Page 24 of The Undesirable Duke
Lillian immediately took a step back, as did the handsome gentleman, but it now felt as if he was much too far away from Lillian, much to her dismay.
“Indeed we have. I was not aware that you had such a beautiful sister, Colborne.”
“Of course. It goes without saying that she’s beautiful - simply take a look at my mother,” Timothy grinned as Lady and Lord Welsford also entered the drawing room.
Lillian would have grown shy and her cheeks colored, but as she turned her attention to her mother, she was distracted by how pale her mother looked.
Her mother’s eyes were narrowed, her lips pursed into a thin line and her shoulders were tense. She wore what could only be described as an expression of contempt and disdain as she glared at the gentleman in the drawing room.
“We have not been formally introduced yet, brother,” Lillian pointed out to her brother.
A brilliant, yet somewhat tense smile appeared on her brother’s face, his eyes sparkling with delight.
“Yarmouth, this is my lovely sister, Lady Lillian Colborne.”
Lillian smiled at him with a nod.
“Sister, may I introduce my good friend, His Grace, the Duke of Yarmouth.”
Lillian’s smile immediately disappeared and was replaced by a look of shock and surprise, followed by a gasp. She had not expected that the man who had gallantly rescued her would turn out to be the Duke of Yarmouth. He was the very man who she’d heard the two ladies speak of at the modiste. But how could that be true?
How could that delightfully polite and charming man be the same man who was said to have gambled away his fortune and who kept the company of women of easy virtue?
That was simply not possible. She could not believe it of him.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Lillian.”
“And you, Your Grace.”
Lillian smoothed her dress and glanced at her mother, who was still speechless. The color had returned to her face, and it was more prominent now than ever. It was quiet in the drawing room for what felt like an eternity until Lady Welsford cleared her throat and turned to Lord Welsford.
“If thetonwere to hear of this-”
“That is quite enough, my dear,” Lord Welsford interjected. “Now, shall we all go to the dining room? Dinner is served.”
Lillian pursed her lips and, as they left the drawing room, she could not help but notice the Duke’s gaze on her as she walked past him to the dining room.
Chapter Nine
Samuel was impressed with the dinner table and realized that the Colborne family was much wealthier than he had thought. He had known that Lord Timothy was the only son of the Earl of Welsford, who was a very influential man with numerous business dealings, but he had certainly underestimated their success.
Welsford House was an exquisite home in Mayfair, with stone steps that led to the front door, and lavender bushes with a delicate and delightful scent. The home was large in comparison to other houses in the street, which made the Colbornes’ success and status obvious. Both the drawing room and the dining room in the home were spacious and luxuriously decorated, with furnishings that certainly appeared to be imported.
The drawing room, where he had laid eyes on Lady Lillian after believing that he would never see her again, was bright even during the sunset. The room was drenched in a golden glow, illuminating her skin, and he was both stunned and mesmerized by her beauty. Even during dinner, it was rather difficult for Samuel to tear his eyes away from her. Much to his delight, she spoke often, and it would have been considered rude if he did not look at her while she spoke.
“What brings you back to London, Your Grace?” Lord Welsford asked. “I understand that your estate is in Cornwall.”
Samuel softly cleared his throat and looked at Lord Welsford.
“I have some business to tend to in town, my Lord.”
“And it could not wait until after Christmas?” Lady Welsford asked, her eyes narrowed and sharply focused on Samuel.
“It was not something I could wave off until the new year, my Lady. It is quite urgent and requires my immediate attention.”
“What kind of business, Your Grace?” Lady Lillian inquired, and Samuel gazed at her, his eyes softening.
“Darling, do not be intrusive,” Lady Welsford warned her daughter.
