Page 16 of The Undesirable Duke
“Why was I not informed of this?”
“I do not require your permission to make any decisions, especially not when they involve important matters. We are to discuss a possible marriage in the near future.”
“Whose marriage?”
“Yours, my dear.”
“I beg your pardon. I did not agree to anything, nor have I been made aware of such plans.”
“Again, dearest, I do not need to ask your permission for everything, and as a matter of fact, I said apossiblemarriage.”
Lillian’s jaw clenched angrily, but she bit her tongue. It was a futile thing to argue with her mother regarding matters of marriage and betrothals. She was in charge of that, much to Lillian’s dismay, and she would not allow her daughter to sully the family name.
Since her Come Out three years ago, Lillian had longed to meet someone who not only shared her interests but who was also handsome and interesting. Most importantly, she wished for a love match. Unfortunately, at the rate she was going, that would never happen. If she was forced to marry someone, it would have to be someone she could tolerate.
And none of her mother’s choices seemed to fit any of those criteria.
Upon their arrival at the tearooms, Lady Welsford immediately noticed Timothy waiting for them at a table by the window. Timothy enjoyed watching people, almost studying them. That was why he read people so very well. He was also an excellent judge of character and Lady Welsford often relied on his opinion regarding members of theton. He could often advise on who to trust, and who to stay far away from.
“Oh, good. You are here. I was afraid that we would have to wait for you. I am practically parched.”
Timothy hastily ordered their tea and glanced at his mother.
“Is everything well, Mother? You seem rather…”
His voice trailed off as he silently searched for the right word, but Lillian interjected.
“Distressed.”
Timothy’s brow furrowed and he shook his head in disagreement.
“I would not have used such a harsh word, but there does seem to be something amiss.”
“Mother was informing me that I should keep better company and not mingle with men who would ruin my reputation with their behavior.”
Timothy stared at his mother in confusion and inquired, “What prompted this?”
“I tripped outside the modiste’s, and a kind gentleman caught me before I fell.”
Lady Welsford’s jaw tightened.
“Perhaps in the future, you should be more careful and mindful.”
Lillian rolled her eyes and turned to her brother.
“He was lovely, Timothy. He was kind and handsome-”
“And not a good fit at all. Lord Bertram is a much better match.”
“Lord Bertram? Are you seriously considering him as a suitable husband for Lillian?” Timothy asked.
“I am. His father was well-respected-”
“That does not mean that he is, Mother.”
Lillian stared at her brother and mother, who were practically arguing about whether Lord Bertram was the kind of man Lillian should marry. Her mother was very happy with the idea, but her brother appeared very apprehensive. It was as though he knew something about Lord Bertram that their mother did not, and he was attempting to keep it concealed. Lillian found that rather surprising, as Timothy could persuade his mother of most things.
Unfortunately, when it came to Lord Bertram, her mother was steadfast and unmoving. She appeared to have made up her mind about Lillian marrying Lord Bertram. Perhaps Lillian must investigate on her own, and find out as much as she could about Lord Bertram.
