Page 107 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
The maid nodded and allowed him entry.
Ava was in the hallway, her expression hard.
“Good afternoon, Duke,” she greeted frostily.
“Duchess,” he returned with a nod. “I received your husband’s letter about Edith and Tilly.”
“I’ll have someone stable your horse,” she said flatly, walking past him.
He clenched his jaw, but he knew he deserved her coldness.
Christian walked down the stairs and smiled. “They’re upstairs, follow me,” he said kindly.
Laurence nodded and quickly followed him.
Christian pushed open the door to Tilly’s chambers. Edith was sitting on a chair at one side, a damp cloth in her shaking hands. Tilly was asleep, breathing shallowly.
Edith looked up as the door opened and froze when she saw her husband. Laurence’s throat tightened at the sight of her. He wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless, to apologize and never let go. But then his eyes drifted to Tilly.
The little girl stirred, coughing.
“Shh, shh,” Edith said, her attention returning to Tilly.
“Your… Grace…” Tilly mumbled. “Pa…”
Laurence’s heart shattered.
“I’m here,” he said softly. He knelt next to Edith, taking the cloth from her and pressing it to Tilly’s forehead.
“I… I’m… so…” Tilly whimpered.
“You do not need to say anything,” Laurence crooned. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. Go back to sleep.”
Tilly nodded, her eyes closing.
Edith watched, her breathing ragged.
Laurence put one hand to the child’s cheek and winced. The hand holding the compress to her forehead was already warming. He took a shaky breath and glanced around for the water to cool it again.
Edith moved and held up the basin for him.
“Thank you,” he said softly.
She didn’t reply. The deep circles under her eyes showed that she hadn’t slept for several days.
Laurence stayed by her side throughout the night. His heart ached at the state of her. She wasn’t the fierce woman he had seen a week ago, just an exhausted mother.
Silently, a synchronicity formed between them. Edith would refresh the cold compress, and Laurence would press it to Tilly’s forehead.
“How have you been faring?” Laurence asked, wincing at how weak his voice was.
Edith did not respond.
“Have the Duke and Duchess been treating you well?” he asked later.
Once again, his words were met with silence.
After that, he gave up trying to speak with her. It was clear she wasn’t receptive to his overtures.
