Page 47 of The Undesirable Duke
“It seems that there is no other way. He must be made aware of how urgent the matter is now.”
“Very well.”
“I will tell him, and together, we will find a solution. I promise you.”
Lillian worked her bottom lip and lowered her gaze. Despite speaking to her brother about her dilemma, she still felt uneasy. The writer of the article, who was intent on ruining the Duke’s reputation, had now set his sights on her. Terror filled her body, and she worried that she would not be able to keep her fear under control.
“I must go,” she said simply and turned away.
She walked to the door and, as she opened it, Timothy said her name.
“Lillian?”
She gazed at him over her shoulder, and he stepped closer.
“Please do not fret. All will be well. I will not allow any harm to come to you, and nor will Yarmouth. He is fond of you.”
Lillian nodded and quietly left her brother’s bedchamber. As she made her way through the hallway to her rooms, she could not entirely contain herself, and a smile appeared on her lips.
The Duke was fond of her, and that was more than enough reason to smile.
Chapter Fifteen
“Colborne, there you are.”
Samuel had begun to wonder whether Lord Timothy would join him at Brooks that evening when he arrived. Despite it being later than he had said he would be there, Samuel did not mind.
“I was beginning to think that you had better things to do than join an old friend for a brandy,” Samuel said with a grin.
His grin faded as he noticed the tense expression on Lord Timothy’s face, and his brow furrowed.
“My sincerest apologies,” Lord Timothy said and joined Samuel at their usual table.
“Are you well, Colborne? You appear rather stressed.”
Lord Timothy sighed and turned to Samuel.
“There is something I must tell you, and there is no easy way to go about it.”
Samuel shifted in his chair, and his brow furrowed.
“If you aimed to fill me with concern, you have certainly succeeded.”
“I do apologize, Yarmouth. It was not my intention to worry you, but it is a rather urgent matter.”
“Please, do tell.”
“I also wish to ask for your discretion on the matter,” Lord Timothy spoke slowly.
“Of course.”
Samuel grew even more concerned, and sincerely hoped that everything was well with Lord Timothy and Lady Lillian.
“This letter was delivered to our home last eve. It was addressed to Lillian,” Lord Timothy said as he retrieved the letter from his breast pocket and placed it on the table. He slowly slid it over to Samuel and drew in a deep breath.
Samuel unfolded the letter, and as he read the threatening words directed at Lady Lillian, his jaw tightened, and his anger boiled up inside of him.
“Who dares to threaten your sister in such a manner?”
