Page 23 of A Duke's Temptation Poetess
A throat cleared behind Clarissa. Lord Creshire took a small step back and smiled. “Ah, Your Grace,” he said. “Ididexpect to see you here. I was very grateful to receive an invitation to your sister’s birthday ball. I am certain that it will be a splendid event.”
“Deborah’s events always are,” His Grace replied smoothly.
There was something strange about the Duke’s tone, but Clarissa could not precisely say what it was. To her, it seemed as if there was a certain uneasiness in the air between the two men. Perhaps, His Grace had perceived a slight against his sister.
He did seem rather protective of her. Perhaps, being a rake himself, he knew too well the dangers that a handsome man like Lord Creshire might present to a young, attractive woman like the Marchioness of Roswood.
But ladies can take care of ourselves,Clarissa thought.
Lady Matilda placed a hand on her son’s arm. It was unclear if the gesture was meant to be one of comfort or a warning. “It is a pity that we did not know you were here. You might have joined us in the parlour,” Lady Matilda said. “We had a wonderful meal together.”
“Perhaps,” Lord Creshire said, his eyes darting to Clarissa.
Her face grew hot beneath his gaze. Lord Creshire was a good man; handsome, learned, and kind. Although he had never shown any particular interest in Clarissa, she was beginning to understand why people spoke of how charming he was.
Clarissa dearly hoped that her mother did not decide that Lord Creshire also presented a favourable suitor. It was bad enough that her mother was so obviously intent on matching Clarissa with the Duke of Hartingdale, and Clarissa was unsure if she would be able to survive similar efforts to pair her with the Earl of Creshire.
“Is there anyone else from the ton here?” the Earl asked, glancing around the inn as if some familiar face might materialise. “I suppose this is an excellent location for stopping on the way to Bath.”
“I do not believe I have seen any,” His Grace replied. “It seems to be just us.”
“I am sure they will be along a little later in the week,” Lady Matilda said. “After all, we have arrived early, so we can help Deborah with the preparations, should she need us. Lady Bentley and Lady Clarissa are here visiting their relatives.”
The Duke of Hartingdale clenched his jaw. His expression seemed to grow sterner somehow. “I know that you like to relax after mealtimes,” His Grace said. “It was pleasant to see you again, but we shall not keep you.”
The dismissal in His Grace’s voice was clear, and although the words were polite, they seemedpresumptivesomehow. Clarissa glanced at the Earl of Creshire to see his reaction. If he were offended, he did not give any outward indication of it.
“You are right. A pleasure as always, Your Grace,” Lord Creshire said, giving Clarissa one last, lingering look.
It was strange, so much that Clarissa began to wonder if she was imagining all the oddness around her.
“We shall also take our leave,” Clarissa’s mother said. “I will need to be well-rested for the journey tomorrow morning.”
“Of course,” Lady Matilda said, her expression soft. “Rest may also help your back. I find that stretching in my bed soothes my aches a little.”
His Grace’s attention remained on the Earl of Creshire’s retreating back. Maybe the two of them were at odds because Lord Creshire did not approve of the Duke of Hartingdale’s rakish ways. Lord Creshire was unmarried, and he had a reputation for being a man seeking a love match. He did not behave with ladies as His Grace did, enjoying his nights with them and abandoning them in the morning. Clarissa did not imagine that those two men could have anything in common.
“We shall see you in the morning, then,” His Grace said.
“We shall await your summons in the morning,” Lady Bentley said. “You have my sincerest thanks, again, for your generosity.”
Clarissa echoed the sentiment, barely managing to hide her irritation. She followed her mother up the stairs, managing to remain silent only until they were alone in their room. “I cannot believe you,” Clarissa said. “You are lying to them and taking advantage of their kindness!”
Her mother scowled. “I am giving you the opportunity to be a duchess! Everything would have been easier if you had seduced His Grace last night like I advised you to, but because you did not, here we are. I am giving you another opportunity not to be a spinster.”
“I did not ask you to do any of this!”
“You did not need to. I am your mother, which means I have a duty to look after your interests. It is a pity that you refuse to accept the reality of your situation. If you would, I would not be forced to get involved. But since you have this second chance, I trust that you will not make a mess of it this time.”
Clarissa searched her mind for a sharp retort or witty response, but she found nothing. She remained speechless as her mother threw herself upon the nearby chair and fixed her with a stern expression.
“I never knew that you could be so conniving,” Clarissa said at last.
“I do what I must to ensure that we both survive in this world,” her mother said. “Nothing more, nothing less.”
Clarissa slowly nodded. She understood the depth of her mother’s desperation, and a small ache of doubt formed a tight knot in Clarissa’s chest. Was survival really such a prize if it meant lying to her reluctant, rakish, would-be husband, and his doting aunt, who had raised him?
Chapter 12
