Page 53 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

She cocked her head, frowning at him, but reached behind her neck and undid the clasp, lowering the necklace and handing it to his aunt.

“Could you help me unfasten my bracelet?” she asked Hannah.

Once the bracelet was gone, he came toward her and opened the box he carried.

She gasped. “They’re stunning.”

Anthony met her gaze. “Not as stunning as when you wear them.”

Handing her the box, he lifted the diamond necklace from the case and moved behind her. He brought it over her head and fastened the clasp at her nape, brushing a brief kiss along it. She shivered. He removed the bracelet and encircled her wrist, closing it.

She shook her head in wonder. “It’s lovely. Thank you, Anthony,” she said softly.

“Shall we?” He offered her his arm and she took it.

Hannah couldn’t say enough about the diamonds, claiming everyone would be jealous of Laurel tonight. His aunt caught his eye and nodded her approval.

They arrived at the Downleys’ and entered. A musicale was more exclusive than a ball and so the guest list was much smaller. From the moment they entered, Laurel had the attention of every man and woman present. They greeted their hosts and then she was swarmed by others, including the female St. Clairs. His eyes swept the room and he saw the hungry, lusty looks as other men watched her greedily.

Anthony wanted to work his way about the room and smash every one of them in the mouth.

The Duke of Everton joined him. “Good evening, Linfield. Did you and Laurel enjoy your brief sojourn in the country? I thought you were staying a bit longer.”

His eyes remained on his wife as he answered. “We did. Laurel seemed taken with Linwood. It is the main residence of the Godwin family. We will raise our children there.”

“Laurel is a woman to be treasured,” Everton said of his half-sister. “It’s important to always treasure what we have—for we never know when we might lose it.”

With that, Everton sauntered away.

Anthony moved toward his duchess, nudging others aside as he took her hand and slipped it into the crook of his arm.

“You look parched, my dear. Let’s get you some ratafia before the music begins.”

He led her away from the horde of admirers, claiming a drink for her and seating her on the end of a row so no one would be on her left. He took the seat next to her, his gaze falling to her lovely breasts.

Ones that he planned to feast upon tonight.

*

Laurel awoke andimmediately knew she was alone. Disappointment filled her.

Last night had been divine. Her choice of gown, along with being newly married and making her first foray into society after her wedding, had guaranteed she received attention at the Downleys’ musicale. If she’d learned one thing about theton, it was that titles impressed them. The loftier, the better. As a duchess, she’d had a group surround her from the moment she’d entered the room. What she’d enjoyed was knowing her husband’s eyes never left her. He’d come and swept her away, keeping her to himself. Then during the intermission, he’d insisted they leave. She’d pointed out that it wouldn’t be fair to Hannah to depart so early but Anthony had told her he would arrange for the Evertons to take Hannah and his aunt home.

Once they’d gotten inside their carriage, Anthony had kissed her the entire way home. He’d come to her bedchamber with her, dismissing Retta by saying he would attend to his wife. Her maid had been unsuccessful in hiding her smile as she curtseyed and left the room.

Anthony had undressed her and made love to her twice, the first time swift and frantic, the second leisurely and just as fulfilling. He’d even held her in his arms as she drifted off to sleep. She’d hoped he would stay the night with her. Obviously, he hadn’t. She didn’t know why it seemed important to her—but it did. Just when she thought they were making progress and taking a step forward in their relationship, her husband retreated two steps.

She rose and rang for Retta, deciding to dress in her riding habit. She hoped she could convince Anthony to take her riding this morning. She selected her green habit over the repaired blue one, knowing instinctively that he seemed to prefer the first. As she left her bedchamber, she ran into him in the corridor. He was already dressed for riding, as well.

“Are you going to breakfast or will you ride first?” she asked.

He took in her outfit. “You planned on riding?”

“Yes. I thought I would eat something and then have a groom escort me to the park.”

“I’ll take you,” he said firmly, giving her an inner glow.

They ate quickly and then went to the stables. He suggested to the groom which horse to bring her and soon it and Bucephalus were saddled. Anthony helped her into the saddle and they set off for the park. They rode for an hour and, once again, Laurel felt a sense of freedom on horseback that she knew would never grow old.

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