Page 57 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

He had told her she didn’t have to follow society’s rules, only to berate her when she was herself. He liked that she was her own person. It touched him that she’d somehow learned of his interest in boxing and arranged to have lessons, all to understand him better and please him. Yet what had he done? Yelled at her like some furious fishwife.

“You are an idiot,” he told himself.

He poured another drink and sat moping. Why did he constantly pick a fight with her? He knew the problem lay within him. As far as he knew, Laurel was just this side of perfect. He owed her an apology. Setting aside the empty glass, he ventured upstairs and knocked on her door. Moments later, her maid opened it.

“Oh, Your Grace! Um, Her Grace isn’t here. I’m... she... she went out. To a garden party.”

She’d left without him.

“Thank you.”

He hurried to his own room and stripped off his clothes. Monkton suddenly appeared and helped him sponge off quickly and dress again.

“Where is this garden party?” he asked the valet.

Soon, he was on his way. Walking because Laurel had taken the carriage, accompanied by Aunt Constance and Hannah. At least it was only a few blocks to his destination. Anthony had no idea what he would say when he saw Laurel. He prayed she would talk to him. Her family would be present and he knew she would not cause a scene and embarrass them. He dreaded the look in Everton’s eyes. Anthony had wanted to make Laurel happy and yet, somehow, he continually caused both of them misery.

He arrived and found her the center of attention, men fawning over her. She had blossomed since they’d first met. The former shop girl was now the belle of theton. She held herself with a natural grace and confidence. His duchess would be much imitated, from her sense of fashion to the good deeds that she was so eager to become involved in.

The earl on her left said something and she laughed merrily, that dimple making her even more attractive. A sense of despair washed over him.

He was holding her back. He might be a duke but he wasn’t good enough for her.

His heart heavy, Anthony knew he’d caged this beautiful swan—and it was time to truly set her free. He turned and left.

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