Page 25 of The Undesirable Duke
“My apologies, Your Grace,” Lady Lillian lowered her gaze.
“That is quite alright, Lady Lillian. And she was not being intrusive, my Lady.”
“Father says that I have an inquisitive mind.”
“The most inquisitive you will ever meet,” Lord Welsford smiled.
Samuel nodded and Lady Lillian’s eye met his briefly.
“It is a good trait to have.”
Lady Lillian’s cheeks colored, and her gaze lowered to her meal.
“The dinner is delicious,” Samuel said quietly. “Please give my compliments to your cook, my Lady.”
“I will do so, Your Grace.”
“How is Cornwall this time of the year, Your Grace?” Lord Welsford inquired.
“Cold, dull, and wet, my Lord.”
“Not much different than London, then?”
“I would rather experience a snowstorm in London than any winter’s day in Cornwall. The cold is indescribable. It seeps into your bones, chilling your soul.”
“I can only imagine how miserable that must be, especially after the tragic death of your mother, and so soon after your father’s passing as well. Our sincerest condolences.”
Samuel’s jaw clenched slightly, and he nodded.
“Thank you, my Lord. It was quite a shock to the family.”
“You live alone at your estate, Your Grace?” Lady Lillian asked.
“Indeed.”
“Is it not terribly lonely?”
A morose smile appeared on his lips, and he nodded once more. The empathy in Lady Lillian’s eyes was heartwarming and her kind heart was evident in the manner she looked at him.
“It can be, especially since your brother has failed to visit in the past two years.”
Lord Timothy chuckled.
“I must apologize. I have been meaning to, I promise. But you have not come to London, either.”
“Indeed - but time passes rather quickly when one is engaged in things that take precedence, and the management of the estate has been topmost since my father’s sickness and passing.”
“Truer words have never been spoken,” Lord Welsford pointed out. “At times we do not realize how speedily time moves.”
“Indeed, my Lord.”
“Surely Your Grace does not need to stay in Cornwall all year round.”
“I have considered occupying my townhouse in Mayfair, which I must admit would be much more convenient, but I have had estate matters to deal with,” Samuel said.
“I am certain that Timothy would enjoy having Your Grace closer,” Lady Lillian said, with a hint of a mischievous smile.
“Indeed, I would,” Lord Timothy agreed.
