Page 28 of A Duke Makes a Deal
The duke’s back became stiff and Clara noted the rigidness of his body. Slowly he turned back to face her.
“A walk?”
She tilted her head.
“Why not? I think it would be the perfect setting for people to see us together. Not to mention it is where my last humiliation took place. I think returning there will be the quickest way to overcome all those rumors about me.”
His mouth set in a hard line and his whole face seemed suddenly drawn. It made her uneasy. What was wrong?
“Very well, then,” he said, taking her hand as he bent over it. He pressed his mouth to the back of her knuckles before standing up. “Until tomorrow then. It has been a pleasure, Miss Woodvine,” he said.
“Clara,” she said softly. “You may call me Clara.”
He nodded.
“Silas,” he said before turning away.
Clara watched for a second time as the duke left her parlor, only this time she followed and went to the dining room where her parents had been anxiously waiting.
“Well, my dear?” her mother asked. “What did he say?”
“He asked to court me and I accepted,” she answered truthfully.
“It’s not just because he’s a duke is it, my dear?” her father asked, his brow knit with worry. “I hope you do not feel that wewould push you to make such an advantageous match, simply because you can. Especially after what transpired between you and the viscount.”
“No, I told him that being a duke was rather a mark against him.”
“Oh dear,” her mother exclaimed.
“But it is neither here nor there. We are to go for a promenade tomorrow, Mama. You’ll need to chaperone.”
“Oh, well then,” she said, looking at her husband. “Very well.”
Very well indeed. Clara spooned her ham and pea soup. She would be courted by the duke. Even though he only seemed interested in boosting her persona, she couldn’t help but feel wildly giddy over the fact that the dark and dangerous duke would be accompanying her around the park.
Chapter Eight
Silas wasn’t sureif he should have explained his problem to Clara before agreeing to escort her on a walk through Hyde Park. What had seemed like a mostly plausible idea yesterday now seemed impossible. Yes, when she had first brought up the notion, he had feared that it might be difficult for him, but being in Clara’s presence had given him a false sense of security and he had foolishly believed he could handle the crowds at Hyde Park. But since he had risen this morning, the thought of what he was about to face had weighed heavier and heavier on him, and all his confidence had slowly ebbed away.
He stuck his fingers into his vest pocket and fished out a watch as he waited in the Woodvine foyer. A quarter past ten. He had purposely come early, before the fashionable hour so that he could avoid the largest of the crowds. But even the prospect of a smaller number still had his pulse racing and his panic rising. Would he be able to hide it? Perhaps Clara wouldn’t mind if he remained quiet during their outing. He would need to concentrate on his breathing to stop himself from experiencing the full force of the panic that often settled in when he was in public.
Just then, voices sounded from the top of the stairs. Turning, he saw Clara, dressed in an overly embellished maroon and crème striped walking gown, followed by her mother who wore a similarly styled dress.
Who in the world was their seamstress, he wondered as his face remained blank upon their descent.
“Your grace,” Mrs. Woodvine said, coming up to him. “We are so grateful to be in your company this morning.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” he said, his eyes fixed on Clara. “Shall we?”
“Yes,” the ladies said in unison as they moved around him.
They were out of the house and into the carriage in a matter of minutes. Silas tried to make small talk with the mother, but the closer they got to the park, the warmer his body became. His clothing seemed stifling and too tight, becoming more confining with each moment that passed as his gaze drifted out the window. Good lord. Why were their so many people here?
The sidewalks and roads seemed to be overrun with people. Did people really come to gather at the same exact time as each other simply to gossip or whatever it was people did?
“Your grace?”
“Mm-hmm?” he said, turning back to his companions. The mother had an expectant expression on her face, while Clara tilted her head, her eyes seemingly going right through him. He shook his head. “I beg your pardon, Mrs. Woodvine?”
