Page 82 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
The other lords glanced anxiously at each other.
“Of course.” Laurence nodded. “After all, if her charity is doing well, then she will be happy.”
Lord Harrington swallowed hard. Laurence held his smile.
“Your Grace!” James laughed as he walked over, clapping Laurence on the back. “Don’t tell me we’ve already resorted to threats?”
“Of course not,” Laurence said with a grin. “I was just helping my wife.”
“If you say so,” James drawled. “I, of course, have already left a lovely donation for your wife. Is ten pounds enough?”
“Any amount toward her causes will make her happy.” Laurence smiled. He was glad his friend was backing him up.
Lord Harrington seemed to shrink a little. “I… uh… I can offer twenty pounds,” he stammered out.
“Is that all?” Laurence asked. “I mean, my wife has been very generous with you in the past. And we are all called to have a spirit of generosity to those less fortunate than us.”
Lord Harrington’s face fell, and he pursed his lips. He opened and closed his mouth, glancing at the men behind him for support. None came. He grimaced and turned back to Laurence.
“I can offer fifty pounds,” he said.
Laurence didn’t respond.
Lord Harrington squirmed. “Eighty pounds,” he finally murmured.
Laurence smiled. “I am sure Her Grace will be extremely grateful.”
He could feel James vibrating next to him as he tried to contain his laughter.
“I can offer another twenty pounds,” one of the other lords said.
“I shall add another ten into the pot,” the last one said.
Laurence nodded. “I am ever so grateful for your generosity toward my wife’s causes.”
The lords nodded nervously.
“Well, I should see to the other guests,” Laurence declared, before turning and walking away with James.
Once they were out of earshot, James couldn’t hold it in any longer; he burst out laughing.
“Your Grace! That was daylight robbery!”
“I am not the one who forced him to say eighty pounds. I simply asked him to consider having a more generous spirit.” Laurence shrugged.
“While subtly threatening him,” James snorted.
“You know as well as I do that Her Grace is much better at being delicate,” Laurence said.
“Indeed,” James agreed, wiping his eyes. “My dear friend, you have changed.”
“I have?” Laurence asked.
“For the better,” James assured him. “In days past, you would have avoided all contact with any of the guests. Aside from myself, I suppose. Unless they approached you. However, I just witnessed you menacing a group of lords into donating a large sum!”
“Perhaps I have found the way I can best help my wife,” Laurence said sagely, trying not to laugh.
James snickered. “Oh, that is certain. I daresay the recipients of Her Grace’s benevolence will always be in your debt.”
