Page 63 of Claimed By the Beastly Duke

“When it is a matter as serious as having an heir, I do not. Moreover, what we should do is encourage Edwin and the Duchess to produce an heir as soon as possible.”

Ava’s heart rate quickened as she glanced briefly at her husband. He gave her a reassuring nod, but she was still quite unsettled.

She had never fully realized how unusual her decision not to have a child was. However, now that the Dukes were discussing children, she knew that it was only a matter of time before the ton began to gossip about her failure to produce an heir.

“I must tell you, then.” Edwin smiled at her as he spoke. “Ava and I are not having children.”

Theo gasped. Magnus looked like he had eaten something sour. While William simply smiled, shaking his head.

Ava’s heart beat even faster. Would Edwin change his mind, seeing how scandalized his friends were?

“I see that Theo’s jesting has begun to rub off on you, Edwin,” William said drily.

Magnus had now turned fully towards Ava. “Is this true?”

She nodded.

“You must direct all your questions to me,” Edwin warned. “As to your question, it is true.”

Ava felt the tension ease. She had been unaware of how overwhelmed she had been until he spoke up. She felt a rush of gratitude for her husband for protecting her from his friends’ inquisitions.

“Edwin, you must tell us if you have a problem in, uh…” Magnus cleared his throat. “A problem in the bedroom. A physician may help.”

Ava watched, amused, as her husband’s mouth dropped open at his friend’s question.

“Whatever happens in our bedroom is none of your business, Magnus.”

“But I am afraid it is if you cannot produce an heir,” Magnus insisted. “Would you rather a distant cousin—who knows nothing of all the efforts you have put into increasing your wealth and expanding your estate—inherit your title?”

Edwin nodded. “Indeed, yes. I would prefer that.”

“I worry for you, Gillingham,” William said gravely.

“I assure you, I am quite fine and well,” Edwin responded.

“It seems you are set on your decision,” William noted.

“Indeed, I am.” Edwin nodded once.

“Then you must know that people in the ton will talk. And it will not be kind. In fact, they may accuse you of sacrificing your offspring to the devil,” William cautioned.

Ava’s heart clenched at that. She had not quite imagined what this would mean for her husband. People have already spread ridiculous rumors about him for his business prowess and wealth. However, now that they would not have children, people would grow even more cruel.

“You must be ready for the consequences,” William continued.

Edwin nodded rather too enthusiastically, considering the topic. “Indeed, I have already anticipated the consequences, and I am ready to deal with them.”

“I know how much ladies dream of having children,” Magnus said. “Do you think it is fair to subject your wife to such a decision?”

Ava knew she could no longer keep quiet while her husband fielded questions from his friends.

“You must know, I am?—”

“My wife is quite happy about my decision,” Edwin cut in.

Ava realized what he was doing then. He was protecting her so his friends would not blame her for not producing heirs, when, in fact, it was her decision.

“Now, speaking of heirs, Emerton, are you quite certain you have not produced ten heirs by mistake?” Edwin drawled.

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