“Then are ye certain Mr. Hildegard wishes to court yer maid?” If the man had made no effort to do so, then perhaps he had no interest. However, by observation, it did appear as if the scholar was quite taken with the maid.
“Oh, yes,” Lady Claresta answered. “I have it on the utmost authority that he is quite interested in Esther.” She walked further away from the two. “It was a chance meeting, as I said, as Mr. Hildegard never leaves his offices unless necessary. However, after he’d encountered Esther, he emerged into this section of the museum more often. Now that our schedule has been settled, he can be counted on to appear every Thursday at this time, but at no others.” Lady Claresta tilted her head. “You are a man Mr. MacGregor, what must my maid do to convince Mr. Hildegard to call on her instead of relying on Esther to come to him?”
As he’d never been in such a position before, Donovan wasn’t quite certain how to answer, but then he gave it further thought. The best way to appreciate something the most is when it is gone. “Absence,” he finally answered. After all, hadn’t he yearned for his Juliet for nearly a year?
“Absence?”
“Perhaps if Esther quit visiting Mr. Hildegard at the museum, he might be forced to call on her to find out why she no longer comes around.”
Lady Claresta thought for a moment and then her eyes brightened. “Absolutely brilliant, Mr. MacGregor, and I will see that it is so.”
“It’s only a suggestion,” he warned. “It might not work.”
“If Mr. Hildegard cares, as I suspect he does, he’ll not wait above a fortnight before he seeks out Esther.”
Donovan studied Lady Claresta. “Do ye often involve yourself in the lives of others?”
She blinked at him. “Of course. Without me, Emily and Dillon Chambers would not be married. When I see a problem, I simply fix it.”
“Ye meddle.”
“I wouldn’t call it such. As I said, I am able to judge what a person might need.” At that, she stepped back and studied his appearance once again, and a smile pulled at her lips. “As your clothing is quite ruined, aren’t you now glad that the first part of London I showed you were the shops?”
Donovan did not respond, but she was correct. He’d left Edinburgh suddenly with only the clothing he’d packed for a short stay. It would be at least a week before the rest of his belongings were delivered and as his boots were now quite ruined, he’d be seeing to a new pair at the earliest opportunity. However, he’d not admit as much to Lady Claresta or she might be encouraged to meddle even more, and he’d not have that.
Chapter 6
Claresta could barely keep the smile off her face. Mr. MacGregor had come after all, and he was drenched. The apology in his brown eyes had nearly been her undoing and she’d happily forgiven his tardiness.
Any other gentleman of her acquaintance would have changed his clothing instead of risking being seen in such a state in such a public venue. But it was more important for Mr. MacGregor to keep his promise and apologize. For that, Claresta’s heart warmed.
Perhaps she was enough just as herself.
“Are you certain you don’t wish to leave? I’d hate for you to become ill.”
“I promised we’d visit the British Museum.”
“Which can be seen on another day.” He couldn’t truly want to remain here in what must be a most uncomfortable state.
“I am quite content.” He led her further away from the manuscripts. “And as yer maid is distracted, this is the perfect time for ye to answer a question for me.”
The hope that had sprung in her heart, that perhaps he cared about her, diminished. She needed to remember that Mr. MacGregor was not courting her, or at least she didn’t believe so, even though she wished it were true. He’d not yet promised to keep her secret and she had an awful feeling that she was about to learn what he’d meant by it depends.
With a sigh, she settled onto a bench. “What would you like to know?”
MacGregor took a seat beside her but remained far enough away so that his clothing did not dampen her skirts.
“It isna so difficult a question. I simply wish to ken how ye came to be at Madame Marseille’s ball? It was no place for a lady.”
Claresta’s face heated. “My cousin’s husband, Dillon Chambers, received an invitation.” Then she explained how he’d said that nobody would be attending that ball and how she’d missed an earlier masquerade ball because of illness. “I had a costume and saw no harm in attending in secret.” Her face grew even hotter as she explained that Esther had come to the conclusion of the type of ball they’d attended and that was why she had rushed Claresta away. “How was I to know that Madame Marseille was an actual madame and not a married French woman?”
He chuckled, though Claresta wasn’t certain if that meant he’d keep her secret.
“Aye, I should have kent that ye werena like the other women at the ball.”
Claresta blinked up at him. “How?”
“Ye were too innocent or had an air of innocence. Thank goodness Nurse aided in yer escape before it was too late.”
Too late? They’d only kissed. Certainly, he’d not have wished to do anything further.
Humiliation washed over her. Esther had told her what the men were about and what kind of ball she realized they had stumbled upon. It had been a revelation, as Claresta had never been told about the intimacies between men and women, and in truth, she had found the knowledge quite fascinating, if not a bit confusing. However, it never occurred to her that Romeo…er...Mr. MacGregor had thoughts of the same where she was concerned.
“And yer maid agreed to yer mad scheme? Of attending a ball without yer chaperone?”
“I talked her into the adventure, but had we known the type of ball, we would have never attended.”
