Chapter 15
The day of the event soon arrived. Their townhouse was full of the chatter of maids and servants as they made the final preparations. Laurence was in his study, finishing the last of his work. He had promised Edith that he would focus on the event and not his work that evening.
“Are you not finished?” Edith asked.
“Almost,” Laurence said, scanning the document before him. He heard her walk toward him, her steps muffled by the rug.
“You do so much work,” she complained.
He could feel her looking over the paper and ledgers in front of him.
“Indeed, but it all needs to be done,” he replied, signing his name at the bottom of the page he had been working on.
“Perhaps I can help ease some of the strain,” Edith suggested.
“No, that’s not—” He froze as he finally looked at her.
She looked radiant. She always did, but it never failed to make his cheeks warm and his heart thud. Her silky hair was pinned up, with sparkling pearl hairpins peeking through it. The soft fabric of her lilac dress clung to her body and accentuated her curves.
He needed air.
He had forgotten to breathe while looking at her.
She looked at him and saw the flush in his cheeks, along with the bulge in his breeches.
“Later,” she said, kissing his nose.
“It cannot come soon enough,” he said, his voice rough.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. The scent of her perfume and the natural warmth of her skin only made him want her more.
“How do I look?” Edith asked. The teasing lilt in her voice made his head spin.
“You look incredible,” he purred. “I cannot wait for later.”
She chuckled, and her breasts quivered enticingly under her dress. He pulled her in and kissed her lips, his tongue seeking access. She allowed it, letting out a soft moan as he explored her mouth.
“Are you sure we cannot just send them all home?” he asked breathlessly as he pulled away.
“Sadly, no,” she said, equally breathless. “But I’ll make sure you don’t regret it later.”
“It will take a lot to make me not regret taking you to bed immediately,” he growled in her ear.
She whimpered slightly, knowing full well that he was addicted to her little noises.
“Well then, perhaps I will have to take care of you all night,” she replied, grinning.
He buried his face in her shoulder. “You put the most sinful ideas in my mind, darling,” he groaned.
“It is only fair, since you do the same to me,” she quipped, stroking his hair.
He grunted and pulled back.
“I need a moment to compose myself,” he said, running a gloved hand through his hair.
“Take all the time you need,” she said while adjusting his waistcoat.
“You aren’t helping matters.”
“I never said I was helpful,” she retorted with a playful smirk.
He gave her a rueful smile and shook his head. He felt her slide something into his breast pocket and glanced down. There it was, a red carnation, like a memory made real.
“Edith…” he murmured in awe.
“I noticed this was the flower on the plate Tilly almost broke,” she admitted. “I thought it must be important to you.”
He smiled and touched the delicate petals. “It is.”
He swallowed hard, holding back his emotions. Now was not the time to become misty-eyed. He pulled her close and kissed her forehead.
“You are a wonderful wife,” he murmured.
“I try, for you,” she said warmly.
“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.
The little girl beamed and hopped down the stairs toward them.
“Now, remember your manners tonight,” Edith said with a smile.
Tilly nodded enthusiastically. “I will.”
Warmth filled Laurence’s chest at the sight. “I’m not sure we have enough lemon drops,” he joked.
“I’m not sure there are enough lemon drops in the whole of England.” James snickered.
“Not to worry,” Edith quipped. “I asked one of the maids to get more today.”
Tilly smiled widely. “Where are they?”
“They are secreted away, so little hands cannot reach them without my permission.”
“But…” Tilly pouted.
“Don’t worry,” Laurence said. “We will make sure you receive what you are owed.”
Tilly sighed and nodded, temporarily placated by his answer.
James chuckled, watching the little family. He heard someone inside the dining room call out his name.
“It seems I am needed elsewhere,” he said. “I will see you all anon.”
“Of course, enjoy yourself,” Edith called out as James strolled toward the dining room.
Laurence could see that the dining room was crowded and felt the heat creep into the hall. He doubted he’d enjoy himself, no matter how lively it seemed.
“Shall we go greet our guests?” Edith asked, squeezing his arm gently.
He nodded. “Yes,” he sighed. “I suppose we should.”
He felt Tilly’s hand gently grasp one of his large fingers.
“Are you scared, Your Grace?” she asked.
Laurence almost laughed. “No, Tilly. Not scared. I just don’t like…” He looked at the door. “I don’t like crowds.”
“His Grace prefers quieter company,” Edith explained.
“Then why is he friends with Lord Mallowby?” Tilly asked.
“Why, indeed?” Laurence grinned.
“Well, Lord Mallowby is nice,” Edith reminded him.
“Have people not been nice to His Grace before?”
“Sadly,” Laurence murmured.
Tilly frowned. “Well, if anyone is mean to you, you tell me,” she said, standing taller. “I’ll tell them off for you.”
Laurence laughed and patted her shoulder. “You are a very brave girl, Tilly,” he said warmly as they walked toward the doors.
The dining room was filled with the elite of the ton, people whom Laurence knew had wide connections and deep pockets. Every bone in his body screamed at him to turn around and leave. Some of these people had once scorned him. Others had once scorned Edith.
But tonight isn’t the night to run and hide.
Edith gave his hand one last squeeze before walking off into the crowd. She glided across the floor. It was like she was in her element, where she was always meant to be.
Tilly spotted a group of ladies and also squeezed Laurence’s hand. “I’m going to speak to them,” she said with a big smile.
“Would you like me to accompany you?” Laurence asked.
Tilly considered it for a moment and then shook her head. “I want to prove that I can be good on my own,” she declared, her big brown eyes flashing with determination.
Laurence’s smile grew. “I am sure you will be,” he said reassuringly, patting her on the back.
She beamed up at him and began to walk toward the group.
Once she was five paces away, Laurence quietly trailed behind her, just to confirm that the ladies would treat her with respect.
“Good evening, ladies. Thank you all for joining us tonight,” Tilly said as she reached the group.
The ladies turned to look at her and smiled.
“Oh, what a charming young lady you are!” one with a green fan cooed.
“And so well mannered,” another in a blue dress said.
“I do my very best.” Tilly beamed.
“Who taught you to be so lovely?” the one with the green fan asked.
“That would be His Grace and Her Grace,” Tilly replied with a smile. “I am their daughter, after all. They have also provided me with a very good governess.”
“His Grace as well?” the lady in the blue dress asked skeptically.