Page 70 of A Duke Makes a Deal
“Mr. Lutz was telling us about the baron’s brewery. Apparently, it’s right here, on the property,” she said facing Silas. “Has he shown it to you?”
One of his black brows lifted.
“He has.”
“I find it fascinating,” Clara lied, turning to Violet. “Violet and I were wondering if we might be able to take a tour.”
Silas tilted his head and looked back and forth between his wife and his sister.
“Is that so?”
“Oh yes.” Violet nodded dramatically.
“I would be more than happy to show you the brewery,” Mr. Lutz said, his smile dropping at the glare Silas gave him. “With your permission of course, your grace.”
“I think the baron would be happy to give us a tour,” Silas said as Violet’s hopeful face turned sour. “Tomorrow.”
“Of course,” Mr. Lutz said, seemingly eager to be out of their company. “Ah, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve something of importance to discuss with Mr. Trembley.”
With that, the young man left. Violet turned to her brother, a picture of serene feminine composure.
“Why must you ruin everything?” she asked through smiling teeth.
“Curb your dramatics,” Silas replied. “I didn’t ruin anything.”
“Didn’t you? He probably thinks I’m a fool,” she hissed back. She leaned toward Clara. “Come, Clara, lest we be berated for having a conversation.”
Clara wasn’t exactly sure why Violet seemed so put out by her brother, but she certainly couldn’t choose between the two. To pick Violet would be a mark against Silas, and to choose Silas would lose her a trusted confidant in Violet.
With both of them staring at her, Clara was struck with a brilliant idea.
“You know,” she said, hoping to distract the two from their disagreement. “I’ve always heard that plays are put on at these sorts of gatherings.”
Both Silas and Violet gawked at Clara. She swallowed as Silas’s brow creased. He shook his head, confused.
“Excuse me?” Silas asked.
“A play?” Violet repeated.
“That’s what happens at big house parties like this, isn’t it? I should very much like to, well, you know. Do all the things I’ve suspected these parties to pertain to,” she said before turningto Violet. “And I’m sure a young author would take particular interest in the works of playwrights, no?”
Clara felt Silas’s glare on her check, but she refused to acknowledge him. Neither sibling spoke for a moment, and Clara was sure they were debating on whether she sounded ridiculous, when Violet nodded slowly.
“A play. That is an idea. A romantic play,” she added, challenging her brother. “And you and I will put it on, Clara.”
“Of course,” Clara replied, not terribly thrilled with the idea of speaking in front of everyone, but happy to distract her sister-in-law. “I’m sure the baron has a book or two of plays, considering Mr. Lutz’s praise for the baron’s taste.”
“Yes, I shall go ask him,” she said before departing.
Clara smiled as she watched Violet leave, happy to have avoided whatever it was that had been building.
“You’re managing us,” Silas said quietly at her side.
Clara turned to face him.
“You don’t mind my handling, do you?” she asked, alluding to something else.
Silas grinned down at her.
