Episode 30

The carriage sped down the dusty road from the Duke of Cavendish’s estate, heading swiftly toward London. The coachman urged the horses forward with skill, obeying the sharp command of the man inside.

The Duke of Cavendish rested a crumpled letter on his lap, his fingers tightening around the creased paper. The words burned into his mind.

“Perhaps you would be interested to know that Lady Lilian’s name is no longer spoken with the same respect as before. The entire city whispers about your daughter and Lord Sinclair, and not for reasons a father would wish. Perhaps, Your Grace, you should return to London before it is too late. A Friend.”

He hesitated. His daughter had allowed this humiliation.

The Duke clenched his teeth, fury swelling in his chest. “Lilian has always been stubborn, but this… this is unforgivable.”

Since her mother’s death, he had been the only shield between Lilian and a world that crushed weak women. He had decided whom she would marry, how she would behave, who her friends would be. And now, everything was about to collapse because of Gabriel Sinclair.

The very thought of his carefully constructed plans being dismantled was intolerable.

“This wedding will happen.”

His voice was cold inside the carriage. His gaze dropped back to the letter. Whitaker had done what he could, but he had failed to control Lilian. Now, the Duke himself would have to step in.

And when he arrived in London, there would be no more hesitation. Lilian would do as she was told. Or she would learn the hard way what it meant to defy him.

***

Two days after receiving the letter, the Duke of Cavendish arrived at his sister’s residence. His carriage came to a sudden stop before Lady Penelope’s imposing mansion, and before the servants had time to react, the door swung open violently. The Duke stepped down with firm strides, his face a mask of fury. Without waiting to be announced, he entered the foyer with the authority of a man who refused to be challenged.

Lady Penelope, who was having tea in the drawing room, slowly lifted her gaze to her brother. “Theodore.” She spoke cautiously, yet firmly.

The Duke did not bother to greet her. “How could you allow this, Penelope?” His voice echoed through the hall, thick with rage.

Lady Penelope set her teacup down on the saucer with a calmness that only served to exasperate him further. “And what exactly have I allowed?”

The Duke took a step closer, his fists clenched. “Don’t pretend you don’t know. The entire city speaks of my daughter as if she were just anyone.” His anger vibrated in the air. “They talk about Sinclair, they talk about scandal! And you, who should have protected her, allowed this to happen!”

Lady Penelope did not retreat. “What happened is that your daughter was put in a position she should never have been forced into.”

The Duke glared at her. “What are you saying?”

Lady Penelope slowly rose to her feet, facing her brother. “I’m saying that you are responsible for what is happening to Lilian.”

“If there is a scandal, it is entirely your fault for treating your daughter as if she were one of your possessions. A commodity to be traded. She is your daughter, Theodore.”

The Duke tightened his jaw, his eyes turning to steel. “I gave her a future. A life befitting her birth right!”

The cold fury in his voice made Lady Penelope press her lips together. “Theodore, your daughter is not a title.”

“I did not ask for your opinion, Penelope.” The Duke ran his fingers over the family signet ring, his gaze icy. “Now, summon my daughter.”

His command hung in the air like a sharp blade.

Lady Penelope was about to respond, but the Duke turned abruptly to the butler. “Fetch Lady Lilian. Now.”

The servant hesitated for a moment but did not dare disobey.

***

Lilian sat before the mirror, her hands resting on the vanity, her gaze fixed on her own reflection. She heard footsteps in the corridor, louder than they should have been. The door creaked open slightly, and Clara slipped inside, closing it behind her.

“Your father has arrived.”

Lilian took a deep breath but did not look away from the mirror. “You know, Clara, I’ve spent two days thinking.”

Clara sat on the edge of the bed, watching her attentively. “And what have you decided?”

Lilian finally turned to face her. “That I will fight for him.”

Clara stared at her, surprised. “For Gabriel?”

Lilian nodded slowly, her voice firm, unwavering. “Yes. Even if he lied to me. Even if everything is against us.”