Liliah took a deep breath and finished walking into the study, noting that the footman no longer lingered behind and had closed the door, leaving her alone with her father.
Delight of all delights.
“It is a beautiful day. I’m not going to squander it just because Meyer had different plans.”
“This arrived only a quarter hour after you departed.” Her father lifted a missive from his broad desk, studying her with his cool eyes. She had the impression that it was how men at the war office studied people accused of espionage.
“And what excuse did my friend give?” she asked innocently.
Her father’s eyes narrowed. “Yourbetrothedstated that business came up and he had to attend to it.”
Liliah nodded once, unsure as to the problem her father seemed to see in the situation. Yet suspicion was always in the back of his mind, so she resolved to wait it out, offer no information and await his questions, or dismissal.
“Have you nothing to say?” he asked, standing and setting the missive back on the wooden desktop.
Liliah tilted her head slightly. “What do you wish me to discourse?”
She met his gaze, trying to keep her expression innocent when she truly wanted to engage in a verbal spar—hang the fact she knew she’d lose.
Her father tapped the desk impatiently with one hand. “Fredrick!” he called out. The door opened almost immediately, as if dear Fredrick had been awaiting his summons.
Liliah grew more wary as Fredrick walked in and stood before her father with a gracious bow.
“What did you observe this afternoon?” the duke asked, arching a gray brow of inquiry.
Fredrick straightened, as if addressing some officer in the ranks. His tone was clipped and precise, his understanding far more shrewd than Liliah had anticipated.
“The lady took the path beside the Serpentine just as the letter requested, but upon her arrival there was no sign of the Baron of Scoffield, only the Earl of Heightfield, who appeared to be awaiting her arrival.” Fredrick paused.
The duke’s gaze narrowed. “And how are you sure that Heightfield was awaiting her arrival?”
“He alighted from his carriage the moment we came into view, then took a circumspect route that would intersect with the lady’s.”
“I see.” The duke nodded, his steely gaze sliding over to Liliah, then back to Fredrick. “Did my daughter engage in conversation with the earl?”
“Yes.”
“And how long did they continue their interlude?” her father asked, casting an accusing glare at Liliah.
“The majority of the time we were in the park, Your Grace,” Fredrick answered.
“And were they ever out of your sight?” the duke asked, taking several steps toward his footman.
“No, Your Grace. They were always within a few steps.”
“Very good, you’ve done your job well, Fredrick. You’re dismissed.”
Fredrick didn’t even spare a glance to Liliah as he quickly quit the room, shutting the door behind him.
Liliah watched her father, curious as to what line of offense he’d take. It was a public park, and while Fredrick suspected a planned meeting, it could have been by chance. Suspicions didn’t prove points; however, she wasn’t certain her father would feel the same way.
“Liliah.” Her father spoke forcefully.
She tipped her head slightly, acknowledging his address.
“It would seem that you’re either stubborn beyond rational intelligence, or you were the prey in a grand scheme to ruin your reputation.” He took a deep breath, then slowly shook his head. “I’m afraid I’ll have to address this incident with the Earl of Greywick. It would seem his son is of the rather vulgar variety, and trying to dissolve the betrothal by sullying your reputation. It cannot be borne, and as such I will see that the earl deals heavily with his wayward son.” He spoke as if it caused him great pain.
Liliah froze, processing his words. She was certain he knew it was her stubborn nature that created the ripe opportunity for such a meeting, yet for him to mark Meyer as the villain, even suggesting that he receive punishment, it was a twist she hadn’t expected.
