Page 32 of The Undesirable Duke
“I wanted to, Lady Lillian. When I saw it, I knew that I had to get it for you.”
Much to Lillian’s surprise, Lord Bertram revealed a small wooden carved box and handed it to her. It was not very heavy, and Lillian’s curiosity was too much to contain. She lifted the lid and stared at a lovely brooch of a dragonfly, with a green gemstone set in the center of its body.
She gasped softly and lightly fingered the delicate brooch.
“It is beautiful. I have never seen anything like it. Thank you, my Lord. But what prompted this gift?”
“When your mother invited me to Welsford House, I was relieved, and delighted of course. I did not think that I would ever have the opportunity to call upon you, Lady Lillian.”
“My mother speaks of you a lot, so it does not surprise me that she invited you, my Lord,” Lillian pointed out.
“That is certainly a relief to hear. She appears to be more fond of me than your brother is.”
“I do not understand it either. Were you and Timothy not at Oxford together?” Lillian asked. “I asked him, and it seems that he does not wish to give me a straight answer. I do not know why.”
“Simply because we attended the same university does not make us friends. Perhaps your brother is protective of his sister, and only wishes the best for you.”
“I am not certain of anything any longer,” Lillian said and gazed at the brooch. “Thank you for the lovely gift, my Lord. It is truly beautiful.”
“Not nearly as beautiful as you, Lady Lillian.”
Lillian lowered her gaze shyly and her cheek colored. It was not every day that she was called beautiful by a prospective suitor, much less one sitting on the other side of the sofa with her.
“You are too kind with your words.”
“Lady Lillian, I believe that Lady Montague is hosting a festive ball the evening after tomorrow. If you and your family are planning to attend, I would like to reserve a spot, or even two, on your dance card, if that pleases you, my Lady.”
“That would be delightful. I do enjoy dancing,” Lillian nodded.
“Wonderful. I look forward to it.”
Lillian smiled at the lovely gift Lord Bertram had given her and shifted her gaze to him. His light brown hair was swept back away from his face, and the stubble on his cheeks and chin was barely there, and very neatly groomed. He was impeccably dressed in his daywear; his coattails and breeches were the same shade of dark grey. His crisp white shirt and cravat perfectly contrasted with the emerald-green gem in his cravat pin and complimented his skin tone.
She was not certain why Timothy did not approve of him, as he seemed to be a decent man with wealth almost as vast as herown family’s. He spoke to her in a kind voice, and he was a rather attractive man.
But much to Lillian’s dismay, she realized that she felt nothing in his presence. He was not the Duke.
Nor would he ever be.
Chapter Eleven
“Colborne,” Samuel said suddenly, breaking the silence.
Up until the moment that he spoke, their boots on the walkway were the only sound to be heard. It was another cold winter’s day, but Samuel and Timothy were dressed warmly, and the winter air did not deter them from their stroll along Regent’s Park.
Samuel had several things he wished to discuss with Lord Timothy, but he did not wish to do so at Welsford House.
“Yarmouth?” Lord Timothy answered.
“I do hope that I did not bring strife to your family during dinner.”
Timothy waved a dismissive hand.
“Do not be absurd. My mother can be rather theatrical at times. But it is in no way a bad reflection on you.”
“Are you certain?” Samuel asked, with concern in both his voice and on his face. “The last thing I wish to do is cause tension”
“I am quite certain.”
