Page 14 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

Aunt Constance smiled. “I always did think women would make better commanders than men.” Taking his arm, she said, “Come to the drawing room. I’ve arranged for us to have tea with Hannah. It’s about time you met your sister.”

“Half-sister.”

She clucked her tongue. “Hannah is a sweet girl. A bit naïve but she’ll make a good wife. Of course, she is dying to get to know her mysterious older brother and thrilled to be in London for the first time after a lifetime in the country.”

Anthony escorted her to the drawing room, where a young girl came to her feet. As he crossed the room, he saw a mixture of hesitancy and eagerness on her pretty face. Unfortunately, she closely resembled the man who had sired her. She had light brown hair and soulful brown eyes and barely came to his shoulder. Looking at her filled him with distaste.

She curtseyed. “Good afternoon, Your Grace.”

He took her hand and tried to put aside his instant dislike. “There’ll be none of that. We are family. Call me by my name.”

She smiled. “Oh! Thank you, Linfield.”

He winced. “No,” he said firmly. “My Christian name. Anthony.”

She looked puzzled. “Is that allowed?” she asked her aunt.

He released her hand. “I’m a duke and head of this family. You will respect my wishes.”

Hurt crossed her face. She lowered her eyes. “Yes, Anthony.”

“Shall we sit?” his aunt asked, shooting him an intimidating look.

The tea cart arrived and Aunt Constance asked Hannah to pour. He supposed this was part of learning the social graces. He hadn’t sat down to tea in a very long time.

“Our aunt tells me you’re to make your come-out this Season,” he said, trying to make conversation.

Hannah’s face lit up. “Yes. I’m going to a modiste tomorrow. That is, if you...” Her voice faltered.

He realized what troubled her. “You are my responsibility, Hannah. Buy whatever Aunt and the modiste say you need. What good is all this money I have if I can’t spend it the way I choose?”

She worried her bottom lip. “You would choose to spend it on me?”

“Yes. I expect to see you in very many pretty dresses. A different one each time we attend a new event.”

Her smile touched his heart for a moment and Anthony realized he didn’t want to get close to this girl. He needed to marry her off and let her be someone else’s responsibility.

“We should address what happens,” he began. “You are an innocent. Aunt tells me you’ve been raised in the country and that this is your first time in London.”

Hannah nodded.

“Many young ladies will want to become close to you. Try to be your friend. Gentlemen will flock to you because you are the daughter of a duke and the sister to one. You possess an enormous dowry. You must watch your behavior. Never be alone with any man. In fact, if any wish to court you, they must first ask for my permission.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” she said demurely.

“Anthony,” he corrected. “Also, do not accept any offers of marriage. I’ll make it known that all offers are to come to me. I will thoroughly scrutinize any suitors and their backgrounds. I don’t want you being taken advantage of and wedding someone who is down on his luck. You will marry a man who doesn’t need your dowry. One who will respect you.”

“Yes, Anthony.”

“Most importantly, Hannah, you are never to be alone with a gentleman. Men want very different things than women. For the most part, men are not to be trusted. You are never to go anywhere with a man unless you have proper supervision. Is that understood?”

Her cheeks pinkened. “Aunt Constance has spoken to me about my reputation. How I am to always be chaperoned. That I do not want to find myself compromised.”

“Listen to her advice. She is a very wise woman.”

Hannah studied him. “Will I be the only one seeking to wed, Anthony? Will you also do so?”

“Aunt informs me it is my duty to carry on the line and wed,” he said. “I will do so in good time.”

Anthony supposed he might as well find a bride since he was being forced to attend the Season. If he did find one, he would never have to be dragged through another Season again. He decided to look for a woman who had no opinions of her own. One who would keep his house and bear an heir and expect nothing from him. Once he had his heir, he would give his wife the freedom to live her life as she chose. He knew it was the way of theton. He thought no woman should be saddled with him. Anthony knew something was broken inside him, something that would never be able to be repaired. This way, the dukedom would have a successor—and he could retain his own liberty. Be his own man without dragging down his wife or child into the abyss of anger that constantly raged in his soul.

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