Anthony escorted her to the drawing room, where a young girl came to her feet. As he crossed the room, he saw a mixture of hesitancy and eagerness on her pretty face. Unfortunately, she closely resembled the man who had sired her. She had light brown hair and soulful brown eyes and barely came to his shoulder. Looking at her filled him with distaste.

  She curtseyed. “Good afternoon, Your Grace.”

  He took her hand and tried to put aside his instant dislike. “There’ll be none of that. We are family. Call me by my name.”

  She smiled. “Oh! Thank you, Linfield.”

  He winced. “No,” he said firmly. “My Christian name. Anthony.”

  She looked puzzled. “Is that allowed?” she asked her aunt.

  He released her hand. “I’m a duke and head of this family. You will respect my wishes.”

  Hurt crossed her face. She lowered her eyes. “Yes, Anthony.”

  “Shall we sit?” his aunt asked, shooting him an intimidating look.

  The tea cart arrived and Aunt Constance asked Hannah to pour. He supposed this was part of learning the social graces. He hadn’t sat down to tea in a very long time.

  “Our aunt tells me you’re to make your come-out this Season,” he said, trying to make conversation.

  Hannah’s face lit up. “Yes. I’m going to a modiste tomorrow. That is, if you . . .” Her voice faltered.

  He realized what troubled her. “You are my responsibility, Hannah. Buy whatever Aunt and the modiste say you need. What good is all this money I have if I can’t spend it the way I choose?”

  She worried her bottom lip. “You would choose to spend it on me?”

  “Yes. I expect to see you in very many pretty dresses. A different one each time we attend a new event.”

  Her smile touched his heart for a moment and Anthony realized he didn’t want to get close to this girl. He needed to marry her off and let her be someone else’s responsibility.

  “We should address what happens,” he began. “You are an innocent. Aunt tells me you’ve been raised in the country and that this is your first time in London.”

  Hannah nodded.

  “Many young ladies will want to become close to you. Try to be your friend. Gentlemen will flock to you because you are the daughter of a duke and the sister to one. You possess an enormous dowry. You must watch your behavior. Never be alone with any man. In fact, if any wish to court you, they must first ask for my permission.”

  “Yes, Your Grace,” she said demurely.

  “Anthony,” he corrected. “Also, do not accept any offers of marriage. I’ll make it known that all offers are to come to me. I will thoroughly scrutinize any suitors and their backgrounds. I don’t want you being taken advantage of and wedding someone who is down on his luck. You will marry a man who doesn’t need your dowry. One who will respect you.”

  “Yes, Anthony.”

  “Most importantly, Hannah, you are never to be alone with a gentleman. Men want very different things than women. For the most part, men are not to be trusted. You are never to go anywhere with a man unless you have proper supervision. Is that understood?”

  Her cheeks pinkened. “Aunt Constance has spoken to me about my reputation. How I am to always be chaperoned. That I do not want to find myself compromised.”

  “Listen to her advice. She is a very wise woman.”

  Hannah studied him. “Will I be the only one seeking to wed, Anthony? Will you also do so?”

  “Aunt informs me it is my duty to carry on the line and wed,” he said. “I will do so in good time.”

  Anthony supposed he might as well find a bride since he was being forced to attend the Season. If he did find one, he would never have to be dragged through another Season again. He decided to look for a woman who had no opinions of her own. One who would keep his house and bear an heir and expect nothing from him. Once he had his heir, he would give his wife the freedom to live her life as she chose. He knew it was the way of the ton. He thought no woman should be saddled with him. Anthony knew something was broken inside him, something that would never be able to be repaired. This way, the dukedom would have a successor—and he could retain his own liberty. Be his own man without dragging down his wife or child into the abyss of anger that constantly raged in his soul.

  Chapter Five

  “I love that you are so knowledgeable about current events, Laurel,” Rachel said with enthusiasm. “You have strong opinions on everything. That’s very refreshing.”

