The Next Duke

Twenty Six

Lillian was quietly sitting in her bedroom the night before their departure as she recalled the events that took place during the last week. She was still reeling from Joseph's offer. Trying to wrap her head around the thought.

A Duchess in training? Was that a marriage proposal? Then she re-evaluated the efforts the man made in order to make the day special. She wondered if he really was going to propose to her. She took a deep breath and released it slowly. He probably was, but then again he changed his mind when she came late. She felt the sense of loss and sadness. She should be relieved, shouldn't she? She wasn't ready at all.

His father was there to greet them when they returned from their trip. Joseph as usual was holding her hand as they walked. "Welcome home, children," he said as he held the doors open for them.

"Thank you, your grace," Lillian said as she tried to tug her hand free from his son's grasp.

"In the drawing room, all of you," the Duke said.

Lillian noticed that the London townhouse was completely staffed. Servants or footmen immediately took care of their luggage. They were immediately divested of their coats as they entered the foyer. "Why is the house fully staffed?" Lillian asked the butler once they were seated.

"Well, mistress, there really is nothing for us to do back in Stace Park since his grace has decided to wait for your instructions and your return. You are going to turn the east wing into a museum."

Lillian's lips formed an O and she knew her summer plans were made. She sat on the available seat which was next to Trevor. Joseph, being the jealous soul that he was, pulled her from her seat and placed her next to him. They waited for the duke and when he came he was with his P.A. Neither person was giving them any inkling on the coming announcement.

"First, I would like to clarify with Dr. Cortez that the museum will not be open without you supervising the wing's construction. Also I am aware that you still have responsibilities in your school, so we will wait however, I expect you to be back here in a week's time after Dean Rogers has given you the green light. I know you academes would rather focus on seminars and other things during this period. That is what Dean Rogers is going to allow. Yes?"

Lillian's eyes were bright, excitement filled her, "Of course, your grace. I would like that."

Then the Edward faced her pupils. "In a few day's time, you will be going home and graduate. I would like to say congratulations in advance. I am well aware that you have completed all of your requirements, and have received your final assessments. At the same time, you all encountered conspiracies that tested your capability intelligence and determination as students. But you all came out triumphant. Any father could not have been any prouder."

Lillian noticed her students' chests puffed with pride. She her self couldn't be any different. She did feel the pride the Duke felt for her students. She felt their hard work, frustration and tears. She smiled at all of them then glanced at Joseph, she realized he had been watching her the entire time. His gaze was intense which she ignored as she smiled at him.

"So, tomorrow night, you are all cordially invited to your mini graduation to be held in the grand ball room of Stace Park South wing since you will not be joining us during the actual commencement exercises. Your professors and I have decided to give you a pre send off."

"Really?" Rachel asked her eyes sparkling. "Professor? Are you in on this?"

Lillian held her hands up, "Nope, this is all them. I have no part in this. Maybe Dean Rogers does." She motioned to the door to as everyone watched the man walk in.

"Yes, Professor Cortez is not in on this. Though you will not be dressed in your graduation regalia, I am sure you can make do with the ball gowns you had last Christmas. However, us members of the academe, we will have to wear those ugly black cloaks of mystery and feather duster caps."