It had been one of the most memorable nights of her life, and even though she’d met Mr. MacGregor, things could have ended quite poorly for her. Oh, if anyone ever learned…They mustn’t and somehow, she must convince him to keep her secret. “I honestly believed that Dillon wished to remain home because we were to return to England early the next morning. He never let on that the invitation had been for him alone. All the other invitations we received had been for the household.”
“Of course he’d not tell ye the truth,” MacGregor stated. “Ye shouldna even ken about Madame Marseille or women of her ilk in the first place.”
“I’m not so sheltered,” Claresta argued. Or, she wasn’t any longer. “Does this mean you will now keep my secret?”
MacGregor studied her, and her heart nearly sank for fear that he’d now go straight to Dillon and tell him the truth.
“Aye, lass, I’ll keep yer secret, but ye must promise not to be so foolish again.”
She pursed her lips because Claresta hated nothing more than being thought of as foolish, but she didn’t wish to argue the point for fear of causing Mr. MacGregor to change his mind. Instead, she nodded and pulled the list from her reticule.
“I thought perhaps tomorrow we might visit a few shops that might carry the book you are looking for.”
MacGregor chuckled. “I do not need another copy of Romeo and Juliet,” he assured her.
Claresta frowned. “But you mentioned…”
He put a finger to her lips. “Did it ever occur to ye that I was teasin’…a shared secret.”
She looked up into his warm brown eyes. “One we’ll continue to share?” she asked almost breathlessly.
“Aye,” he whispered as he leaned in.
“This is where you’ve gone,” Esther called as she came forward.
MacGregor pulled back and Claresta could almost curse her maid for she was certain that he’d been about to kiss her again. It had been nearly a year since he’d done so, and she was anxious to experience it again.
Even so, she should never allow him to kiss her in such a public place. Her character would certainly be remarked upon then.
“Now, where are we off to?” Esther asked anxiously.
Claresta glanced to MacGregor. “Is there a certain part of the museum you wished to see?”
As she’d seen every corner, Claresta was quite happy to follow his lead.
“The Egyptian artifacts. Perhaps this Rosetta stone that I’ve read about.”
“The Rosetta Stone it is,” Claresta said as she stood.
He did as well, leaving a wet spot on the bench.
He couldn’t be comfortable in wet clothing, but as he’d declined her suggestion that he return home, there was little she could do for his discomfort.
* * *
Donovan peeled the still damp clothing from his body once he returned to his chambers. Today was the second time that Esther had interrupted a most pleasant interlude with Juliet. Though, on second thought, he should have been wiser and not attempted to kiss Lady Claresta where anyone might have seen them. The need to kiss her again, however, had been great and perhaps it was because of her innocence. Deep down, Donovan had feared that she presented one persona to Society but held a dark secret that had led her to the masquerade. Instead, it had simply been her desire to attend a masquerade held by a married French woman.
He chuckled again.
There was something about Lady Claresta that drew him, or he’d not have arrived in such an unimpressive state. He rarely bothered himself with the opinions of others and how they might view him; Lady Claresta was different and she didn’t seem at all bothered by his disheveled appearance.
It was an infatuation, of that he readily admitted. He’d first begun to fall for Claresta in the moonlit garden as they exchanged lines from Romeo and Juliet, and with each encounter since he had arrived in London, he enjoyed her company all the more.
His frustration and displeasure, nay, unhappiness that had plagued him for the past year had begun to disappear, and he felt lighter.
There were two explanations. One could be that he’d finally left his home. It wasn’t that Donovan didn’t love his family or Anagburn, but he was five and twenty and it was time that he set out on his own. Besides, he was a man of business and would see to the MacGregor whisky once it arrived in England. He had a purpose and perhaps that was all he ever needed.
He hadn’t asked his uncle about coming to London. Instead, Donovan had informed him and laid out the needs of having a family member to protect the business. He’d not received a response yet, nor did he expect one as it had been too soon. Even though Uncle Aiden was head of the family, they were all in the smuggling business together and Donovan could count on his brothers to see the wisdom of this decision.
The second reason for his altered mood was Lady Claresta. He’d searched for Juliet and had finally found her in the most unlikely place. And she was so much more than he ever dreamed she’d be. The desire that had struck him when he first viewed her had not waned. However, he could not have the same relationship as he had planned for the light-skirt.
What was it about Lady Claresta that drew him? She was a bonny lass, but it was more than that. She made him feel alive, and at ease, and happy, when he’d not been in this state for a very long time.
Chapter 7
Claresta stewed at the side of the grand parlor, ready to go home. A week ago she’d looked forward to this soiree being held by Lord and Lady Sandlin, but that was before Romeo had come to London. Oh, those two days spent with Mr. MacGregor had been the most pleasurable and now all other entertainments paled in comparison. It was a shame he was not here.
Would he call on her tomorrow? They’d not made plans after the museum, but Claresta dearly hoped that he would.
At least he’d hold her secret and for that, she was grateful, but what if his interest started to wane? Or what if he only sought friendship?
Except, he’d been about to kiss her again, at least she thought he was about to before Esther had interrupted them.
