Page 32 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

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Laurel allowed herfemale relatives to fuss over her as they prepared her for her wedding. Even she could tell their gaiety was forced. Left unsaid was how this marriage—though not forced—wasn’t the typically happy St. Clair union the three women in the room had experienced.

It didn’t matter to her. Linfield would give her his name, which included his protection, as well as children. That was what was most important. It would help shield her new St. Clair relatives from the vicious gossip that would erupt if she and the duke hadn’t wed.

She did feel a bit sad, having expressed her wish that Luke and Caroline not attend. With Caroline’s delicate condition, she didn’t want her sister-in-law to have to endure another coach ride to London and back, especially since the wedding occurred so quickly. She had told Jeremy she would write to the Mayfields and share her good news. Hopefully, Linfield wouldn’t mind her visiting them once their baby came in June. She was eager to meet her new niece or nephew.

“There,” Catherine said. “I think you are ready.” She stepped back and admired Laurel as she rose. “You make for a very beautiful bride. Linfield is an exceptionally fortunate man.”

“Thank you all for helping me get ready.” She hesitated and added, “I would like a few minutes alone to collect my thoughts.”

Realizing they were being dismissed, Catherine and Leah nodded and left the room.

Only Rachel lingered at the door and said, “You didn’t say what happened with Linfield. Did he do more than kiss you?”

“No,” Laurel replied. “We were observed kissing. That was enough.”

Her sister gazed steadily at her. “Did you at least enjoy the kiss?”

“It was pleasant,” she began. “I was upset. He wished to console me. It somehow led to a kiss.”

Rachel frowned. “Pleasant?”

“Well, I have never experienced a kiss before. This one... changed somehow.” Laurel paused, unsure how to describe what had happened between them. She had thought about it constantly ever since it occurred. “It was as if Linfield became... hungry for me. The kiss started in comfort and turned into... something else. It was as if he needed me. And I needed him.”

Her sister grinned. “Was that part more than pleasant?”

She sensed her cheeks heating. “Very much. I wish... I wish we hadn’t been interrupted,” she declared. “I would have liked to see where it went.”

Relief swept across Rachel’s face. She came toward Laurel and hugged her tightly. “Where there is hunger, there is desire. Desire leads to passion. And passion leads to love.” She kissed Laurel’s cheek. “You may marry Linfield now. I’m satisfied things will work out as they should.”

What Laurel didn’t tell her sister was that love would never be a part of this union. That moments before Jeremy announced their engagement to theton, her future husband had told her love wouldn’t play a role in their marriage. Laurel accepted it for what it was worth. If they could be friendly toward one another, that was all she would expect. People in thetonmarried and had children all the time. Lovemaking didn’t necessarily include the two participants loving one another.

A knock brought her to her feet and she answered it. Standing at the door were Hudson and Jeremy.

“You don’t have to do this,” Hudson proclaimed. “He’s a stranger.”

“He’s aduke,” she reminded her brother. “The match is more than I could have hoped for.”

“But you don’t know him, Laurel,” Hudson protested.

“We will have many years to get to know one another. I want this, Hudson. Truly. For you as much as me.”

“Me?”

“Yes. There’s already enough gossip about me as is. Marrying Linfield and becoming his duchess in a hasty marriage will lead to more—but it will soon die down and new scandals will arise. By the time you finish your education and enter society, I will be an old, married matron, hopefully with a few children. You will be able to wed the lady of your choice.”

His face hardened. “I’ve told you I have no interest in marriage, must less wedding a member of Polite Society.”

“You have. But at least this way if you change your mind, there will be no obstacles in your way.” She took his hand. “Hudson, you know I want to wed and have children. It might as well be with the Duke of Linfield. We have reached an understanding and he will give me more freedom than I would have expected. Please, accept this and wish me well.”

She saw stubbornness on his face but his features softened.

“I love you, Laurel.”

“And I love you.”

Jeremy finally spoke. “Are you certain, Laurel? You speak with conviction but only say the word and I will put a halt to the proceedings. We can withstand any amount of gossip. We are St. Clairs and will always stand together.”

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