Page 4 of The Undesirable Duke
“Not at all. I am merely trying to do my best for you, Lillian. I want you to have the best life possible. And I am more than aware that finding a husband is the last thing on your own list of priorities, but it is important to me, and your father.”
“And our family as well.”
“Precisely, my dear,” Lady Welsford murmured as she gently touched Lillian’s cheek. “For generations, the Colborne family has prided itself on its impeccable reputation. Our marriages have lasted lifetimes, with no unpleasantness, and we have produced heirs to keep the family going, or the families we marry into, for the daughters.”
“And I am failing to fulfill that by not being married yet.”
Lillian lowered her gaze with regret. She knew of her family and its history, but she had not realized how important it was to her mother. Her father never badgered her with these things, as he was a man of few words. As many people described him, he was the strong, silent type, and it was the truth. But when he spoke, people paid attention, as it would be something important.
And while Lord Welsford commanded authority, he was kind and gentle in Lillian’s company. Perhaps it was because Lillian was his only daughter, and he had a very special place in his heart for her.
“It is not that, but finding a husband is good. Finding therighthusband is better.”
“And how do I know who is the right one?”
“We don’t unless it is a love match, and those are rather rare. But Lord Bertram is a good man. He comes from a family which has both wealth and influence. I believe he also attended Oxford.”
Lillian’s eyes sparkled with interest, and she pointed out, “Perhaps Timothy might know him.”
“I already asked, but your brother was vague with his answer.”
“Perhaps he is aware of something you are not, Mother.”
“Do not say such things, Lillian.”
Lady Welsford stared sternly at Lillian, working her lower lip anxiously. She did not intend to upset her mother, especially not when it came to suitors. Or her brother, for that matter. He was the apple of her eye.
“WhereisTimothy? Was he not supposed to join us this afternoon?”
Lady Welsford fobbed Lillian off and shook her head.
“Your brother would rather be anywhere else than keep his mother and sister company, it seems.”
“It must be nice to do whatever one pleases,” Lillian muttered.
“Do not mumble, dear.”
“Oh, it was nothing important, Mother.”
As she looked into the distance, across the park, which was now covered by a light whisper of snow, Lillian’s eye followed the stone pathway and she noticed her older brother, Timothy, strolling towards them. Timothy exuded confidence and charm when wearing his usual attire of dark breeches, black boots, a dark jacket with an emerald-green cravat, and a bright smile.
The young ladies of theton, as well as their mamas, adored Timothy, but he had not shown significant interest in any of them, and of course, courting was out of the question. Despite his age of six and twenty, he had no thought of marriage, and Lillian's mother uttered not a single word about it. It was infuriating to Lillian, as she had been pestered nonstop since her Come Out. Perhaps, like her brother, she also did not wish to be married. But of course, no one listened to her.
“Timothy, my darling.”
Lillian watched as Lady Welsford beamed at Timothy, embracing him lovingly. Timothy winked at Lillian and eventually pulled away from his mother.
“Mother. My dear sister. Are you enjoying your stroll?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
He was well aware of how much Lillian despised these strolls with their mother. It was as though she was put on show like a prize calf, ready for the slaughter.
“It is lovely. In fact, we were speaking of you a few moments ago.”
“You were?” Timothy asked and cocked his head at Lillian.
“Indeed. Mother wishes to arrange for Lord Bertram to call, and I want to know if he is a good suitor.”
Timothy shifted his weight rather uncomfortably and his jaw clenched. He appeared nervous and swallowed hard.
