Page 24 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“But now she does, and she does not want to be ignored by him!”
Laurence watched Edith’s chest rise and fall as she tried to calm herself, the movement dislodging one of her sleeves. His heart stuttered as the curve of her shoulder revealed itself to the coolnight air. The garment had slipped so far that he could almost see her collarbone.
“Stop,” he hissed, stepping forward and catching her sleeve before it could fall any further.
She stiffened and looked down. He could feel the heat of her skin and see the soft dusting of pink that formed on her cheeks.
“I-I didn’t notice,” she stuttered.
“Enough,” he grunted.
Her eyes met his once more, warmth flickering in their depths, trying to draw him in. He felt himself soften, but steeled his heart against her charm.
“As I said, you and Tilly are free to do whatever you want, as long as you both keep your distance,” he said while adjusting her sleeve.
Her skin felt soft under his fingers as he covered her shoulder.
“But—”
“Never knock on this door at this hour. Do you understand?”
“Your Grace?—”
The sharp click of the door closing cut her off. He held the doorknob for a moment, looking at the dark wood, listening to her sharp breaths.
After a moment, he heard her walk away. Only then did he turn to his bed, praying that she and that blasted sleeve falling off her shoulder wouldn’t haunt his dreams.
Edith lay down on the bed, her cheeks burning with humiliation. She couldn’t believe her nightgown had betrayed and embarrassed her like that. Nor could she believe how coldly Laurence had responded to Tilly’s plight.
Still, at least she had control over how Tilly would be raised. She had always known she would, but at least she could try and protect the girl from Laurence’s distance.
What a vexing man.
Turning slowly onto her side, she replayed the conversation in her head. His cold words, the feel of his fingers on her shoulder, and how he’d stared at her. She’d never seen a gaze so intense.
She turned over in an attempt to sleep and tried to clear her head.
The next morning, Edith stepped into the breakfast room to find Tilly waiting. Her head snapped up as she heard Edith enter, then slowly lowered again.
“He’s not coming today?” Tilly whispered.
“It does seem like he won’t be joining us for breakfast,” Edith said softly.
Tilly nodded as her food was placed in front of her. “Maybe he will come for dinner?” she asked hopefully.
“We shall see,” Edith murmured, not wanting to get the girl’s hopes up.
She watched Tilly pick at her breakfast, her small shoulders hunched. She had never wanted Tilly to feel the coldness that would permeate this marriage. No child deserved that.
Edith sighed and reached for her tea.
Would there ever come a day when the Duke joined them?
CHAPTER 5
“Miss Tilly! Don’t run too far!” the housekeeper shouted as Tilly giggled and ran through the rows of bushes in the garden.
“At least she seems to have forgotten about breakfast,” Edith sighed.
