Page 14 of The Undesirable Duke
“And that would be enough to persuade his mother? You ought to know how Lady Welsford is.”
“I also know that Lord Timothy is his mother’s favorite, and he can practically get away with anything,” Samuel answered.
“Let us hope that is true. The Colbornes are a lovely family, although Lady Welsford can be rather protective of her daughter.”
“Yes, of course. Lord Timothy’s younger sister. I have yet to meet her, even though Lord Timothy has already urged me to stay away from her.”
“From what I have heard, she is a very intelligent and witty young lady, and she will see right through your charming facade,” Lord Perkins grinned. “I am fairly certain that she will put you in your place before you have the chance to charm her.”
Samuel pressed his hand against his chest and feigned anguish.
“Your words wound me, old friend.”
Lord Perkins laughed heartily and slid his golden pocket watch out of his pocket.
“Good heavens. I must be going.”
“Very well. It was delightful catching up with you. We must do so again. Perhaps you can join me and Lord Timothy at Brooks’ one evening. If Catherine allows it, of course,” Samuel suggested with a playful grin.
“Wait until you are married, Yarmouth. You will want to spend all of your time with your beloved.”
“That remains to be seen. Good day, Perkins,” Samuel nodded and tipped his hat at his friend.
“Good day, Yarmouth. Do not get into too much trouble.”
“I cannot promise anything.”
Samuel winked and watched as Lord Perkins turned on his heel and hastily strutted back the way they had come. He cocked his head and wondered whether he would truly marry one day, but he could not imagine it. It seemed rather out of reach for him at that moment, and not only because he was the most undesirable man in Town.
Samuel continued his stroll along the street, as the people around him either did not notice him anymore, or he was not considered important enough to avoid any longer. The door of a nearby modiste opened, and golden hair sparkling in the little bit of winter sun caught his attention immediately. It belonged to a beautiful young lady who he had never seen before, despite feeling a sense of familiarity when he gazed upon her. She wore a dark blue day dress with long sleeves, lace trim, and a fur muff around her hands. Her cheeks were flushed from the fresh cold air, but her beautiful smile was what caused him to abruptly stop in his tracks. He had never laid eyes upon such a radiant smile in his entire life. The fact that it belonged to such a beauty was a bonus.
He simply had to speak to her, but he was certain that her mama would follow her shortly from the dress shop, as she looked too young to be married already.
Or at least, so Samuel hoped.
The young lady stepped onto the pavement, and their gazes met for a brief moment. Even though it was only for a moment, Samuel felt a stir from within him. The attraction he felt towards this unknown young lady was stronger than he had ever felt in his entire life to any woman, and he carefully approached her. He did not wish to move too quickly, as he did not wish to startle her. Young women of thetonwere fragile little things who could shatter like glass, he was once told by a friend. It was not true in all cases but in most.
As he approached her, she seemed distracted and did not see the step in front of her. A sense of urgency filled Samuel, and he rushed towards her. He reached his arms out and caught her as she misjudged the step and lost her balance. Samuel’s arms wrapped around her delicate frame, and he was afraid his grasp would be too tight, but he could not let go.
The young lady gasped as Samuel caught her, preventing her from falling to the ground, and her eyes widened from both shock and relief. An intoxicating scent of wildflowers and lavender filled the air around Samuel, and the sweet scent caused his nose to tingle. Or perhaps it was the warmth of the young woman in his arms. The young lady recovered her balance and pushed away from him until she stood upright. Her cheeks colored a deep red from embarrassment and she stared at Samuel.
“My sincerest apologies.”
“There is no need for an apology, my Lady. Are you well?”
The young woman nodded tightly, smoothing the skirt of her dress. Her fur muff lay on the ground, and Samuel bent to retrieve it. Straightening up, he handed the muff back to the young woman, and her gaze lowered shyly.
“Thank you. You are very kind.”
“Are you certain that you are well?”
“Indeed. It was merely an accident. I did not realize that step was so far from my reach. But I am well, despite a hint of humiliation.”
“You have nothing to be humiliated about. Luckily, I was here to catch you.”
“Indeed. My luck was not entirely terrible.”
A smile formed upon Samuel’s lips as he intently gazed at the young woman, her bright eyes sparkling in the sunlight, her golden hair framing her face like a halo.
