Page 54 of The Undesirable Duke
“No, sister. You cannot be seen in his company. If the man who is threatening you both sees you together again, he might attempt something even more drastic.”
“I will be accompanying you. I do not see the issue.”
“Lillian, please do not be difficult.”
Lillian crossed her arms defiantly.
“But I must tell him that I did not mean this to happen.”
“I am certain that he is well aware of that. But as I said, I do not wish you to join me.”
“The Duke is not at fault here, brother. He was a perfect gentleman. There was a moment between us that I thought he might kiss me, but he did not.”
“I do not wish to hear another word, sister. It is best that you stay here. I will ensure that your apology reaches Yarmouth.”
“Very well,” Lillian sighed.
“I am sorry, sister, but I cannot allow this.”
“Nor can I.”
Lillian’s blood ran cold inside her veins, and she slowly turned to the door of the drawing room. Her mother stood there, with a very disapproving and angry expression on her face. Lillian exhaled as her mother crossed her arms, glaring at her daughter.
“Mother.”
“Not another word from you, Lillian. Leave us be, Timothy.”
“Very well,” Timothy nodded and looked apologetically at Lillian before leaving the drawing room.
Lillian grew increasingly nervous as her mother approached her, and she shivered with fear.
“Mother, I-”
“I said, not another word. Do I make myself clear?” Lillian, too afraid to say anything, simply nodded. “I cannot even begin to explain how disappointed I am with you. You not onlydisobeyed my wishes, but you slipped out of the house to meet the Duke,” her mother exclaimed.
“But nothing happened, Mother. I merely apologized to him-”
“Harsher rumors have started from less,” her mother interjected. “Do you have any idea what this could do to your reputation, and the reputation of the family? It could cause irreparable damage. What would we do if Lord Bertram were to hear of this? He would not be interested in you any longer. And then what will become of you? What will become of the reputation of the family?”
“Is the reputation of our family more important than my happiness, Mother?”
“They are equally important, but at certain times in one’s life, one must prioritize some things above others.”
“And my happiness does not deserve to be a top priority?” Lillian asked incredulously.
“Cease the theatrics, Lillian,” her mother hissed.
“Why is it so very shameful for you that I am not yet married? Would you rather me marry a man I do not love than end up as a spinster?” Lillian exclaimed.
“Do not speak to me in that manner. To your bedchambers, now.”
Lillian’s lower lip quivered as she was filled with anger and sadness. Her eyes welled up with tears, but she knew that further defiance would not be accepted by her mother. She had already crossed a line, and now there was no way back from it. Her mother had tolerated a great deal of defiance from Lillian for her entire life, but Lillian realized that her mother had now had enough. Her mother’s face had never before colored to such a deep crimson hue, and it was only a matter of time before her mother might suffer an apoplexy, she was sure.
“Do not simply stand there. Go, Lillian.”
Her mother pointed to the stairs and glared at Lillian.
Lillian turned on her heel and left the drawing room as calmly as possible. She did not wish to make a scene or to show her mother any reaction. That would only give her mother the satisfaction of having affected her, and Lillian wanted no such thing. After what her mother had said to her, she would now prefer to be alone to manage the overwhelming emotions inside her.
