My Fair Lily Read Online Free PDF

Dillie grinned wickedly. “Large fellow. Nice looking. How did he get hold of the duke’s stationery?”
    “Or the duke’s messenger.” Lily nibbled her lip with concern. The letter contained little more than another apology and no indication of where he had settled. “He knows Eloise. I’ll show her this note and ask her to speak to Mr. Cameron. He’s a Scot, a Highlander judging from his dress and demeanor, and may not understand about… er, borrowing writing paper from a duke.”
    Her uncle began to stroke his chin. “When did you happen to meet this Mr. Cameron?”
    “Yesterday when I—” She stopped in mid-sentence, realizing no one but Dillie knew she had missed Lady Turbott’s function. “Just before we all left for the tea.”
    He pinned her with a stern glare. “Which you obviously missed, though you would have your family believe otherwise. Dillie pretended to be you.”
    She nodded. “Let me explain about—”
    “No need. Your little secret is safe with me for now.”
    Lily threw her arms about his neck and gave him a quick hug. “Thank you, Uncle George.”
    Her uncle, sharp as a tack and dogged as a bull terrier, shook his head soberly. “Girls, your parents have gone to great expense to introduce the two of you into society. They believe you’re both attending the many functions held, meeting eligible gentleman, the finest London has to offer.”
    Lily glanced down at her feet, feeling a little ashamed, for her parents had indeed expended great effort on her behalf. “I know. I never meant to trick them.”
    “You’ve been spending too much time in Eloise’s library, poring over musty science chronicles while Dillie, your partner in crime, has been covering for you.”
    “I promise not to let it happen again. Truly.”
    “You had better remain true to your word, Lily. I don’t hold to deception, particularly when it involves your parents. You know they love you dearly.” His frown faded into a grin. “Even though they can’t seem to tell you apart.”
    “Too bad you still can,” Dillie muttered.
    “It’s in the eyes. Gives you girls away immediately.”
    Lily glanced up in surprise. “How odd. Mr. Cameron said the same thing.”
    “Did he?” Her uncle took her by the arm, his large hand taking gentle grasp of her elbow. “Tell me more about this Mr. Cameron.”
    He led Lily and her sister into the more private summer salon. She and Dillie settled on an aquamarine silk ottoman, a hideous piece of furniture acquired by her mother on impulse—though what could have possessed her mother to purchase that tasseled monstrosity—well, it wasn’t important at the moment.
    “About Mr. Cameron.” Her uncle reached out and tucked a finger under her chin to turn her to face him. He must have thought her mind had wandered, as it often did.
    “There isn’t much to tell. His dog, Jasper, accidently knocked me down while I was on my way to Eloise’s to return a book I had borrowed. I lost my spectacles, ruined the book, and soiled my new gown. Mr. Cameron took it upon himself to replace all but the gown.”
    “I see.”
    “No, you don’t,” she responded, growing more concerned as she pondered Mr. Cameron’s fate. “He doesn’t have a place to live yet and now he’s spent all his money on me.”
    “Obviously, he has settled in with the Duke of Lotheil.”
    “He can’t possibly have.” She felt heat creep up her neck and cheeks. “Uncle George, I must speak to Eloise as soon as possible. I’ll need her help to pull Mr. Cameron out of this scrape.”
    He slipped the letter out of her hands and into his pocket. “Lily, let me handle the matter. I think it best that I speak to Eloise and Mr. Cameron.”
    “You won’t have him put in prison, will you?”
    Her uncle shook his head and cast her a wry grin. “Neither he nor his dog will be clapped in irons. You have my word on it. Now, run along and enjoy your ride. It’s too beautiful a day to waste