Page 39 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
Edith rubbed her face in exasperation. “That girl…”
“How could you let her do that?” Laurence snapped.
“I didn’t let her do anything!”
“You should have known she had the key.”
“How could I have known when she hid it from me?” Edith growled.
“You’re her guardian. You need to instill discipline and?—”
“Will you cease telling me how to raise her?” Edith snapped, taking a step closer. “You promised I could do as I saw fit with her, yet you seize every opportunity to dictate how I ought to act!”
“I—”
“And that says nothing about how you treat her.”
“What do you mean?” he asked defensively.
“You scold her for being a child, then you act affectionately or buy her a doll, and then you ignore her once again.”
“That is not?—”
“Do you know how confusing that is for a child?”
“She needs to learn?—”
“I will decide what she needs to learn!” Edith hissed.
Laurence grabbed her by the forearms. “Will you stop and listen to me?” he barked.
Edith opened and closed her mouth, frowning. Laurence took a deep breath and released her.
“I… am still learning,” he said, choosing his words carefully. “But my focus must be on the duchy. I cannot cater to her every will and whim, or there would be chaos.”
“That isn’t what I am asking of you,” Edith said, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Children need care and consistency. If you cannot care for her, then at least be consistent.”
“Our agreement?—”
“Did not include you caring for us. However, you also promised that she would no longer be scared. I can endure a loveless marriage, but I do not want Tilly to endure a loveless life,” she said, wrapping her arms around herself.
Something she couldn’t place flickered in his eyes, and he took a step forward. “Edith, I will protect you both. I promised you that,” he said softly.
“You’re not doing a good job at shielding her from your disdain,” she whispered. She saw the confusion in his eyes. “Just… never mind. I know you do not care for us.”
“Edith, that’s not—” he started.
She turned to walk away, but her shoe caught in the rug. She gasped, bracing herself as she fell.
Laurence’s arms wrapped around her in an instant, his eyes wide with concern. Edith stared at him, her heart hammering in her chest.
“Are you all right?” he asked gently.
“I—yes… thank you.”
His eyes softened, but he made no move to release her. Instead, he drew her close and gently righted her.
Edith realized that she did not mind being so close to him. Far from it; his embrace was strong, warm, and comforting.
