Anthony gave her an odd look. “What about the diamonds you received last night?”

  She shrugged. “They’re very lovely. But I prefer my horse.”

  He kissed her again with enthusiasm. “We should go home, Duchess.”

  It gave her a thrill to hear him call her that. Jeremy addressed Catherine the same way sometimes, especially when he seemed tender toward her.

  “I would like that, Duke,” she replied.

  He lifted her into the saddle and mounted Bucephalus. They cantered home and left their horses with Tam. Anthony threaded his fingers through hers and she felt closer to him than she had for several days.

  Without a word, he led her to his bedchamber—and locked the door.

  Slowly, he undressed her, kissing her with each piece he removed. Then he made love to her thoroughly, leaving no part of her untouched.

  Lying in his arms afterward, she said, “I feel like a goddess who has been worshipped by a god.”

  He brought their joined hands to his lips and pressed a kiss against her fingers.

  “I promise to be a better husband to you, Laurel. I may not always succeed but I will give it my best effort.”

  “I’ll do the same.” She kissed his hand. “It’s good to see you smile, Anthony. You don’t do it very often.”

  His eyes darkened. “Then why don’t you give me something to smile about?”

  *

  Anthony thought if they could only spend the rest of the marriage in bed that they would have no problems. Unfortunately, there was more to life than exploring the sweet curves of his beautiful duchess.

  He’d gone to his room and summoned Monkton. Though the valet never said a word, he had a knowing look in his eye. It didn’t matter. Anthony didn’t care if the entire household knew what he and Laurel had been up to.

  After bathing and dressing, he went downstairs. His solicitor would be arriving soon and he wanted to be prepared for their meeting. As he sifted through papers on his desk, he felt the air of the room change and looked up to find Laurel at the door.

  “Come in,” he told her. “I’m preparing for a visit from my London solicitor.”

  “Will you be long?” she asked.

  “A few hours. Possibly more.”

  “Do you remember that my family is coming for tea this afternoon?”

  He hadn’t and was reluctant to be around so many boisterous St. Clairs.

  “I have a good bit to do, Laurel. I sadly neglected my duties as Duke of Linfield when I first returned from the war. Now that I have a wife and a family to consider, I am much more aware of my responsibilities and need to pay attention to them.”

  She approached him, her emerald eyes reflective. “Family is very important to me, Anthony.”

  “It’s never been to me,” he said, regretting how harsh the words came out. “I’m sorry. I do like Aunt Constance. I tolerate my half-sister. She’s a bit of a featherhead, though.”

  Laurel’s eyes flashed and he wondered if her acknowledged temper would rear its ugly head. “Hannah is your sister. You’re to quit all this blasted nonsense about her being a half-sister.”

  Her cursing shouldn’t have surprised him. “Well, she is. I can’t change the fact that the duke married again and had another child by a woman I never met. I only laid eyes on Hannah for the first time a couple of weeks ago.”

  “And whose fault was that?” she asked testily.

  “Mine,” he admitted.

  “I am a bastard half-sister to Jeremy, Rachel, and Luke—yet they have openly embraced both Hudson and me. Did you know the three of them all have different mothers and they are all half-siblings? That the man who raped my mother wed three women?”

  Anthony rose and took her hands in his. “I didn’t know your mother was attacked.”

  “Oh, you thought Everton had taken her as a mistress? No. He brutalized her in the dress shop she worked in while his mistress was being fitted for a new gown at his expense. Mama was sixteen, Anthony. Younger than Hannah.”

  He squeezed her hands. Words were beyond him.

  “The St. Clairs accept me as one of them. The least you could do is accept Hannah. She is a very sweet girl. A little talkative but she has a heart of gold and worships the ground you walk on.”

  “I resolve I will refer to her in the future as my sister. You have my solemn promise.” It was the least he could do and would make both Laurel and Hannah happy.

