Page 57 of The Undesirable Duke
“Certainly,” Lord Timothy nodded.
Samuel rose from the chair he was seated in and quietly left the parlor. He made his way to the study, which looked a lot better than it had. He retrieved a letter from his desk and returned to the parlor, where Lord Timothy waited for him.
“This is for your sister. Would you kindly ensure that she receives it?” Samuel asked, handing him the letter. “It is merely a letter explaining why I cannot stay in London any longer and that I wish her the best for the future.”
Lord Timothy looked struck with concern as he took the letter from Samuel and nodded.
“Of course. But would it not be better to speak to her personally?”
“Your mother will not allow it, and I do not wish to cause any more disturbances.”
Lord Timothy stared at the letter.
“Lillian will be heartbroken.”
“As am I, but there is no other way. I cannot allow my presence to ruin your sister’s chance of finding a husband, even if that man is not me.”
“Yarmouth, I am at a loss for words.”
Samuel pursed his lips and nodded, the guilt filling him up. He should never have journeyed to London. The rumors of him would have faded on their own, over time, and people would have forgotten about them. By coming to London, he had given the writer of the article the power in the situation, as Samuel had walked directly into his trap. That had been the writer’s plan all along, Samuel now believed. He had sought Samuel out and was now intent on ruining everyone close to him.
“I should never have come. I played right into his hands. He baited me, and I fell for it.”
There was an elongated silence in the parlor as the two friends sat quietly, pondering what was to come.
Truthfully, Samuel did not wish to leave London. He had developed feelings for Lady Lillian, and as much as he wished to pursue them, he could not. He had brought enough strife to her already, and he did not wish his presence to disrupt her life any longer. She was confined to her home because of him. Her reputation was on the verge of being ruined because of him.
He could not, in good conscience, remain in London and allow harm to Lady Lillian’s reputation. Despite his feelings for her, it would be best if they did not keep in contact any longer. It saddened him to imagine how heartbroken she would be when she read his letter, but there was no other way forward that he could see.
“Would you care to stay for dinner, Colborne?” Samuel suddenly inquired.
“I do not wish to be a burden upon you during this time.”
“Nonsense. I enjoy your company, and your presence brings me much comfort,” Samuel smiled faintly.
“Very well. That would be lovely. Thank you. I do believe that you are doing me a favor, for I can only imagine that dinner will be quite tense at Welsford House.”
“Wonderful. I will inform Mrs. Hall.”
Samuel rang for Mrs. Hall, and she entered the parlor.
“Your Grace.”
“Lord Timothy will be joining me for dinner this evening.”
“I will make the necessary arrangements, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Hall.”
As the housekeeper left the parlor, Samuel stared at the cut on his hand and sighed.
“I have been trying to think of who this scoundrel could be. But not a single soul comes to mind.”
“Lillian is convinced that it is someone in your past who you have wronged,” Lord Timothy pointed out.
Samuel stared at Lord Timothy, and his brow furrowed.
“Who I have wronged? I have not wronged anyone. I have not even been in Town for two years. Who could I have wronged?”
