Page 46 of The Undesirable Duke
“Please, brother. Let us not get sidetracked by unimportant details.”
“It certainly does not seem unimportant to you. Are you fond of Yarmouth?”
Lillian did not appreciate her brother’s question, especially not at a time such as this.
“We have more pressing matters.”
“Avoidance is as clear an answer as any.”
“Please do not read too deeply into this. I was merely curious as to who was at our door.”
“And the footman did not see who it was?” Timothy inquired.
Lillian threw her hands up in the air.
“I did not inquire. I am not allowed outside, or did that detail slip your mind?”
“You are incredibly theatrical. Has anyone ever told you that?” he smirked.
“Timothy, concentrate, please. I have been threatened by the man who is set on ruining the Duke’s reputation, which he seems to have succeeded in doing with just one article. Can you imagine what he could do to my reputation or our family’s?” Lillian pleaded.
“I cannot allow this. We must show this letter to Father.”
“No,” Lillian gasped and rushed towards him. “Please, I beg you.”
Timothy was taken aback by Lillian’s pleas, not quite understanding why she did not wish to involve their father.
“Lillian, this is a serious matter, and it concerns me greatly. I would feel much more comfortable showing this to Father. He will know what to make of it, and take the necessary actions.”
Lillian clasped her hands together.
“Which will result in my imprisonment in this home, a chaperone at all times, as well as not being able to go anywhere without permission.”
“You exaggerate,” Timothy scoffed.
“You do not have any inkling of what this may do to me if Father and Mother know. Mother has already confined me to these walls and forbidden me to be anywhere near the Duke. I cannot bear any more restrictions on my life, Timothy. Please.”
“Mother is only doing her best to care for you. She has your best interests at heart.”
Lillian rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
“She hasherinterests at heart, you mean.”
Timothy lowered the letter and gazed at his sister. He did not enjoy seeing his little sister in distress, and he realized that the only way to ease her worries was to comply with her request.
“I wish to make myself perfectly clear, sister. I will not inform Father or Mother of this letter, but if anything were to happen, or should you receive another letter, I must tell them.”
Lillian pursed her lips and clasped her hands together. She nodded and approached her brother.
“Agreed. Thank you, brother.”
Timothy held up the letter and looked at his sister.
“And I will keep this safe and away from Mother’s roaming eyes.”
“Will you inform the Duke of this?”
Timothy shifted his weight and nodded.
