Page 36 of Three Nights with the Beastly Duke

“I trust that won’t be a problem?” she asked, directing the question to Timothy alone.

Lavinia watched as Timothy shrunk before the Dowager Duchess, and he lowered his eyes to her as he made a most formal bow. “No, Your Grace,” he replied calmly. “It most certainly is not.”

Silence stretched through the foyer as Marianne continued to study him. “Who are you?” she asked. “What are you doing in my home?”

Realizing now was the time to speak, Lavinia felt herself move toward the two and smiled pleadingly at Arthur’s mother. “Your Grace, might I present Timothy Hill, the Earl of Stonehames? He has been a dear friend to our family since my childhood.”

“Yes,” her father agreed, also being stirred out of his silence. “He has been most concerned for Lavinia. I thought bringing him along on our visit would soothe his constitution. If you are disappointed by his presence, I implore you to take it out on me, Your Grace. It was my doing.”

For a moment, Marianne said nothing as she continued to study Timothy. But then, suddenly, she smiled and turned her attention to Kenneth. “Lord Donset, I welcome you, your family, and your guest,” she informed him pleasantly. “Come, let us break our fast. I’m very much looking forward to speaking with you again.”

Collectively, everyone seemed to exhale as Kenneth and Marianne both laughed together and Kenneth offered her his arm.

“You are either very brave or very stupid,” Susan jested as she joined Timothy and Lavinia.

Timothy let out a sharp, timid laugh as the three of them began to walk together toward the breakfast room.

“I don’t believe that he has decided yet,” Lavinia jested. Quickly, she was flanked by her sisters, and she giggled. “Come,” she urged. “Let us not think on it any longer. I want nothing to ruin this day.”

* * *

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Lavinia asked, realizing Timothy had just spoken to her.

It was afternoon, and thus far, the day had gone wonderfully. They were now all outside, her father and Marianne perched on the patio, watching them, and Lavinia and the others on the lawn. Agnes, Rebecca, Susan, and Joshua were playing some sort of game that involved running, and Lavinia had quickly opted out.

As she’d sat down at the table laden with tea and trays of treats, her mind had immediately gone back to thoughts of Arthur. She’d had no idea that he was actually going to be here for her family’s visit. Or that he’d even known about the visit at all. She had wanted to tell him, but during his nightly visits, he’d never let her talk. Not that she minded, especially in the moment.

But now, and in every spare moment she had, she contemplatedwhyher husband was only visiting her bed at night, and why he didn’t want to talk to her.

She was so wrapped up in these thoughts that she hadn’t realized that Timothy had also left the game and had taken a seat beside her. In fact, it startled her when she heard his voice, and she even jumped a little. This, of course, only drew another odd look from Timothy—one of many that he had given her all day.

“I said that I have found out some more information,” Timothy repeated, looking at her in disappointment. “About your husband.”

“Timothy, please,” Lavinia urged, already knowing where this conversation was heading. “No more rumors. You know I despise gossip. Even before I got married, I hated it. Let it go.”

“It’s not gossip if it’s factual,” Timothy replied, shifting in his seat so he could turn fully toward her. “I have several sources that confirm that your dear husband was engaged before.”

“What?” Lavinia asked, suddenly wanting to pay attention.

Timothy nodded, obviously pleased that she was finally listening to him. “Turns out you were right to pity the man,” he continued. “My research has concluded that he was engaged to Grace Stewart, the daughter of the Earl of Westrow, some years ago. She was quite young, I was told, when they fell in love, and they became engaged shortly before he went off to war.”

“They were in love?” Lavinia breathed, consumed by the story.

Timothy gave her a pitying look and nodded. “Apparently, though, when she saw how much he’d been scarred, she left him the very day he returned. The same day he received the news that his father had died.” He shook his head sorrowfully. “Poor chap. I couldn’t imagine taking such heavy blows at once.”

Lavinia’s heart ached as she heard this new news about her husband. Details were linking into place, mending the broken chain of thoughts about Arthur.

“That must have been awful,” Lavinia whispered, shaking her head, slightly dazed. “After everything he went through. After everything he survived to get to her. She just left him over a few measly imperfections?”

“It is awful, I know,” Timothy agreed. “And I am deeply remorseful for judging his appearance.”

Lavinia finally looked back up at her friend and gave him an appreciative smile. “Thank you, Timothy. I’m so glad you’ve learned to accept him.”

Timothy’s smile dropped, and he averted his gaze as he reached for her hand. “Listen to me carefully, Vinnie,” he whispered sincerely. “You mishear me. I am remorseful for judging his appearance. But not for anything else. This man is still a beast in every other sense and will only bring danger to you. I’m just letting you know that I pity him, is all.”

Lavinia felt her chest contract as her veins turned ice cold. Timothy’s familiar touch suddenly felt repulsive, and she held back a shiver as she tried to pull away.

“I can still get you out of this, Vinnie,” Timothy continued, his voice low as his grip on her hand tightened.

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