It was madness to accompany him, madness for him to ask. “Yes,” is what Lily said. “I would be delighted to accompany you to luncheon.”Royal flashed a brilliant, white smile. “All right, then.” Rapping on the roof, he slid open the panel beneath the driver’s box and commanded the coachman to take him to the Fox and Hen in Mulberry Street. “Drive round to the back,” he finished.They arrived a few minutes later and Royal helped her down from the coach and escorted her inside. The owner, a thin, black-haired, mustached man, appeared out of nowhere.“Your Grace,” the man said, beaming at the duke’s arrival. “Always a pleasure to see you.”“You as well, Antonio.”Antonio flicked a glance at Lily, but kept his attention fixed on the duke. “I’ve a nice dining room for you just down the hall.” His mustache turned up. “The special today is steak and kidney pie. If you will please follow me.”Though she could hear the sound of patrons rattling glassware and dishes in the main dining hall and servants bustled past, Lily grew more nervous, not quite sure what to expect.
