Page 52 of The Undesirable Duke
A light knock on the door caused the siblings to shift their focus, and a maid stood in the doorway.
“Lord Timothy, a note came for you from Fletcher House,” she said quietly.
“Ah, thank you,” Timothy said as he rose to his feet and approached the maid.
Taking the note from her, he unfolded it, and his eyes widened in shock. Lillian immediately noticed his distress.
“Whatever is the matter, Timothy?”
“It is from Yarmouth.”
“Did something happen?” she inquired.
“The drawing room window at his home was shattered, and his study was ransacked.”
Lillian’s jaw dropped in shock, and she stared at Timothy.
“Is the Duke well?”
“He is. Nothing of value was stolen, and no one was harmed.”
Lillian breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.
“I am relieved to hear that.”
Timothy’s jaw tightened, and he cleared his throat.
“Pardon me, sister.”
Before Lillian was able to respond, Timothy exited the room and left Lillian behind. As she pondered in silence, a dreadful thought caused her to shudder. What if the person who had damaged the Duke’s home had seen them together last eve? Despite being shielded by the cover of darkness, it was still possible that someone had noticed her and the Duke disappearing into the trees of the small park. What if it was the same person who had sent the threatening letters? Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt rather dizzy. She could not keep that from her brother, despite every shred of her being urging her to stay silent. What would Timothy think of her?
Lillian shook her head and quietly left the room in search of her brother. She found him in the drawing room, where he paced nervously.
“Brother, are you well?” she asked.
“I am worried about the Duke, Lillian. His return to London was to be peaceful, and allow him to spend Christmas with our family. Now, it has caused you to be imprisoned at home, with threats looming over your head, and now his home has been violated. I think the correct question would be, ishewell.”
“Is he?”
“I am not certain. I can imagine that this is not easy for him, having his home violated in such a manner. It is unacceptable.Perhaps I should speak with Father and convince him to allow the Duke to stay here.”
“Mother will never permit that.”
Timothy shook his head.
“But we must do something. He is my friend, and I do not wish him to be in danger.”
Lillian nodded and was filled with guilt. She had to say something. She drew in a deep breath and looked at her brother, who paced the length of the drawing room.
“Brother?” Lillian asked. Timothy turned on his heel and stared at Lillian with a furrowed brow. “I must tell you something.”
“Can it wait? I wish to visit Yarmouth and see if he is well.”
“It cannot wait,” Lillian uttered as she shook her head.
Timothy shifted his weight and stared impatiently at her.
“Well? What is it that you wish to tell me?”
