Page 56 of The Undesirable Duke
“Please, do not. I cannot stand being here by myself. Mrs. Hall insists on tending to my hand a hundred times a day - I understand that she means well, but it is driving me quite mad. I simply wish to be kept busy so that my mind does not focus on the havoc.”
Lord Timothy chuckled.
“Someone must care for you, Yarmouth.”
The two men were silent for a while, and Samuel shifted in his seat.
“How is your sister?”
Lord Timothy’s jaw clenched, and immediately, Samuel knew that something was amiss.
“My sister is as well as she can be. I am aware of your meeting in the shadows, as is our mother.”
Samuel’s shoulders tensed.
“Colborne, it is not what you think. She merely wished to have a word with me. I did not touch her, I swear.”
“She informed me of what a gentleman you were, but I was already aware of that. You are a good man, Yarmouth, and would not do anything to cause harm to my sister,” Lord Timothy explained. “Or her reputation.”
“Thank you. Your words are kind.”
Lord Timothy cleared his throat, and his gaze grew pensive.
“She sends her apologies if your meeting somehow caused the malice done to your home.”
“Why on earth would she feel responsible?”
“She is convinced that the man who is threatening you saw you together and made good on his threats.”
Samuel’s jaw tightened, and he shook his head in disagreement.
“She is not at fault. The state of my home is not her doing. Please make her aware of that. I carry no ill feelings towards her. On the contrary…”
“I am aware. You care for my sister. She cares for you as well. Perhaps too much,” Lord Timothy stated, and Samuel stared at him in surprise. “Her words, not mine.”
Samuel sighed and shrugged his shoulders.
“It does not even matter. She is not allowed anywhere near me, and your mother would certainly not be pleased if I requested to court your sister. From what I have seen, she would remove me from your home in the instant.”
“I will not argue with that. I am sorry.”
“There is no need to apologize. It is simply not in the cards for us. In fact, I think that it is best for me to stay away from your sister altogether. I should not contact her or drive past your home any longer.”
“Yarmouth, I am certain that, if your reputation is restored, my mother will feel differently.”
Lord Timothy was clearly attempting to reassure him, but it did not work.
“I doubt that. I do not wish to bring any more negative attention to your family,” Samuel sighed.
“You are leaving,” Lord Timothy said simply.
Samuel nodded.
“I feel obligated to. I have made quite a mess with my presence, and I no longer wish to affect others. I will remain in London for two more days while preparations are made,and then I will return to Cornwall. I do not wish to sully your Christmas any further than I already have.”
“I understand, Yarmouth. I will relay your words to Lillian.”
“Give me one moment, please.”
