Lilly Read Free Page B

farce is a cruel act even for you,” Robert stormed.
    “What do you care?  Do you know this country mouse?” Reece fumed, feeling extremely angry at his brother, because he too felt guilty at the way the rumors had spread.
    “No, and neither do you.  You’ve ruined her before you’ve even met her, the woman who is to be the mother of your children.”
    “I never intended for all the facts to be so well known,” Reece confessed.
    “Really? ” Robert sneered.  “Those whores of yours, Bell and Marlena, you thought they could be trusted to support your future wife’s good name?”
    Reece thought of defending his two light skirts, but decided they weren’t worth the effort.  He was angry at both of them.
    “I admit it has gotten out of hand, but I intend to marry her, after this I suppose I must, even if she is an ogre or a shrew.”
    “What if she’s beautiful and kind?  Will you still use her like a stud ser vice and abandon her in Hillside Park for the rest of her life?”
    “I hear she likes the country, she’ll want to stay there and I’ll financially provide for her and the old viscount.  Commons says her father, is a poor recluse.  I’ll offer her security and freedom to live her life better than it is now.”
    “You’re so full of yourself you don’t see the harm you can do.  I’m tempted to go down there first and warn her.”
    Reece turned on his brother and growled.
    “Don’t you dare ruin this plan .  I’ve wasted time and money on this venture and after this story runs around every function in society, I won’t be able to capture another woman in all of England.”
    “At least be kind to her, have some decency,” Robert advised.  “Tell me that at least.   You won’t go there and roughly mate with her a few times and take off.”
    “I’m not an animal.  I do know how to make love to a woman without hurting her.  Stay out of it.  Remember your income comes through me,” said Reece, feeling sorry for the whole mess and wishing his brother gone.
    “ Not all of it.  You don’t control me Reece.  I’m cautioning you, don’t continue to damage Lady Castleford, or it might turn around and harm you.”
    “Get out.  I have to leave this morning.  Robert, I won’t be cruel,” Reece added, hating to se e the stern judgment on his younger brother’s face.
    “I’ll never understand you Reece.  You have everything, fortune, looks, title, standing, and you squander it all on idle pleasures.  You’re five and thirty, be a man before you die,” with that parting shot, Robert took his hat and left the Randall’s townhouse.
     
    ……….
     
    Lord Castleford Manor
    Residence of Viscount Castleford
    Suffolk, England
     
    Monday morning soon dawned and Lilly Castleford, dressed by her aunt’s maids, wore her new riding habit of dark brown, trimmed with gold chains and buttons over her bosom.  They swayed when she walked, drawing the eye to her exceptional figure.  Her hair was simple, piled high and topped with a silly hat.  She wore cream kid gloves and matching half boots. 
    Excitement ran high inside Lilly, brightening her eyes, adding color to her cheeks, a spring to her step, for this was the day the Earl of Suffol k was to arrive.  Lilly was not sure when she would see him, but she had such bright hopes, Lilly released her fears and welcomed her dreams in with a rush of pure bliss.  I will be positive and have my grand passion.  The earl will love me and I him, Lilly thought.
    Nervous and excited, Lilly mounted her black mare Midnight, and her strong emotions made the horse prance and pull the bridle tightly.  Lilly was a stunning vision of youth, sweetness, and promise.
    Lilly rode alone, as was commonly done in the country.  She was long used to being independent, having a father closeted away from the world and an inebriated aunt who frequently took naps.  Lilly stayed close to their manor and never felt threatened. 
    She rode slowly and waved to