Page 35 of The Undesirable Duke
Samuel suppressed a grin and gazed at Lady Lillian with a crooked brow filled with intrigue.
“Tell me, Lady Lillian, what assistance can you offer?”
“The rumors around town have caused you a ruined reputation, but you would like to restore that reputation. Correct?”
“Indeed.”
Lady Lillian wrung her hands together and tensed her shoulders.
“I have a suggestion. As a result of that damage to your reputation, you are deemed undesirable by theton. Why not change that to make Your Grace desirable again?”
“Intriguing. And how would you think we could achieve that?”
“I offer to spend time with Your Grace, which will intrigue the young ladies of theton. Any respectable young woman would not be seen in the company of a man with such a sordid reputation, but our family has an impeccable reputation, which would count in Your Grace’s favor.”
“That is how you wish to restore His Grace’s reputation, sister?”
“Indeed. What does Your Grace think of my suggestion?” Lady Lillian gazed at Samuel with expectant eyes.
“And you wish to willingly spend time with me, Lady Lillian?”
“Indeed,” she answered rather hastily, but in a voice filled with confidence.
“But would that not ruin your own reputation? I would not want that,” Samuel stated.
Before Lady Lillian was able to answer, Lord Timothy stepped forward and shook his head in disapproval.
“I most certainly do not approve of this. And I am certain that Mother would not either. She would never allow you anywhere near His Grace, with all due respect, of course.”
“Understandable,” Samuel noted.
“And she would most certainly not allow her only daughter to be in the presence of a man with such a sordid reputation. The reputation of our family is the most important thing in the world to her, and she will not allow anything or anyone to jeopardize it.”
“But Timothy…”
“No, sister. I will not allow this.”
Lady Lillian pursed her lips, and her shoulders slumped a little.
“I only wish to help.”
“And it is very kind of you, sister, but I cannot allow you to assist in the way that you have suggested. I am sorry,” Lord Timothy stated.
“I understand,” Lady Lillian nodded and lowered her gaze.
“I am grateful for your eagerness to help, Lady Lillian. I appreciate it more than you would ever know,” Samuel said.
Lady Lillian nodded quietly and looked at Samuel.
“Will we see Your Grace at Lady Montague’s ball tomorrow evening?”
Samuel shifted his weight in discomfort, and his shoulders tensed.
The mere thought of a ball or a large social gathering caused Samuel to shudder. Despite being raised by a mother who enjoyed both hosting and attending balls, Samuel had never truly enjoyed such gatherings. Parading around, dancing with young ladies, and pretending to have a good time - it was simply not something Samuel enjoyed doing.
“Lady Montague’s balls are lovely, and perhaps we can enjoy a dance together as well,” Lady Lillian said with a slight smile.
“Perhaps.”
