Chapter Sixteen

"Lillian? I must speak with you."

Lillian blinked in surprise but then nodded. "Of course, Your Grace." She glanced about the room which was filled with a great number of gentlemen and ladies, who had all come for the literary event. "You have still to show the electrifying machine. And is Lady Vivianne present?"

The Duke nodded, though his expression remained grave. "She is, as is her brother." He looked back at her again, steady now. "I must ask you to stay close to Lady Vivianne, if you can. I shall ask Lord Huxley to do so also. There is much that I must explain to both yourself and to him and Lady Vivianne must be present also. However, her brother cannot be nearby."

Astonished at the change of heart towards Lady Vivianne, Lillian stared back at him, nonplussed. It was only when the Duke's gaze returned to her from where it had been darting around the room that he responded, evidently seeing her uncertainty and concern.

"Do not think for a moment that my heart is at all affected," he said quietly, his voice low, his hand reaching out to take hers surreptitiously for just a moment. "There is more to this situation and to this foolish courtship than there appears."

"I understand." Relief washed through her as she pressed his hand, then released it. "I will do as you ask."

"I thank you." The Duke smiled briefly but then turned away, leaving Lillian to stand alone for a moment.

A hand touched her arm. "Lillian?"

She turned. "Dinah." Smiling, she took in a deep breath. "I am very glad indeed to see you. The Duke has just asked me to go to speak with Lady Vivianne."

No surprise flickered in Lady Vivianne's eyes. "Yes, he asked me the same thing though he did not say why. Only that it was important."

Lillian nodded slowly, her mind whirling with thoughts. "I see." Taking in a breath, she turned her head to look to where the lady was, her stomach twisting. "I confess that I do not want to do as he has asked of me."

"Then you do not have to," Lady Dinah said, quickly. "I am sure that he will understand."

Considering, Lillian shook her head. "No, it sounded rather serious especially given that the Duke desired for her brother to be far from her. I said I would do as he asked and I shall."

Smiling, Lady Dinah linked her arm through Lillian and together, the two of them walked around the room slowly in search of Lady Vivianne. Lillian saw her first, seeing how she appeared to shrink back from the others, her arms folded over her chest, her expression pinched. Swallowing hard and reminding herself that the Duke had no feelings for the lady, Lillian lifted her chin and made her way to the lady directly.

Lady Vivianne frowned.

"Good afternoon, Lady Vivianne. The Duke has informed me that you might be willing to accept my company for a time?" Putting a smile to her lips, she waited for the lady to respond but Lady Vivianne simply remained silent, a frown still lingering. "I believe that there is something that the Duke wishes to tell Lady Dinah, Lord Huxley and myself, for he is to come and join us soon. He also wishes for us to make certain that your brother is absent from your company when he speaks?" She ended on a question, watching as Lady Vivianne's expression changed from a heavy frown to wide, frightened eyes.

"He has told you everything?"

Lillian shook her head, seeing the fear in Lady Vivianne's expression. "He has told us nothing," she said gently, as Lady Dinah nodded. "Please, do not be afraid. We want to come alongside you, truly. We have no ulterior motive."

Lady Vivianne blinked rapidly, a sheen of fear being forced back from her eyes. "Why would you do such a thing?"

Lillian smiled. "Because the Duke has asked me to. He is clearly concerned for you and therefore, I trust his judgement. "

The lady closed her eyes and took in a shaky breath. "The Duke of Wrexham is a good gentleman, despite all that I have demanded," she said, hoarsely. "Thank you, Lady Lillian, Lady Dinah. I will accept your company."

With a glance to Lady Dinah, Lillian nodded and came to stand beside her on one side, with Lady Dinah on the other. They stood in silence with Lillian struggling to know what to say, looking again to Lady Dinah who only offered her a smile.

"And here it is!"

The cry of the Duke made Lillian start in surprise, only for murmurs to run quickly around the room. She forgot about the awkwardness between Lady Vivianne and herself and instead, focused entirely on the Duke and the electrifying machine that he had brought into the room. Rather than look at the machine, however, she took in the expressions of the others in the room, silently praying that they would not reject the Duke over this, that they would not think him entirely mad and, thereafter, run from his company!

