Page 23 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

“I was engaged to be married,” she said quietly. “My fiancé had business for his father in the Caribbean. In fact, we were to live in Jamaica after our wedding. Edmund went there to prepare a home for us on the plantation and complete a business transaction.”

She fell silent and Anthony wondered if she would continue.

Finally, Aunt Constance said, “Edmund’s ship went down on its return to England. Two sailors survived. Both revealed too many goods had been placed aboard the ship. When it reached rough seas and a violent storm struck, the ship hadn’t a chance with such a heavy load of cargo and sank.” Her voice broke. “The idea of wedding anyone but Edmund was distasteful. We were in love and no man appealed to me after that. I chose to remain a spinster to honor his memory.”

“Oh, Aunt Constance,” Hannah said, her voice wavering. “I’m so sorry.”

She patted her niece’s hand. “It’s all right, dear. My father gave me my own residence in the country. The gay, carefree life in London held no interest for me. And I was able to have children of my own, first with Anthony and now you.”

Hearing his aunt’s tale of heartbreak confirmed in Anthony’s mind that love matches were wasteful and would harm a soul as much as the anger that he carried in his own heart. He doubled his resolve to find a silent wallflower who would give him no trouble.

He also decided to address Hannah regarding the situation.

“Hannah, I wish to speak to you about Lady Laurel. I don’t think she is an appropriate person for you to befriend.”

His sister scowled. “You heard the gossip about her tonight. That she is the duke’s illegitimate half-sister.”

“I did,” he confirmed. “An association with her would hurt your chances in making a good match.”

“But she’s my friend, Anthony. I cannot abandon her.”

“You barely know her,” he said, his patience thinning.

“Well, I’m not going to listen to you,” she said stubbornly. “Why should I? You didn’t even bother to come to see Aunt Constance or me when you returned from the war. You don’t even like the fact that you are my guardian. Family means nothing to you. At least Lady Laurel, though illegitimate, has been warmly accepted by the St. Clairs. They have taken her in and made her one of them. Tomorrow night’s ball is even in her honor. I don’t care what you say. Lady Laurel is a good, kind person. Many of the women I met tonight are not. They were vicious gossips and not the kind I would care to extend the hand of friendship.”

The vehicle slowed and came to a stop. The carriage door opened and Hannah sprang up and took the footman’s hand and exited.

Aunt Constance shook her head. “She has a point, you know. I approve of Lady Laurel and her loving family.Iwill allow Hannah to continue the acquaintance. I hope that they grow to be fast friends. And any man who would judge Lady Laurel harshly for her birth father’s appalling behavior isn’t one good enough to court Hannah, much less wed my niece.” With that, she also left the carriage.

He climbed from the vehicle, frustration building. He was a bloody duke—and his own family wouldn’t even listen to him. He strode into the townhouse, angry because his own heart was trying to make room for Lady Laurel.

Anthony refused to open it to Laurel St. Clair—or any other woman.

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