How to Pursue a Princess Read Free

kerseymere. Once she’d added long sleeves and trimmings, it would be a fashionable spencer.
    Nothing gave Lily more pleasure—or peace—than sewing. She was good at it, too; her sisters were forever telling her that she was better than any Edinburgh modiste.
    It was a pity she couldn’t just set up a modiste’s shop and earn the funds to pay Papa’s loans. Sadly, though she’d enjoy it very, very much, it would take years to gain enough clientele to pay back such a huge amount.
    Papa sighed. “I’d thought to ask Rose’s new husband for enough money to cover the loan, but they left for their honeymoon before I could think of a way to do so.”
    “I’m glad you didn’t,” Lily said sharply. “Lord Sinclair and Rose are deeply in love. It would have been awkward if you’d asked for money the second she wed him.”
    “I know, I know.” A hint of wistfulness colored Papa’s voice. “Although I doubt Sinclair would have thought it so much. Three thousand pounds is but a pittance to a man like him.”
    “But not to Rose.”
    “Yes, yes. You’re right, of course.” Papa sank into a chair across from them, his shoulders sagging. “I wish I’d never borrowed those funds.”
    Dahlia took a deep breath. “As do we all. I suppose . . . I suppose I could talk to Lord Kirk.”
    “No,” Lily said.
    “Now wait a moment.” Papa eyed Dahlia thoughtfully. “Kirk is fond of Dahlia. Perhaps she can—”
    “He was fond of her,” Lily corrected. “They had a falling out.”
    Dahlia’s face was bright pink. “I don’t mind speaking to him again if I must.”
    “There!” Papa interjected, looking hopeful.
    “No, no, and no .” Lily sent Papa a stern look. “I won’t have it.”
    Papa read her meaning in her gaze. “Yes,” he said abruptly. “You’re right. I was just thinking— But it’s best if we find another way.” He looked at his daughters regretfully. “I should have never involved the two of you; this is my fault. I must find the answer somehow.And if it comes to prison, then that’s where I’ll go and—”
    “No,” Dahlia said. “I will talk to Lord Kirk. It’s the only way.” When Lily started to speak, Dahlia added, “It won’t be a sacrifice. He’s a little gruff, but he has a surprising sense of humor and”—Dahlia fidgeted with a button on her pocket—“he wishes to marry me.”
    Lily’s heart sank. Oh no. “You never said a word.”
    “Because I refused him, so there was no need. Perhaps if I agree, then he will see his way to forgive the note and—”
    “No,” Papa said. “Good God, Dahlia, he’s twice your age!”
    “No, he’s not. He’s only eight years older.”
    “Eight?” Lily couldn’t keep the disbelief from her voice. “I find that hard to believe. But whatever his age, he’s too old for you. Besides, if anyone is to get us out of this predicament through an advantageous marriage, it should be me.”
    “You?” Papa looked surprised. “But you’ve always said you’d never marry.”
    “Because I’ve never met anyone who has sparked my interest, nor has anyone shown any interest in me, which is a perfect set of happenstances. But now that Rose is gone, I’m the oldest, so it’s up to me to resolve this issue.”
    Dahlia looked troubled. “Lily, you can’t.”
    “Why not?” Lily forced a smile. It’s not as if I would have ever opened a modiste’s shop, anyway. That is a mere dream. “I’ve been thinking lately that I’d like to taste a more fanciful way of life. Just think of the parties and gowns, amusements and luxurious apartments. And once I’m wed to a wealthy gentleman, Dahlia can come and stay with me.” The more Lily thought about it, the more certain she was that this was the way to proceed.
    Besides, what other options were there?
    Dahlia clasped her hands in her lap. “No, Lily. That sounds lovely, but who would you marry? There are no single gentlemen except Lord Kirk for miles and miles.”
    “Our godmother is