Page 84 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“Oh, Lord Mallowby.” Hargrove’s smile sharpened. “One tries to support endeavors that benefit the deserving poor. Though of course, determining who is truly deserving can be so… challenging.”
“I’m certain Her Grace has impeccable judgment,” James said lightly, though his eyes were hard.
“Impeccable! What a word,” Lord Hargrove sipped his champagne. “Though I suppose when one takes in a child of unknown parentage—a guttersnipe, as it were—one must have tremendous faith in one’s instincts.”
The word ‘guttersnipe’ dropped like a stone into still water. Edith’s head snapped around when she heard it. Ripples of shocked murmurs spread outward.
“How rude.”
“Did he just insult Miss Tilly?”
“Let us get closer so I can hear.”
Laurence’s hands clenched at his sides. He glanced over to where Tilly was. Thankfully, she hadn’t heard.
“You will not speak of my daughter that way,” he growled.
“Oh, yes, your daughter. But she is not yours by blood, is she? For it seems you have yet to sire a child, hmm?” Lord Hargrove smirked.
“I do not believe that adoption is any less noble than having a family by blood,” Laurence growled.
“How virtuous a position.” Lord Hargrove nodded. “Although it does seem to imply that something isn’t,ahem, working quiteright. After all, you both have been married for how many months now?”
Laurence felt his ears redden at the insinuation.
“Well, now, there’s no need to speak of these things with Miss Tilly so close,” James chided. “That’s not the sort of thing a child should hear.”
“Oh, you shelter her, Lord Mallowby. These street urchins know much more than we civilized adults give them credit for,” Lord Hargrove said savagely.
“You have no cause to assume that Miss Tilly is less mannered due to her start in life,” James said. “She has a wonderful governess and has been under His Grace’s care for some time now.”
“Yes, and look at the consequences! Her Grace has practically transformed this place and the duchy itself into an orphan’s playground!” Lord Hargrove laughed.
Laurence felt a muscle in his jaw twitch and had to take a deep breath to calm himself.
“Mind your words, Lord Hargrove,” he warned, his hands twitching at his sides.
“Mind my words? Your Grace, I do believe there are more important things to mind,” Lord Hargrove sneered. “After all,how are we supposed to believe that the duchy is in good hands when your only child is…that?” He tilted his head to indicate Tilly.
“Excuse me?” Laurence hissed.
“I mean, surely you see the issue. You took in a child without knowing her parentage. One might question if you’re still fit to dine with the rest of the peerage.”
“You’ve made your opinion abundantly clear, Hargrove,” James interjected. “Perhaps we should?—”
“But I haven’t finished expressing my admiration!” Lord Hargrove protested. “After all, Your Grace, you’ve done what your father and grandfather never did. You’ve shown mercy to the lower classes. How… progressive of you!”
There it was.
Laurence could now see where Lord Hargrove wanted to steer the conversation. As much as he wanted to extricate himself, they were now surrounded. There was no path down which he could retreat.
He saw Edith trying to shove her way through the crowd, her face clouded with worry. Out of the corner of his eye, he could also see that the ladies standing with Tilly had turned to watch.
“My father’s actions are not mine to answer for,” he gritted out.
“Aren’t they?” Lord Hargrove cocked his head, all false sympathy. “But surely the duchy’s legacy includes its history. The business dealings. The… shall we say, less charitable treatment of tenants in times past.” His gaze swept the room, ensuring his audience was listening. “Why, I recall hearing about certain properties being demolished to make room for the castle gardens. Or am I remembering the time that a certain farmer was fleeced of his land? And then there was that unfortunate fire?—”
“I do think that’s enough about the past. We should be focusing on Her Grace and the great work she’s doing,” James cut in. “Don’t you agree, Your Grace?”
