Page 108 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
Part of him had hoped that there would be a tearful reunion, that she would run to him and hold him. Clearly, that had been nothing more than wishful thinking. He could not blame her. These were the consequences of his actions.
As the night went on, Edith struggled to keep her eyes open. She blinked heavily and started to sway. Several times, she caught herself before she fell off her seat. The final time, however, she didn’t. She ended up leaning against his shoulder, fast asleep.
Laurence hesitated, then wrapped his arm around her, keeping her close. Tears sprang to his eyes as he realized just how much he had missed the feel of her body against his.
Eventually, the sun began to rise, filling the room with pale golden light. Laurence’s eyes were focused on Tilly, still watching her little chest rise and fall, as if looking away might stop it.
Tilly stirred awake and gradually opened her eyes. Edith leaned over and put her hand to Tilly’s forehead.
“Thank God. Her fever has broken,” she whispered, her eyes swimming with tears of relief.
Laurence let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “Thank heavens,” he sighed.
Tilly reached over and patted Laurence’s hand. He smiled, gently holding her tiny hand in his large one, his thumb rubbing the back of it.
“There you go, little one,” he murmured.
Edith smiled weakly, reaching over to gently stroke Tilly’s hair.
Laurence’s heart melted. He looked between them both. He saw Edith’s quiet exhaustion, the love in her eyes. Tilly’s brown eyes also looked exhausted, but she was looking at them with utter trust and adoration.
This was what he had always wanted. This was what it meant to be a family.
He wanted to cling to this feeling forever. He couldn’t let them go again.
A little knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. He glanced over and saw Luke and Anthony stepping inside.
“Is Tilly all right?” Luke whispered.
“Her fever broke,” Edith replied with a gentle smile.
A look of pure relief washed over Luke, and little Anthony clapped his hands delightedly.
Both boys tiptoed into the room. Luke took a seat on the other side of Tilly’s bed, and Anthony crawled up onto the bed covers next to her.
The room was filled with a comfortable silence and the soft sound of Tilly’s breathing.
“Edith, may I have a word with you?” Laurence asked quietly. “Alone?”
Edith tensed up. “I… I don’t want to leave her right now,” she said.
Laurence felt his heart clench in his chest.
“We could look after her,” Luke offered.
“Yes, we will take good care of her,” Anthony said with an eager nod.
Laurence watched Edith, silently praying she would agree.
“Thank you, boys,” she sighed, standing up.
Laurence followed suit and gave the boys a grateful look.
Edith led him into the hallway and then into a small guest chamber. Laurence looked around. It was smaller than herrooms at the castle and the townhouse, although just as luxurious. Her small trunk was open at the foot of the bed.
She turned to face him, her arms folded protectively across her chest.
“You should have sent for me,” he said gently.