Claresta must speak with her maid and ask her to be more observant before she approached in the future. After all, Claresta did the same for Esther and had glimpsed a few stolen kisses between her and Mr. Hildegard. Esther should certainly do the same for her.
“Ah, Lady Claresta, I see that you’ve recovered.”
The hair stood up on the back of her neck as she stiffened. The condescending tone of Lord Millard always set her on edge, and she turned slightly to meet his gaze.
“I wasn’t ill, Lord Millard. It was simply a reaction to the perfume.”
Emily gently nudged Claresta’s elbow, reminding her of her tone and manners.
She smiled sweetly. “But I thank you for asking,” she continued as it was expected.
Her unwanted suitor offered his arm. “Would you like to take a turn about the room?”
No, she would not, but this was a small gathering and her refusal would be noted, then questions would be murmured behind fans and there was nothing that Claresta hated more than to be gossiped about.
“Thank you for the offer,” she answered tightly then rested her gloved hand on his arm, thankful that the room wasn’t so large that she’d have to endure too much time in Lord Millard’s company.
“You’ll be happy to know that I’ve sent a letter to your father stating my intentions and begging an audience upon his return to London.”
Claresta forced a smile as they passed another couple. As soon as she returned home this evening, she’d need to pen her own letter to Father and advise him that she had no desire to become Lord Millard’s bride.
“I do look forward to our future, Lady Claresta,” he murmured with confidence.
“How are you so certain that we will have one?”
“Come now, even you must recognize that we belong together. You are the only daughter of a duke and I am the third son of a duke; it only stands to reason that we shall marry, securing our positions with no need to marry beneath us.”
“At least you’re honest, and not professing false words of affection.”
He patted her hand as if she were a child. “In time, you will come to love me. You won’t be able to help yourself.”
Claresta nearly snorted. “And you will do the same.”
He tsked. “Gentlemen in my position do not suffer from such weakened emotions, Lady Claresta, but I am fond of you.”
She gauged how far they’d come, but they’d only walked half of the perimeter of the room. Claresta feared she might do Lord Millard harm before she was returned to her cousin.
“I do look forward to settling into Stoneridge Hall and redecorating.”
Claresta stiffened. “That won’t be necessary,” she bit out.
“Of course it’s necessary. The place is practically medieval.” He shivered in disgust.
“You forget yourself, Lord Millard. The property is mine, as a life tenant.”
“But will come under my care when we are married.” He chuckled. “That is another reason why you need to marry, Lady Claresta. As a female, how could you possibly know how to manage such an estate? Thank goodness, I am willing to take on the challenge.”
In no uncertain terms would she allow Lord Millard even step foot in Stoneridge again, though she had no idea when he’d been there before. It wasn’t as if her family entertained when they were in residence, as they spent most of their time at Chatwell Castle, the ancestral seat in Shropshire. But, as much as she’d like to know, Claresta did not ask as they’d thankfully reached Emily’s side. Besides, Claresta had no desire to engage in any further conversation with Lord Millard.
“Thank you for the stroll, Lady Claresta. I look forward to your father’s response.”
By the time he stepped away, Claresta was fuming. “If he is my only option for marriage, I’ll be far happier as a spinster.”
Emily chuckled. “I don’t believe he is your only option.”
Claresta glanced about the room and sighed. “There is no option here.”
“It’s a shame Mr. MacGregor isn’t in attendance.”
Claresta’s face heated.
“He’s called on you twice sin
ce the ball, perhaps he might be your answer,” Emily teased.
Oh, as much as Claresta wished it could be so, she didn’t put too much hope in such a future. She was afraid for fear of being hurt and disappointed if he returned to Scotland without her.
* * *
Donovan had not asked to call on Lady Claresta today, yet as the afternoon drew near, his need to see her grew. He’d thought by spending his time in the Bridges’ shipping offices he would be able to keep his mind off of Juliet, but it had been impossible. As Bridges quietly discussed how the whisky was removed from the crates of wool, disguised and then given to the men for delivery and payment, Donovan’s mind had wandered.
There was an intricate system already in place, and even though Bridges enjoyed the profits he earned, he was glad to have someone else oversee the smuggling, so much so that he suggested Donovan find a home along the water, where the crates could be delivered directly to him and bypass the warehouses completely. Bridges could always claim he knew nothing of the whisky, as he only shipped crates and stored them in the warehouse until they were claimed. He’d already been discovered by one of the Thames River Police—Benedick Valentine. Instead of arresting Bridges, he’d helped himself to a few bottles. Since then, Bridges had feared discovery by another officer—one who would not be so lenient and see Bridges arrested for smuggling.
Thus, after he left the offices, Donovan returned to the household and changed his clothing with every intention of seeking out properties along the Thames, or nearer to the sea, but instead found himself in front of the Chambers’ home. At least this time when the butler answered the door, he allowed Donovan entrance, not that it mattered as today it wasn’t raining.
“I’ll inquire as to whether Lady Claresta is at home.”
It never occurred to him that she wouldn’t be here, but given it was the Season, Lady Claresta could be anywhere or at any entertainment.
Once Upon a Midnight Masquerade: Scot to the Heart #3 Page 5
