Page 17 of The Undesirable Duke
But the only person on Lillian’s mind was the handsome man who had caught her in front of the modiste. She still smelled the scent of him on her clothing and she would never be able to forget the intensity of his hazel eyes. Lillian shivered at the thought, and she lowered her gaze.
“But who was this stranger who rescued you from humiliation, sister?”
Timothy’s voice startled her, and her thoughts of the handsome gentleman instantly vanished. She lightly shrugged her shoulders and sipped her tea.
“I am not certain. He was not able to introduce himself, nor was I for that matter.”
“That is a pity, as it is clear that he made quite an impression on you, sister.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have not seen your cheeks so colored in a long time, and you are smiling rather dreamily.”
“Stop it,” Lillian giggled.
“Perhaps you shall fall at his feet again and he will properly introduce himself.”
“Or perhaps she ought to forget about a man who does not make an effort to introduce himself. The man is hiding something,” Lade Welsford muttered before sipping her tea.
“The only reason he did not, was because you rudely interrupted him,” Lillian pointed out.
“Is this true, Mother?”
“Please, spare me the interrogation. A man like that should not be walking the streets of Mayfair, not even during the off-season.”
“I do not understand what this man did that made you despise him so,” Lillian uttered.
“It does not matter, andhemost certainly does not matter. Shall we speak of Lord Bertram? It will be a much more pleasant conversation,” Lady Welsford suggested.
“And what do you wish to discuss about Lord Bertram?” Timothy asked.
“I am arranging for him to call at our home in a few days. Perhaps we can invite him to have dinner with us as well. I do feel that he is a good match.”
“He has shown an interest?”
“He has. In fact, he seems very interested.”
“Really?” Lillian asked calmly.
“Indeed. Is that not wonderful? He owns a lovely country home in Kent and a townhouse in Grosvenor Square. Lillian would not be too far away. We could visit as often as they allow us, and you and Lord Bertram can get reacquainted.”
“Reacquainted?”
“Lord Bertram attended Oxford with Timothy.”
Lillian’s eyes widened and she stared at her brother.
“You did not tell me this.”
“I did not feel the need to. I wish you to make up your own mind about him, sister.”
“Since when do I have that luxury?” Lillian muttered and rose to her feet. “Pardon me, I need some air.”
Before Timothy and Lady Welsford were able to say anything, Lillian left the tearoom and stood outside. She drew in deep breaths and calmed herself. She was growing weary of her mother controlling her life, especially when it came to suitors.
Lillian looked around her, hoping to see the handsome gentleman she was not able to stop thinking of. Of course, she realized it was foolish, and wishful thinking from her side to even consider the possibility that he might wish to see her again. But there was no harm in looking around, after all, what were the chances that she would bump into him twice in a row?
“She is only taking care of you, Lillian,” Timothy said, suddenly beside her.
