Page 50 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

“Yes. Monkton, too,” Laurel said. “His Grace had business to attend to but he will be home for dinner this evening.” She paused and added, “We were eager to continue with the Season, which is why we decided to return early.” She added that to hopefully throw off the woman, not wanting news of her and Linfield’s estrangement to reach the servant’s hall.

“Very good, Your Grace. Shall I tell Lady Constance and Lady Hannah of your arrival? They are in the drawing room.” The woman smiled. “Entertaining a few of Lady Hannah’s suitors.”

“I will join them.” She looked to Retta. “Familiarize yourself with everything and then get yourself settled.”

“Will you be going out tonight, Your Grace?” Retta asked.

Laurel looked to the housekeeper. “What event takes place tonight?”

“A musicale at Lord Downley’s.”

“Yes,” Laurel told Retta. “Choose whatever you wish for me to wear.”

She left the bedchamber and went down a flight of stairs to the drawing room. Two men in their mid-twenties were present and stood as she entered the room.

“Laurel!” cried Hannah, rushing to her.

She embraced her sister-in-law. “It’s good to see you.”

“We weren’t expecting you so soon,” Aunt Constance said as they joined her and the two guests.

“I think Linfield worried about his sister while we were in the country.” She turned to the men and Aunt Constance introduced Laurel to them.

They chatted for a few minutes and then both visitors rose and took their leave. Hannah promised she would see them tonight.

Once they’d left the room, she asked Laurel, “What did you think? Did either of them appeal to you?”

Laurel laughed. “I already have a husband, Hannah. The point is, does one appeal to you—or both?”

All three women laughed and Hannah said, “I do like them both. I’ve met several young men in the short time you and Anthony have been gone.”

“Then you will have to introduce them to us this evening.”

“Oh, will you attend Lord and Lady Downley’s event?” Aunt Constance asked. “With Anthony?”

“Yes. We both plan to be there. I suppose I should write to Lady Downley to see if we can come.”

“You’re a duchess bringing her duke. Of course, you can attend,” Aunt Constance said. “It would be nice if you let Lady Downley know, however, that you have arrived in town again and would enjoy their musicale.”

“I will do so and also send word to my family that we are back,” Laurel said.

“I’m going to decide what to wear this evening,” Hannah said. “I never knew how difficult it was to make a decision about my appearance. Which gown to wear with what gloves. How to style my hair. Whether my slippers should match the gown or provide a contrast to it.”

Both the young women rose to leave. Laurel allowed Hannah to go through the doorway first and then she heard her name called.

“Would you stay a moment longer, my dear?” Aunt Constance asked pleasantly.

“Of course,” she replied and returned to the seat she had occupied, though she didn’t want to. She knew now they were alone that the older woman would have questions. Ones she didn’t have the answers to.

“How did you find Linwood?” Anthony’s aunt asked casually.

“I see you are starting with easy questions.”

“Should I dispense with them? Then I shall.” Aunt Constance took Laurel’s hand. “Why are you back in London so soon?”

“Honestly? I don’t know. Or at least I don’t know all of it.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m not sure Anthony is happy with me.”

Aunt Constance squeezed Laurel’s hand and then released it. “I beg to differ. Tell me what happened.”

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