To her relief, most of those present appeared to be quite interested, given the murmurings, the way they moved forward and the smiles on some of their faces. Lillian herself was about to make her way to the machine, only to recall that she was to stay by Lady Vivianne's side.

"Come, come all and let us see whether you have the strength to endure a spark from the electrifying machine!" the Duke cried, making a few louder exclamations lift up from the audience. "I have been called mad but I assure you, I am not. What I try to do, I do in the hopes of improving the lives of those around me whether they be gentry or otherwise. This, however, has been something I have done simply because of the joy of it and I am delighted to say that the improvements have gone very well. I shall show you all how it works and, thereafter, the gentlemen of the room might wish to be the ones to step forward and try it for themselves! And the ladies also, if they be brave enough!"

This made the room explode with exclamations, making Lillian smile as she clasped her hands together in front of her and watched the guests making their way a little closer to the contraption. Thus far, they had enjoyed some reading, lively discussion – which she had only been able to listen to given that the subject of natural philosophy was not something she knew much of – and thereafter, some further reading on various new inventions. She had learned a great deal, her interest quickened and ignited for further reading and learning of her own, but this moment, this electrifying machine was the pivotal moment of the afternoon. If the guests rejected it, then the chances of the Duke retaining the title of the Mad Duke would linger but if they accepted it, then all would be well, she was sure.

"All that you must do is hold this piece of wire in your hand," the Duke finished, having made a prolonged explanation about what was to take place. "I shall rotate this by turning the handle and after a short while, the electricity which will be generated will run down here and into the piece of wire in your hand." He straightened and then looked around the room. "Who would like to go first?"

Everyone looked at each other and Lillian's heart began to pound, fearing that no-one would dare, no-one would be bold enough and that it would all fall flat.

"Come now!" the Duke exclaimed, as Lillian saw the smile on his face grow a little fixed. "There must be someone willing to try! Or must I challenge someone to it?"

"Challenge?" One of the gentlemen spoke up, as another frowned and tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

The Duke licked his lips, hesitating. "Well, there are some who are betting gentlemen here, are there not?" His eyes lit up, an idea obviously taking a hold of him and he looked straight at Lillian. A shiver went down her spine as he smiled, his eyes gleaming. "For those who are bold enough but still uncertain about the electrifying machine, I challenge you to answer a mathematical question. If you can give me the answer, then you do not have to hold the wire and the challenge passes to the next person."

The gentleman whom Lillian recognised to be Lord Williamson, laughed harshly. "A mathematical problem? That is what you wish to challenge me with?"

The Duke shrugged though he looked back at Lillian who, realising what he thought to do, gave him a small nod even though her stomach twisted this way and that in nervousness.

"I do indeed," the Duke declared. "Though you must answer the question before another challenger… Lady Lillian."

At once, a quiet gasp rippled around the room but Lillian, rather than being in any way embarrassed, felt a sense of pride grip her as she lifted her chin and looked about at them all before, with a beckon from the Duke, making her way to the front of the room.

"Lady Lillian are you quite contented to answer some questions?" the Duke asked, sounding a little apologetic. "I am sorry that I did not have time to ask you this in advance but – "

"I am quite delighted to have the opportunity," Lillian answered, seeing her brother out of the corner of her eye. He had come with her but given the grin on his face, had no concern whatsoever over her presence at the front of the room. "Who shall challenge me first?"

The gentleman, Lord Williamson, stepped forward. "I believe that I can succeed against a mere woman," he said, a supercilious smile on his face though Lillian only smiled, her confidence growing steadily given the pride in the Duke's eyes at her presence and her willingness. "I shall escape the electrifying machine."

The Duke chuckled quietly. "Do not underestimate the lady," he said, throwing Lillian a wink. "Now, here is the question. If you answer before Lady Lillian, then you will succeed and can escape the electrifying machine. But if you do not, then you shall be the first to hold the wire! And we shall see just how many gentlemen are willing to come thereafter." He lifted an eyebrow. "Are you quite ready?"

