Page 36 of The Undesirable Duke
“I must be going. Mother will wonder where I am. Have a lovely day, Your Grace.” Lady Lillian drew in a deep breath and turned away, with apparent reluctance, from Samuel and Lord Timothy.
Samuel watched her walk away from him, following the path in the direction she had come from, earlier.
Lord Timothy would not allow Lady Lillian to help him in restoring his reputation, but Samuel was very impressed with her eagerness to assist him. No one had ever selflessly offeredto assist him with anything before, and he was grateful for her offer.
Even if Lord Timothy had agreed to allow Lady Lillian to assist him, Samuel would not have accepted her offer. She was a caring and delightful girl, and he did not wish her reputation to be tainted because she wanted to help him.
He would not be able to live with himself if such a thing happened.
“Are you well, Yarmouth?” Lord Timothy suddenly asked Samuel.
Samuel snapped out of his musing state and turned to his friend.
“I beg your pardon, Colborne. I did not hear you.”
“You have been silent for longer than usual.”
Samuel cleared his throat and nodded.
“I am well. I was merely lost in thought.”
“That is understandable. My sister can get rather carried away when a thought enters her head. I apologize that I had to put a stop to her preposterous idea. It would be very risky, and I will not allow my sister to put herself in such a position.”
“I understand. There is no need to apologize,” Samuel stated.
Lord Timothy nodded and stared solemnly into the distance.
“Will you be joining us at Lady Montague’s ball? Perhaps your presence will create redemption of some sort.”
“I doubt that, Colborne.”
Samuel’s jaw tightened, and, despite not being the type of person who enjoyed balls, he considered attending. Perhaps Lady Lillian would have a space open on her dance card for him. Samuel was an excellent dancer, all thanks to his late mother, but he had not danced in a long while. But if he attended Lady Montague’s ball, he would certainly make an exception for Lady Lillian.
Chapter Twelve
Lillian was mesmerized by the exquisite gowns the ladies wore at Lady Montague’s ball. Hues of green, blue, and violet swirled around the dance floor. The ballroom was decorated with an abundance of white flowers, resembling the snow outside, and luxurious fabric of shimmering gold was draped over the tables. Candles flickered around the ballroom, and it all created the perfect atmosphere.
Gentlemen were dressed in crisp white linen shirts, waistcoats in different shades, with elegantly tied cravats, all completed by exquisitely fitted long-tailed coats. She had always loved the long-tailed coats the gentlemen wore, especially in navy blue, which was a very popular choice.
Lillian herself was dressed in a lovely gown in a striking pale sapphire blue shade, paired with long silk gloves in white. Her golden locks were swept away from her face and pinned in a knot on the crown of her head, with a few curls cascading down her neck. The slippers she wore were made of the finest fabrics, as put together by Madame Periaux at the modiste’s.
“Lady Montague has truly outdone herself. Would you not agree, Lillian?” Lady Welsford beamed beside her, dressed in a muted slate blue gown with embroidery on the bodice.
Lady Montague was known for her impeccable taste and style, and the balls she hosted were not only a roaring success but also the talk of the town. Her wealth and status in London, and perhaps the entirety of England, was rivaled only by that of royalty.
“I agree, Mother. It is truly magnificent.”
“Where has your brother run off to?”
“I am not certain, Mother. Would you wish me to look for him?” Lillian asked.
She would much rather search for her brother than be forced to dance with gentlemen she did not wish to be anywhere near or to be paraded around with her mother.
“That is not necessary. I am certain that he will turn up eventually. I am feeling rather parched. Would you care for some lemonade?”
“No, thank you, Mother.”
“Very well. Wait for me here.”
