Lady St. Matthews smiled behind her teacup. “Yes, dear. I believe that is an excellent plan.”
Lilli knew her grandmother was indulging her because she secretly liked the duke. Well, old ladies had their heads turned even at eighty. Lilli was not going to be influenced by wealth and power when all she wanted was a quiet existence. Being with the duke would mean she wouldn’t find a bit of peace where she could wander and set her responsibilities aside for a fewmoments. She would be expected to perform in some capacity at all times.
Grandmother thought he was a good man but how would she know? Because his father was an upright man doesn’t mean his son is.Granted, he seemed to be someone with a good head on his shoulders, but he hadn’t been put to the test. Yet. Maybe she could do that and see what type of man he really was. And end this tiny notion that he was right, and they would do well together.
Chapter Five
“She is the most infuriating woman I have ever laid eyes on. How is it she has remained unharmed for this long? I find I want to thrash her almost every meeting we have.”
Oliver’s mother smiled. “Now dear, young girls are frivolous.”
“It is something entirely different. It has been brought to my attention that she is not normally like this. She is, in fact, boring in her execution of her responsibilities. At her home, and in a normal day, I see she is well spoken and accomplished. When she is with other young ladies, she makes sure they are careful, so she is not frivolous in the typical way. She is foolhardy with her own safety, scandalous with her reputation, and the most beautiful creature I have ever met. It is infuriating.”
“Ah, now I see the problem. You are finding yourself attracted to our young Lilliana. And that frustrates you.”
“Intrigued, maybe. Attracted, possibly. But do I find enjoyment in her company? No.”
But he knew that was a lie. He sought her out and went to all the engagements, whether they were filled with intelligent people enjoying intricate conversations, or frivolous affairs full of conversational drivel just for a chance to be in Lilli’s companyagain. He wanted her from the top of her head covered by luscious, fragrant hair to the tips of her delicate toes.
Lady Georgiana smiled. “As you will. No fear, you are going to the continent soon. That should clear your head and your temper. I am sure, in that time, if she continues to be invited to parties and the like, she will find her partner before you return. That would end the angst completely for she will be the responsibility of another.”
“The problem I am facing is that should she not marry and I am called into service, Lady Lilliana would be my responsibility. And as such, she will need to submit to my authority. I have grave doubts that she will do that sedately.”
“I agree with you. And what is your plan if that happens?”
He sipped his whiskey as his mother enjoyed her tea. “That, Mother, I have no idea how to answer. I do not think she will agree to a thrashing, even if she deserves it. And as I won’t be living under the same roof as she will be, I can imagine any correction that might come her way will be disregarded the moment I leave.”
“Then you may need to stay for a while. Keeping two properties might be a challenge but not one you cannot meet.”
“That, Mother, might be a good idea.”
“I have them occasionally,” she answered with a smile.
Reluctantly, Oliver decided that if he were going to survey his family’s properties in Europe, then he should do it now. Later may be challenging for he would either have Lilli to contend with as his ward or his wife. Neither circumstance lent thoughts of a good outcome should he leave her unattended for too long.
After one final review of the estate and its needs with his managers, Oliver, along with his small company of staff, went to catch a ship to the continent. His intent was to check on some family interests and to clear his head of the confusion andfatigue he was feeling. It was likely one of his last trips for a good while, but a necessary one.
The intention was to acquaint his Italian employee from his English estate with the Weston property in the Italian vineyards and leave him to manage it. Gio was Italian born and had not found England warm enough for his liking. Yet, with no job to return to and a family to care for, he had been stuck in the country working for Oliver’s father. Oliver was able to meet his own needs and make Gio happy. It was a good day.
When they finally arrived in Italy, Oliver stayed a month. The first weeks were full, acquainting Gio with his desires and the workings for the vineyards while his family settled into the villa. Gio was from further south than the duke’s property in NorthernItaly,but he seemed to not mind at all. He was home and his energy and enthusiasm increased the longer they were there. He knew grapes well enough to learn from the older men who ran the crops and made the wine and other items. Oliver left feeling rejuvenated and accomplished, except for the growing concern over Lilli alone at home. He found himself thinking of her without knowing it.
“Gio, you have my authority to act in my stead. I expect a report to me once a year. Do well, my friend. All of the wages come from the success of the vineyard and the wine you make. I shall expect my bottles with your report. You may have to escort them, but you won’t be required to stay long.”
“Yes, Your Grace. I understand. And I thank you again for this.”
“Just do an admirable job, Gio.”
Feeling frustrated at the lack of freedom from Lilliana in his thoughts, he packed up and went on to France. He had some real work to do with his brother living there. It would take her off his mind.
The French property, which was a small estate, was well run by his brother. Andrew, the middle son, had taken up residence over a year ago after following a French maiden home. She returned to her fiancé and Andrew, hopeful he could change that, had stayed in the family chateau. The woman married her Frenchman and Andrew stayed.
“Is it time for you to return home yet?” asked Oliver.
“I’m making good headway in turning this place around. It is now planting some crops, and I am beginning to see a profit. I didn’t think I would like running a property. I was always content in knowing that was your job, but I see I can do well here. For now. But I intend to find an English woman for my wife. The French, are not as agreeable as an English miss.”
“This does sound promising. This place is yours, if you needed that said. I believe a man must find his niche and enjoy the fruits of his labor. So, tell me what you have been doing and the improvements. What are the plans going forward and I will fill you in on Italy and home.”
A month with Andrew filled his need to see his brother, but it also brought thoughts of Liliana stronger than ever. He and Andrew discussed the attributes of a wife they desired and as they outlined their desires, Lilli kept fitting Oliver’s expectations. Except, she was foolhardy with herself.
