Page 69 of The Undesirable Duke
“One day, when you have a daughter, you will understand, dearest,” Lord Welsford said, placing his hand on Lillian’s shoulder.
“Perhaps,” Lillian whispered.
“If I may, Lillian, why do you feel so strongly about proving the Duke’s innocence? You have not known Yarmouth for very long, and he’s practically a stranger.”
Lillian drew in an anxious breath and briefly pursed her lips.
“I am not certain, Father. From the moment that I met the Duke, despite not being aware it was he who assisted me outside the modiste, I was unable to stop thinking of him. His warm eyes, his gentle touch. My heart pounds when I am near him, and I have never felt such feelings before.” Lady Welsford’s eyes widened, and she stared at Lillian silently. Lillian blinked rapidly and turned to Timothy, who flashed a reassuring smile at her. Clearly, Timothy was not concerned that she had feelings for the Duke since he was a much better choice than Lord Bertram. His supportive nod was a clear indication that he approved if they were to start courting. Lillian cleared her throat and turned back to her parents. “What I feel for the Duke cannot be described. Mother, Father, it has taken me by surprise, and it was most certainly not planned.”
Lady Welsford’s brow furrowed, and she shook her head.
“Lillian, this is insanity.”
“Marrying Lord Bertram would be insanity, Mother. He was the person who intentionally ruined the Duke’s reputation, sent me a threatening letter because I was spending time with the Duke, and caused damage to the Duke’s home. How can you even consider asking me to marry a man such as that?”
“Lillian is correct, darling,” Lord Welsford nodded.
Lady Welsford sighed and touched her temple.
“May I speak with Lillian for a moment, in private?”
“Of course,” Lord Welsford answered, and he and Timothy quietly left the room.
Lillian wrung her hands and drew in a deep breath. She grew nervous as her mother approached her slowly, and she feared that her mother would not understand.
“Mother, I am truly sorry. I did not mean to upset you. Truly.”
“Quiet, Lillian. I do not wish to hear any more from you this evening. I am exhausted, and my soul is weary at the thought of my daughter acting the way that she does. I was aware of your defiance, but I did not anticipate that you would lose your heart to someone not deserving of you.”
“Mother, how can you say such a thing? The Duke is a wonderful man.”
“And you are to stay as far away from him as possible,” Lady Welsford ordered.
“I do not understand. Mere moments ago, you and Father-”
“I have made my decision, Lillian. Please do not defy me again. Or you will force my hand in the worst way possible.”
Lillian pursed her lips to suppress her sadness and disappointment and stared at her mother.
“And you are not allowed to leave this house, either. Do I make myself clear, Lillian?” Lady Welsford ordered.
“Yes, Mother,” Lillian nodded, her heart shattering into sharp shards inside her.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Bertram.”
Samuel’s voice was loud and firm inside one of the rooms at White’s, and he did not care much if others noticed. Several gentlemen paused and glanced at him before continuing their conversations as Samuel approached Lord Bertram.
Samuel did not frequent White’s very much, but he had heard from Lord Timothy that Lord Bertram was known for spending his evenings at that gentlemen’s club. Lord Timothy had been of great assistance in locating Lord Bertram for him since Lord Timothy knew London and its people much better than Samuel did. Samuel had expected that his absence from Town would have left him at a disadvantage, but thankfully, Lord Timothy was on his side.
Lord Bertram’s gaze shifted from the drink in his hand to Samuel, and despite his attempts to hide his fear, his eyes widened significantly. Samuel smiled smugly and approached the table where Lord Bertram was seated.
“You are just the person I wish to speak with, Bertram,” Samuel grinned and pulled up a chair.
Lord Bertram gazed nervously at him and swallowed hard.
“And why is that, Your Grace?”
