Page 77 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“What? This room alone would be wonderful for hosting gatherings and events,” Christian argued.
Edith tilted her head. She had lived there for a while now and had never considered that option.
“And there’s a ballroom down the hall,” Laurence said.
“Well, there you go!” Christian laughed.
Edith nodded, but she had already slipped into her own thoughts.
An event. She’d already been to several for her charity. But hosting one might make her life easier. She could bring the donors to the townhouse rather than chase them down.
She pondered this point for the rest of the evening, even as she went to tuck Tilly into bed.
Eventually, she couldn’t sit on it any longer and went to find Laurence.
“Laurence, may I have a word with you?” Edith asked as she stepped into his study.
“I always have time for you, Edith,” he replied with a smile, turning to face her. “What is it?”
“I have a favor to ask you, and I worry that you will be opposed to it.”
“Speak your mind. I won’t know what it is until you share it with me,” he encouraged.
“I wanted to ask if I could host a charity event at the townhouse,” she said.
At her request, his hand tensed around the quill. “A… an event?”
“Yes.”
“You know I am not fond of those sorts of things,” he sighed.
“I know, but please consider that it is important to me.” She watched as his expression softened, and he signaled his defeat.
“Edith, you really do have me wrapped around your finger,” he said with a half-chuckle. “I will allow it. But it must not be too frivolous.”
Edith gasped and wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you, Laurence.”
“You are most welcome.” He smiled, kissing her cheek. “Go on, go prepare for it. The estate shall not suffer the indignity of a half-measure affair.”
“You have my solemn word that I will not allow that to happen.”
With a smile on her face, she turned and walked out of his study, only jumping joyfully once she knew he couldn’t see her.
CHAPTER 15
The day of the event soon arrived. Their townhouse was full of the chatter of maids and servants as they made the final preparations. Laurence was in his study, finishing the last of his work. He had promised Edith that he would focus on the event and not his work that evening.
“Are you not finished?” Edith asked.
“Almost,” Laurence said, scanning the document before him. He heard her walk toward him, her steps muffled by the rug.
“You do so much work,” she complained.
He could feel her looking over the paper and ledgers in front of him.
“Indeed, but it all needs to be done,” he replied, signing his name at the bottom of the page he had been working on.
“Perhaps I can help ease some of the strain,” Edith suggested.
