Page 27 of The Undesirable Duke
“That is quite alright, my Lady,” Samuel dismissed her concerns. “I am certain that Lady Lillian did not mean any offense.”
“I did not, Your Grace. I did not mean to show any disrespect,” Lady Lillian spoke slowly, her eyes sparkling.
“There is no need to apologize. But while we are on the subject, allow me to clear the air. Indeed, there are rumors around town of me.”
“Which are completely false,” Lord Timothy stated clearly. “His Grace has not even been in London for the last two years, to do what is said of him.”
Lady Welsford appeared unconvinced by this and raised an apprehensive brow.
“If the claims are false, why is everyone speaking of it?”
Samuel hesitated and glanced at Lord Timothy, who appeared ready to answer any questions.
“It appears that someone falsely wrote those tales of His Grace to ruin his reputation on purpose,” Lord Timothy answered. “It was published in the Lambeth Times, and it spread like wildfire. His Grace does not deserve to be shunned from society because of untruths.”
Lady Lillian frowned and shook her head.
“But who would do such a thing? From what I have seen tonight, Your Grace is not worthy to be shunned.”
“Thank you, Lady Lillian. Your words are kind. To answer your question, I am not certain,” Samuel answered, and their gazes locked for a short time. “I was hoping that my return to Town would enable me to seek out the person, but I am not certain whether it will be possible to locate him.”
“And what makes Your Grace think it is a man?” Lady Lillian asked quietly.
Samuel’s brow furrowed, and he stared at Lady Lillian with a puzzled expression.
“That is a rather good question,” Lord Welsford pointed out. “Are there any suspects?”
Lady Welsford placed her cutlery on her plate loudly, the clattering echoed through the dining room.
“You all speak as though this is a mystery that needs to be solved.”
“But it is, Mother.”
“And it is quite intriguing, you must admit, darling.”
“No, it is not. I have expressed my feelings towards His Grace rather forthrightly and I stand by it. I do not wish our family’s reputation to be sullied by these rumors as a result of Timothy insisting on inviting the Duke to join us for dinner and Christmas. And although I will not chase His Grace from our home, please do not expect me to be happy with this arrangement. Come along, Lillian. Let us allow the gentlemen to speak freely amongst themselves. Their discussions are certainly not for our delicate ears.”
“But I have not finished.”
“Now, Lillian.”
Lady Welsford rose to her feet and stared expectantly at Lady Lillian. Lady Lillian placed her cutlery on her plate and slowly rose to her feet with a sigh.
“It was lovely to meet you, Your Grace,” she said quietly.
“And you, Lady Lillian.”
As the two ladies left the dining room, the gentlemen were quiet as the tension lingered for a few moments.
Lord Welsford wiped the corner of his mouth and looked at Samuel.
“I apologize for my wife. She is rather stressed at the moment. It is Lillian’s third Season since her Come Out and she has not yet found a suitable match. It has taken its toll on my wife.”
“And what of Lady Lillian?”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“Has searching for a husband taken its toll on your daughter as well?”
