“What do you mean that you had something to see about down here? What business could possibly bring you here?” he all but shouted, ignoring her latter question.
“Will you stop yelling at me?” she snapped then turned to sit in one of the chairs in front of his desk. She scratched her head again while examining the dirty cap she’d been wearing. “I hope this didn’t give me lice,” she murmured.
Cameron walked over and grabbed the cap from her hand and tossed it on his desk. “Lice are the least of your worries!”
She stared up at him, and their gazes held. She found it fascinating to see the emotions that crossed his face. First frustration, then exasperation, then. . .worry? He actually seemed concerned for her.
Her emotions were somewhat raw from their previous encounter, and now being so close to him she tried to fathom why he affected her so much. She was usually so good at dealing with young men and had a way of artfully avoiding their hints of wanting to marry her. Verbal sparring and witty remarks came easily to her, and Claudia often thought she could get out of any trouble as long as she had a voice and a clear mind.
But she was tired of battling with Cameron. She didn’t want to dislike him or have him think ill of her.
So she rose slowly from the chair and faced him with her arms folded. “Do you truly think me mad?” she asked softly, nervous as to what his answer might be.
His brows furrowed. Finally he sighed and shook his head. “No, I don’t think that at all. It’s just that I don’t know what to think of you. You seem to do things without any forethought or regard for your own safety.” He paused and held his hands up in a helpless gesture. “Frankly, Claudia, you worry me. I fear that the next time I find you, you’ll be hurt, or I’ll hear you’ve been sent back to America because your grandfather found out what you’ve been doing.”
Her eyes widened with anxiety. “You’re not going to tell him, are you? If he finds out, he’ll take me to Scotland and marry me off to some burly highlander with bad manners. And I can’t—”
Cameron pressed his finger over her lips. “What are you talking about? What highlander?”
She grabbed his hand and moved it from her mouth. “Any highlander—it doesn’t matter! He’s always vexed with me, Cameron, and if he knows I’ve dressed like a boy and risked my life to look for my—well, look for someone—he’ll marry me off, and I’ll have to live in the mountains where it snows all the time and—”
“Claudia, if you will calm down—”
“No, no! You must not—”
He kissed her again.
❧
It occurred to Cameron, as he caressed her lips with his own, he could have found other ways to calm her down.
This one, however, seemed the most enjoyable.
He cupped her face gently and was happily surprised when she began to kiss him back. But as much as he wanted to continue, he knew he must act honorably. Slowly he lifted his head, breaking the kiss, and watched her eyes open slowly.
He didn’t know how she would react once she had her wits about her, and he truly expected her to be upset again.
He should have known Claudia never reacted as one might expect.
“You kissed me—again,” she said, her voice sounding confused.
“Umm,” he agreed. “I did say it might happen again.”
“Yes, but it isn’t at all proper.”
He grinned, one hand still holding her cheek. “Because we’re not betrothed.”
“Exactly,” she said, finally backing away from him. “I don’t understand why you keep doing it.”
Cameron sighed and wondered that very thing himself. He usually had much better control. “Neither do I,” he finally admitted aloud.
Claudia bit her lip as her gaze searched his face. “I believe I got dirt on your cheek.”
Cameron reached up and felt the dirt dusted on the side of his face and wiped it away. He’d kissed a few women in his life, but this was the strangest conversation he’d ever had after the kiss was over.
He almost laughed aloud but noticed that Claudia seemed ill at ease, so he held it in and motioned toward her chair again. “Why don’t you sit down and tell me whom you’ve gone to so much trouble to find?”
She did as he asked but seemed reluctant to talk. “It’s not important. You never did tell me what you are doing here, though, and what this place is.”
Cameron pulled a chair over and sat in front of her. He was determined to get the information out of her. “You tell me your story first.”
Claudia let out a breath. “I came because someone told me I might find my grandfather down here.”
“The marquis?” Cameron asked.
She shook her head. “No. My mother’s father. No one will tell me where he lives, especially my grandfather Moreland. But I did hear that he or someone who may know him might be down here by the river.”
Cameron suddenly understood why she’d gone to so much trouble. He might have done the same thing had he been in her shoes. “Tell me his name, and I might be able to help you find him.”
“Well, his name is—” She stopped and looked at him. “Wait one minute. That’s why you kissed me, isn’t it? You knew it would make me”—she waved her hand about in the air—“befuddled, and I would pour out my story to you.”
Cameron was taken aback by the sudden change in her mood as she sprang from her chair. He watched her grab the dirty cap off the desk, jam it on her head, and begin stuffing her russet locks under it.
He stood quickly and took hold of her hands. “That’s not why I kissed you. I—”
“Excuse me, my lord. Is everything all right?” Cameron recognized the voice as his butler’s.
He turned to find George standing in the doorway eyeing the ragged figure before him. “Everything is fine, George,” he assured him.