  “Good. I’ll ask again—will you come to tea? I want everyone to get to know you and you to know them,” she pleaded. “Just because family hasn’t been important to you in the past does not mean it has to remain that way. You can change. Our children will be our family and I know you will love them. They will want to spend time with their aunts and uncles and cousins. Why, there already are so many little cousins for them to play with as it is.” She paused. “Please. You need to be present when we have children. Focus on them. Listen to them. Play with them.”

  Anthony thought of how his father had done none of those things for him and wondered if he could actually be the kind of father Laurel desired him to be.

  “I’ll be at tea,” he promised.

  Laurel kissed him. “Oh, thank you. I’ll leave now so you can work.”

  He watched her go and thought how simply by agreeing to attend an hour-long tea how much he had pleased her. He needed to do little things such as this more often.

  His solicitor arrived and they had their heads together for several hours, making plans and discussing the business scene in London and beyond. The man recommended hiring a business manager who would help Anthony select the best investments and he decided he would speak to Everton about it at tea today.

  At the appropriate time, he made his way to the drawing room and found it filled with people, including his aunt and sister. He watched Hannah for a moment. She was talking animatedly with the Duchess of Everton and he thought perhaps he’d been too harsh in his assessment of her. She favored her father a great deal, which had probably prejudiced him against her. He vowed to clear the slate and behave in a more brotherly fashion.

  Laurel called a greeting to him and the others responded as he joined them. The maids rolled in three teacarts to feed such a large group. The women began talking about fashions they’d seen this Season, which led the men to a conversation of their own. He didn’t know Alford or Merrick, other than being introduced to them at the wedding breakfast. He discovered both men were intelligent and clever. Merrick, in particular, had a wicked sense of humor. Anthony asked Everton who served as his business manager and the four men engaged in a long discussion on investment opportunities available. Everton invited Anthony to White’s to meet a few other peers who might have some insight regarding good investments and Anthony agreed to do so tomorrow afternoon.

  By then, the women claimed their attention again. Anthony learned a great deal in a short time about Laurel’s family. The group spent several minutes discussing the Duchess of Everton’s latest book and her upcoming appearance and book signing at Lady Mayfield’s bookstore. He began asking questions and discovered how long she’d been writing and how the proceeds were given to various charitable organizations, orphanages receiving the bulk. Laurel asked the names of the orphanages and learned that one recently added to Catherine’s list was in her former neighborhood.

  “Do you ever visit them, Catherine,” his wife asked, “or do you merely hand over the funds?”

  “I visit as often as I can,” the duchess said. “I’ve started bringing Jenny with me. When the other children are older, I’ll allow them to come along, as well. I think it’s important for them to understand how privileged their upbringing is and how they should do everything in their power to help others.”

  “The next time you go to the one I’m familiar with, please allow me to accompany you,” Laurel said. “I’ve wanted to do something for the people in the area I grew up in.”

  “I’d be happy to have your company,” the duchess said. “In fact, I am encouraging others to lend their patronage to various orphanages. The need is so great. Since you are familiar with the vicinity and I have only visited there twice, you might consider throwing your full support behind it and help raise funds for that particular place.”

  Cor, the matriarch of the St. Clair family, said, “It’s good to find something you love to do, Laurel. As a duchess, you will wield great power and influence in society. Take your time. You’ll find the right projects to devote yourself to.”

  “I certainly want to work with this particular orphanage,” Laurel said. “Having grown up nearby, I feel strongly about helping those who live where I came from.”

  “I’m delighted to hear that, Laurel,” the duchess said. “Your personal connection will make a huge difference.”

  Finally, Everton said, “We must be getting home. We like to spend time in the nursery before we head out for the evening. Frankly, I’m already tired of all the social events.” He smiled at his wife. “I cannot wait to get back to Eversleigh so I can have you and the children all to myself.” He took her hand and kissed it tenderly.

  Anthony stiffened. He was unused to any kind of affection, much less blatant affection in public. It wasn’t the done thing.

