“Very good, Your Grace.” I waited until I exited the room before slumping against the wall. His pain was my pain. I loved him and would do what I could to help. I prayed that Lady Lillian was a reasonable sort. If not, I would still stand by him, no matter what.
Chapter Four
Lord Kendrick, Duke of Alton
I was more nervous than I could even articulate. The Countess of Tapper had responded to my invitation soon after it was sent. I straightened the hem of my brown suit and squared my shoulders. It was time to meet Lady Lillian Tapper.
The butler opened the door and stepped aside, allowing me to come in. “Welcome, Your Grace.”
“Thank you.” I handed him my hat and gloves, taking in the formal foyer. Opulent sconces in a Turkish design graced the paneled walls. It was overblown for my tastes but fitting for the current trends.
I walked into a drawing-room, the heavy paneling continuing into the room. Several windows let in the sunlight. A maid stood by two women sitting in matching gold fabric chairs near the fireplace. “Lady Tapper, Lady Lillian, the Duke of Alton to see you.”
“Your Grace.” Lady Tapper set her sampler on the table next to her chair and stood. The skirts of her pale pink dress settled around her hips. Excitement lit her pale blue eyes. “What a pleasure for you to call. Allow me to introduce my daughter, Lady Lillian Tapper.”
The light from outside hid from view Lady Lillian’s face. The lady stood, unfolding her slender frame. She was wearing a white dress, her light brown hair a riot of curls in an upsweptstyle. Her face, with its large eyes, long nose, and small mouth, came into focus. She resembled a baby gazelle I had seen while on safari in Africa. I experienced an unexpected catch in my throat as I gazed upon her. Her features were too bold to be classically beautiful, but they worked strikingly well.
The artist in me wanted to sculpt her. “Lady Lillian, a pleasure to meet you.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said with a strained smile, her eyes downcast until I was staring at the top of her head.
“Would you care for some tea, Your Grace?” Lady Tapper asked. She slipped her hand under her daughter’s arm and looped her own through it.
Lady Lillian snapped her head up, a flush on the apple of her cheeks. If possible, her eyes widened even more. She averted her gaze. The shyness she exhibited was painful to behold. Soon I would contribute to her unease, but there was no help for it.
“I was hoping Lady Lillian might care for a stroll in the park. I have recently taken up residence next door and haven’t had the opportunity to explore it yet.” I couldn’t talk to her in front of her mother, and there was a common green across the street with walking paths. It wasn’t unusual for a gentleman and a lady to take a stroll together, and by the way her mother beamed, she was accepting of the proposal.
“Oh, yes, Lillian is very fond of walking. I’ll just have her maid fetch her hat and jacket.” Lady Tapper waved to the attending maid, who rushed from the room to do her bidding. “It is very pleasant outside.”
“Indeed, a perfect day for an outside adventure.” I smiled at Lady Lillian, but her carriage remained stiff and unyielding. If the stilted conversation was any sign, the upcoming interview would be more dreadful than I expected.
“I pray your mother is in good health?” Lady Tapper asked, striding toward the drawing-room door. She gave Lady Lillianno choice but to follow along. She towered over her petite mother, but somehow, she seemed vulnerable.
I followed them out of the room, taking in the curve of her nipped-in waist. Given her slight frame, I surmised it was natural. It appeared Lady Lillian did not favor tight corsets. I was born into a society with strict rules governing women, but I also understood the freedom afforded by choice. It was unfashionable and would shock many of my peers, but my father had tried to squash any independent thought I had.
The winded maid shot into the hallway and held out the garments to her mistress. Lady Lillian took the hat and placed it on her curls, exposing delicate wrists as the sleeve of her shirtwaist rode up her arms.
Expectation hung in the air between us. Her mother held the jacket while Lady Lillian slipped her arms into it.
The butler returned my hat to me, and I put it on. I turned my head to see the maid and butler and several other servants crowded in the surrounding grand foyer, all doing some chore. Very curious. As a duke, I was used to people staring at me.
“I promise to have her back soon,” I said, holding out my arm to Lady Lillian. She laid her hand on my proffered sleeve.
Lady Tapper’s lips trembled, and her eyes glimmered with a sheen of what looked suspiciously like tears. “Do not rush back on my account. Enjoy the beauty of the day.”
