Page 79 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“And I am aware I am very difficult to deal with,” he chuckled, pulling back.
How did I ever get so lucky as to choose Edith as my wife?
“We should go; our guests will be arriving soon,” he said, looping her arm through his own.
“Indeed,” she agreed, walking with him.
Arriving at the top of the stairs, Laurence could already hear carriages arriving. He tensed, feeling the urge to turn around and run. Edith patted his arm.
He looked at her and took a deep breath. Her smile, her calm demeanor, and her warmth made him feel just a bit more prepared for the evening.
He led her down the stairs, arm in arm, just as the first guests stepped through the doorway.
“Your Grace.” Lord Mallowby beamed. “I am so glad to have been invited tonight.”
“I am so glad you could come,” Edith replied. “If you hadn’t, I think it would have been much too dull an event.”
“Your wife has a way with words, old chap,” James quipped.
“I am all too aware. How else do you think she talked me into marrying her?” Laurence smirked.
“If memory serves, it was you who approached me,” Edith pointed out.
A deep blush crept up Laurence’s neck. “I suppose,” he said meekly.
James’s shoulders shook, and he had to hold himself from doubling over. “And here I thought you tripped and landed in her good graces. You two complement each other very well.”
“Speaking of compliments,” Edith said, glancing up the stairs. “Tilly should be here any moment.”
“Do you suppose she is struggling with her dress?” Laurence asked.
“The maids should be helping her with that,” Edith said.
“Is it the dress my friend Lady Mary sent?” James asked. He had a twinkle in his eyes that told Laurence this woman was more than a friend to James.
“Yes, I am sure Tilly will look lovely in it.” Edith beamed, having met Lady Mary at another event. “Lady Mary has such good taste.”
James nodded, preening like a peacock. “Indeed.”
Edith glanced at Laurence. He couldn’t help but chuckle and nod. Edith raised her eyebrows and looked back at James.
“Is it really so hard to believe that I have a lady love?” James scoffed, folding his arms.
“I am not insinuating that.” Edith giggled. “I just hadn’t thought she would have chosen someone so…”
Laurence tried not to laugh as she trailed off.
“I don’t know what you’re insinuating, Your Grace,” James huffed dramatically. “I have a very specific set of charms. Mild at best, but I deploy them strategically.”
“You’re not proving your point,” Laurence drawled.
“Sorry, I’m late,” Tilly called out from the top of the stairs.
Laurence looked at her and beamed. She was, indeed, wearing the dress that Lady Mary had sent. It was a soft pink, with flowered lace around the hem of the skirt.
“You are just in time, little one,” James called out.
“You look beautiful, Tilly,” Laurence complimented.
