Page 86 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“Oh, of course not,” Lord Hargrove hissed. He spat blood onto the floor.
Laurence watched, feeling no remorse.
“Get the physician,” Edith called out to one of the maids.
The young woman nodded and ran out of the room.
“No, no, I would hate to inconvenience you.” Lord Hargrove scowled.
“You have done much more than that tonight,” Edith retorted. “So please, sit down.”
Lord Hargrove sighed as if relenting, but Laurence could see him wincing in pain. His blood was dripping on the floor.
Laurence swallowed hard, his hands trembling, and the tremors were moving up his arms.
“Beast.”
“Brute.”
Monster.”
“Violent.”
“Cruel.”
The whispers rippled through the crowd, but they rang like bells in his ears.
Fine. If they want a beast, a beast they shall have.
“Everybody out!” Laurence roared.
Edith pulled back as if burned. “Laurence?”
“Now!” he shouted.
The townhouse seemed to rattle with the volume of his voice.
The guests did not need to be told a second time. They scattered, picking up their children and belongings before hurrying to the closest exit.
They still run from me like birds.
“Your Grace,” James said. “You need to listen to Her Grace and take a deep breath. You are not yourself right now?—”
“I’m going to my study,” Laurence snarled.
“What?” Edith sputtered.
“Now, be reasonable. I need you to?—”
“I am being reasonable!” Laurence shouted. “I will see no one until I’m ready.”
He stormed off toward the staircase that led to his study. Its timber frame shook as he took two steps at a time. He could hear James talking to Edith, comforting her. That was soon followed by Tilly’s shaky voice and sobs.
I hate that sound.
The study was cold and dark, exactly how he had left it. He slammed the door shut behind him, nearly shattering the wooden frame. His arms swept across his desk, sending ledgers, letters, and papers flying in all directions. He screamed in anger and frustration, needing to purge the volatile feelings inside of him.
Not once in his life had he been so utterly humiliated. Now, not only did Edith and Tilly know about his father’s actions, but the rest of the ton did too. He’d be the sole subject of gossip for weeks. Additionally, Lord Hargrove would likely sport hisbroken nose and tell some twisted version of the events. One that made him the victim of a beastly duke.
