by Cat Schield
Although Claire had seen a significant number of women vying for Linc’s attention tonight, for some reason, seeing him with Everly made her feel slightly sick. Perhaps it was because the woman had been so forward at the grocery store. And even though she suspected it had been more curiosity than cruelty that had made the woman so blunt, Claire couldn’t help but feel uneasy at her appearance here tonight. Would she be bold enough to repeat to Linc the gossip she’d shared with Claire?
“Claire, are you all right?” Jenny asked, pulling her attention away from Everly and Linc. The waitress stood beside her with a tray of dirty glasses and plates.
“I’m fine,” Claire said as she surreptitiously indicated Everly. “I ran into that blonde woman standing next to Linc a few weeks ago at the grocery store and made the mistake of telling her I worked for him. Do you know anything about her?”
“Everly Briggs? She’s big on the charity circuit.”
“That makes sense. She wanted to hire me to do an event. What does she do?”
“She owns some sort of branding company.” Jenny lowered her voice. “There was a huge scandal involving her sister last year. She went to jail after leaking a bunch of engineering documents or something to her employer’s competitor. I heard they were worth over two million dollars.”
“Why would she do that?”
“Apparently, she thought she was going to get fired and wanted to get back at the company before that happened. Plus, she thought it would help her get a job with the competitor.”
That Jenny knew so much of the story didn’t surprise Claire at all. She’d heard snatches of several tales tonight as she moved through the crowd. This group of people seemed to feed off drama and loved to share every juicy tidbit.
“Well, that’s just crazy,” Claire said. “Why would she think that was a good idea?”
“I don’t know. Maybe crazy runs in the family.”
“Should I warn Linc?” He didn’t need someone like that in his life.
“Naw,” Jenny said, sliding a sidelong glance in Claire’s direction. “I don’t think she’s Linc’s type.”
Her friend’s sly grin caught Claire off guard, but she quickly recovered. “I wasn’t wondering that.”
“Sure.”
“I wasn’t.” Claire gave her head a little toss. “Although, I think he could do better.”
“Well, he certainly has plenty to choose from at this party. I wonder if he enjoys all the attention or if he finds it irritating.”
“Most men would love to be fawned over by all these women,” Claire said. “On the other hand, Bettina has made it clear that she’s hosting this party so he can meet some eligible women and possibly start a relationship with one of them. I imagine he has to feel a little bit like prey.”
The two women went their own way, Jenny to deliver the dirty dishes to the kitchen and Claire to continue making sure the party was going smoothly. She greeted several of Linc’s friends as she passed them. Apparently, Linc hadn’t wanted to face the horde of marriage-minded women without backup. Claire spied Knox deep in conversation with Sawyer and wondered if those two had ever tried dating or if Linc didn’t trust his baby sister with his best friend.
After checking on the inventory behind the portable bar set up in the parlor and finding satisfactory levels of alcohol and mix, she retreated into the kitchen to assess the situation there.
“How are we doing?” she asked Trudy, the woman she’d hired to assist her with the preparations. “Anything we’re running low on?”
“Your crab puffs are a huge hit. Good thing we made more than you originally planned.”
Claire nodded. “This is a town that likes its seafood.”
With a large party like this, so many things could go wrong, but she’d been planning and organizing like a fiend. Over the next few hours, things went so smoothly it was almost anticlimactic. By ten o’clock, she estimated a third of the party guests had taken off. With the gathering winding down, all she had left to do was clean up and head out.
While she collected trays and chafing dishes from the buffet, Claire surreptitiously looked around for Linc, curious if he’d found someone he wanted to spend some quiet one-on-one time with. Throughout the evening, every time she’d ventured through the room, he’d been conversing with a different woman. His mother had to be thrilled that he was taking her matchmaking so seriously.
As if her thoughts had summoned him, Linc came up beside her. His long, warm fingers curved around her arm, and he gave her a brief heart-wrenching squeeze.
“Another successful event under your belt. Your food is fantastic and pretty soon everyone in Charleston is going to know who you are.”
His praise and support made Claire light-headed. “I’m sure they already know I’m your housekeeper.”
“I’m talking about the polo match that’s coming up. You’ll make a huge splash as the caterer and I’m sure my mother would be happy to talk you up to her friends.”
“You know, it sounds like you’re trying to get rid of me.”
“Not at all. It’s just that several people have mentioned to me lately that your talents are going to waste as my housekeeper. I thought maybe your loyalty to me might be stopping you from starting your own catering business.” Though he smiled as he said it, his blue eyes were grave.
“I’d never do that.” Her throat tightened at the thought of leaving him. “I don’t have the money or the know-how to start my own company.”
“But if you did?”
Although she was flattered that so many people had faith in her cuisine, the pressure to succeed overwhelmed her. “I also don’t have the time or the desire. You know that Honey is my top priority. Also, there are so many well-established caterers in Charleston, I can’t imagine being able to compete.” She offered him a wry smile. “So it looks like you’re stuck with me.”
