The frown deepened, and she inhaled a steadying breath. “He is a duke foremost. I wish for my son’s happiness, but he also must be practical. Hundreds of people depend on him for their livelihood, and while I enjoy running the estate, it’s not my burden to shoulder. I simply wish to spend time doting on my grandchildren, my six grandchildren.”
“Six children? That is a precise number,” I said, trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I would bear his children.With four sisters and one brother, our household had always been lively. In a sea of social butterflies, I had been the shy moth. “Will you settle for two?”
She leaned in and whispered, “Four at the minimum.”
I narrowed my eyes at her teasing. The more I contemplated her words, the more excited I became at the prospect of begetting said children. An heir was expected, but I wished to have daughters as well. “How about we meet in the middle and say three children?”
“Done.” She tipped her glass in my direction and clinked the crystal flute. “To my three grandchildren and my soon-to-be daughter-in-law.”
As I drank, I hoped my future with Lord Kendrick would be as perfect as my imagination conjured. Many uncertainties existed; none I could expect. The one consolation was Lord Kendrick, and I would be bonded for life. He might stray, but he would always come back to me.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sir Colt Lawrence
“You wish to do what?” I paced the thick carpet of my office, my hand moving to the back of my neck.
“Lillian wishes to elope to Gretna Green.” Lord Kendrick leaned his hip against the wooden desk and watched me with amused eyes. I didn’t find the suggestion of eloping the slightest bit humorous.
“Your mother is organizing an enormous affair, and the countess is beside herself with making plans for such an elaborate wedding. You mean to throw out all of their hard work to elope?” I expected this from Lord Kendrick but not from Lady Lillian. He took pride in bucking propriety, and it shamed me to admit that I was envious of that trait in him.
“It is creating a strain on both Lady Tapper and my mother; even more reason to wed over the anvil.” Lord Kendrick crossed his arms, the material of his shirt pulling at his wide shoulders. He was dressed in his customary shirtsleeves and work trousers and looked more like a pauper than a duke. However, there was no mistaking the regal air in his chiseled profile or hardened body.
“People will speculate you ran away because Lady Lillian is increasing.” I had to curb his impulses, but from the way he lifted a belligerent chin, I failed. I settled my hands on my hipsand exhaled through clenched teeth. Being upset wasn’t wise. It was their choice.
“They can speculate all they wish. It has been decided. Lillian and I are eloping.”
I averted my gaze, unable to look at him without lust lifting its sinful head. The strain of desiring him was almost unbearable. At least he had Lady Lillian to fall back on. I had no one. “Your proposition will take time and preparation to arrange.”
“I have a trip planned to Scotland next week. Lillian will go with us.” The duke tilted his head, curiosity brightening his eyes. He read me well, and it rankled. He need simply look at me, and I capitulated.
“About that. I have some news.” It pained me to say the words, but I had to tell him. I had been putting off the inevitable, and I could no longer delude myself. “I met with my cousin’s solicitor. In addition to the title, I inherited a shipping company.”
The words hung between us. His smile faltered.
“A very profitable shipping company located in Liverpool.”
Stunned eyes held mine as he sauntered over to where I stood before the fireplace. I held his direct gaze as he processed my statement. A lump in my throat, I waited for him to come to the logical conclusion.
“Why didn’t you ever tell me?” he asked.
His inquiry was very broad, but I knew what he was referring to. It was difficult to explain. If anyone would understand, he would. “It was very apparent in boarding school that I was more interested in my fellow students than the ladies at the finishing school. I had come face to face with my own preferences after working for you. I had an affair with a man I met at the Apollo Coffeehouse, but it was short-lived.” Becausehewasn’t you.
He traced a finger along my cheek, compassionate eyes full of understanding. I stood still as he ran his hand over my jaw, his thumb finding my bottom lip. Sympathy lay in his regard, along with deep affection. I wished it was love, but I wasn’t that naïve. “All these years, I thought I was putting you through hell with my male lovers.”
