Page 80 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
The little girl beamed and hopped down the stairs toward them.
“Now, remember your manners tonight,” Edith said with a smile.
Tilly nodded enthusiastically. “I will.”
Warmth filled Laurence’s chest at the sight. “I’m not sure we have enough lemon drops,” he joked.
“I’m not sure there are enough lemon drops in the whole of England.” James snickered.
“Not to worry,” Edith quipped. “I asked one of the maids to get more today.”
Tilly smiled widely. “Where are they?”
“They are secreted away, so little hands cannot reach them without my permission.”
“But…” Tilly pouted.
“Don’t worry,” Laurence said. “We will make sure you receive what you are owed.”
Tilly sighed and nodded, temporarily placated by his answer.
James chuckled, watching the little family. He heard someone inside the dining room call out his name.
“It seems I am needed elsewhere,” he said. “I will see you all anon.”
“Of course, enjoy yourself,” Edith called out as James strolled toward the dining room.
Laurence could see that the dining room was crowded and felt the heat creep into the hall. He doubted he’d enjoy himself, no matter how lively it seemed.
“Shall we go greet our guests?” Edith asked, squeezing his arm gently.
He nodded. “Yes,” he sighed. “I suppose we should.”
He felt Tilly’s hand gently grasp one of his large fingers.
“Are you scared, Your Grace?” she asked.
Laurence almost laughed. “No, Tilly. Not scared. I just don’t like…” He looked at the door. “I don’t like crowds.”
“His Grace prefers quieter company,” Edith explained.
“Then why is he friends with Lord Mallowby?” Tilly asked.
“Why, indeed?” Laurence grinned.
“Well, Lord Mallowby is nice,” Edith reminded him.
“Have people not been nice to His Grace before?”
“Sadly,” Laurence murmured.
Tilly frowned. “Well, if anyone is mean to you, you tell me,” she said, standing taller. “I’ll tell them off for you.”
Laurence laughed and patted her shoulder. “You are a very brave girl, Tilly,” he said warmly as they walked toward the doors.
The dining room was filled with the elite of the ton, people whom Laurence knew had wide connections and deep pockets. Every bone in his body screamed at him to turn around and leave. Some of these people had once scorned him. Others had once scorned Edith.
But tonight isn’t the night to run and hide.
