Page 106 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“I’m here,” she said softly.
Tilly nodded, clutching her doll to her chest. “Pa… pa,” she whispered.
Edith’s heart shattered. She pressed her hand to her mouth, fighting back a sob. Despite everything, despite Laurence’s cruelty and his coldness, Tilly still wanted him.
And if Edith was being honest with herself, she did too.
CHAPTER 20
It had been almost a week since Edith had left the townhouse.
Laurence had been left to stew over James’s words. He was still struggling with work, so he had ample time to think about them. The weather had, mercifully, cleared up.
On that day, he was sitting in his study, looking at the ledgers again. It wasn’t with any kind of speed or urgency. Truly, he had been staring at the same page for almost half the day.
He wanted to throw himself into his work, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Tilly and Edith. He didn’t know how they were faring or what they were doing. He had considered writing to them, but did not believe he had any right to contact them after what he had said and done.
“You chased her away because you couldn’t handle your pride.”
James’s words once again came back to haunt him.
He gripped his chair’s armrests, unable to ignore the sinking feeling that his friend was probably right.
But if that were the case, had he done it all for nothing? Had he hurt them, then pushed them away to satisfy his own selfish pride?
No. He had to believe that he was right. He had to believe that he was protecting them.
He sighed and looked at his pile of letters, which was growing by the day. He knew he needed to reply to them all, but it felt like an insurmountable task.
A footman knocked on the door and stepped into the study. “Your Grace, a letter has arrived,” he announced.
“I see, thank you,” Laurence said, taking it from the man’s hand.
He took his letter opener and sliced open the envelope. The paper inside was of a superior quality, and the handwriting was neat.
Dear Duke of Alderbourne,
I am writing to you to inform you that Miss Tilly has come down with a high fever. Her Grace refuses to leave her side. We have our physician caring for her.
The Duke of Richmond.
Laurence stood up rapidly, his chair clattering behind him. He read the letter twice before running out of his study.
“Bring me my horse!” he called out, not caring who heard him.
The footman who had just left his study looked bewildered. “Your Grace? Why are you in such a hurry?”
“I said, bring me my horse,” Laurence ordered, storming down the stairs.
The visibly concerned housekeeper was already in the foyer and opened the door for him just as a stable hand walked up with his horse. Laurence swiftly mounted it, flicking the reins aggressively to make the beast move.
He pushed the horse hard, riding as fast as he could out of town and across the countryside. Wind whipped at his face as he pushed his horse harder and faster.
By the time he reached Richmond Estate, his horse was panting.
He ran up to the front door and banged on it twice with his fist. There was a moment of silence, then a maid opened the door.
“I’m here to see the Duchess of Alderbourne,” he said hurriedly.
