Page 76 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“Swallowed what?” Luke asked.
“A lemon drop,” James answered.
Anthony’s eyes went wide. “Can I have a lemon drop? Please, please, please?” he begged.
Tilly looked at Edith.
“Has he been good?” Edith asked, grinning at Ava.
“Well, he did say please,” Ava said thoughtfully.
“But he was whining about having to wear shoes today,” Christian reminded her teasingly.
Anthony’s face fell. “But I want one,” he mumbled.
Tilly looked between the adults and Anthony, utterly heartbroken by his pitiful display.
“Hmm,” Ava murmured, pretending to think hard. “I suppose if he said sorry for whining, he could have?—”
“Mama! Papa!” Anthony cried, looking at his parents. “I’m very, very sorry for whining. I will do better. Can I have a lemon drop now?”
James had to turn away so he didn’t laugh at Anthony’s antics. Tilly looked pleadingly at Edith and Laurence.
“Your Graces, are you happy with his apology?” Edith asked.
“I am,” Ava replied.
“I suppose it will do.” Christian grinned.
Edith nodded and took a lemon drop out of her pocket and gave it to Anthony. The little boy beamed and immediately started sucking on the sweet.
James finally burst out laughing while trying in vain to muffle it with his hand.
Tilly shook her head. “Why are you friends with Lord Mallowby, Your Grace?” she asked Laurence, looking up at him.
“Truly, I could hardly say,” he drawled.
“Hey!” James protested. “I have stuck with you through thick and thin; I believe that is point enough.”
“I suppose,” Laurence conceded.
“I still question it,” Tilly mumbled, earning another grin and a pat on the shoulder from Laurence.
Edith giggled as she watched the scene, enjoying the warmth. Laurence noticed and stepped closer, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Ava glanced between Laurence and Edith and raised an eyebrow. Edith blushed, realizing that her friend had noticed what was happening. She gave her a smile and a small nod.
Ava beamed and nodded. “I am glad to see we are all doing well,” she said pointedly.
Dinner was soon served, and the group sat down to eat.
“I really am quite taken with this townhouse,” Christian admitted, looking around the room.
“I have noticed,” Edith said. “I think you’ve looked at the walls and paintings more than your food.”
“I cannot help it!” he protested. “And it is giving me some ideas for Richmond House.”
“Oh no,” Ava groaned.