“Do I need to get another bed ready?” George persisted, still looking at Claudia as if she were a thief or a beggar.
“No, I was about to give her. . .er. . .him a ride home.”
He put his hand on Claudia’s back to move her toward the door. But when they got closer, one long dark strand of her hair fell out from underneath the cap. Her eyes wide, she deftly pushed it back and hurried out the door.
“Is that a—”
“Yes, it’s a girl.”
“Is it the same—”
“Yes. Same girl.”
George cleared his throat and lifted his head to look straight ahead. “Very peculiar, my lord.”
Cameron clapped his butler on the shoulder. “You have no idea, George.” He started to leave and then turned back. “You won’t tell anyone—”
“Not an utterance, my lord.”
“Excellent,” Cameron murmured, feeling awkward, and stepped out into the hallway.
When he didn’t see Claudia right away he hurried into the main area, only to find her standing there observing what was happening in the room.
The ladies had finished eating, and some were sewing garments and hats while several children were singing a song. Still another group was sitting at a table being shown how to put a menu together. They were learning ways to make a living once they left the shelter.
“Shall we go?” Cameron asked, coming alongside of her.
For once she had nothing to say; she only nodded and made her way to the door.
When they were inside the buggy she spoke. “You’re running a charity for women and children.”
It wasn’t a question, but Cameron answered anyway. “Yes. I told you after the ball that I echoed your sentiments about finding God’s will for my life and doing something to benefit others.”
Another strand of hair fell out from under her cap, but she tucked it behind her ear. “I thought you were only trying to impress me.�
�
“Hmm. That seems a near impossible task where you are concerned.”
She frowned at him. “Well, you don’t seem to be trying hard at all. You’re either scolding me or kissing me!”
Cameron’s eyes widened. “If you’ll remember correctly I’ve saved your life. Twice! And I’ve yet to hear you say thank you.”
“Twice?” she gasped. “I was doing fine with that mugger until you came along and caused him to scar my arm, and I was about to turn and go home today when you scared me to death by chasing me down like a criminal.” She let out a sharp breath, folded her arms, and looked away from him.
The woman was making him crazy! “Perhaps it is wise for your grandfather to marry you off to a Scotsman. For then I wouldn’t have to worry about what insane scheme you’d come up with next!” He felt silly trading insults with a woman he only wanted to know better.
But with Claudia, might a man have a normal courtship?
“We can save each other any worry on that score by simply avoiding one another. I know I shall endeavor to avoid you like the plague.”
Cameron let out a sigh and refused to let himself be baited. “Do you want me to take you to your home?” he asked instead.
“Oh, no!” she cried. “Just take me to the Duke of Northingshire’s home, if you please.”
Cameron glanced at her. “Perhaps that might not be the best course of action. North might be upset and forbid his wife to continue your association if he spots how you are dressed.”
Claudia glared at him again. “North would never forbid his wife anything because he loves and respects her. I’m sure he didn’t go about kissing her before they became engaged. And anyway—”
“We could become engaged, you know, if this is what’s troubling you,” he said, smiling.
“I would rather marry a Scotsman!” she returned.
Cameron smiled again and led her out to his conveyance. When they were almost to the duke’s home, he slowed the buggy to a stop. “You might want to get out here and go in by the back entrance.”
She nodded, and before he could come around to help her down she was walking toward the house.
“Will you be at the Lamptons’ ball on Friday?” he called after her.
“Not if you’re going to be there,” she shot back and kept walking.
Cameron chuckled as he watched the tattered figure disappear into the Northingshires’ shrubbery.
He’d prayed God would send him the perfect woman. He had no idea God would think he needed such a difficult one.
But every minute he spent in Claudia’s presence, no matter how exasperating she could be, it made him want her in his life even more.
As he climbed back into his buggy, he remembered how fascinated she’d been by his shelter, the way she’d smiled at the children who were busy with their lessons.
If Claudia were his wife, he knew he’d have not only someone to love, but someone to share his dreams, too.
Now if he could just figure out how to convince her they were perfect for one another.
Six
It wasn’t easy for Claudia to sneak into the servants’ entrance of Northingshire Manor and get upstairs without the servants seeing her. But she finally arrived at Helen’s room and entered without knocking.
The moment Claudia saw Helen standing by her wardrobe, she ran and threw her arms around her. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re here—,” she began but stopped when she realized Helen was not hugging her back but pounding on her arms trying to get free.
And then she screamed.
Claudia took hold of Helen’s flailing arms. “Helen! It’s me, Claudia!” she cried and was relieved when Helen finally looked her in the face and stopped fighting her.
“Claudia?” she gasped. “Why are you dressed like a boy?”
“Well, I—”
“Stand away from her now!” a man’s voice boomed from the doorway.
Claudia whirled to see North, Helen’s husband, coming toward her with a fierce frown on his face.
“Helllennn!” Claudia squealed as she stepped behind her friend, using her as a shield.