To her relief, the corner of his mouth kicked up in a matching grin. “That’s good to hear, but I don’t want to stand in your way if you think doing something else might be better for you and Honey.”
“I know it must seem that I’m unambitious, but I’m happy right where I am.” The position enabled her to stay below the radar and out of sight of Jasper’s parents. “So, have you picked one yet?” she asked, deciding to change the subject.
“Picked one?” he echoed with a slight frown.
She used her chin to indicate the crowd. Hadn’t he noticed the way all eyes had been following him tonight? Every single woman here, with the exception of Sawyer, had her sights set on becoming Mrs. Lincoln Thurston.
“Your mother and sister have delivered every eligible female in Charleston to your doorstep. All you need to do is choose.”
“Truthfully, they all look the same to me. Not one of them stands out as someone I want to get to know.” He sighed.
“You haven’t given any of them a chance,” Claire said, secretly hoping that it would take him a while to settle on just one. For the moment, she liked having him all to herself. “You should pick three tonight and invite each of them out for dinner.”
Linc’s blue eyes glinted with irritation. “I can’t believe you’re okay with this.”
“I’m a realist.” Claire hoped her voice didn’t betray the lie. “It’s what has to happen.”
“It doesn’t have to happen this way.”
“You know that it does. You might have been okay marrying a woman your mother didn’t approve of, but I’ll bet it was hard on London knowing Bettina would never fully welcome her.”
Before she’d finished speaking, a lovely blonde appeared at Linc’s side and wrapped her hand around his arm in a possessive gesture. From what Claire had observed, Charleston seemed to have an overabundance of slender, elegant blonde women with perfect teeth and fine manners. She almost pitied Linc having to choose one, because none had stood out for her
and she couldn’t imagine him settling for a woman who was interchangeable with a dozen others.
“There you are,” the newcomer said, behaving as if Linc had been having a conversation with thin air. “I’ve been dying for a chance to catch up with you all night, but you’ve been surrounded.”
Although Claire expected to be treated as if she didn’t exist, Linc wasn’t the sort to play along. Claire had noticed that he gave everyone his full attention, treating them like they mattered. From the gardener who maintained the meticulous landscaping around the Jonathan Elliot House to the mailman and his neighbor’s dog walker.
“Phoebe Reed,” he said, gesturing toward Claire, “this is Claire Robbins. She is responsible for all the delicious food.”
Forced to be polite, the blonde tore her rapt gaze from Linc and glanced in Claire’s direction, giving her a perfunctory nod. “I’m sure it’s all quite yummy.” Minor courtesy out of the way, she returned her full attention to Linc. “Your sister tells me you’re going to be a part of the holiday home tour. I can’t wait to see what you’ve done to the Jonathan Elliot House.”
Rather than be an awkward third wheel, Claire murmured, “I have to get back to the kitchen.” And before Linc could stop her, she faded into the dwindling crowd.
As much as she wanted to dwell on Phoebe and the dozen other beautiful, wealthy, socially connected women who’d been brought here with the purpose of getting acquainted with Linc, Claire had a job to do. Taking up one of the big trays she’d brought from the kitchen, she moved around the room, collecting empty dishes and glasses. The guests thinned out more still as she worked.
She was making her third round of the rooms when someone spoke from just behind her. “Hello.” The cultured female voice sounded familiar. “It’s Claire, right?”
Claire turn to face Everly Briggs and her stomach dropped.
“Yes,” Claire said cautiously, with a polite smile fixed on her lips. “And you’re Everly.”
She was dying to ask how the woman knew Bettina, but she figured Everly fell into the same category as most of the women attending the party: Charleston social elite.
“I hear you were in charge of the food tonight. I just knew you were talented.”
The woman’s enthusiasm wasn’t winning Claire over. Something about their encounter at the grocery store and the assumptions Everly had made, followed by her appearance tonight, left Claire feeling uneasy.
“Thank you.” She glanced to the side, hoping Everly would take the hint and let Claire get about her task.
“I suppose you’re a little surprised to see me here,” Everly continued, relaxing into the conversation and missing Claire’s subtle signal.
“A little.” Claire told herself to let it go, but curiosity had a mind of its own. Maybe if she hadn’t heard about Everly’s sister from Jenny, she wouldn’t have cared. After all, in certain circles, most everyone in Charleston was connected in one way or another. “From our last conversation, I got the impression you didn’t know Linc.”
“I don’t. I tagged along with a friend of mine, Augusta Hobbs.” Everly gave Claire a conspiratorial smile. “Although we’ve been at several of the same events, I’ve never actually met Linc. Turns out he’s as wonderful as you said.”
Had Claire described Linc as wonderful?
“I can see why you’d enjoy working for him,” the woman continued. “He’s very genuine. As well as handsome and wealthy. How have you managed to be around him all the time and not fall in love?”
Claire felt herself flushing beneath the woman’s keen regard, but she kept her gaze and voice cool as she said, “He’s my boss.”
Everly smirked. “Yes, I know, but haven’t you fantasized about him even a little?”