  Laurel took a sip of her tea as Kitty brought them a new pot, along with a second plate of macaroons. Caroline’s eyes lit up as she took the first one.

  “Mr. Cole always bought a newspaper each day. He allowed me to read it after him, usually when things slowed down at the store. I was drawn mostly to politics and economic issues.”

  “You’re the first person who has explained the Corn Laws to me in a way I can understand,” Catherine said. “And I find this new Davy lamp for coal mining quite interesting. I wonder if Jeremy knows about it.”

  “He does,” Laurel said. “We even discussed the first test of it underground at Hebburn Colliery. Jeremy told me he has already invested in Davy lamps.”

  “I’m just delighted you’ve joined our book club,” Leah said. “Already, your contributions to our discussions have made us a much livelier group.”

  Leah had encouraged Laurel to join the subscription service at Evie’s Bookstore and become a member of the book club that the store sponsored. Though Laurel had never read a book before, she had finished three now and enjoyed getting together to discuss it with other females.

  “But you never read any of the gossip in the newspaper?” Leah asked. “You know Lord Byron is experiencing difficulties. His debts are growing and his marriage is teetering on failure. I’ve read he’s thinking of fleeing London to escape the growing scandal.”

  Laurel shrugged. “Society news didn’t seem important to me. I knew none of the people the papers discussed. Frankly, I never thought I would meet any of them.”

  “Oh, you will,” Rachel promised. “You should start reading about the ton immediately. Don’t worry. We’ll catch you up on the gossip you need to know, as well as make sure you know which men to avoid. We don’t want you compromised by some scoundrel.”

  Mr. Walton approached their table. “Lady Mayfield, do you have time to discuss the new shipment that has come in?”

  “Of course,” Caroline replied and then looked to her companions. “If you’ll excuse me, ladies. I believe I’ll be tied up for a few hours so feel free to leave without me.”

  After Caroline left the table, suddenly Leah turned white as a sheet and gagged.

  “Oh, no,” she murmured, holding her hands to her mouth.

  “I’ve got you,” Rachel said, swiftly getting her friend to her feet and leading Leah from the table.

  “Is she ill?” Laurel asked, confused. “She was fine just a moment ago.”

  Catherine grinned. “I believe my sister will have good news to share with us. From the look on her face, I’m going to guess we’ll have a new niece or nephew come autumn.” She paused. “Have you been around women who are ready to bear a child?”

  “Not really,” Laurel admitted. “Only the ones who came into Mr. Cole’s chandlery to shop. I worked long hours and then went straight home. Mama didn’t socialize or have friends.” She smiled. “That’s why I’ve enjoyed spending time each day in the nursery with your children, Catherine. They are delightful.”

  She had never thought she might one day marry. Just existing from day to day had been all she could think of. The idea of a husband or children had never been something she’d contemplated. Being around her new nieces and nephews, though, brought a deep yearning for babies. A maternal spark she’d never been aware of had been lit within her.

  “I hope to have children of my own one day,” she shared.

  “I’m sure you will. You’ll meet many people during the upcoming Season.”

  Laurel worried about that. Catherine had taken her to a modiste for an entire wardrobe, including countless gowns to be worn to Season events. Over the last six weeks she’d been given lessons in dance and Luke had taught her to ride. She’d taken to both. She’d never known such joy as when she moved to music. Catherine had said at some point Laurel might want to take up music lessons and learn an instrument, such as the pianoforte, but there was plenty of time for that in the future.

  “I’m anxious about it,” she said. “I’m afraid I’ll make a mistake—many of them—and embarrass you and Jeremy.”

  “You aren’t to worry about that,” her sister-in-law said. “Just be yourself.” Catherine hesitated a moment. “There will be some who think you are a bit too outspoken and opinionated. Don’t let them change anything about you, Laurel. Too many young women making their come-out act alike. Sound alike. Dress alike. You will be a breath of fresh air.”

  Since they were alone, Laurel found the courage to ask, “Are you having me make my come-out so I will leave the household?”

