by Aileen Fish
She had no idea how fortunate she was no one else had discovered her alone with the rake. As it happened, her lady’s maid had stopped to help an injured creature and fell a shocking distance behind in the process. Jane could have been ruined. Would have been if anyone other than him had discovered her.
“Far better than you keeping time with Lady Akford. You chased her skirts around the house party. And now, you are hiding from her, all the while mooning over her. You are making a fool of yourself.” She reached for another biscuit.
“You, dear sister, are delirious. I am not mooning over anyone.” He feigned disinterest as he picked up his porcelain cup. In truth, his heart ached for Claudia.
“I dare say it would be better if you went after her. Leastwise the gossip would be entertaining.”
“Enough!” He scowled at her. “I will escort you to the ball, but I dare say, not one more word about Lady Akford shall cross your lips.” His jaw ticked as he fought to suppress his anger.
“As you please. I will be ready by nine. Do not be late fetching me.” Jane offered a bright smile, not at all off put by his outburst.
Henry lifted The Times but only pretended to read the words on the pages. In truth, his insides were fraught with turmoil. Jane had the right of it. Not that nonsense about his broken heart, but he did spend much of his time with Claudia occupying his thoughts.
She haunted his dreams every night and he could not go through a day without recalling the tender moments they’d shared. On more than one occasion, he had given over to the memories, reliving their kiss in all of its burning passion. It was not love, but rather an infatuation he would continue to fight. Seeing her now would prove too much and he could not risk his heart. What if she were at Almack’s?
His pulse raced at the mere idea of it. Foolishness, of course. With Almack’s exclusivity, the chances of Claudia being there were nonexistent. He had no reason to fret. The patronesses would never approve her, let alone offer her a voucher. For her sake, he wished it were not so. For his own, he was grateful. This one outing would not harm him. Perhaps it would even please Jane enough to put an end to her constant badgering.
“I am off to the modiste. Be sure to have your own wardrobe in order.” Jane stood, moved to his side, and dropped a kiss in the air near his cheek. “It will do you good to get back out in society, Henry. You’ll see.”
Do him good indeed. He watched as she left the room, a slight bounce in her step. She certainly seemed proud of herself, the little minx. He dropped the paper on the table, resigned to his lot.
With his repast finished and Jane gone, he donned his hat and gloves and set off for Tattersall’s. He was not in need of another horse so much as he longed for the distraction that purchasing one would bring. Once he made his way to Hyde Park corner, he wandered through the crush of gentlemen at Tattersall’s to inspect the horses up for auction that day.
A large black thoroughbred caught his eye and he moved closer to gain a better look. The animal tossed its head and nickered as he drew closer still. Henry studied the stallion’s powerful build, then reached out to stroke his hand down its neck.
“You will not easily win that one, Shillington.”
He turned to find Keery fast approaching. “I imagine not. He appears to be a fine piece of horse flesh.”
“I checked him over myself a little while ago. The beast is sound and well-conditioned for both speed and endurance, not to mention his breeding potential. He may be the finest horse to come through this year.”
Henry dropped his hand from the stallion’s head. “Do you intend to bid on him?”
“I have yet to decide, but you can be sure several others will even if I do not.”
Henry turned back to the horse. A good natured bidding war and the adrenaline that came with it would be a grand distraction. “They can bid all they want, I intend to win.”
Keery chuckled and clapped his hand on the back of Henry’s shoulder. “I have no doubt you will give it your best.”
Henry walked with Keery to the central yard in preparation for the auction to start. The air fairly crackled with excitement as gentlemen crowded in for their opportunity to be a part of the action. He looked around, taking note of a great many of his peers in the crowd. “Who else intends to bid on the stallion?”
“Lord Garret and Lord Ruxhall, along with many others I assume.” Kerry leaned against the wall in a casual manner not befitting his station. “Forgive me for asking, but are you still pursuing Lady Akford?”
Henry nearly choked at the question. His stomach soured at the very idea that the rake had set his sights on Claudia. She deserved better than a man who would use her then cast her away once he had his fill. “No.” Henry spoke the words from between clenched teeth.
“No, you have lost interest, or no, she is not available?”
“It is not for me to decide. She does not belong to me.” Henry fisted his hands at his sides as he fought to control his rising emotions. He desperately wished to tell Keery to stay the hell away from Claudia, but he had no right to interfere in her life.
“Very well.” Keery straightened his stance as the first horse was brought out.
When the black stallion was presented, Henry threw himself into the bidding with a frenzied need to focus on anything other than Claudia and Keery.
***
With the help of Duchess Abernathy and Vivian, Claudia had settled into her Berkeley Square home rather nicely. She glanced around her drawing room, pleased at the outcome. Green velvet drapes hung from the windows, a matching green carpet covered the floor, and cream and gold furniture with green accents filled the space. Every room had her personal touch on it and the house was fully staffed. This was home.
Her stoic butler stepped across the threshold, filling the space. “Her Grace, the Duchess Abernathy,” he announced before stepping out of the way.
Claudia stood to curtsey as the duchess swept into the room.