With a nod, Lillian looked back at Lord Williamson, taking in the dark curl of his lip and realising just how little he thought of her. That, she hoped, would soon change.

"Sixteen multiplied by sixty-three, with five hundred and ninety-six deducted," the Duke said, speaking slowly before repeating himself. "The answer, if you please."

Lillian closed her eyes, shutting out the sight of everyone else in the room. Her mind worked quickly on the problem, her hands squeezing into fists as she fought to get a clear answer.

Her eyes flew open. "Four hundred and twelve."

A gasp rang around the room for what was the second time in a short duration, though Lillian's eyes were on Lord Williamson.

He was scowling.

"I believe that the lady is correct," the Duke said, with a grin. "Lord Williamson, this way, if you please."

Lillian watched as the gentleman stomped towards the electrifying machine. There was clear tension in the air, with Lord Williamson hesitating and clearly reluctant. The Duke cranked the machine and, after a few moments, Lord Williamson let out a yelp and then, stared down at his hand.

That was the moment that seemed to break the hold which had cast itself across the room. Some laughed, some put hands to their heart in shock and stepped back whilst others moved forward, ready to take on the electrifying machine. Lillian beamed with delight at the Duke who, offering her a smile and an inclination of his head, then turned to the next gentleman and thus, the entertainment began.

***

"It seems as though the guests are remarkably interested in the electrifying machine," Lady Vivianne murmured, as Lillian watched the proceedings along with her. "They are going to be taking turns to crank it, I think."

"I believe so." Lillian, who had moved back with the others some time ago, stood side by side with Lady Vivianne with Lady Dinah next to her. "I see that your brother is amongst the throng. Oh, and look, here is Lord Huxley." Gesturing to the gentleman who had slowly detached himself from the crowd and began to come towards them, Lillian caught the slight catch of breath from Lady Vivianne, though when she looked at her, the lady had schooled her expression into a very calm one indeed.

"Good afternoon to you all." Lord Huxley smiled and inclined his head. "Lady Lillian, might I say how remarkable you are? Your mind works so very quickly – more quickly than my own, I might add!"

Lillian flushed but smiled. "I thank you. I was glad to help the Duke bring the other guests to the electrifying machine."

Lord Huxley chuckled. "Indeed, though I am not convinced that he was best pleased about being forced into such a thing – though no doubt it came more from a dislike at being beaten by you, my dear lady!"

"I thought it very impressive also."

Lillian turned in surprise to Lady Vivianne, seeing surprise flash across Lady Dinah's face also though she was quickly distracted by the arrival of Harry who came to join them. "Thank you," she answered slowly, wondering if Lady Vivianne meant such a thing with any genuine spirit whatsoever. The lady only offered her a small smile and then dropped her head so that her gaze went to the floor. Lillian looked to Lord Huxley but he was frowning, his eyes on Lady Vivianne.

"Ah good, you are all here. Come now, we only have a few minutes with which to speak."

Lillian looked up, her heart flooding with happiness as the Duke came to join them, his smile broad but his eyes serious. "What is it?"

"Come, come." Beckoning to Harry and to Lady Dinah, the Duke waited until they had joined the small group before directing his gaze to Lady Vivianne. "Lady Vivianne, I think I must speak of what we discussed most recently. Lord Huxley is my very closest friend and he can be trusted, as can Lady Lillian and her brother. Please, might you permit me?"

With a slight shudder, Lady Vivianne closed her eyes but nodded, her face going rather pale. Lord Huxley took a step closer and murmured something to her before taking her arm, letting her rest and support herself on him. Lillian's stomach tightened as she looked back to the Duke. Clearly, there was something significant in this.

"Lady Vivianne has informed me that there is a great insistence by her brother that we wed, to the point that he has said he will ruin her if she does not."

Lillian's heart slammed hard against her ribs. "What do you mean?"

