Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend by Shana Galen - Jewels of the Ton 03 - Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend

lecherous reputation. Say they are not so.”
    Lily sighed, lifted a hat box from the chaise longue, and seated herself on the velvet cushion. “I cannot. As you see, I am traveling to Ravenscroft’s lair for a house party.”
    “I do not wish to embarrass you, but neither can I keep quiet,” the countess said. Lily almost smiled. The countess had never kept quiet, whether her words embarrassed others or not. “Is it a financial matter? If you are in need of funds—”
    “No. I do not need blunt, and you have been more than generous.”
    “You cannot possibly be infatuated with the duke. He is old and was ugly even when I was a young girl. And I know you care nothing for his title.” The countess tapped her walking stick and studied Lily. “Might this have something to do with your father and the skills you inherited from him?”
    Lily didn’t speak, allowing the countess to come to her own conclusions.
    “I see. Then might I give you a piece of advice?”
    Now Lily did smile. “You are asking me?”
    “Tut, girl. I do not know why everyone thinks you are charming.” But she was smiling. Lily caught an image of the countess as a young woman. Her wrinkles faded and her eyes brightened, her white hair darkened, and she was truly lovely. And then the smile faded. “I do not claim to know Ravenscroft well,” Lady Sinclair said, “but I have watched him over the years. He seems harmless. Even foolish. In truth, he is dangerous. He is not a man to be trusted or a man to turn your back on. I do not like to think of you sleeping under his roof.”
    “There will be other guests.”
    “Who will care nothing for you. If I am not mistaken, you go alone. If something should go wrong, who is there to help you?”
    It was true. She would be somewhat isolated, with only the post to rely on if she needed assistance. By the time a letter reached London, it might be too late. But she had made her decision. “I know how to keep a man at arm’s length.”
    “Yes, when you are in London and when you can retreat to your home or that of one of your friends. But you will be under Ravenscroft’s roof, and if he wants you—”
    Lily glanced down at her hands, willing her fingers to unclench. She would not allow fear to get the better of her.
    “And I have not even mentioned what we both know—you have another purpose entirely, one at odds with that of the duke’s.”
    Lily did not want to hear more. She could not speak on that subject, not even to Lady Sinclair, in any case. “Knowing all of this, what is your advice?” Lily asked.
    “Stay home,” the countess said. Lily frowned at her, and the countess leaned forward and grasped Lily’s hand in her thin, fragile one. “Be careful whom you trust.”
    “I always am.” Lily squeezed the countess’s hand, almost afraid of crushing the birdlike bones.
    Lady Sinclair grasped the silver handle of her walking stick and rose. “You do know the duke’s estate is in Nottinghamshire, do you not?”
    “I do.” It seemed one of life’s little ironies.
    “Stay away from the boy . There has never been a time when it was more imperative that you keep your secrets. Those you have now and those from your past.”
    ***
    The long drive from London to Nottinghamshire and Ravenscroft Hall was a familiar one for Lily, though it had been years since she’d made it. And she had never made it in such comfort. The duke had provided her with his personal coach for the journey, and she was pleased to find the conveyance well sprung, the matched pair of Cleveland Bays quick and lively, and the coachman quite solicitous. They made good time, but when she arrived at Ravenscroft Hall, she was eager for a comfortable bed and a bath. She would be obliged to forgo dinner to have either. It was dusk as they entered the estate’s grounds, and she knew the family and the guests who preceded her would be sitting down to eat. Country hours demanded early meals.
    “Anna, when we arrive, set out a