  “What? Of course not. We are delighted to have you. Let me say this, which I hope will relieve you of your worries. My father told me this at my own debut years ago. He said to enjoy the Season and all the people I would meet and the activities I would participate in. If I found a man to my liking and thought we would suit, then by all means, marry him. If I didn’t, I could have as many Seasons as I wanted.” She smiled wistfully. “Papa gave me the gift of time. We want you to have that same choice, Laurel. I know this is a new world to you, one you never dreamed you’d participate in. Don’t force yourself to find a husband. We would be happy to keep you with us forever. If you do find someone you like, though, remember that we will always be your family. You and your new husband will be welcomed at Eversleigh or any St. Clair home.”

  “Or Edgemere,” Rachel said, sliding into her chair.

  “The same at Fairhaven or Fairfield,” added Leah, color back in her face as she took her seat.

  “I assume you’re speaking of marriage,” Rachel said. “I hope you will wed someday, Laurel. You are a natural with children. Every time you come into the room, Seth holds his arms out to you.”

  “My Rose is the same way. She’s quite taken with you,” Leah said. Blushing, she added, “And I’m sure the new baby will also love his or her Aunt Laurel.”

  They congratulated Leah, learning the baby would come in October.

  “Back to marriage,” Rachel said. “Don’t rush into anything. I didn’t. My first Season, I danced more than any girl ever had. I went to concerts and the opera. Routs and musicales. I thoroughly enjoyed myself—and didn’t find one man who interested me in the least.”

  “Rachel was the most beautiful girl of that Season,” Leah said. “We made our come-out together. I was lucky enough to find Alex.”

  “I was lucky enough not to settle for anyone because Evan waited for me. I didn’t even know who he was that year. He was still fighting in Spain at the time but fate has a way of working things out for us.” She grinned. “Besides, you’ll need to marry for love. All St. Clairs do.”

  Laurel had already observed how love matches seemed to run in the St. Clair family. She was a practical person, however, and the idea of love and romance didn’t really appeal to her. She wanted a husband who would respect her and her opinions and be a good father to the children they had. She also had been secretly reading the gossip columns in the newspapers without telling anyone. From what they told, a love match was a rare thing in Polite Society. Most married for status or wealth, trying to join great families together. She may be part of a great family—but she was from the wrong side of the blanket. Despite Jeremy telling her that she was his sister and providing her with a generous dowry, Laurel knew not many men would be interested in wedding a duke’s illegitimate daughter. Her only hope was that whomever she wed, he would not mind her seeing her St. Clair relatives often. She smiled to herself, wondering if any girl making her come-out had ever thought of selecting a husband based upon where he lived. Since Jeremy and Luke had country estates in Kent and Rachel and Leah had husbands with their country seats in East Essex, Laurel hoped if she did have a man interested in marrying her that he would live somewhere near them so they could visit her relatives often.

  “Enough talk of marriage,” Catherine said. “We need to finish our tea. I must get home and write more. Mr. Bellows is eager for my next book.”

  They finished the plate Kitty had brought and then left the tearoom. Laurel remained quiet, pondering how quickly her life had changed in a few short weeks—and how the Season might bring the biggest change of all.

  *

  Laurel sat perfectly still, allowing the maid to fuss with her hair. She’d never dreamed of the number of servants members of the ton employed. It had been hard to break many ingrained habits since she’d been living in the Everton townhome. She’d tried to make her bed only to be stopped from doing so by two maids. She asked for a needle and thread to sew on a loose button and had the garment in question taken from her. She was bathed and dressed and even had someone style her hair for her as if she were a helpless child who couldn’t hold a brush.