  “Catherine tells her stories to the children,” Laurel said to him, distracting him from seeing the hungry look in Everton’s eyes. “Once she’s practiced on them, she finally commits the story to paper.”

  Everton rose, pulling his wife to her feet. “Perhaps we can skip tonight’s ball, Duchess. We could dance in our bedroom instead.” His eyes spoke of more than dancing.

  Merrick chuckled and said gruffly, “You think you love your wife more than the rest of us, don’t you, Everton?” With that, the marquess pulled his wife to him and kissed her in front of all of them.

  Alford turned to Anthony, shaking his head. “It’s a competition between them. You’ll have to learn to keep up, Linfield.” He took Lady Alford’s hand and turned it over, kissing her palm. “Shall we go home, love? I will put all these men to shame.”

  Anthony turned and saw Laurel’s cheeks were bright red. He felt helpless, not knowing how to respond to the actions of these three men.

  As everyone began saying their goodbyes, the dowager duchess stepped toward him and said, “I know yours wasn’t a love match, Linfield, but I hope you’ll learn to cherish my granddaughter.”

  With that, the grand dame swept from the room, followed by all the St. Clairs and their spouses. He saw mirth in Aunt Constance’s eyes and wonder in Hannah’s.

  Laurel slipped her arm through his. “Don’t worry, Anthony. I’m not asking you to change that much,” she said lightly and then released him, following their guests from the drawing room in order to see them out.

  He trailed after everyone at a distance. Surprisingly, he had enjoyed the teatime more than he could have expected and would gladly entertain Laurel’s relatives in the future. The very closeness between the husbands and wives, though, gave him pause. Laurel had agreed that love would have nothing to do with their union. Somehow, though, Anthony felt they were both missing out. A twinge of jealousy rippled through him.

  Could he ever shutter the darkness within him and find love with his wife?

  Chapter Nineteen

  Laurel joined Catherine in the Everton ducal carriage.

  “I’m so glad you could come with me today,” her sister-in-law said. She indicated a large stack of boxes on the coach floor. “I stopped by Evie’s and picked up scones for the children.”

  Laurel had eaten scones a few days ago when she and Anthony had attended Catherine’s reading.

  “Having tried Mrs. Stinch’s and Mrs. Baker’s baked goods recently, I can vouch that the children will be delighted with these treats.” She chuckled. “And I saw Luke took several with him.”

  Her brother had come in to London for the day to support Catherine and make sure everything ran smoothly at the bookstore reading. Everyone had eagerly asked about Caroline’s condition. Luke had told them they were enjoying the last bit of peace and quiet before the storm of the new baby’s cries filled the halls.

  “He does relish eating anything the two women make,” Catherine agreed.

  “He’s going to make a wonderful father,” Laurel said.

  “I believe he will. Who would have guessed London’s biggest rogue would make one of its best husbands and fathers?”

  “Luke . . . was a rogue?” she asked, startled by the comment.

  “Oh, don’t get me wrong. I have always adored Luke. From the moment we met, he was charming and amiable. But yes, he left a string of broken hearts and had a bevy of mistresses.” Catherine smiled. “It merely took the right woman coming along to settle him down. They do say reformed rakes make the best husbands.”

  “He certainly adores Caroline.”

  “He does. I am glad he was able to change and grow into the man we now know.”

  Laurel wondered if Luke could change so much, could Anthony do the same?

  They arrived at the orphanage she had walked past so many times over the years. As she stood on the sidewalk, she looked at the neighborhood she’d grown up in with new eyes. It hadn’t been so long since she’d left here yet it seemed ages ago. Despite its short distance from Mayfair, these streets were a different world from the one she now inhabited. She determined to use her position to do all she could for its residents, especially the children she would soon meet.

  They entered, one footman carrying the boxes of scones and another loaded with something unknown to her. Laurel asked what they contained.

