Page 77 of The Duke and the Unwanted Bride

“No need to be coy,” Charlotte pressed. “I wouldn’t have asked if it wasn’t for what I see with my own two eyes.”

“And what is it that you see?” Hannah asked, knowing where her sister was going, and glad for it.

“How happy the two of you are, of course! Are they not?” Charlotte looked around the table for support. “I’ll admit, coming here tonight, I was somewhat worried it might not be the case.”

“Charlotte…” Her husband groaned.

“But I am wrong,” she said rightly. “Why, with the exception of you and I, dear, I might go so far as to say they are the happiest couple at this table.”

“I will pretend you did not say that,” Beatrice chided.

“We are happy.” Hannah looked at Frederick and smiled, squeezed his hand, willed him to play along. “And for now, that should be enough. Right, Frederick?”

All eyes were on Frederick, waiting for his response. He had been silent for much of tonight, happy not to be involved with the chatter. But now that he had been asked directly, he had little choice in the matter.

And Hannah held her breath.

“We are indeed happy,” he said carefully. “I know that lately there has been some…” His eyes flicked to her aunt, lingered on her for a moment—a harsh glare—and then he looked back at the table. “… rumors about our marriage, things said that I hope you all know to be lies.”

“Of course,” Lord Ramsbury assured him.

“Nobody listens to rumor anyhow,” the Duke of Walford said. “Who has time for it?”

“Good,” Frederick uttered, seeming to relax considerably. “It is as Hannah says. We are happy.” Another quick glare at Teresa, which had her lip curling. “And that should be enough, I would hope.”

“Oh, nonsense.” Charlotte waved him off. “As happy as you are, a child will only add to that. Right, dear?” She nudged her husband.

Frederick stiffened again. “Perhaps. Perhaps not. As you said, it has only been two weeks. So why discuss something such as that so soon?”

“I do not think we waited so much as a day.” Beatrice laughed as she nudged her husband. “Right, dear?”

“We have discussed it,” Hannah cut in, seeing her moment. “And let’s just say…” She looked at Frederick, who eyed her warningly. It was a look she was half-expecting, but one that she decided toignore. He was stubborn, but surely tonight had shown him what could be? What he could have if only he would allow it? “Nothing is discounted yet.”

“That’s a yes!” Charlotte laughed.

“Wonderful!” Lord Ramsbury beamed.

“I knew it!” Beatrice squealed. “Did I not tell you, dear?”

It was a sneaky ploy but a necessary one. Everything tonight was going so well, and Hannah knew Frederick well enough to know that he would not risk causing a scene—not with her aunt present. His insistence that he did not want a child was based on an unfounded fear, and he needed to see that. What was more, he needed to see the positives that such a thing might bring.

Hannah knew that later, they would have another discussion. Possibly a fight. But she also knew that she would be able to use tonight as an argument in her defense, reminding Frederick of the positives of starting a family together.

Really, she was just betting on his love for her as keeping him from doing or saying anything rash.

“Hannah,” Frederick spoke out the side of his mouth so that only she could hear. “What do you think you are doing?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” she said simply, not looking at him as she addressed the room. “I told you all, it hasnot been discussed. We are happy as is, and that is enough for now.”

“Yes, yes.” Her father waved her off. “As you say…” He could not stop smiling.

“So, a boy or a girl?” her mother asked. “Which would you prefer?”

“Mother!” Hannah sighed but could not keep from smiling. “Do not start.”

“It is just a question. Your Grace.” Lady Ramsbury looked at Frederick again. “Any preference?”

Frederick looked like a deer caught by a huntsman’s bow. His grip on Hannah’s hand tightened. His back stiffened. The urge to denounce the claim was brimming inside him. But he was nothing if not controlled, which meant that he would likely see himself through the night without losing his temper. Surely.

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