“What—” North started to reach around Helen, but his wife held out her arms to stop him.
“North! It’s Claudia! Calm down!” Helen exclaimed.
North glanced at his wife then glared at Claudia again.
“North! It’s me, Claudia. See?” She tore off her cap and let her hair fall about her shoulders.
North’s glare turned into a look of astonishment, and then he burst into laughter. “Whatever possessed you to don these rags?”
Claudia sighed and stepped out from behind Helen. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” She told them of her trip down to the wharf and her search for her grandfather.
Helen put her hand to her chest. “Oh, Claudia! What if someone recognized you?”
Claudia looked at her friend sheepishly. “Well, I’m afraid someone did. Lord Kinclary.”
North raised his brows in surprise. “Isn’t Kinclary the one who saved you from the mugger?”
Claudia nodded. She had told them both what had happened the day before. “Yes, and he takes great delight in thinking he’s saved my life twice now. The man is arrogant and insufferable.”
Helen’s eyes took on a dreamy look. “I knew he had to be a good man. He’s your conquering hero!” She sighed.
Claudia frowned at her overdramatic friend. “No, he’s more like a thorn in my side,” she stated dryly.
“Well, I like Kinclary. There was some bad blood between him and my friends, the Thornton brothers, but that was all settled when Thomas Thornton married Cameron’s sister Katherine.” North shrugged. “I’ve become better acquainted with him since he’s been back in town, and I like him. He’s even started a shelter, which I’ve donated to, although he likes to keep it a secret.”
“Yes, I already know about the shelter. I was there today,” Claudia said. “But it still doesn’t excuse the fact that he’s exceedingly rude. Do you know he yelled at me? Twice!”
North laughed, making both women frown at him. “I’m sorry, but it sounds as if you’re going to lead poor Kinclary on a bigger adventure than Helen did me while we were courting.”
“North!” Helen admonished
“I’m not leading him anywhere!” Claudia exclaimed. “And we are not courting.”
Apparently North wasn’t convinced. He shook his head and continued to laugh on his way down the hallway.
“Oh, don’t listen to him.” Helen took Claudia’s hand and led her to the cushioned window seat. “So tell me everything—especially the romantic parts.”
Claudia looked away. “What makes you think there is anything romantic between us?” she asked as evenly as she could.
“Because you blushed when you declared you weren’t courting,” Helen stated matter-of-factly.
Claudia glanced at her friend then blurted out, “He kissed me.”
“What?” Helen gasped. “When?”
Claudia knew if she didn’t tell someone she’d burst. “After he apprehended that mugger and then today after he dragged me off the street.”
Helen’s eyes widened. “He’s kissed you twice? You’re not even betrothed.”
“That’s what I told him,” Claudia threw her arms up in exasperation. “Of course I slapped him the first time he did it.”
Helen nodded thoughtfully. “What did you do the second time?”
Claudia could feel her cheeks burning as she looked away again. “I. . .uh. . .well, it’s not important,” she stammered. “The point is, Helen, I have promised myself that I shall never see him again. It is a promise I intend to keep.”
A strange expression passed over Helen’s face. “That might not be possible,” she said.
Claudia shook her head. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I’ve been checking with my staff, and I”—she paused, her eyes shining—“I found your grandfather Canterbury.”
Claudia’s heart pounded faster. “Wh—where is he?”
Helen winced. “Well, that part is a bit sticky. You see your grandfather is working as a butler to—” She paused again as if she were afraid to speak her next words.
Claudia grabbed her hand. “Whoever it is matters not to me, Helen. Just speak it.”
“He’s working for Lord Kinclary,” Helen said in one fast breath.
Claudia pulled her hand back slowly, her mind whirling with the implications of Helen’s news. She didn’t know what to say. “It makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time,” she murmured, bringing her gaze up to meet Helen’s. She fell silent again then finally said, “I think I may have met my grandfather, and I didn’t even know it.” She shook her head. “How could I not recognize my own grandfather?”
Helen reached out and patted her arm. “Don’t worry about that now. You must concentrate your efforts on figuring out a way to tell Kinclary your news.”
Claudia stood and paced. “I am the granddaughter of his butler, Helen. Cameron is the future Duke of Ravenhurst, tenth in line to the throne.”
Helen stepped in front of her to stop her pacing. “Why does it matter? I thought you didn’t want to have anything to do with Kinclary,” she reminded her gently.
Claudia shook her head. “I don’t. It’s only—well, he might not want to help me get to know my grandfather Canterbury once he realizes the truth. It might change his perception of me.”
Helen smiled at her gently. “Claudia, it seems to me, no matter how much you deny it, the two of you have feelings for one another. I’m sure he already knows the story of your parents’ elopement. Why would this make a difference?”
Claudia could not deny Helen’s assessment, for it was true. But would those feelings continue once he found out the truth?
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