Page 34 of The Undesirable Duke
“Colborne? What is your sister doing here?”
Lord Timothy’s brow furrowed, and his jaw tightened.
“I do not know. She seems to have eluded her maid.”
Samuel watched as Lady Lillian hastily approached them. Some distance behind Lady Lillian, a maid rushed after her, and Samuel smiled. The young Lady Lillian was certainly a breath of fresh air in the stuffiness of London.
“Brother, there you are,” Lady Lillian said as she reached Lord Timothy and Samuel.
“Sister, you must not exert yourself so. Take a few breaths.”
She nodded and looked briefly at Samuel while she caught her breath.
“Your Grace.”
Lady Lillian looked beautiful in a lovely warm cape and dark brown leather gloves. Her cheeks were flushed from her brisk walk, and she breathed deeply to regain herself.
“Lady Lillian,” Samuel flashed her a charming smile, which caused her cheeks to color even more. “How lovely to see you here.”
“Lovely to see you as well, Your Grace,” Lady Lillian smiled brightly and turned to her brother. “Pardon my intrusion. I did not mean to interrupt your conversation.”
“No need to apologize.”
“Sister, why are you in such a rush? Poor Meg cannot even keep up with you,” Lord Timothy said, motioning to Lady Lillian’s maid, who moved towards them now at a much slower pace.
“I had to speak with you, and you, Your Grace.”
“What do you wish to speak of, sister?” Lord Timothy inquired and shifted his weight.
Samuel stared at her, intrigued, unable to tear his eyes away from her.
“At breakfast, I listened to Mother speak of Lady Montague’s ball and how the ball was important to secure a match. Frivoloustalk, really. But I am getting off track. I had a thought while I pretended to pay attention.”
Samuel smiled at Lady Lillian - he found her enchanting. Every word she spoke was music to his ears, and it was true. He had grown fond of her in a very short time.
“And what was your thought, sister?”
Lady Lillian drew in a deep breath and turned to Samuel.
“Does Your Grace still wish to find the person who wrote those falsehoods?”
Samuel and Lord Timothy exchanged surprised glances, and Samuel turned back to her.
“Indeed. It is why I traveled from Cornwall to London.”
Lady Lillian smiled and clasped her hands together.
“Perhaps I can be of some assistance.”
“Do not be absurd, sister. You-”
“Wait, Colborne,” Samuel interjected, silencing Lord Timothy within an instant. “I wish to hear what Lady Lillian has to say.”
Samuel turned to Lady Lillian and studied her for a few moments.
“Lady Lillian,” Meg finally reached Lady Lillian.
“It is alright, Meg,” Lord Timothy said to the maid, and she nodded, stepping to the side.
