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premium tonight and Lily could see a great many
    of the guests from her come out and a variety of others she had met during
    her jaunts about the ton to which her aunt dragged her.
    Spying some of the low-cut dresses and the indecently bare flesh that was
    easily visible, Lily felt relieved that she had managed to win the day and had
    had her modiste remake her dresses to her exact specifications.
    She wore the a la mode empire line dress in a lilac shade that did marvelous
    things to her pearly skin, which was enhanced by a deeper shade of purple
    in an overlarge masculine cut waistcoat that was gathered at the bust and
    trailed pleasantly along the length of her straight skirt. Silver thread was
    sewn into the hems and added a glint of light to the otherwise somber
    colors. She felt comfortable and attractive, Lily hadn't however thrown away
    all of her morals to fit in with the rest of her set!
    Replacing the opera glasses, she watched faintly amused as her aunt
    excused herself to Uncle George before grabbing him by the forearm and
    dragging him with her so that she could speak to a friend of theirs.
    “We must go, George! That ball will be the toast of the Season! Lily cannot
    miss it!” were her words and they could be heard as Lily's uncle was dragged
    to whichever box required!
    It was unorthodox to be left alone and in so public a place, but Lily was
    hardly a green girl and did have some wiles about her. In fact, it was rather
    pleasant to be free from her aunt, who seemed to exude so much energy
    that at times it could be faintly exhausting!
    Breathing out slowly, Lily tried not to wish that she was with her mama and
    papa, for it was grossly unfair to her aunt and uncle who were truly trying
    their best for her to make the match of the year. And in all honesty, Lily
    could understand Aunt Millie's annoyance with her.
    Without any narcissistic beliefs, Lily knew that an unorthodox beauty she
    may be, but she was the diamond of this Season's first water and as such,
    could make any match she so wished. But in truth, Lily had no desire to play
    any part in this Season and had only agreed to take part on her mother's
    behest that she needed to make a life of her own and not wither away at
    Grantlake for all eternity.
    Knowing that she wanted to experience the same depth of love as her
    parents and her aunt and uncle had been the prod she had needed to
    ultimately agree but as she was faced with the rigorous activities one had to
    undertake to even become affianced, Lily found herself feeling fatigued
    before the commencement of any and all occasions!
    “Do not make even a murmur, Lady Lily.”
    Startled as the hissing voice slithered sinuously into her thoughts, she spun
    around in her seat and stared into the darkened area at the very rear of the
    box. It was swathed with curtains and therefore visibility was extremely
    poor.
    A faint shudder roiled through her as fear suddenly began to grow in the pit
    of her belly. She felt slightly ridiculous for feeling scared, for it could well
    have been a practical joke, but nevertheless wished to goodness that her
    family had not decided an invitation to the ball of the year was more
    important than their niece's protection. Lily licked her lips and nodded
    jerkily.
    “Good. Answer when required and not a word more!”
    Wanting quite desperately to ask if this was someone's idea of a jest, she
    managed to close her mouth and await the next words. As she did, her eyes
    seemed to spin around the box and the room, hoping to God that someone
    would come and save her from whatever the voice wanted.
    It could be naught good, that she did know and felt faintly apprehensive as
    the man, for it was a man, continued.
    “Are you attending Lady Rutherford's ball the following eve?”
    “Yes,” she murmured softly.
    “Good. I shall contact you there and discuss with you in more depth what I
    require of you. Mention one word of this meeting and you shall regret it. I'm
    a mean