Page 30 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
For years, he had convinced himself that he was content in silence. Now, he didn’t want silence. He wanted her voice.
And that scared him.
Because if he tainted this too, if she stopped talking, he would be alone again.
What a foolish man I am.
“So, she promised she would always look after other people. Make sure they were cared for. She did her best, even if others would not help her. She even adopted a little girl to give all her love to…” Edith yawned.
Laurence listened, his eyes slowly closing.
Why does her voice soothe me so?
CHAPTER 6
“T. I. L. L. Y!” Tilly exclaimed in the parlor, where she was sitting with her governess.
“Very good!” Her governess smiled.
Laurence stood outside the door, listening intently. He had never intended to eavesdrop, but he was curious to know what Tilly was being taught.
“So, now you can recognize the letters that make your name. Let’s look at how to write it,” the governess said.
“Will I get to use a quill?” Tilly asked.
“Of course,” the governess replied.
Laurence couldn’t help but smile.
While Tilly could be overly enthusiastic, she could also be sweet. He turned to walk away when a gasp rang through the room.
He paused. Part of him wanted to leave—this wasn’t his concern. He didn’t need to meddle with Edith’s parenting. But another part, one he didn’t care to examine closely, was strangely worried. He wanted to know if Tilly was hurt or frightened.
When did I start caring about such things?
“Oh no,” Tilly whimpered.
“Don’t panic, Tilly,” the governess soothed.
“But the ink… It’s all over my dress.”
Laurence bristled. He wanted to march into the room and chastise her for being so clumsy. His hand was on the door handle before he stopped himself, hearing his father’s voice shouting in his head.
Taking a shaky breath, he removed his hand and stepped away from the door. He would not be like that man.
“We have ways of fixing these things. You might as well learn it now,” the governess said gently. “Come, let us go to the kitchens. I’ll have one of the maids fetch you another dress.”
Laurence listened and bit his cheek, trying to calm himself.
The governess is more than capable of handling the situation, but…
He turned and ascended the stairs, taking them two at a time. Edith would be in her bedroom, getting ready for dinner. She should be the one to handle Tilly.
He knocked on the door to her chambers.
“One moment!” she called out.
He waited impatiently, tapping his foot until the door swung open. Her hands were busy tying a robe around her. His eyes widened, and his cheeks turned pink at the unexpected sight.