  “Those are copies of my latest book,” Catherine explained. “Books are a precious commodity. When I come to the various places and read my work to the children, I give them a copy to call their own. I’ve brought dolls and the like in the past wherever I go but the children seem to appreciate books most of all.”

  “Good morning, Your Grace.”

  Laurel turned and saw a woman approaching, her brown hair starting to turn to gray. She looked to be about forty years of age and had a kind face.

  “Mrs. Kinnon, it’s a pleasure to see you again. May I introduce to you my sister-in-law, the Duchess of Linfield.”

  Laurel offered the woman her hand, seeing the surprise that brought.

  “It’s very nice to meet you, Your Grace.”

  “Mrs. Kinnon runs the house,” Catherine explained. “I’ve brought scones for the children. Perhaps you could show the duchess around while I distribute them.”

  “Very good, Your Grace.”

  Laurel was led on a tour of the building. There were separate dormitory rooms for boys and girls and a large room with numerous cribs for babies. She went to one and leaned over, seeing a baby sleeping peacefully.

  “They come to you this young?” she asked.

  “All ages do. The babies are found on our doorstep. Sometimes with a note revealing their name but more often not. Mothers too young or too poor and desperate to raise them.”

  Next, she saw the schoolrooms. Mrs. Kinnon told Laurel that it was easier to educate the children on the property. When sent to a public school, the orphans were often belittled and made fun of. Too many fights had occurred and too many never wanted to return so keeping the orphans in one place for their schooling made the most sense. She met the three teachers, all young and earnest. Two had grown up in this very orphanage. Last, she saw a large playroom.

  “This space is new,” Mrs. Kinnon said with pride. “Her Grace insisted that play is important for young children. All the toys, books, and puzzles you see come from the Duke and Duchess of Everton.”

  “I grew up in this neighborhood,” Laurel revealed.

  Mrs. Kinnon’s eyes grew wide. “You did?”

  “Yes. I last worked at Mr. Cole’s chandlery. I believe it’s been purchased now by Mr. Farmon.”

  “Then . . . how . . .” the woman’s voice trailed off.

  “How did I become a duchess?” Laurel smiled. “It is a long story but now that I’m in a position to help others, I will do what I can for your orphanage, Mrs. Kinnon. The Duchess of Everton has said that you are looking for a new patron. I would like me and my husband to step into that role if you’ll allow us to do so.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace. Thank you so much. We would be delighted to have you work with us.”

  They returned to a dining hall, where Catherine sat with about eighty children.

  “We enjoyed the scones, Your Grace,” Laurel overheard a young girl tell Catherine.

  “I’m very glad you did.” She patted the girl’s cheek and then looked out across the room. “How would you like to hear a story?”

  The children cheered and clapped.

  “I brought someone with me today that wanted to meet you. This is the Duchess of Linfield. She will be spending time visiting with you.”

  “Hello, Your Grace,” echoed throughout the room.

  As all eyes turned to her, Laurel felt her cheeks grow warm. A boy near her tugged on her gown and asked, “Are you going to read to us, Your Grace?”

  “No, that is for the Duchess of Everton to do.”

  “I think that’s a lovely idea,” Catherine said. “How many would like to hear my sister-in-law read to you?”

  More cheers erupted and someone asked, “What’s a sister-in-law?”

  “Her Grace is a sister to my husband. That makes her a sister-in-law to me.” Catherine smiled. “Honestly, though, we feel like true sisters.” She held out her hand and Laurel took it. Catherine squeezed it encouragingly and said quietly, “Go ahead. Read to them. They’ll love it.”

  Catherine turned back to the children. “I’ve brought the book the duchess will read to you. Let’s make sure everyone gets one and then you can follow along.”

  The footmen helped distribute books to all the children and then they gathered on the floor, surrounding Laurel. She remembered how Catherine had used different voices for the various characters and tried her hand at it. Although not quite as successful as the author when she read her own work, Laurel thought she did a credible job by the time she finished. She and Catherine then circulated through the crowd, talking to individual children.