Page 47 of One Wicked Secret
Clara glanced Elsa’s way. “Of course not.”
The mood in the room was one of quiet despair.
Elsa stepped inside, closing the door gently behind her. “You seem downhearted. I thought you’d be glad to leave Thorncroft. I know you find it difficult there since your father died. I feel the same way about Edenberry.” Like the life had been stripped from the house, leaving naught but an empty shell.
“Why must life be so complicated?” Clara muttered, her gaze distant. “Why must everything come at a price?”
When Clara remained silent, Elsa attempted to discern the problem. “Everything here must feel new for you too.” Daniel explained he’d bought the house a year ago with the profits from his investments. “It will soon feel like home. Nothing is too much trouble for Signora Conti.”
Clara’s breath caught in her throat. “Home? I cannot stay in town and plan to return to The Grange as soon as Danielfinds Mrs Tate’s replacement. I shall visit the servants’ registry myself tomorrow to hurry things along.”
How strange. She had been in no rush to leave London when they lived in Shoreditch and attended events at The Burnished Jade.
“What about the friends you’ve made here? Your art classes? Monsieur Delaunay thinks you’re a natural painter.”
“I came here for you, Elsa. This was never my dream.”
Elsa’s throat constricted. She was lucky to have a friend like Clara. “Then tell me your dream, and I’ll help you make it a reality.”
Clara gave an unladylike snort. “I doubt you can. I always wanted to dress like an Arabian princess and ride a camel through the desert.”
Trust Clara to think of something outlandish.
Elsa smiled. “I see. We could call at Astley’s and ask what animals they have in their menagerie.”
“I’d like to travel in Mr Green’s air balloon.”
Good Lord! Daniel would never allow it.
“I’m sure it’s a thrilling mode of transport. Anything else?”
Clara’s eyes lit up as she considered the question. “Attend a séance. Race in a curricle. Duel at dawn. Swim in the Serpentine beneath the stars.”
“Won’t it be a little cold?” Elsa said, laughing.
Clara shrugged. “I pray it is. Then I might not feel like I’m dying inside. I want to live, Elsa. I cannot do that when society has such rigid expectations.”
“London seems like the perfect place to accomplish those tasks. You can begin by attending the countess’ masquerade ball in a fortnight. I can help design your costume. You could wear something shocking and wildly exotic.”
Clara pondered the possibility. “Yes, perhaps something Venetian—a disguise to prevent Daniel’s friends from recognising me. I believe Lord Rothley and Lord Rutland have accepted the invitation.”
The countess hadn’t given the men a choice.
“It would be quite a challenge,” Elsa said, keen to do anything to put a permanent smile on Clara’s face.
“And after a summer of merriment, I shall retire to The Grange and treasure the memories.”
“I’m sure we’ll still be talking about your wild adventures when we’re old and grey.” She kept the worry from her voice. Would Clara hide away, believing her scarred eye had sealed her fate as a spinster?
Clara crossed the room and grasped Elsa’s hands. “Thank you. I can always count on you to lift my spirits.”
Elsa hugged her sister-in-law tightly. “You will come and have tea with us in the drawing room? I’m told Cook’s almond cakes are delicious.”
“Of course.”
“I’ll make myself presentable and see you downstairs in twenty minutes.” Elsa made to leave but paused at the door. “You’re as dear to me as any sister could be, Clara. My home will always be your home. I hope you know that.”
Clara’s eyes softened. “That means more to me than you know.”