“No.” Once again, their conversation was straying to inappropriate topics. Cheeks hot, Claire regarded the woman with a flat stare before she found her voice again. “If you’ll excuse me, I still have a lot to do.”
“Of course, but before you go, I was wondering if we could meet for lunch early next week to discuss the food for the charity polo match.”
The request seemed to come from out of the blue. “Are you involved with the event?”
“Yes. I wasn’t able to make the meeting last week with Genevieve and Portia when they asked you to cater the event. I’m in charge of the food and wanted to discuss the menu with you.”
Claire wished Everly had led with that instead of talking about Linc. She relaxed a little. “Of course. When would you like to do that?”
“Could you meet on Monday or Tuesday?”
“How about Tuesday. Would one o’clock work?”
“One o’clock would be perfect. Why don’t I meet you at Magnolias.”
“That would be fine. Now, I really need to get back to the kitchen,” Claire said, pretending she’d seen something that needed her attention. Instinct urged her to get away from this woman.
“Looking forward to our meeting on Tuesday.” Everly’s drawl pursued Claire as she fled.
Nine
The morning following his mother’s party, Linc was summoned to her house for a debriefing. She wanted his opinion of the women he’d met and some indication that he intended to date one or two of them.
When he arrived, Bettina was at her dining room table, eating a poached egg with toast and fresh fruit. She liked her coffee dark and rich with liberal splashes of cream and instructed Dolly to pour him a cup before he sat down.
“I thought last night’s party went quite well,” his mother said without preamble. “Lyla Madison’s daughter is quite accomplished and has the sort of beauty that ages well.”
“Which one was she?” he asked, thanking Dolly with a smile as he accepted a delicate china cup.
“The brunette in pink. She’s a CPA at the accounting firm I use.” Bettina frowned as Linc continued to regard her blankly. “You spoke with her for half an hour.”
“Sorry. There were so many women there. I lost track of names.”
“Linc, I need you to take this seriously.” Bettina let her gaze rest on him for a long moment before speaking again. “You simply must marry someone from our social circles.”
As much as Linc hated to disappoint his mother, he needed to get something off his chest. “What if I fall in love with someone who isn’t from an old Charleston family?”
“Have you?”
Confronted by his mother’s demand, Linc found himself hesitating.
“Is this about Claire?” Bettina continued. “I’ve seen how you are with her. But she’s your housekeeper.”
“I don’t care.”
His mother huffed. “You’re acting like your father, doing something without considering the consequences.”
“I’m nothing like my father,” he retorted through gritted teeth.
“I’ll admit you haven’t behaved like him before this.” Bettina tossed her napkin onto her half-finished breakfast. “Honestly, Linc. Have you thought any of this through? You have a social position—”
“You’ve never accepted that I don’t care about that.” He’d come here today expecting resistance, but he wasn’t prepared to defend his future with Claire, because he hadn’t figured out what he wanted.
“Then what do you care about?”
“I care about Claire.”
“That’s all well and good...” His mother regarded him in exasperation. “And I’ve always said my children’s happiness is my top priority, but—”
“She makes me happy.” Linc was firm on that. “She’s an amazing woman and a terrific mother. We have this amazing chemistry, and I’m happier spending time with her and Honey than with anyone else on the planet.” His voice grew stronger with each sentence.
“So what are you planning to do? Marry Claire and become Honey’s father?” Bettina demanded, her tone skeptical. “Is that what
she wants?”
Linc would be lying if he said he had everything figured out, but now that the question had been asked, the answer was clear. “I think that’s where we’re headed. And if anyone has anything negative to say about that or her, they will have me to contend with.”
His mother narrowed her eyes and regarded him for several seconds before nodding. “When you put it that way, of course I’ll accept Claire.”
“Just like that?” Linc couldn’t help being suspicious of his mother’s abrupt capitulation. “After everything you said about London’s lack of a social pedigree, you’re suddenly okay with me being in a relationship with my housekeeper?”
“You never fought for London.” It was less a statement of fact and more of an accusation.
Leave it to Bettina to twist things around until Linc didn’t know if he was coming or going.
“I shouldn’t have had to.”
“Regardless.” Disapproval tightened his mother’s mouth. “You never championed her.”
Linc couldn’t understand where she was coming from. “What does that matter? London was strong and could take care of herself.”
“Are you saying Claire isn’t as strong?”
“She may not always defend herself, but she will do whatever it takes to keep Honey safe.”
“I agree about Claire, but I think you’re wrong about London. She needed you to be there, but you weren’t. I kept waiting for you to stand up for her, and when you never did, I knew she wasn’t the woman for you.”
Linc studied his mother while he processed her statement. “Are you telling me London’s outsider status didn’t bother you? You were just using it to test if I was willing to fight for our love?”
“Exactly.”
“So you wanted me to convince you I was madly in love with her?”
“And you never did,” his mother said. “I never believed London was the most important woman in your life and neither did she. That’s what kept her from feeling secure in your relationship. What made her so needy and controlling.”