“I have an invitation you simply cannot refuse.” Duchess Abernathy positioned herself on a wingback chair.
Claudia followed suit, lowering herself back into her seat. She truly adored the duchess and was ever grateful for her, but she wished Her Grace would stop securing invitations for her.
The duchess had been inviting her to one event after the other since the day she settled into her Berkeley Square residence. She insisted Claudia needed to show herself in order to regain acceptance.
No doubt, Duchess Abernathy was correct, but all the same, Claudia could not summon the courage to accept any of them. The very idea of coming upon Lord and Lady Luvington, or worse, Henry, made her head spin. Between the ton gossips and the possibility of crossing paths with any of them, she would very much prefer to stay home.
She frowned. “It is wonderful of you to go to so much trouble on my behalf, and I will not soon forget how gracious you have been, but I simply am not ready to rejoin society.”
The duchess tilted her head to one side as if taking Claudia’s measure. “This is Almack’s, dear. One is always ready for Almack’s.” She held out a small card with Ladies Voucher Almack’s scrolled across the top. “I am sure I do not have to explain to you how important this is. Merely being seen there will launch you back into society.”
Claudia’s heart fluttered. She well knew the implications of an invitation to one of Almack’s exclusive balls. What she could not fathom was why the patronesses would approve her. “How is it possible?”
The duchess flicked the corner of the card with her glove-covered finger. “That is not important. The ton will not care what brought you there, only that you were there. This is your chance to redeem yourself.” She held out the voucher. “Do say you will attend?”
Claudia glanced at the floor. This was a wonderful opportunity, but how could she accept? Her reputation was in tatters. Her name was whispered in every drawing room in London and all of the ton’s doors remained barred to her. Had they approved her only so they could put her on dis
play? How mortifying would that be? She looked back at the duchess. “I do not see how I can. Surely, this is a mistake. I have never met the patronesses to earn their approval.”
“Not at all, dear. I secured your invitation myself. As it happens, you were introduced to some of the patronesses at Lady Wexil’s house party. The only mistake would be declining this chance. You simply must stop fretting and agree to accompany me.” She studied Claudia with warm brown eyes. “I will be there by your side the entire night.”
Claudia plucked at invisible lint on her skirt. “Might Lord and Lady Luvington be in attendance? I fear they would not be pleased to see me.”
Duchess Abernathy leaned forward and dropped the card in Claudia’s lap. “They are still in Scotland. You really must stop worrying. Lady Luvington is a dear friend and I tell you now, she will harbor no ill will toward you. I am confident on that score.”
Claudia met gaze. “How can you be so certain?”
“Because it is not in her person to do so. Besides, when she discovers the attraction between you and Lord Shillington, she will know you do not have designs on her husband. I would wager she has already forgiven you, considering you had no prior knowledge that she and Lord Luvington had wed. In the end all worked out. She has no reason to hold a grudge.”
Claudia’s breath caught at the mention of Henry. It took her several moments to recover. She knew there was gossip, but she’d never said anything to confirm her feelings for him. Of course, the duchess had suspected as much at the house party. Still, after spending so much time with Duchess Abernathy and never so much as mentioning Henry… “There is nothing between myself and Lord Shillington.”
“Nothing, you say?” The duchess narrowed her eyes.
“Not anymore,” Claudia added in a rush, her cheeks warming.
“Everyone is saying you broke his heart, but I am of the mindset, he broke yours. I am an excellent listener, dear. Should you wish to discuss the situation.” Duchess Abernathy offered a friendly smile.
Claudia waved her fan in an attempt to cool her blazing cheeks. “No hearts have been broken. We shared a mutual attraction, but nothing came of it. Our parting was amicable.”
“More’s the pity. The two of you would make a smashing couple.”
Claudia could not stop herself from wondering if Henry longed for her the way she did for him. Selfishly, she hoped it was the case. More than anything, she wished her desire for him would wane. It really made no sense at all for her to pine over a man she dared not love. He would have to marry. Being heir to an earldom demanded as much. That fact alone made him completely wrong for her.
“Might I pry a bit?” the duchess asked. “I cannot help but wonder if your resistance to appearing in public has less to do with your little peccadillo and more to do with Lord Shillington.”
Claudia could not stop the smile that stretched her lips at the duchess’s accurate appraisal. Nonetheless, she would sooner throw herself into the masses than admit her foolishness. “I am pleased to accept the invitation, Your Grace.”
“Splendid. I will come around with my carriage at ten o’clock to fetch you. We shall be fashionably late.” She set her fan on her lap, offering an unladylike wink. “Have you a gown for the occasion? If not, my modiste is more than capable of completing a frock on short notice.”
Claudia picked up the invitation and studied it. “Thank you, but that is not at all necessary. I ordered a new wardrobe when I came out of mourning. Several of my gowns fit the occasion.” The sapphire silk one she wore the night she and Henry met would be perfect for Almack’s. Her heart gave a strange tug at the thought.
She bit her lip. Perhaps she ought to consider taking a lover after all. Another gentleman in her bed might distract her attention from Henry. She looked at the duchess and wondered if Her Grace had ever had a liaison.