  When she’d talked with Hudson about it, he’d told her to let the servants do their jobs. He explained they were paid to do those things and if Laurel took tasks away from them, they might not be needed and lose their positions. She’d never thought of it like that and appreciated Hudson’s advice. She only saw her brother at meals and when she practiced dancing because he was preparing day and night for the upcoming university entrance exams. Mr. Proctor, Jeremy’s former tutor, was preparing Hudson and told Laurel he believed her twin would sail through anything tossed his way. Her brother would not participate in the Season until after he finished his education. Already, Jeremy and Hudson discussed the role the youngest St. Clair would play in family business affairs. After his initial shock at learning of his parentage, Hudson had calmed down and now seemed happy with the changes brought to his life.

  “There, Lady Laurel. You’re all set.” The maid smiled. “You’ll be the prettiest young lady at the ball.”

  Laurel still didn’t think of herself as a lady and found it odd being addressed by a title. Catherine had explained that any daughter of a duke would be referred to in that manner. They’d spent endless hours discussing the correct way to address others in society. How Rachel had been Lady Rachel until she wed and then she was known as Lady Merrick. How dukes and duchesses were called Your Grace. That a woman whose husband died became known as a dowager, even if she were quite young. The endless rules proved confusing and were another reason Laurel worried about making an error tonight as she met so many new people.

  She rose and thanked the maid. Her stomach flipped and flopped every which way, nerves eating away at her. There was simply so much to remember besides how to address people. What conversation was deemed appropriate. Which fork to use and even how much to eat. That she should only dance with a man once or gossip would swell about her. It surprised her if she danced with a gentleman twice that it meant he was revealing his interest in her to the entire ton. She had so much jammed into her brain that it threatened to spill out, leaving her as an empty featherhead.

  A knock sounded at the door and she answered it, surprised to find Jeremy and Catherine standing there together. Her brother looked devastatingly handsome in his black evening clothes, while Catherine was the picture of a perfect duchess in shades of blue silk, her auburn hair piled high upon her head. Diamonds glittered at her ears and throat.

  “May we come in?” Jeremy asked.

  “I was about to join you downstairs,” Laurel said, her voice trembling.

  “This won’t take long,” her brother assured her.

  She allowed them to enter her bedchamber and saw Jeremy had something in his hand. An almost flat box. Curiosity filled her. He opened it and she gasped. A pearl necklace and bracelet rested against black velvet, the creamy white elegant against the dark background.

  “This is for you,” Jeremy revealed. “Others making their come-out will be wearing jewelry. Catherine and I wanted you to have something simple and tasteful.”

  Laurel began shaking her head. “No. I can’t accept something so valuable,” she protested.

  His emerald St. Clair eyes held hers. “I’ll never be able to make up for the lost years when our father cast aside your mother. I can only hope we move forward, in love and trust. Please, Laurel. We want you to have this. Please accept it.”

  Tears filled her eyes. “You’ve already done so much for me. Gifted me with countless gowns. Taken Hudson under your wing and promised to educate him and then teach him about business. You have offered us friendship—and love.”

  By now, Catherine lifted the necklace from its case and moved behind Laurel, fastening the clasp. Jeremy took the bracelet and secured it on her wrist. She gazed down, speechless at the beauty of the pair.

  “Thank you,” she finally managed. “I will wear the set always and treasure who it came from.” Laurel fingered the necklace, amazed she now possessed something so incredible.

  Catherine laughed. “Pearls are for any occasion but you’ll receive other jewels, I’m sure.”

  “From whom?” she asked. “Luke?”

  Jeremy roared with laughter. “Luke would certainly gift you with some if he thought it would please you. No, Laurel, Catherine means your future husband. You’ll receive various gifts from him. For your wedding. The birth of your children. Perhaps on your birthday.”

  “This is such a different life,” she said softly. “I may never get used to it.”

  Catherine embraced her and then Jeremy did the same, kissing her cheek.

  “It’s time to make our way to the Rutherfords’ ball,” he declared.

  As they went downstairs and climbed into the carriage, he reminded Laurel that the Rutherfords had been childhood friends of the St. Clairs. Amanda was now Lady Stanley and her brother, Lord Aubrey, was a viscount and would one day become the Earl of Rutherford.