Page 71 of The Duke’s Impossible Match

“None of them do. I haven’t been able to bring myself to tell them yet.”

“You can’t keep it a secret forever, Clara. The longer you wait, the harder it will be.”

“I know,” Clara said with a sigh of inevitability. It was just difficult to accept; that was all. Things were going to change dramatically in the near future, and she wondered how much she was going to be changed by the events. She supposed at least she had Gerald to stand by her and support her through the trying times.

He waved to her, beckoning for her to join. Agatha nudged her forward.

“Go on. Enjoy the time with them.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

“Please be kind, father,” Clara said as the wagon pulled into Clemont Hall. Alfred arched an eyebrow.

“I have been nothing but kind to him. It is the right of a father to make his daughter’s betrothed squirm a little. I think it’s only fair after everything he did,” Alfred replied.

“If you think about it from a certain point of view, he didn’t actually lie to you because he did propose to me,” Clara said.

She fell silent when Alfred gave her a certain look. Mary offered a reassuring smile.

“I’m sure that everything will be fine. We just need to smooth everything over, that’s all.”

“I just think it’s fascinating that you lied, Clara. I’m sure I would never be able to get away with such a thing,” Beatrice said.

Alfred cleared his throat and laughed. “I think you get away with too much already, Beatrice.”

Beatrice’s face went red. Clara stifled a laugh. Although Alfred appeared to be stubborn in this regard, she was almost certain that he would soften. He didn’t have it in him to hold a grudge for too long. He and her mother were far too forgiving, but of course there was a period of awkwardness that would have to be endured.

The carriage pulled up outside Clemont Hall. Alfred and Mary alighted first, followed by Clara and Beatrice. Clara was dressed in a cream-colored gown, while Beatrice wore an eye-catching yellow outfit. She looked older than her years, and Clara knew she was going to make an immediate impact on the debut season.

Clara wouldn’t have been surprised if she ended up being the diamond, just like Agatha.

“So, this is to be your new home. It’s rather impressive,” Beatrice said with a hint of admiration.

“It is, and I have plans for part of the garden,” Clara replied.

“I suppose I shall have to marry a prince. Only a palace will outdo Clemont Hall,” Beatrice said. Clara wasn’t sure if she was teasing or not.

They entered the house and were announced by the servant. Eleanor came to greet them first. She gave Clara a warm hug. She was demure to the others. Gerald emerged from a sitting room. He wore a sweeping jacket and sported a fresh haircut. He bowed as he greeted them, kissing Mary and Beatrice’s hands, before shaking Alfred’s hand firmly.

“It’s my pleasure to welcome you to Clemont Hall. I hope you’ll enjoy dinner. Please, come this way to enjoy a refreshment as we await the arrival of the others,” he said, leading them to the sitting room. He flashed a smile to Clara. Clara’s heart fluttered at the mere sight of him.

This was the man she loved, and she did not have to be plagued by any doubt about it!

Gerald was making a concerted effort to endear himself to Alfred. He engaged the man in conversation immediately, hoping to soothe the wound that had been caused by deceit. Clara intended to do the same thing with Eleanor. She quickly fell into step with Eleanor, who was wearing a pretty blue dress.

“I like your gown,” Clara said.

“Thank you.”

“I hope that you can forgive me for what happened. I never meant to deceive you. It was a difficult situation.”

“I’m sure it was. Will you tell me something, and will be honest with me?” Eleanor asked, her voice lined with worry.

“Of course.”

“Did you pretend to like me?” Eleanor’s voice grew soft and her eyes dropped. Clara’s heart ached.

“Never. I felt so guilty about misleading you. I wish there had been another way. I wanted to ask you if you would forgive me. You are dear to me, Eleanor, and I do want to consider you as a sister, if you will have me.”