Marrying her Best-Friend - Fiona Miers Page 0,6

a coach,” Lizzie admitted.

“That is not surprising, sister. Judging by the condition in which you arrived at the estate earlier this morning, I didn’t expect anything less. It was very gentlemanly of Carson to escort you home.”

Lizzie nodded. “Indeed. I wish to thank him personally for ensuring that I returned home safely.”

“Before you leave, sister, perhaps we can discuss the events of last evening,” the duchess said hastily. Lizzie froze.

“Very well,” she answered, knowing there would be no point in delaying this conversation. She must have done something she certainly should not have.

Her thoughts trailed back to Carson. He would not have allowed her to do anything that may have tainted her reputation, surely? Carson was a kind and understanding man, whom she trusted implicitly, and he was well aware of the situation with her and Lord Dorset.

“Before you speak, Your Grace, I wish only to apologize for any of my behaviour that placed you both in a bad light. I was clearly intoxicated and had no control over what I had done. I do apologise if there was anything I have done that made you ashamed to call me your sister.”

“Oh, no, Lizzie,” the duchess said with a reassuring smile and approached Lizzie. “You didn’t do anything of the sort. Although Drew and I did see you and Carson leave the ballroom each with a bottle of wine in hand.”

Lizzie closed her eyes and hung her head in shame. “I cannot believe I did such a thing.”

“It was rather skilfully done, sister,” the duke grinned. “I must commend you on that.”

“Thank you,” Lizzie said wryly.

“Do not be so serious, sister. Nothing bad happened. No one even noticed the wine bottles were missing. There is no need to fret over it. Carson would also not allow you to do something outlandish and irresponsible. He feels—”

The duchess cleared her throat, interrupting the duke and he pursed his lips briefly.

“He cares for your safety and your well-being too much to allow anything to happen to you,” the duke corrected himself.

“Indeed. He has been my saving grace for a long time, last evening included, and I feel it is only proper to thank him for that,” Lizzie agreed.

Kitty smiled at her. “You are truly lucky to have a friend such as Carson. I spoke with him earlier last evening before you vanished and reappeared shortly before dawn at the estate. He is a charming and wonderful young man.”

“Careful,” the duke warned his wife playfully. “I may start to feel envious of Carson if you continue to speak so fondly of him, my love.”

The duchess rolled her eyes and chuckled at the duke’s remark. “Fear not, my dearest. You are the only man for me.”

Lizzie pursed her lips and raised a brow.

The duchess winked at the duke before turning back to Lizzie. “He also spoke very fondly and kindly of you, my sister.”

“He is a wonderful man, and I am truly grateful to have him in my life,” Lizzie said with sincerity. “Even if he was the one who suggested taking the two bottles of wine.”

“I do not believe that. I am well aware of your fondness for wine,” the duke smirked.

“Honestly, James. You make me sound as though I am permanently intoxicated.” Lizzie groaned with exasperation.

“More often than not, I would say.” The duke chuckled and glanced at the duchess.

“Now, now. It is not proper to make fun of your sister in such a manner,” the duchess interjected.

“Thank you, Your Grace,” Lizzie told Kitty and glanced at her brother. “Listen to your wife. At least she does not tease me.”

“It is my right to tease you. As your older brother, of course,” the duke proclaimed. “I am merely worried that we will not be able to marry you off because of your love for wine.”

“Your teasing is starting to turn rather insulting, Drew,” Lizzie muttered, and her eyes narrowed. “I am leaving now.”

“Before you leave, sister,” the duke called as Lizzie was about to turn away.

“Yes?” Lizzie asked with a sigh.

“We would like to share something with you,” the duchess said slowly.

Lizzie noticed the expression on the duchess’ face change slightly and her eyes instantly widened. “Is something the matter?”

“No, we simply wish to discuss something with you.”

“Very well.”

“Lizzie, you know that you are always welcome here at the estate and—”

“Do you wish me to leave?” Lizzie stared at her brother and new sister, dumbfounded. They couldn’t possibly...

“No, we simply...”

“Simply what? You no longer want me here because I did something that you