Page 76 of The Duke and the Unwanted Bride

“Careful now, Your Grace,” Lord Ramsbury interjected. “I must ask that you treat my daughter with respect. Especially if you wish to see more little ones running about the place anytime soon.”

“Exactly,” Lady Ramsbury chimed in. “Do not dare deny me of it.”

“You, Mother?” Beatrice snorted. “I had no idea your considerations were to be taken into account.”

“Of course, they are,” Lady Ramsbury said rightly. “As a grandmother, it is my right to request as many grandchildren as possible. From all of you—” She looked over her three daughters. “And I will remind you each that you owe me.”

“And how is that?” Charlotte laughed.

“Why, I gave birth to all of you, is how. I brought you into this world, so it is the least you can do.”

“Agreed,” Lord Ramsbury said with a proud nod.

“Oh, please, Phineas,” Lady Ramsbury sighed. “Do not act as if you had anything to do with it. Well, apart from the obvious.” She smirked coyly.

“Letitia!” Lord Ramsbury gasped, his cheeks flushing.

“Mother,” Charlotte groaned, “please do not go there.”

“Oh, I am only joking.”

“Enough wine for you, I think,” Beatrice said with a giggle.

Her family was in the swing of things, a sight that Hannah recognized well. Growing up with them, and seeing how otherfamilies often acted around one another, she had always been thankful for how close she was with her sisters and parents. How well they all got along. How happy they were. This, more than anything, was vindication for the dinner party.

Across from them sat her aunt and Selina, both notably silent. With the sisters taking over the conversation, there was little chance for Teresa to interject. She looked terse the whole time, seeming to become more frustrated as the conversation continued, and Selina… well, she was still acting sheepish.

And as all of this was happening, Hannah held Frederick’s hand and looked at him time and again, making sure to smile and check that he was enjoying himself. And in a way, he seemed to be, chuckling lightly here and there, smiling to himself, nowhere near as distant as he had been.

It was almost as if her plan was working…

Yes, he was still not entirely present. And yes, he was not involving himself as she might have liked. But he was listening, hearing what her sisters and their husbands were saying, seeing for himself what married life could be like.

Now, all Hannah needed to do was hammer the point home.

“Speaking of children.” Charlotte looked quickly at Beatrice and winked before looking back at Hannah. “Can we assume that you and His Grace are planning on bringing a little one into the fold soon, Hannah?”

Holding Frederick’s hand, Hannah could feel him stiffen at the question. No doubt this was the last thing he wanted to talk about. Although surely by now, he realized what she was doing?

“And what makes you say that?” she asked innocently.

“Natural curiosity,” Charlotte said. “You have been married for two weeks. I think it is a fair question to ask.”

“Charlotte,” her husband warned. “That is none of our business.”

“I disagree,” Beatrice piped up. “I rather like the idea of being an aunt.”

“Which you already are,” her husband reminded her.

“Still…” She fixed her gaze firmly on Hannah and Frederick. “Come on, tell us truly, has it been discussed?”

Hannah shrugged casually. “For now, Frederick and I are simply happy to take each day as it comes. Happy being the key word.”

She smiled at Frederick, who did the same, albeit with less enthusiasm.

Beatrice snorted. “That is dodging the question.”

“Just a statement of fact.”

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