"Just that," Lady Vivianne whispered, as Lady Dinah and Harry looked to each other in shock. "I have no interest in this connection. I do not want to marry but my brother insists upon it and, though my father is still the authority in the family, he will listen to my brother over anything that I say. Jedburgh has a hold upon me and I cannot escape from it."

"I do not understand," Lillian began, her hands squeezing tight as she fought the rush of shock which threatened to unbalance her. "Why are you being forced to do so? What does your brother want? If it is the connection to a Duke, then I can understand it but there does not need to be such insistence, surely?"

"That is the worst of it," the Duke said, coming a little closer to them all and keeping his voice low. "Lady Vivianne does not know and I cannot think of any particular reason as to why he would do so. But I fear for Lady Vivianne if I were to end the courtship, concerned as to what her brother would do. Therefore, I must discover the truth."

"And you should like us to aid you." Lord Huxley looked again to Lady Vivianne. "We are all your friends in this, Lady Vivianne. Of course we will be of aid to you."

Lady Vivianne managed a wobbly smile, only to drop her head and close her eyes but not before Lillian had caught the way a tear fell to her cheek. Her own heart squeezed with sympathy, seeing the lady in a whole new light now that she understood the circumstances she found herself in.

"But what can we do?" Lady Dinah asked, her expression troubled. "How can we discover it? Lord Jedburgh is not simply going to tell us, is he?"

Lillian's eyes flared with a sudden thought. "Could it be that Lord Jedburgh is the one who began the rumours about the Mad Duke?"

There came a short pause, only for the Duke to shake his head. "I cannot see why he would do that. I am courting his sister and he wants us to wed. Why then would he begin a rumour that might endanger that?"

Pursing her lips together, Lillian fought for an explanation but none came.

"Unless it is that he wants to shame his sister in some way, though I do not know why." Lady Dinah threw a glance to Lady Vivianne, an apology in her expression. "If there is animosity between you, then might he do such a thing?"

Lady Vivianne shook her head. "I have never done anything to make him spite me."

Lillian bit her lip as silence ran around the group. Many thoughts came crowding into her mind, pushing her this way and that as she battled to find answers. "Could it be to try and make you feel more inclined towards Lady Vivianne?" she asked, a little embarrassed to be speaking so. "To show you that she will stand by your side despite the rumours?"

Again, this was met with silence though Lady Vivianne closed her eyes briefly and gave a small shake of her head.

"We are going to have to find out," the Duke said, after a few moments. "I cannot surmise the truth as yet. But I hope that, together, we might be able to come up with a solution that would lead us to the truth."

"And thereby free both Lady Vivianne and yourself," Lord Huxley murmured, as Lillian nodded. "Yes, of course. I quite understand. I will do whatever I can to help."

Looking around the small group, Lillian frowned and then spoke the question which had come into her mind. "This ‘Mad Duke' story – did it not mention that you had been doing experiments and the like? You yourself questioned how someone would know such a thing. Have you come to any conclusions? Would that not be of aid to us?" She glanced around at the others, wondering if any of them would have an answer only for Lord Huxley to answer.

"That would be easy enough to ascertain, surely for there are only a few people who know of that." Lord Huxley held up one hand. "The Duchess, Lady Dinah, Lady Lillian, her brother and myself, I presume. And now, Lady Vivianne."

"But I have said nothing to anyone," Lillian said, frowning. "I do not mean to suggest that you are accusing me, Lord Huxley, only to say that I have not said a single word either by accident or otherwise. I did not know the Duke well enough to speak of his passions for such a thing and I know my brother would not have done either."

Harry quickly shook his head.

"And my mother is mortified enough by my endeavours to never speak of them," the Duke murmured, gentle lines forming across his forehead. "And I presume your yourself have said nothing, Huxley?"

His friend shook his head. "And I have not been in London," he reminded them all. "I could not have said a word."

