would be anxious to know if her son had taken her advice. Without words, her look showed disappointment at seeing him in the morning room when she was hoping he would be on his way to Scotland. Without offering details, he advised both parents that Lily had been with him all night at his home and she had still refused to marry him. Not that he was going to be put off by any means. Max was still determined to make Lily his. If she could have convinced him that she didn’t care or that she wanted nothing to do with him, it would be different. But that was not the case at all.

Max had never been as grateful for his father’s title and influence as he had been when he held the special license to marry Lilian Estelle Bliant within hours of discussing the situation with his parents. Following, he visited every jeweler he knew of until he found the perfect betrothal ring; a square ruby, surrounded by smaller, sparkling diamonds. Now, all he had to do was find the bride and convince her to marry him. Kidnapping was a last resort, but not completely ruled out either. That need brought him to Dresden as Max couldn’t very well call on Lily at her home.

“Lily won’t be attending anything this evening.” He seemed to be watching Max for a reaction.

Defeat registered through him, but only momentarily. There was tomorrow after all, and still a few details to work out. “Her father is keeping her in?”

“No. Her father sent her away.” Dresden’s eyes remained on Max, as if he feared missing something important.

Alarm shot through him. “Where did he send her?” Max fell into the seat beside Dresden. The club was all but deserted and they didn’t need to worry about their conversation being overheard.

“With Mother to the country.”

This couldn’t be better. Once he caught up with her at the estate, they would only be an hour from Scotland, and an hour from where they could marry. An hour from his home.

Max stood to leave, but Dresden stopped him. “Don’t follow, just yet.”

“I must,” Max insisted.

Dresden did not loosen his hold on Max’s arm. “When you began your pursuit, you promised to talk to me before offering for Lily.”

He sank back into the chair, alarmed by Dresden’s serious tone. “Matters proceeded quicker than I could have imagined. Further than I imagined.” He blinked at his friend as worry began to eat at him. “You have misgivings about my marrying Lily?”

Dresden motioned for the waiter to bring brandy and waited until it was delivered before answering his friend. “I can think of no one better to marry Lily. In fact, I believe you are perhaps exactly what she needs.”

Max allowed a half smile.

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