Page 63 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

Mrs. Kinnon’s eyes grew wide. “You did?”

“Yes. I last worked at Mr. Cole’s chandlery. I believe it’s been purchased now by Mr. Farmon.”

“Then... how...” the woman’s voice trailed off.

“How did I become a duchess?” Laurel smiled. “It is a long story but now that I’m in a position to help others, I will do what I can for your orphanage, Mrs. Kinnon. The Duchess of Everton has said that you are looking for a new patron. I would like me and my husband to step into that role if you’ll allow us to do so.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. Thank you so much. We would be delighted to have you work with us.”

They returned to a dining hall, where Catherine sat with about eighty children.

“We enjoyed the scones, Your Grace,” Laurel overheard a young girl tell Catherine.

“I’m very glad you did.” She patted the girl’s cheek and then looked out across the room. “How would you like to hear a story?”

The children cheered and clapped.

“I brought someone with me today that wanted to meet you. This is the Duchess of Linfield. She will be spending time visiting with you.”

“Hello, Your Grace,” echoed throughout the room.

As all eyes turned to her, Laurel felt her cheeks grow warm. A boy near her tugged on her gown and asked, “Are you going to read to us, Your Grace?”

“No, that is for the Duchess of Everton to do.”

“I think that’s a lovely idea,” Catherine said. “How many would like to hear my sister-in-law read to you?”

More cheers erupted and someone asked, “What’s a sister-in-law?”

“Her Grace is a sister to my husband. That makes her a sister-in-law to me.” Catherine smiled. “Honestly, though, we feel like true sisters.” She held out her hand and Laurel took it. Catherine squeezed it encouragingly and said quietly, “Go ahead. Read to them. They’ll love it.”

Catherine turned back to the children. “I’ve brought the book the duchess will read to you. Let’s make sure everyone gets one and then you can follow along.”

The footmen helped distribute books to all the children and then they gathered on the floor, surrounding Laurel. She remembered how Catherine had used different voices for the various characters and tried her hand at it. Although not quite as successful as the author when she read her own work, Laurel thought she did a credible job by the time she finished. She and Catherine then circulated through the crowd, talking to individual children.

Mrs. Kinnon finally appeared and said it was time for classes to begin. Though a few groans were heard, the orphans stood and began to file from the room. Each child stopped and thanked both her and Catherine for coming and for bringing the scones and books. By the time the last one left the room, Laurel was overcome with emotion.

“Thank you again so much, Your Grace,” Mrs. Kinnon said. “The children enjoyed your visit today.” She turned to Laurel. “I look forward to seeing you on a regular basis, Your Grace.”

“I look forward to visiting often—and bringing my husband with me.”

At least she hoped Anthony would want to come. Laurel had a feeling that this orphanage would become a huge part of her life. She wanted to share the experience with Anthony.

As she and Catherine left the building, a deep sense of satisfaction filled Laurel. She turned in a circle, taking in the surrounding area, knowing she would be back and that she had the means to make a difference in so many lives. A footman handed them into the carriage and they talked about the children the entire way home.

*

Julius Farmon frozein his tracks.

The little bitch was back.

He’d looked for Laurel Wright everywhere after she’d attacked him, putting out the word that no one was to hire her. He’d sent Braxton to the room the three Wrights lived in, tripling their rent. Julius knew if he forced her into desperation, she would be his.

Then she’d vanished. Her mother died and the next time Braxton went to carry through with his boss’ threats, both Laurel and her brother had disappeared. He’d sent word through his network to find her and her brother. One man thought they were living at a boardinghouse several miles away but by the time Julius arrived, they were gone. No forwarding address. The woman who owned the place mentioned something about the pair leaving in a grand carriage but she slurred her words and was already deep into her cups by ten in the morning so he hadn’t lent any credence to what she said.

But Laurel had just gotten into a fancy coach. Rage surged through him. She’d turned him down flat, saying she wasn’t that kind of woman, yet here she was riding in a fine carriage. A ducal one. He saw the crest on the door as it passed by him. She was a fancy woman now. Mistress to a man with a lofty title. Wearing fine clothes. Laurel Wright had thought herself too good to be the mistress of Julius Farmon and had simply sold herself to a higher bidder.

He would make her sorry for rejecting him. Revenge was second nature to him.

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