Page 18 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“Yes,” Anthony babbled. “I can talk really well!”
“He learned very quickly,” Luke said warmly.
“He’s not yet two. You both shouldn’t be leading him around the back rooms of the church!” Edith gently chided her ward.
A moment later, Anthony’s nurse appeared in the doorway. “My Lady, I am terribly sorry for the disturbance,” she panted softly.
“Do not worry,” Ava said warmly.
Tilly giggled and ran into Edith’s skirts. “You look as pretty as a fairy, Lady Nealton,” she said with a big smile.
Edith smiled back. “And you are my little fairy,” she replied, leaning down to hug her gently.
Tilly beamed and buried her face into the lace overlay, still giggling.
A knock at the door drew their attention. The nurse had moved to the side, and there stood Christian, Ava’s husband. He smiled lovingly at the scene.
A sudden, dark pang of jealousy twisted in Edith’s chest.
My future husband will never look at me like that.
“Are you ready, Edith?” Christian asked softly.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Edith nodded.
She placed one hand on Tilly’s back, guiding her gently out of the back room and toward the church’s main hall.
“You know it’s my honor to do this for you,” Christian whispered to Edith. “Still, it is not too late to ask one of your stepsons?—”
“You know I have no connection to them anymore,” she sighed softly. “It was why I was so grateful when you offered.”
“You’re Ava’s friend, so you are also my friend,” he said, looping her arm through his.
The church itself felt strangely empty. Aside from the children, Ava, Christian, and the priest, there was only one other witness to the wedding. Edith had heard that Lord Mallowby had stood by the reclusive Duke, but she’d never met the man.
Her gaze drifted to the Duke. He stood tall and formidable in a dark blue suit and pale gray waistcoat. Her spirits sank when he didn’t look up as she entered. His slight had been subtle, but it stung more than she’d expected.
Their short vows were spoken quickly, passing in an emotionless blur.
“I, Laurence Thornwaite,” he began as she reached the altar. “Take you, Edith Heath, to be my wife.”
The familiar words echoed through the hollow church.
Laurence had meant it when he’d said the quicker, the better. As the priest finished, they shared a chaste kiss. His lips were warm and unexpectedly soft against her own, and she felt her cheeks flush at the sensation.
As they parted, a rush of emotion caught Edith off guard.
This is real. I’m married again, to a man I met only a week ago. I’m not usually so impulsive.
Laurence pulled back quickly and avoided looking at her.
When all was said and done, Tilly and the other children began throwing grain as the couple left the church. Edith glanced at Ava, who smiled conspiratorially. This had been her doing.
Edith offered Ava a quiet smile of thanks, knowing Laurence likely didn’t share her appreciation.
Outside the church, Laurence already had a carriage waiting for them.
Ava hugged Edith tightly. “Write soon and often,” she whispered.
