The Mad Duke of Walendale: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Scandalous Courtships 5) by Sally Forbes

Author:Sally Forbes [Forbes, Sally]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Lillian’s shoulders dropped as she walked into the ballroom, finding her spirits sinking low as she saw the dancing, heard the laughter and took in the extravagant décor around the room. This was something that was meant to bring her joy, something that she should delight in but instead, her heart was doing nothing other than sinking low, almost to the very depths of despair.

Seeing the Duke of Wrexham walking with Lady Vivianne and hearing the whispers of society – and indeed, reading it in society papers – that he was now courting Lady Vivianne had brought her more pain than she had anticipated. It was not as though there was anything between them, not as though they had shared intimacies and the like and were now desperate to find a way restore their connection but yet, all the same, Lillian’s heart was deeply pained. There had been a beautiful moment where she had thought that the Duke might take her into his arms, that wondrous excitement which had filled her mind with hopes for the future, only to realize that there was nothing for her now but sadness. Yes, he had promised her that this was not a courtship which would lead to any sort of engagement or the like, but Lillian was not as certain as he. Courtship very often led to engagement and even though he had told her that it was not his desire to marry Lady Vivianne, given what had happened thus far, was it not possible that such a thing could happen? The Duke might well be forced into it, might find himself in a position where he had no other choice but to marry the lady and then what would happen? Her own hopes would be dashed, her heart would be quite broken and her Season would be ruined.

And yet, I cannot help how my heart feels.

Taking in a deep breath, she sighed loudly – garnering a look from her mother.

“You must smile, Lillian! No gentleman will look at you if you stand there with such a sour disposition and, recall, given that the Duke of Wrexham is now courting another, you cannot waste your time considering him!”

Lillian looked back at her mother steadily, wondering if she had somehow known what Lillian was thinking of. “Mama, I am not putting on a sour disposition, as you call it. I am simply standing here, considering.”

“Then consider something a little more cheerful, if you please,” came the sharp reply, “so that you appear to be happy to be at Lord Jenkins ball!”

Seeing that she had no other choice but to do so, Lillian forced a smile she did not feel and took in another breath, relieved when her mother turned away. The smile fell to the floor and Lillian wrapped both arms around her waist, feeling a little vulnerable and upset. Her mother had not asked her why she was in such a sorrow but instead, had only insisted that she alter herself and that made Lillian a little sad.

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