Page 65 of The Undesirable Duke
“You are not supposed to be here in the first place, Lillian.”
Her brother’s tone was dry as he reminded her. She rolled her eyes and turned to Samuel.
“Our parents are not aware that we have left our home.”
“That certainly does not help. Your mother will be furious.”
“Do not fret. Timothy has already vowed that he will take all of the blame.”
“Still, you cannot come along, sister,” Lord Timothy added with an apologetic expression.
“No, you cannot exclude me from this. I was the one who made the connection. I was the one who recognized the writing. I…” Lady Lillian’s voice trailed off as she realized that nothing she could possibly say would sway Samuel and Lord Timothy. “That is not fair.”
“You must understand, Lady Lillian,” Samuel murmured and took her hand. “I do not wish any harm to come to you. It is best you that you return home before your parents realize that you are not there. I certainly do not wish your mother to be knocking on my door in a fit of righteous anger. She is rather terrifying.”
Lady Lillian giggled and nodded.
“She can be quite terrifying, indeed. But I wish to do this. And if there are repercussions, I would gladly face them.”
A grateful smile appeared on Samuel’s lips, and he stared at her quietly, still gently holding her hand. He could not seem to let go, although he was well aware that it was more than improper. Whenever he was with Lady Lillian, he did not mind throwing caution to the wind and taking a risk as his feelings for her grew stronger each day.
“I have a thought.”
Lord Timothy’s voice pulled him from his thoughts, and he turned to Lord Timothy, releasing Lady Lillian’s hand. He did not wish to be too forward, although he was certain that Lady Lillian did not mind at all. She was a rare gem and very tolerant of things which others would frown upon instantly.
“Perhaps you could accompany us and remain in the carriage.”
“What good would that do? I will not be able to see Lord Bertram’s face once you confront him.”
Samuel stifled an amused chuckle.
“Your sister is truly wonderful, Colborne.”
Lord Timothy pursed his lips and sighed, surrendering to his sister.
“Fine, you may come, but-”
“You will not regret it,” Lady Lillian interjected.
As the trio stepped out of Samuel’s home towards his carriage, the familiar sight of Lady Lillian’s family’s secondcarriage came around the corner and headed straight towards them.
Lady Lillian gasped and instinctively reached for Samuel’s arm. Lord Timothy stepped in front of her, shielding her, as did Samuel.
The carriage stopped near them, and much to their horror, Lord and Lady Welsford stepped down from it.
“Oh, dear,” Lord Timothy muttered under his breath.
“Oh, this is where my children are. Imagine my surprise,” Lady Welsford sneered.
“Good evening, Your Grace,” Lord Welsford greeted Samuel nonchalantly.
“Lord Welsford, good evening to you as well.”
“It is certainly not a good evening. Where do you think you two are off to at this time of the night?” Lady Welsford inquired, her gaze as sharp as broken shards of glass.
Lady Lillian peered through the space between Lord Timothy and Samuel.
“We were on our way-”