"I can assure you, I have been so caught up with my own Season that I have not mentioned such a thing to anyone!" Lady Dinah exclaimed, her eyes rounding as though she feared that what had been said now made her the guilty party. "The only thing I have done is to write of it to my brother, though he was already aware of your interest, given that our father was the one who encouraged it in you."

Lillian set aside that information almost at once, discounting Lady Dinah's brother – Lord Fullerton, if she remembered correctly – for he was away on business abroad, was he not? So he certainly could not have done anything.

The Duke, however, appeared to disagree.

"Your brother," the Duke murmured, rubbing one hand over his chin as his gaze sharpened. "He is still on the continent, yes?"

"From what I know." Lady Dinah sounded confused, frowning as she gazed back at the Duke. "The letters I send are to go to the solicitors and they send them on to whatever address my brother has provided. Given that he has moved about at various holdings, it often changes."

Lillian saw the Duke's frown deepen and felt her heart quicken. She had never met Lord Fullerton and had never expected to meet him given where he was. Surely the Duke could not be considering that particular gentleman to be responsible? That did not make very much sense at all.

"I do not understand, Wrexham," Lord Huxley said, slowly. "Do you suspect Lord Fullerton even though he is on the continent?"

"It makes sense, does it not?" The Duke asked, as the room filled with exclamations and laughter as the electrifying machine continued to entertain people. "No-one else could be responsible. And I cannot be certain that he is on the continent."

"But what reason could he have to do such a thing?" Lady Dinah asked, as the Duke scowled. "I know that there was not any great affection between you both but surely there would be no reason for him to speak so cruelly!"

"No affection?" Lillian asked, as the Duke nodded. "But you are family! Why would you not care for each other in that way?"

"Because," the Duke said, heavily, "his father was greatly encouraging in my efforts to experiment and improve things and did not spend time with him in return. My own father disliked all such things and instead, I went to my uncle for support and encouragement. My cousin did not take well to this and has often been very cold towards me though I did not think that he would ever do such a thing as this!"

Lillian blinked, surprised to hear pain in the Duke's voice. She could not imagine what it would have been like for him to have no family member supporting him in his endeavours, none delighting in his achievements. Surely that must have brought him a great deal of sorrow!

"What can be done, then?" Lady Vivianne spoke up for the first time in some minutes, her voice quavering. "Is the rumour of the Mad Duke somehow connected to what I have been expected to do?"

"Mayhap," the Duke agreed, as Lillian nodded slowly though she could not yet see a connection. "There is a great deal of mystery still, Lady Vivianne but I am determined to find out the truth. For the moment, however, we will still continue our courtship in order to protect you."

Lady Vivianne closed her eyes and nodded though she did not say a single word.

"I will make certain you come to no harm," she heard Lord Huxley say, his voice very quiet indeed. "The truth will be revealed and you know that you have safety here with me."

A thrill of surprise ran up Lillian's spine but she looked away quickly, not wanting to interrupt what was otherwise an intimate moment. Lord Huxley cared for Lady Vivianne?

"We must be cautious," the Duke continued, clearly unaware of what Lord Huxley had said to Lady Vivianne. "Dinah, might you make your way to the solicitors and discover precisely where your letters have been sent? I am sure that Lord Weatherly would be able to accompany you. I dare not for fear of my interest being noticed by whoever is behind this."

Lady Dinah's eyes had rounded in surprise though she nodded. "Of course. I will go tomorrow."

"And I will go with you," Harry added, patting her hand and making Lillian smile at the clear affection between them. "We will come to you immediately thereafter with what we have learned."

"We must all be careful," the Duke finished, looking directly at Lillian as he spoke. "Lord Jedburgh cannot know of our concerns so we must hide all that we are doing as best we can. It may be that the rumour of the Mad Duke and his demands are combined in some way, though I do not know in which way as yet."

"I am sure we all understand," Lillian whispered, as the Duke held her gaze, a small smile on his lips. "But please, Your Grace, do be careful."

He nodded, making to reach out only to pull his hand away again. "I shall be," he promised, as the rest of the group looked on. "The truth will be discovered, I am sure of it, and it shall be discovered very soon."