Page 15 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

Chapter Five

“Ilove thatyou are so knowledgeable about current events, Laurel,” Rachel said with enthusiasm. “You have strong opinions on everything. That’s very refreshing.”

Laurel took a sip of her tea as Kitty brought them a new pot, along with a second plate of macaroons. Caroline’s eyes lit up as she took the first one.

“Mr. Cole always bought a newspaper each day. He allowed me to read it after him, usually when things slowed down at the store. I was drawn mostly to politics and economic issues.”

“You’re the first person who has explained the Corn Laws to me in a way I can understand,” Catherine said. “And I find this new Davy lamp for coal mining quite interesting. I wonder if Jeremy knows about it.”

“He does,” Laurel said. “We even discussed the first test of it underground at Hebburn Colliery. Jeremy told me he has already invested in Davy lamps.”

“I’m just delighted you’ve joined our book club,” Leah said. “Already, your contributions to our discussions have made us a much livelier group.”

Leah had encouraged Laurel to join the subscription service at Evie’s Bookstore and become a member of the book club that the store sponsored. Though Laurel had never read a book before, she had finished three now and enjoyed getting together to discuss it with other females.

“But you never read any of the gossip in the newspaper?” Leah asked. “You know Lord Byron is experiencing difficulties. His debts are growing and his marriage is teetering on failure. I’ve read he’s thinking of fleeing London to escape the growing scandal.”

Laurel shrugged. “Society news didn’t seem important to me. I knew none of the people the papers discussed. Frankly, I never thought I would meet any of them.”

“Oh, you will,” Rachel promised. “You should start reading about thetonimmediately. Don’t worry. We’ll catch you up on the gossip you need to know, as well as make sure you know which men to avoid. We don’t want you compromised by some scoundrel.”

Mr. Walton approached their table. “Lady Mayfield, do you have time to discuss the new shipment that has come in?”

“Of course,” Caroline replied and then looked to her companions. “If you’ll excuse me, ladies. I believe I’ll be tied up for a few hours so feel free to leave without me.”

After Caroline left the table, suddenly Leah turned white as a sheet and gagged.

“Oh, no,” she murmured, holding her hands to her mouth.

“I’ve got you,” Rachel said, swiftly getting her friend to her feet and leading Leah from the table.

“Is she ill?” Laurel asked, confused. “She was fine just a moment ago.”

Catherine grinned. “I believe my sister will have good news to share with us. From the look on her face, I’m going to guess we’ll have a new niece or nephew come autumn.” She paused. “Have you been around women who are ready to bear a child?”

“Not really,” Laurel admitted. “Only the ones who came into Mr. Cole’s chandlery to shop. I worked long hours and then went straight home. Mama didn’t socialize or have friends.” She smiled. “That’s why I’ve enjoyed spending time each day in the nursery with your children, Catherine. They are delightful.”

She had never thought she might one day marry. Just existing from day to day had been all she could think of. The idea of a husband or children had never been something she’d contemplated. Being around her new nieces and nephews, though, brought a deep yearning for babies. A maternal spark she’d never been aware of had been lit within her.

“I hope to have children of my own one day,” she shared.

“I’m sure you will. You’ll meet many people during the upcoming Season.”

Laurel worried about that. Catherine had taken her to a modiste for an entire wardrobe, including countless gowns to be worn to Season events. Over the last six weeks she’d been given lessons in dance and Luke had taught her to ride. She’d taken to both. She’d never known such joy as when she moved to music. Catherine had said at some point Laurel might want to take up music lessons and learn an instrument, such as the pianoforte, but there was plenty of time for that in the future.

“I’m anxious about it,” she said. “I’m afraid I’ll make a mistake—many of them—and embarrass you and Jeremy.”

“You aren’t to worry about that,” her sister-in-law said. “Just be yourself.” Catherine hesitated a moment. “There will be some who think you are a bit too outspoken and opinionated. Don’t let them change anything about you, Laurel. Too many young women making their come-out act alike. Sound alike. Dress alike. You will be a breath of fresh air.”

Since they were alone, Laurel found the courage to ask, “Are you having me make my come-out so I will leave the household?”

“What? Of course not. We are delighted to have you. Let me say this, which I hope will relieve you of your worries. My father told me this at my own debut years ago. He said to enjoy the Season and all the people I would meet and the activities I would participate in. If I found a man to my liking and thought we would suit, then by all means, marry him. If I didn’t, I could have as many Seasons as I wanted.” She smiled wistfully. “Papa gave me the gift of time. We want you to have that same choice, Laurel. I know this is a new world to you, one you never dreamed you’d participate in. Don’t force yourself to find a husband. We would be happy to keep you with us forever. If you do find someone you like, though, remember that we will always be your family. You and your new husband will be welcomed at Eversleigh or any St. Clair home.”

“Or Edgemere,” Rachel said, sliding into her chair.

“The same at Fairhaven or Fairfield,” added Leah, color back in her face as she took her seat.

“I assume you’re speaking of marriage,” Rachel said. “I hope you will wed someday, Laurel. You are a natural with children. Every time you come into the room, Seth holds his arms out to you.”

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