Page 3 of The Undesirable Duke
Chapter Two
“Oh, do stand up straight, Lillian.”
Lady Lillian Colborne pursed her lips as her mother reminded her of her posture, despite her back being as straight as a fencing sword. Her posture was not the problem her mother had with Lillian. It was her second year in the marriage mart, and she had still not secured a match. It was utterly unacceptable to her mother that she was still unmarried. Every chance she had, she put pressure on Lillian, demanding that, somehow, she find a man to marry.
Arabella Colborne, Countess of Welsford, had ensured that her only daughter was raised to be a proper young lady who would easily find a husband, but the pickings were slim of late. During the past Season, however, several suitors had expressed interest in Lillian. Unfortunately, Lillian did not reciprocate their interest, much to her mother’s dismay.
“I am, Mother. It is quite impossible to slouch in these stays that I parade in.”
“I prefer to call it promenading, my dearest. In the public eye, we must always look our best, especially you.”
“But the Season is over, Mother. I hardly think that any gentleman would be looking for a wife during these dreadful months.”
“Need I remind you of the day that I met your father? Gallant and handsome, I caught his eye by being the most perfect young lady I could be, despite it being a miserable day.”
Lillian pursed her lips, clasping her hands together inside the fur muff to hide her annoyance. She did not need to be reminded, as her mother constantly reminded her, of how perfect her parents’ meeting was. Lillian was somewhat envious of it, as it was not a forced meeting where they both felt awkward and out of place, such as the many times her mother had introduced her to a possible suitor. Certainly, some of the gentlemen were handsome and well-mannered, but she did not feel a connection with any of them.
Lillian stared at the sky, and a solemn sigh escaped her throat. It was a cool and overcast winter afternoon, and it was certainly not helping with her complexion. The crisp air flushed the apples of her cheeks, giving her a childish appearance. That was certainly not what she needed.
“But why does it matter if I stand up straight? No one is looking. No one is even here at the park.”
“You ought to be well aware that men adore women who stand up straight. It creates an air of sophistication and poise.”
Where on earth had her mother heard such a preposterous thing? Men were not in the least bit interested in posture. They only wished to marry a young woman who came from a wealthy and reputable family, would adorn their arms at social events, and, of course, bear their children.
Lillian rolled her eyes subtly, turning her face away from her mother to prevent her from noticing Lillian’s defiance. It was not that Lillian did not wish to be married, but rather that she wanted to choose her future husband, herself. Of course, hermother would not allow her to do so. She was twenty years old this year, and it had been two years since her presentation to society, which frustrated her mother to no end.
Now, her mother was more determined than ever to secure a match for her only daughter.
Lillian was envious of her older brother, Timothy, who was not under nearly as much pressure to marry as she was. Plus, he was older as well. She found it unfair that Timothy was able to live his life as a bachelor, attending a gentlemen’s club and frolicking around the country as it pleased him.
Why was she not extended the same courtesy? She knew the answer, of course – it was because she was a woman.
A lady.
“What of Lord Bertram?” Lady Welsford asked suddenly.
Lillian’s brow furrowed as she recalled Lord Bertram.
“Lord Bertram was ordinary. He had no knowledge of any of the books I have read.”
Lady Welsford chuckled and shook her head.
“Oh, my dear. Men do not read the same things as we do. And you ought not to bore him with those novels you read.”
“But I love them.”
“Understandable, but you are not seeking the company of spinsters. You wish to attract a husband. Perhaps I should arrange for Lord Bertram to call.”
Lillian forced a smile and knew that it was futile to argue with her mother.
“That sounds lovely, Mother.” A chill ran up Lillian’s spine as a gust of wind suddenly blew around her and Lady Welsford. “The wind is starting to pick up. Shall we head back to the carriage?”
“Before we do that, may I say something?”
Lillian glanced at her mother, and her brow furrowed in both intrigue and confusion. It was not like her mother towithhold things from her, but the expression on her mother’s face suggested otherwise.
“Of course. Is something the matter, Mother?”
