Page 42 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
Even a moment more of his attention would have made me feel better.
“Oh, your ward is so sweet, Your Grace!” Lady Fairfax giggled from behind her fan.
Edith and Tilly sat at a table with Lady Fairfax and her cousin Lady Wexbridge. The luncheon was a luxurious affair. Clearly, the gathered women were eager for the new Duchess’s attention.
“Miss Tilly is indeed a lovely girl,” Edith agreed, smiling down at her as she tried her best to eat her soup without spilling a drop. “And she is not my ward. His Grace has claimed her as his child, and thus she is mine too.”
“Oh, pardon me, then. I’m sure you’ve enjoyed having some time to restore your energy after your whirlwind marriage,” Lady Wexbridge remarked with a giggle.
“I must ask, how did that come about?” Lady Fairfax asked.
“I can hardly say.” Edith laughed.
“And he supports your charity?” Lady Wexbridge asked, leaning forward.
“He does. His Grace appreciates someone who can be independent,” Edith replied. Her heart ached at the implications of her own words.
“What a marvelous man!” Lady Wexbridge beamed.
“And if he supports you, so much the better,” Lady Fairfax added.
“Lord Wexbridge!” Lady Wexbridge called out to her husband, who was sitting in the library with Lady Fairfax’s father.
Lord Wexbridge entered the room and smiled at the ladies. Edith watched as his eyes darted to Tilly, and his smile faltered. A beat later, he smoothed it back into place, but it did not reach his eyes.
“Whatever has you shouting, my love?” he asked, putting an arm on the back of Lady Wexbridge’s chair.
Edith had to bite the inside of her cheek at the saccharine display. She knew that envy would do her no good. It also wasn’t an emotion that she was used to feeling. But watching the couple, something in her ached to have that with Laurence.
“Her Grace has been telling us about her life with the Duke and her charitable endeavors. It would seem that Her Grace is seeking donations at the moment, and His Grace is supporting her,” Lady Wexbridge explained.
“The Duke is truly supporting you, Your Grace?” Lord Wexbridge asked.
“Indeed,” Edith replied. “I am ever so grateful to have such an understanding husband.”
Lord Wexbridge nodded, but his eyes drifted. Edith knew a calculating look when she saw one.
“I say, Your Grace, what is the focus of your charitable ventures at the moment?” he asked.
Edith smiled. “We are looking to assist in the building of an orphanage. Thereafter, our attention will turn to the Foundlings Hospital.”
Lord Wexbridge glanced at Tilly and nodded. “Fitting, I suppose,” he murmured, earning a slight tap on his wrist from his wife.
Lady Fairfax offered Edith an apologetic look.
“In any event, if His Grace supports it, it’s only right that we do so. How much?—”
“I was thinking fifty pounds would be an acceptable donation,” Lady Wexbridge spoke over her husband.
Lord Wexbridge sputtered, and panic flashed across his face.
“Oh, that would be ever so generous,” Edith gushed.
“Perhaps we should speak about this in private later.”
“I see no reason to.” Lady Wexbridge waved a dismissive hand. “We will send you the money within the week.”
“Thank you, Lady Wexbridge.” Edith smiled.
