Page 54 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
Edith hesitated, then followed him into his room.
Laurence’s quarters were much as she had expected. Dark, with thick curtains and a luxuriously large bed. She had never been inside his room before and had only caught a glimpse when she had spoken to him the night of their wedding.
He unlocked the door and rang a bell for his valet, who arrived quickly.
“Have a meal sent for the Duchess and I. Quickly,” he ordered.
The valet nodded and backed away.
Laurence closed the door and turned back to Edith. “You should have said that you were hungry.”
“I had a lot to do today.”
“Skipping meals doesn’t benefit anyone.” He walked over to his thick, mahogany desk and pulled out the chair for her.
“It was hardly intentional,” Edith replied, frowning.
Laurence nodded, but he didn’t look convinced.
“Sit,” he said firmly.
“I can?—”
“Do not argue with me tonight.”
“Your Grace, I?—”
“You are not taking care of yourself,” he said, walking back toward her.
He was strong, his movements fluid. He placed a hand on the small of her back and guided her to the chair. “Taking care of yourself and your health is as much a part of your responsibilities as is writing and caring for Tilly.”
She blushed at the feel of his hand on her back. She could feel the warmth of his skin through her dress. It seemed to fit perfectly.
“I am more than capable of looking after myself.”
“You are not acting like it.”
“I needed to see to the correspondence and Tilly and?—”
“Duchess,” Laurence grunted.
After a moment of indecision, she relented and took a seat.
He leaned down and locked eyes with her. Her heart pounded; he was so close now. She glanced at his lips, then back at his eyes.
“I understand that you value your independence and take your responsibilities very seriously, but, on occasion, it is necessary for us to be looked after by other people. Let me look after you.”
He gently tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. She swallowed hard, his touch sending shivers through her.
“On one condition.”
“Stubborn woman,” he chuckled. “Fine, what is your condition?”
“That you let me look after you on occasion.”
He scoffed. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Did you not just say that we need others to look after us on occasion?” she retorted.
