Page 18 of Bound to the Heartless Duke
He stood up and went to the door, holding Nathan’s arm as he led him into the drawing room.
Lily let out a long breath, just realizing that she had been holding it the whole time.
Nathan appeared both startled, as though he hadn’t been expecting the duke’s presence in the drawing room and unease at being in the man’s presence again.. He cast perplexed glances at his sister, as if prompting her to help him out.
“I was thinking just now,” the Duke said, “of renovating this drawing room. It could become mine one day… who knows? And I want it to be a little more… modern and presentable. I need your opinion on this.”
Lily gulped at his choice of words and bit her lower lip. But she didn’t look up, still focusing on her embroidery.
“I wouldn’t,” Nathan stuttered.
Lily looked up at his tone. While it betrayed his fear, she sensed there was anger hidden underneath, confirmed by the icy going his eyes held as he looked at the duke. She could tell her brother's pride had been bruised and he didn't like that one but.
“I don’t know what to say to that, Your Grace. I do not… think I should have a say in that.” He lowered his head.
Lily shifted her attention to the Duke just to see his smug smirk vanish as he rose from his seat.
He’s enjoying this!
“Ah, right,” he said, casting a glance around the room. “Of course. It won’t be your house anymore. Excuse me.”
He gave Nathan a firm pat on the shoulder and left.
Nathan waited until the Duke stepped out of the room before rushing to sit beside Lily.
“Oh, look who has his mind back,” she teased with a deadpan look, then went back to her embroidery.
“I have news,” he announced, almost vibrating with excitement, “Really good news I think you should hear.”
She glanced at him before looking back at her embroidery. “Go on.”
“I think I have found a solution to all of our problems.”
She paused for a moment. “I’m a little curious. Does this include your spending and gambling problem, too?”
Nathan frowned hard, much to her pleasure. “Just listen to me, Lily.”
She rolled her eyes. “I am listening to you, Nathan. What is this solution you are so excited to share?”
He hesitated. “Well, I can’t tell you yet. First, I need to be completely sure that it will work, then I will tell you about it.In detail.”
Now she stopped and narrowed her eyes at him.
“Then why tell me about it if you are not going to tell me about it?” she asked, a little upset.
He stood up and walked to the window. “I just want you to know that I am also doing everything I can to pay off our debts. I don’t want you to think that you are the only one making an effort.”
“Ourdebts?” She raised an eyebrow. “Need I remind you that you are the Earl of Medlin and that the debts are attached toyourtitle, and not the family name? Have you also forgotten that I will not be duty bound to help you the moment I marry?”
Nathan waved a hand dismissively. “I know all of that. I know. But for now, it’sourdebts. And we have to handle it together.”
Wasn’t he obsessed with fixing it all on his own before?
She chose to ignore him and resumed her embroidery. “And what is this brilliant solution you have discovered?”
“I shall tell you later. I promise.”
He turned away from the window and walked out of the room, leaving her to worry about whatever he was planning.
