Page 46 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
The young girl nodded as she listened.
“I am… still learning how to speak to a child. I am aware I am not exactly the most… gentle person to be around,” he admitted. “But you are my charge, Tilly. I want you here. I won’t ever want you to leave.”
Tilly’s big brown eyes welled with tears that spilled down her cheeks. She sniffled and let out a strangled noise before jumping into his arms. He caught her, masking his surprise. She clung to his neck, hugging him as tight as her little arms would allow while she sobbed.
Unsure what to do, Laurence awkwardly patted her back. In truth, he had never been held as a child. He had no idea if he wassupposed to hold her gently. There was the worry that if he held her too tight, she might break.
“There, there,” he mumbled.
Soft footsteps from behind him caught his attention, and Edith appeared in the doorway.
Laurence took this as the moment to pull back. Tilly let go, her face wet with tears, a small bubble forming under one nostril.
Without a word, Edith leaned down with a handkerchief, gently cleaned Tilly’s face, and then led her out of the room.
“Let’s leave the Duke to his business, Tilly,” she said softly.
After Edith had closed the door, Laurence sighed and sat in his desk chair. A bleak thought took root in his mind as he stared blankly at the documents before him.
If I had known the warmth of a steady hand and gentle care in childhood, as Edith gives so freely to Tilly, might I have become a different man?
CHAPTER 9
“Thank you again for agreeing to accompany me,” Edith said.
“Well, it’s to help your charity,” Laurence replied. “Besides, it would also stop the ton from scorning you and Tilly.”
“Right,” Edith sighed as they stepped into the gardens of Lord and Lady Wickshaw.
The gardens had been manicured to perfection. There were tables of tea and sandwiches laid out in idyllic spots. Groups of people had gathered to talk to one another as music from a string quartet floated in the air.
After her luncheon with Lady Fairfax and Lady Wexbridge, Edith had received a last-minute invitation to the Wickshaws’ charity garden party. She was glad to be able to attend events that allowed her to support her causes. More importantly, she would be able to spend time with Laurence.
At least, that was what she had hoped.
Her hopes were rapidly dashed as he untangled his arm from hers, walked over to a group of gentlemen, and began talking. Her heart sank, but she kept her expression neutral. If she showed her disappointment, it would just fuel gossip.
“I didn’t think you’d attend, Your Grace.” The voice was familiar enough to make her turn around.
Her eyes met Ava’s, and she gave a wide smile.
“Oh, my dear friend, it is so good to see you,” Edith said, reaching out to embrace her.
“And you! I did worry you would not have time to see me,” Ava admitted.
“Well, I am here now.” Edith smiled.
The pair walked over to a small table where some light refreshments were on offer.
“How is your condition?” Edith asked.
“All is fine,” Ava replied. “But I am also looking forward to the day that it is over.”
“I can only imagine!” Edith chuckled softly.
“And how is your marriage going?”
Edith hesitated and glanced at Laurence before looking back at Ava. “I suppose it is going as well as one could expect it to.”
