Page 89 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
Tilly shook her head.
“Please, talk to me?—”
“He doesn’t want me!” Tilly blurted, pushing herself up. Her little eyes were red and puffy, and her cheeks were wet with tears.
“Don’t say that, Tilly. He cares about you very much.”
“No! He doesn’t!” Tilly shouted. “He doesn’t want me! He doesn’t want me here! He doesn’t need me!”
Edith was shocked by her outburst. She wrapped her arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. Tilly continued to sob.
“I’m here,” Edith whispered. “You’re safe.”
She felt her sleeves growing damp as Tilly sobbed into her. She rubbed Tilly’s back, trying to keep herself calm despite her racing heart.
Tilly eventually cried herself to sleep. Edith held her for a while longer before tucking her into bed. She watched the little girl for a few moments longer before exiting her chambers.
“How is she?” James asked as Edith stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind her.
“She’s very upset,” Edith muttered.
“I am not surprised, what with tonight’s events,” James sighed. “Would you like me to stay, or would you prefer I leave?”
Edith thought about it for a moment. As helpful as James was, she also knew she needed to confront Laurence on her own.
“Go, get some rest. Laurence or I will reach out to you shortly,” she replied.
“All right.” James nodded. “If you need anything, do not hesitate.”
Edith watched as James descended the stairs and left. She took a long, deep breath.
Looking toward Laurence’s study, she knew he was in there. She could see the faint glow of the fire. It was like he was waiting for her to come and speak to him, rather than seeking her out. He knew if Tilly were hurt, Edith would be there.
For a moment, she debated going to bed, leaving it to the morning. Her mind filled with Tilly’s cries.
No, this cannot wait until morning.
“What did you say to her?!” Edith demanded as she stomped into his study.
Laurence stood in profile, looking down at the fire. His blue eyes glowed with intensity, but his expression was neutral. He didn’t even turn to look at her.
“Please leave,” he said coldly.
A shiver ran up her spine. He had not spoken like that to her in months. She had thought he was waiting for her, but if he wasn’t, why was he just standing there?
“No, Laurence. I’m not leaving until you explain to me exactly what you said!” she burst out. “You absolutely terrified poor Tilly. The girl cried herself to sleep.”
For a moment, she thought she saw him flinch. Then, she blinked, and he was back to his stately posture.
“She shouldn’t have come here,” he muttered.
“You shouldn’t have scolded her so harshly that she ran into her chambers crying!” Edith rebutted.
“She knew I was angry.”
“You should have controlled yourself!”
“Edith, enough,” he said, turning to walk away from her.
