Page 21 of The Undesirable Duke
“First of all, we need to get you back to Mayfair. This is certainly not the sort of place you wish to be seen, given the rumors that are spreading through Town of your supposed indiscretions.”
“Although they are untrue,” Samuel muttered, but it was of no use.
People would think of him what they wished, and there was nothing he could do about it. Finding the person responsible was the only way to restore his reputation.
Lord Timothy patted his shoulder reassuringly.
“We will restore your reputation and find the person responsible for those rumors.”
“Thank you, Colborne. Whatareyou doing here, if I may ask?”
“I was looking for you, of course. Your housekeeper said you took the carriage, and I realized that you must be on the hunt.”
On the hunt, Samuel thought with bland amusement.
“Not a very successful hunt, I might add.”
“Perhaps you need some distraction,” Lord Timothy said.
“What do you suggest?” Samuel asked.
“Have dinner with me and my family this evening. It would be delightful having you at Welsford House.”
“And what of your mother? Surely she is aware of the rumors of me.”
Timothy smiled with reassurance.
“Do not fret. I have already mentioned it to my mother, and she agreed.”
“Are you certain? I do not wish to upset your mother or your family. I also do not wish to harm your family’s good name with my sordid reputation,” Samuel sighed and stepped back.
“You and I both know that the rumors are not true and, once my family meets you, they will know it as well. After all, my parents haven’t seen you since that one time shortly after we finished at Oxford.”
“Regardless, my presence will only-”
“I will not take no for an answer,” Lord Timothy interjected. “It would be an honor to have you join us for dinner. You can even meet my sister.”
Samuel was surprised at this new information.
“You have a sister, Colborne?”
“Indeed, I do.”
“Is she as outspoken and persistent as you are?” Samuel asked jokingly.
“Even more so.”
The Duke chuckled and finally gave in to his friend.
“I would love to join you and your family for dinner.”
Lord Timothy smiled happily at him, but Samuel could not help but feel tense at the thought of the rumors about him that would potentially cause harm to the Colborne family. He was the brother he’d never had, and he would not forgive himself if he ruined their reputations. Lord Timothy had been nothing but accommodating and kind to Samuel and the best friend he could have asked for. Despite not spending as much time with one another as Samuel would have liked, their letters to one another in Samuel ‘s absence had managed to close the gap between the two friends. And the moment that Samuel had set foot in London, their friendship had resumed as if no time had passed.
Admittedly, Samuel was nervous about meeting Lord Timothy’s family, not knowing how they would react if they were to see him, but he did look forward to meeting Timothy’s sister.
Chapter Eight
“Timothy, I do not even know what to say.”