Chapter 10
Henry stood near the entrance to the assembly rooms. He and Jane had arrived nearly an hour past and his sister had yet to dance. She could go on and on about not being a wallflower, but the proof was in her ever present roots, which anchored her to the proverbial wall
He made his way through the crush, determined to see her on the dance floor, even if it meant he had to partner with her. The ball was in full swing now, with society’s elite dancing, flirting, and chatting in every spare inch of the space. Yet, Jane stayed aloof, seated with the other wallflowers, her face hidden behind her fan. It never ceased to boggle his mind why she insisted on attending these things when she never bothered to interact. He supposed she deserved some credit for appearing, even if she did remain on the fringes of activity once she arrived.
After making his way across the room, he came to stand before her. “I cannot help but notice you are not dancing, Jane.”
“How very astute of you.” She lowered her fan. “No one has signed my dance card.”
“Have you ever considered it is because you are hiding behind your fan with your back veritably pressed to the wall? For heaven’s sake, no one can see you.” He could not resist pointing out the obvious.
“If you only came over to insult me, then I bid you to be on your way.” Hurt flashed in her eyes.
“On the contrary, I came over to request the next set.” He proffered his arm, quite sorry for his harsh words. He had not intended to inflict injury upon her. Quite the opposite, he wished to aid her in finding a spouse. Going forward, he would have to be more tactful in the way he gave his advice.
She swatted him with her fan before accepting. “Why must you tease me so?”
“I suspect it has to do with being your older brother.” He brought her onto the dance floor as a reel started. “Now mind your steps and smile prettily.”
Her steps were light and in perfect synch, a smile rested on her lips, and her eyes shone as he led her through the dance. With any luck, the nearby gentlemen were noticing her vivacity. Jane was shy by nature, but when she let her guard down, she could be a charmer. Furthermore, she had been blessed with grace. She simply needed someone, or several someones, to grant her the chance.
There was no doubt Jane wished to marry. Unfortunately, her first season had gone by without any potential suitors taking an interest in her. She was now on her third season and seemed to withdraw further into the walls with each passing event. He did so wish a peer or two would notice of how special his sister was. He wished to see her properly wed before she got labeled a spinster and lost the opportunity all together.
Jane placed her hand on top of his as the orchestra played its final note. He turned to lead her from the dance floor, then froze mid-step before lowering his foot back to the floor. A flash of auburn curls caught his attention, and his gaze wandered down Claudia’s form. She stood near the entrance with Lord Keery and Duchess Abernathy. Her tresses were expertly pinned, her body clad in sapphire silk, the same gown she’d donned the night they met. His insides quaked at the vision.
“Are you quite alright?” Jane asked, alarm ringing in her voice.
Move you bloody fool. Henry took a tentative step, followed by a more decisive one. “I am fine. Do not fret.”
She cut him a sideways glance. “It is hard not to when you look ill.”
He removed his attention from the trio of new comers and walked with more purpose toward Jane’s favorite wall. “I must have over exerted myself. Nothing a moment’s rest will not cure.” The lie soured his tongue.
“Allow me to get you a glass of lemonade. Some refreshment will surely help.”
He nodded. Lemonade indeed. Nothing could soothe him at this moment, but he dare not tell Jane. Better to have her fawning over him than guessing the truth. The last thing he wanted was for her to figure out what ailed him. She would never let him hear the end of it.
Jane rushed off toward the refreshments and Henry turned his attention back to Claudia. She was regal, stunning…completely off limits. His heart slammed in his chest as he watched Lord Keery lead her onto the dance floor. How could he remain h
ere and watch Keery seduce her right before his eyes? He cringed when the scoundrel took Claudia into his arms, her silk gown fluttering out around her ankles. Keery was fast becoming his least favorite person.
Though he desperately wanted to, he could not pull his attention away from them. His focus roamed from Claudia to Keery and back again. When the rogue leaned close and a breathtaking smile lit Claudia’s face, Henry’s blood ignited. He took several steps toward them, his hands fisted at his sides, before he caught himself and stilled.
She did not belong to him. It was not his right to storm after her, chasing away the gentlemen who sniffed her skirts. If she allowed Keery to seduce her, it was none of his business. His body quaked in anger at the very same time his heart ached.
Bloody hell, this was more than a mere attraction. He stood primed to fight for her honor as much as her attentions. What a fool he was to have believed he could walk away from her. He loved Claudia. Deeply, truly, with his whole soul, he loved her. And cruelest of all things, he could not have her.
Jane poked him in the arm. “Henry, do mind me. Have you gone daft?”
He released a breath and turned to her, accepting the lemonade she held out to him.
“You are not well at all. We should get you home.” Concern reflected in her wide eyes as she studied his face.
He glanced back at Claudia, snug in Keery’s arms. A deep ache gripped his soul, threatening to shatter him. “Quite right, let us take our leave.” He cringed at the shakiness of his voice.
The carriage ride back to his townhouse passed in a blur. Images of him and Claudia and Keery and Claudia circled his mind. All the while, Jane fussed over him and tried to insist on sending for the doctor. He used what focus he could summon to convince her that such extremes were not necessary.
