Page 41 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
Edith gasped and looked up. Tilly had materialized out of nowhere and was looking at her with utter innocence… still with the key in her hand.
“Give me that,” Edith said, taking the key. “You were very naughty, locking me and His Grace in that room.”
Tilly nodded solemnly, but her eyes sparkled, and her mouth twitched with suppressed mirth.
“Oh, you little—” Edith growled, and Tilly raced away.
What am I to do with this girl?
CHAPTER 8
Two days later, they were in the carriage, returning to London. The carriage wheels clattered against the ground, staccato and harsh.
Tilly swung her legs as she traced the letters in the book her governess had given her, unaware of the tension between the adults seated next to her.
Edith didn’t dare move. Her legs were so close to Laurence’s that every bump made them touch. She kept her eyes trained out the window, knowing that if she looked at him, she’d want him.
The longing had become much worse since their kiss. Each time they touched, even if by accident, she felt her stomach jump and the air leave her lungs. It did not help that she had found the exact window that gave her a view of the area where Laurence exercised.
She sighed, her thoughts far from the rugged hills and scattered trees beyond the carriage window. Laurence was at the forefront of all her thoughts.
A bump in the road shook the carriage. Laurence lurched forward and had to catch himself on the headrest of her seat.
“Sorry!” the driver called back to them.
Edith hardly heard the man, so preoccupied was she with Laurence’s nearness. She noticed that he was wearing the same cologne he had worn when he kissed her.
“B-Be more careful!” Laurence shouted at the driver before sitting back.
“Are you all right, Your Grace?” Tilly asked.
“I’m fine,” Laurence grumbled.
Edith tried to settle and look out the window again. Her mouth had gone dry, and she could feel the heat prickling her skin.
It was a great relief when they finally arrived at the townhouse. While the servants busied themselves with unpacking their luggage, Tilly immediately began running around the space to explore.
Edith steered clear of the commotion, not least of all because she had no interest in bumping into Laurence again.
Laurence seemed agitated as he made his way down the corridor and passed Edith without sparing a word.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
He hesitated. “My study,” he replied gruffly.
Edith’s heart sank. She knew they were here for work, but for some reason, being separated from him again so soon gnawed at her.
As he walked further down the corridor, she racked her brain for a reason to make him stay.
“I will be visiting some ladies tomorrow,” she called out.
Laurence halted and turned to face her. “I see.”
“I will endeavor not to be out too long,” she added. “But I am hoping to secure some donations.”
Laurence nodded before finally disappearing into his study.
Edith’s shoulders dropped in disappointment.
