Page 59 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
She was far too good for him. She deserved someone better than an adulterous man for a first husband, and a beast for a second.
He couldn’t face her today.
He quickly dressed and ordered a footman to ready the carriage.
“Your Grace,” the valet said, walking with him to the front door. “Your breakfast is ready.”
“I have business to attend to. I will be back for dinner,” Laurence growled as he stormed out.
As he stepped into the carriage, he made the mistake of looking back. Edith was looking down at him from one of the upper windows. Even from a distance, he could see something flicker in her eyes that made his heart ache.
He looked away, getting into the carriage before she could make him change his mind.
Edith’s hand shook against the window pane as she watched the carriage pull away.
Why had he left so early in the day? Was I that terrible the night before? Did he really despise what we had done so much that he had no other option but to leave?
A lump formed in her throat, and her eyes stung with unshed tears. She blinked them away before anyone could see her.
Taking a deep breath, she decided to take Tilly with her to Ava’s house for a much-needed escape.
Richmond House was as beautiful as ever. Edith quietly admired the grounds as the carriage pulled into the estate. Tilly was bouncing up and down, talking excitedly, but Edith hardly heard her.
“Tilly!” Anthony cried out, then stood and toddled over to the pair as Ava and Christian watched from the door.
“Edith, it is good to see you,” Ava said warmly.
“Papa has been in his study all day.” Anthony pouted.
“I have had much to do.” Christian chuckled.
“And Mama wanted me to go with Luke to his lessons,” Anthony grumbled.
“It would be good for you to attend,” Ava said. “And I am quite tired today.”
“But it’s boring,” Anthony complained.
“Well, it’s a good thing we’re here now! We can play together!” Tilly gushed.
“Yay!” Anthony beamed.
“Would you both like to go out to the garden?” Ava asked. “Let’s bring our guests into the house first, then you two can go and play.”
Anthony nodded eagerly and started walking ahead, and Tilly hovered around him to make sure he didn’t fall over. Edith couldn’t help but smile at her daughter’s protective instinct toward smaller children.
Just then, Luke peeked down from the top of the stairs.
“Your Grace, it’s lovely to see you,” he greeted.
“And you,” Edith returned. “Tilly and Anthony are going to the garden.”
“Can I join them, Mama?” Luke asked.
“Are your lessons over already?” Ava asked.
“Well…” Luke trailed off.
“Maybe he can have his lessons outside?” Edith suggested.
