Page 30 of The Undesirable Duke
“He is determined to find the writer of the article and restore his reputation.”
Lillian tilted her head to the side, studying her brother’s face. She had always been able to tell when her brother did not speak the truth, and today, she was certain that everything he had just said to her about the Duke and the false rumors was the truth.
It was quite a relief to know that. She did not wish to have feelings for a man who had gambled away his fortune and visited places that any respectable man did not set foot inside. She didnot even wish to think of it, but Timothy’s confirmation of his innocence certainly eased her worries.
“And how would he do that?” Lillian inquired as she crinkled her nose.
“He visited the printers of the newspaper to see if they could give him any information about the man who brought the article into the printers to be published. But unfortunately, that enquiry yielded little in the way of results.”
“He found out nothing?”
“Only that the person paid triple the normal rate, in coin.”
Lillian’s brow furrowed and her lips pursed momentarily.
“A wealthy member of thetonis not very much to go on, Timothy.”
“Indeed.”
She stared at her empty cup of tea and her shoulders straightened.
“I would very much like to help.”
“Help with what?”
“With finding the person responsible.”
Timothy nearly choked on his tea and looked at Lillian in shock and surprise.
“That is preposterous.”
“Why? I can be resourceful if given the chance,” Lillian grinned and raised her chin, her lashes fluttering.
“I do not doubt that for a moment, sister, but Mother will never allow you to do that. She is far too set on finding you a husband.”
“Lord Bertram, I assume. She has been speaking of him non-stop. It is rather annoying,” Lillian sighed and rolled her eyes.
“Lord Bertram? She honestly thinks thatheis the best suitor for you?” Timothy uttered in disgust.
“Indeed.”
“I can now understand your defiance.”
Lillian narrowed her eyes and wondered what Timothy was not telling her about Lord Bertram. At the mere mention of his name, each time, Timothy’s jaw tightened, and his eyes were dark with animosity.
“What is it about Lord Bertram that you do not like, brother?”
Timothy shifted in his seat and his jaw tightened in its usual manner when the subject was brought up. He straightened his waistcoat and softly cleared his throat, attempting to appear nonchalant.
He failed miserably.
“He is not the right suitor for you.”
Lillian rested her elbow on the table and her chin on her hand. Usually, her mother would not allow her to rest her elbows on the table, since that was not what a proper lady did.
“And since when has that become a concern of yours? I was convinced that you and Mother were trying to marry me off to the first gentleman who came calling.”
“That is not true. I have always had your best interests at heart. But I must disagree with Mother. Lord Bertram is not a suitable husband for you. For another young lady, perhaps. But not for you.”
