Page 39 of The Undesirable Duke
“That is quite alright. And I only speak the truth. You are a lovely young woman.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
Lillian noticed her brother standing nearby, and her brow furrowed briefly at the expression on his face. It was filled with warning, and she wondered if perhaps her mother would scold her, and drag her home if she were to stand too close to the Duke.
“Lady Lillian?”
The Duke’s voice spun her back to the present moment, and she raised her brows.
“Pardon me, Your Grace?”
“Your mother certainly feels that Lord Bertram is the catch of the town.”
“Thensheshould marry him,” Lillian muttered.
The Duke suppressed a smile and cleared his throat.
“Have you seen your brother at all?”
“I do not believe that I have. He did not join us in our carriage, but I am certain that he is here somewhere.”
She wasn’t going to admit to having seen Timothy, simply because she wanted a little more time with the Duke for herself.
“Perhaps. Would you care to join me on the dance floor, Lady Lillian?” the Duke asked, and offered his arm. “I do rather enjoy this particular dance which is just beginning – that is, of course, if your dance card isn’t already filled for this?”
Lillian nodded.
“I would love to.”
Lillian placed her hand on the Duke’s arm and then, as the orchestra changed to the music for the next set, she enjoyed a rather spirited country dance with him. The melody was fast and cheerful, and it was precisely what they both needed to lift their spirits. Lillian chuckled as the Duke made witty comments whilethey danced, at least when the steps brought them together enough for conversation, and as the music ended, they were both out of breath.
“Thank you for the lovely dance, Lady Lillian. I certainly needed that.”
Lillian brushed a wayward lock of hair from her face and nodded politely.
“As did I, and you are most welcome.”
“I am aware of what you are doing, despite you attempting to be subtle about it. But I do appreciate it.”
Lillian smiled with a hint of embarrassment and shook her head.
“Your Grace, I do not know of what you speak.”
The Duke’s eyes sparkled with mischief, and it mesmerized her.
Their subtle yet powerful moment was rudely interrupted by Lady Welsford, who approached them with a blazing glare.
“Lillian, come with me, please.”
“Mother, I-”
“Now, Lillian.”
Lillian looked at the Duke with deep apology in her eyes as her mother practically dragged her away from him and into the hallway.
“Mother, stop.”
“Please, I do not have the energy for your impertinence,” Lady Welsford muttered as she led Lillian to a quiet room and closed the door.
