Page 31 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

Chapter Ten

Anthony rang thebell to the Everton household at precisely three o’clock. A butler with a look of disdain on his face admitted Anthony. He presented his card, which the servant refused.

“You are expected, Your Grace. No need for that. If you’ll follow me,” he said haughtily.

Tamping down the trepidation rumbling inside him, Anthony followed the butler to the Duke of Everton’s study and was announced.

“Would you care for tea to be brought, Your Grace?” the butler asked.

“I would not,” Everton said and the butler left.

He could see the duke’s anger regarding the betrothal had yet to cool. Without bothering for an invitation, Anthony took a seat in front of the desk Everton sat behind and removed the special license he’d obtained this morning, setting it on the desk.

“I visited Doctors Common this morning. Are you ready to discuss the settlements?”

Everton steepled his fingers and studied Anthony. “Why did you do it, Linfield?”

“Do what, Your Grace?”

“Compromise my sister. You’re a duke. You could have had any woman in thetonthat you desired. Why Laurel?”

“I surprised myself, Everton,” he admitted. “I wasn’t planning to wed so quickly. Lady Laurel is unique, though. The life she led before she came to you St. Clairs and all she has experienced has made her immeasurably strong. Yet, I see a vulnerability in her. She is intelligent. Wise beyond her years and full of common sense. I find her quite extraordinary and believe she will make for a fine duchess.”

“It sounds as though you admire her,” the duke noted.

“I do. Neither of us has had an easy time in life. With my new title and power, though, I have the ability to protect her. Give her everything she has previously lacked. Laurel will bring an unmatched perspective to raising our children. They will be better, kinder individuals because they will be made aware that not everyone in society has the advantages they will hold.”

“I see.” The duke studied him. Anthony focused on even breaths, trying to remain calm under such scrutiny.

“It seems you will treat Laurel with respect.”

“Of course. She will be my duchess.”

“What of fidelity?” Everton asked.

“What of it?” he countered, remembering how Laurel mentioned that St. Clairs wed for love. “I am not a man to take any commitment lightly. Marriage is the greatest one of all. I will be faithful to my wife, Everton. Never doubt that.”

“Do you love her?” the duke asked softly.

“No,” he said, not wanting to tell Laurel’s blood kin that would be impossible. “I haven’t known her long enough. I do greatly respect and admire her. I’m interested and intrigued by her. We’ve found common ground between us. I believe we have the makings for a solid foundation for a marriage. That’s more than most couples who wed can say.”

His answer seemed to satisfy Everton. The duke picked up the special license and scanned it. “Are you ready to hammer out the marriage settlements?” he asked, a look of cunning in his eyes.

Anthony was eager to go toe to toe with him and responded, “Prepare to grovel, Everton. I plan to get everything I want—and then some.”

“Duly noted,” the duke replied, a slow smile spreading across his face. He cracked his knuckles. “I suggest removing your coat and rolling up your sleeves, Linfield. We’ve contracts to work out—and I plan to squeeze you until you scream for mercy.”

Two hours later, an agreement between the pair had been reached. Everton offered his hand and Anthony took it.

“Welcome to the family, Linfield.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. You are a worthy adversary. I only hope Laurel hasn’t your skills in negotiation else I fear she will rule our roost.”

Everton laughed. “She’s a St. Clair, man. She’ll run over you while smiling—and you’ll never know what hit you.”

Anthony had a feeling that’s exactly what would occur.

And he was perfectly fine with it, knowing he could enjoy marriage to Laurel and keep his heart intact.

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