Page 52 of A Duke's Temptation Poetess
If the Earl of Creshire’s interest was genuine, he would be a satisfactory match. He seemed to also appreciate women poets, which was unusual and something that seemed promising. As strongly as Clarissa felt her growing attraction to His Grace, she knew that the Duke of Hartingdale would not wed her. And if he learned that Clarissa’s mother sought to trap him into marriage, he would be horrified.
“How is your mother?” the Earl of Creshire asked.
He was so polite and genuine. Clarissa shook her head lightly, as if doing so could sweep away all the cluttered thoughts in her mind. It was only a passing observation, that the Earl of Creshire might be more attainable and that maybe she could learn to love him.
“No?” Lord Creshire asked.
His Grace frowned. Clarissa could not have said precisely why, but she assumed it was because of her odd reaction. An awkward laugh bubbled from Clarissa’s throat. “Apologies. I meant—I meant that she is not here. It occurs to me that I misheard you, my Lord.”
“There is no need for apologies,” the Earl of Creshire replied. “It happens. I hope you do not think that I am prying. It is only that I had recalled that your father recently passed, and I imagine it cannot have been kind on your mother’s nerves. Nor on yours.”
“Oh.”
Clarissa did not know quite what to say to that, for while it was difficult managing without her father, she could not honestly say that his death had been as dreadful as it ought to have been. She swallowed instead and hoped that Lord Creshire and His Grace thought it was the result of grief. Sometimes, she felt like a monster for not loving and missing her father more.
“It has been difficult,” Clarissa conceded, “which is why I am glad to be in Bath, visiting my aunt and cousin.”
“And in good company,” the Duke of Hartingdale said through clenched teeth, “who knows not to remind a grieving daughter of her late father’s unfortunate death.”
The Earl of Creshire’s expression softened. “Of course, Your Grace.”
“It was fine, really,” Clarissa said. “Lord Creshire meant well, and I do not know if I have truly thought through how I feel about my father’s passing. Perhaps it is for the best that I discuss it. Doing so will help me sort through my feelings.”
“That is a wise approach,” Lord Creshire said.
“It would be wiser to write about such,” His Grace said.
“Grief is not my preferred subject,” Clarissa said, giving him a meaningful look.
He seemed to realise that he had erred; a flicker of understanding appeared in his eyes. “I assume that a young lady like you must keep a diary.”
“I do,” Clarissa replied quickly.
She did not, but she supposed her books of poems might be considered a diary of sorts. They were, after all, the product of her innermost thoughts and feelings.
“A lovely pastime,” the Earl said, nodding. “I have always appreciated a lady who enjoys the art of writing.”
Clarissa smiled. How rare it was to have found two gentlemen who appreciated a woman’s literary contributions! “Thank you, both of you. You are very kind.”
Lord Creshire’s expression was kind. His Grace’s was more difficult to determine. He looked as though he were a sailor staring down a monstrous storm, and Clarissa wondered if there was something very important that she had misunderstood in the exchange..
Chapter 25
Lady Bentley beamed at Clarissa, doubtlessly satisfied that she had spent more time with the Duke of Hartingdale. “Lady Matilda invited us to spend the weekend on the Rosewood Estate,” her mother said, the moment that Lady Matilda had left. “Is that not exciting?”
“Is Jane also coming?”
“Why would she be?” Clarissa’s mother asked. “There is no pressing reason for her to wed. Only for you. You must begin preparing your things for travel at once. We leave shortly.”
Clarissa grimaced.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Lady Bentley asked. “You ought to be grateful that I secured you this invitation.”
“How can I be?” Clarissa asked. “Even if I did feel some tender feelings for His Grace, you would ruin them all with your poisonous behaviour!”
“Poisonous behaviour?” her mother asked. “How dare you!”
“How dareI? You are the one insisting that I find myself in a compromising position with His Grace at every meeting! Do you think that he would want to wed me if he knew what you keep suggesting?”
