Page 77 of The Undesirable Duke
Lord Welsford cleared his throat and stepped forward.
“While I certainly appreciate that Your Grace came here and asked for my permission in person, I believe that you have forgotten something rather important.”
Samuel’s brow furrowed, and his hands dropped to his sides.
“And what might that be, my Lord?”
“My daughter’s permission,” Lord Welsford answered. “My only wish for my daughter is that she is happy, and I do believe that, a short while ago, she expressed herself very clearly regarding her feelings for Your Grace.”
Samuel’s brows shot up, and he turned to Lady Lillian.
“Is that so?”
“Indeed,” Lillian nodded and slowly approached Samuel.
“And in what manner did you express yourself so very clearly?”
Lady Lillian smiled, and Samuel held out his hand to her. She took it, and he squeezed her hand gently.
“If you must know, I shared a piece of my heart with my family. I have never known such feelings, prior to meeting you. Even when I did not know who you were, outside the modiste’s, there was something about you that spoke to me. Your kind eyes, the warmth of your touch, and the ease of your presence made our first meeting very unforgettable. And it madeyouvery unforgettable.”
“Your words are kind, Lady Lillian,” Samuel smiled and lowered his gaze.
“They are truthful, Your Grace. I have not met a man who could compete with you. I have thought of you incessantly from the moment that we met, and the times we spent together were truly delightful. And you are a wonderful dancer, despite not thinking so.”
Samuel smiled happily and took both of Lady Lillian’s hands in his. He tenderly stroked her soft skin and gazed deeply into her eyes.
“Lady Lillian, I wish to court you, if you allow me to.”
Lady Lillian briefly gazed at her parents and Lord Timothy, who smiled with encouragement and reassurance. Their support meant a great deal to Lady Lillian, Samuel could see, and she nodded.
Turning her attention back to Samuel, she drew in a deep breath.
“I would very much like that, Your Grace.”
Samuel squeezed her hand lightly, and his smile widened even more.
“I am delighted to hear that, Lady Lillian”
“Now you truly are part of the family, Yarmouth.”
Samuel’s brow furrowed, and he turned to Lord Timothy.
“I was under the impression I already was.”
Lord Timothy chuckled as Lord Welsford came to stand in front of Samuel.
“Your Grace.”
“Lord Welsford. I must apologize for the disruption which I have caused your family,” Samuel uttered. “It was most certainly not my intention.”
Lord Welsford shook his head.
“Please, do not apologize, Your Grace. Winters are dreary as it is, and you simply brought some excitement to it. I am certainly not complaining, and I am most grateful that it was an eventful time.”
“Eventful is not the word I would use,” Lady Welsford pointed out.
Samuel turned to Lady Welsford and nodded apologetically.
