Page 9 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“Do you want to find a wife and have access to your fortune or not?” James asked bluntly.
Laurence groaned. That damn clause in his father’s will.
My estate and fortune shall only be released to my son, Laurence Thornwaite, once he has a wife and child of his own.
A last indignity after a life of indignities that his father had inflicted on him.
“I know this offends your delicate sensibilities,” James went on, “but unless you plan to wed a ghost in your castle’s west wing, you may need to speak to someone who’s alive. So, maybe you could try and find someone here?”
“I will try,” Laurence grumbled.
“Good.” James nodded. “Shall we?”
James guided him around the edge of the room, away from the debutante who was being revived with smelling salts.
“Over there is Lady Dunwell, daughter of the Earl of Dunwell. Pretty, good temperament, a love for music—” James began.
Laurence caught the young woman’s eye. She turned away quickly.
“Over there is Lady Penelope, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Foxwike,” James murmured, attempting discretion as he wedged them into the far corner of the ballroom.
When the young lady spotted them, her eyes widened with fear. Another young lady took her arm and led her away.
“This is going well,” Laurence hissed.
“Oh, hush, we just have to find the right woman,” James said, waving a dismissive hand.
A movement caught Laurence’s eye, and he turned slightly to watch a woman walking toward him. She was too old to be a debutante and was dragging a very reluctant young lady behind her.
Oh no.
“Your Grace, Lord Mallowby,” the woman greeted, bobbing a perfunctory curtsy. “I am Lady Fairfax, and this is my daughter, Lady Kitty,” she said, gesturing to the timid young woman behind her.
“Good evening,” Laurence offered.
“I am ever so delighted to meet you,” Lady Fairfax said.
Laurence nodded slowly, noticing that she did not meet his eyes.
“I do believe you’ve met my husband before?”
“Yes, Lord Fairfax has helped me secure some business in the past,” Laurence replied.
“Oh, of course!” Lady Fairfax smiled, although it didn’t reach her eyes.
Music began to fill the ballroom, and Lady Fairfax beckoned her daughter closer. “The music here is so wonderful. It is such a shame that a dancer such as my daughter should find herself without a partner. She’s just recently mastered the waltz,” she continued, gesturing to her daughter, who was finding the ceiling of great interest.
“With respect—” Laurence began, only to catch another woman watching him and whispering to her daughter.
“It seems we are now spoiled for choice.” James chuckled.
“Well, the night is young. I am sure he could dance with both young ladies,” Lady Fairfax reasoned.
“Would you like to dance, Lady Kitty?” Laurence asked.
“I would hate to interrupt your conversation,” Lady Kitty replied, “but if you would please excuse me, Your Grace, Lord Mallowby. I believe I see an acquaintance I must greet.” She dipped into a small curtsy, then turned and hastened away.
Her mother quickly chased after her, clearly displeased by her sudden departure.
