Page 24 of A Lady's Propitious Match
Well, that was why they had been forced into this plan. It was what they both needed to overcome to escape the expectations weighing them down.
“Good morning, Lady Belmont.” He bowed properly before handing her the flowers. “I purchased these for you, because they remind me of your beauty.”
Clara blushed prettily, but her mother struggled to disguise her scowl. This was going to be more challenging than either of them were prepared for.
“Thank you very much, Mr. Fitzhugh. These are quite beautiful.”
“I should organise us some tea.” Clara’s mother was outwardly polite, even if she was not content with the visitor. “I will speak with the maid now.”
She barely left the room though. She must have found someone rather quickly because she was back to silently scrutinize Clara and Christopher as much as she could. He had not even been given a moment to ask if there were any activities she would like to do with this façade.
Luckily, Clara seemed to be quicker at thinking than him.
“Mr. Fitzhugh, I have heard such wonderful stories of your travels abroad. You were working as an art teacher to noble families, is that correct?”
Christopher nodded and smiled, but it hit him that his visit was unlikely to bring up anything useful today. Not with Clara’s mother staring at him so intently.
They could exchange small talk and polite conversation, but that was it.
“Yes, I had quite the inspiring time traveling and I was lucky enough to work with some very talented artists while I was away.” This was not impressing the lady of the house at all. It was time to change things up a little. “But I am back in London now, and ready to take life much more seriously. I am looking forward to making a success of myself here.”
But still, he was not getting anything other than a glare. How on earth was he going to get this woman to like him and to approve of his ‘marriage’ to her daughter? He needed the attention to be all on him, and all other suitors to be forgotten about.
“I have gotten a lot of interest,” he continued, looking more at her mother than at Clara, which was not the way that he wanted today to go. He wanted to make progress with Clara and to see if they could push forwards with this façade. “I am sure I will have plenty of work…”
His words trailed off when he realized that he was not getting the reaction that he wanted. This was hard, he needed some advice from Elliot to know how to handle this properly. His best friend would likely have some decent advice for how to win the family around.
Mustering up all the courage he had deep within him, Christopher seized the reins of the situation and carried out the necessary tasks at hand. “Lady Belmont, just before I leave, I would like to invite you to attend the theatre with me, in three night’s time.”
Clara’s eyes lit up and she let out a little giggle which drew her mother’s glare towards her. She quickly composed herself before she responded. “Oh my, thank you very much for the invitation. I would love that.”
“Perfect. I shall be here to pick you up on the day. Thank you very much for accepting me in to your home and speaking with me. I will see you soon.”
After they said their goodbyes, the butler escorted Christopher to the door. Christopher was already spiraling, worrying about the negative impact he’d had on Clara’s mother, when something happened which only made his stomach sink all over again.
As Christopher moved outside, he spotted Lord Simon Caldwell walking towards the front door, carrying an extravagant array of roses and lilies, unfortunately outshining Christopher’s humble bouquet. It brought up all the feelings of inadequacy that he did not want here.
“Good morning, Lord Caldwell,” Christopher said because he knew that he needed to. No matter how he was feeling, he had to be polite at all times.
“Hmm, yes.” It was an unpleasant, cutting response that could not be misconstrued. He was not welcome here, Simon didnot want any competition. He ran his eyes up and down Christopher, letting him see that he did not approve of him either. “Good to see you leaving.”
It was a good job that no one could hear them or things would really get out of control. All Christopher could do was walk away, he could not react for fear that it would give Clara’s mother just another reason to dislike him.
Maybe I do not need her to like me, he reminded himself as he walked over to Moonlight. I suppose since we are not really getting married, it does not matter.
He still did not like it though. He wanted to win the approval of everyone, but this was just a pretense. It would end soon enough, so it would not matter.
Still, the image of the superior bouquet and Clara’s evident wealth made him question his ability to even keep up appearances in courting someone of her pedigree and means. He might not even be able to impress Clara, never mind her mother…
It was only when he climbed upon his horse and started the ride back home, that he remembered the spark in her eyes. She was excited to see him, just like always, and she seemed to love the idea of attending the theatre with him.
Clara was clearly committed to preserving the ruse. She did not like Simon, she had made that very clear. She had told Elliot that she found him dull and unpleasant. Maybe she would not welcome the giant bouquet of flowers.
He allowed himself to smile and to see the positives in this. He could have a good time with Clara while they were ‘courting’ then he could go on to do whatever it was he wanted. They both could, and that was the end goal of this after all…
