“I don’t understand this at all,” he admitted at last, simply because he wanted to elicit conversation that would allow him to hear her voice again. “Is it supposed to mean something? Because to me, it looks like a jumble of colours.”
Clarissa smiled, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “Oh, but that’s where the beauty lies! The artist is exploring the tumult of human emotion. Look at the vibrant reds and blacks. Surely, they must suggest passion and turmoil, which could mean that the softer blues symbolises tranquillity and hope.”
James regarded her, a hint of amusement in his expression. “You clearly have a knack for this. But I must confess that I have never been keen on art. I usually prefer more straightforward pursuits.”
“Art can be straightforward too,” she replied, her voice warm. “It is just a matter of finding the right piece that resonates with you.”
“Perhaps, but I find it hard to focus on the art when there’s such beauty before me,” he said, turning to face her.
Clarissa’s eyes widened slightly, and she smiled, a hint of shyness creeping into her demeanour. He adored the slight hint of pink on her cheeks. “You do have a way with words, James. It’s refreshing.”
“I do not doubt that you have heard such compliments before,” he challenged. “What makes me so refreshing?”
“Perhaps the fact that you do not seem to have any intention behind your words. You simply say them because you mean them.” Clarissa tilted her head to the side in thought. “Though I do wonder if you simply intended to distract me from the factthat you have not revealed your truth to me since our walk in the park. You were supposed to tell me why you thought I was different and you did not.”
“I wanted to ensure that I saw you again,” James couldn’t help but admit. “Is that so bad?”
She smiled broadly, shaking her head. “Not as bad as it should be, despite the fact that I am overcome with curiosity.”
“Perhaps I shall tell you by the end of the night.”
“Do you promise?”
He matched her grin, her playfulness infectious. “I promise, my lady.”
He felt a warmth bloom in his chest, and for a moment, they stood in a bubble of shared understanding, the noise of the ballroom fading into the background. But as quickly as it began, the moment was interrupted by the hearty laughter from a cluster of gentlemen nearby, drawing them back into the revelry. The performances had long since been over, which meant it was his mother’s favourite time of the evening. The time for refreshments and mingling. He could easily envision the viscountess enthusiastically dragging poor Elaine from one gentleman to the next.
James put his back to the painting, his smile slipping as he tried to find his cousin in the throng of people. “I should check on Elaine,” he said reluctantly. He also didn’t want to leave Clarissa’s side. But he hadn’t seen Elaine since before her performance a few hours ago. “But I’ll return to continue our discussion on art—and perhaps some of that beautiful lavender gown you have on.”
Clarissa raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “You seem rather overprotective of her. Is that how you always are with your cousin?”
James hesitated, biting back the truth that had rushed far too readily to his lips. “I just want to make sure she’s safe andhappy. She’s been through a lot. Far too much for someone as selfless and as warm as she is. It’s not easy for her to navigate all of this.” He gestured vaguely to the extravagant surroundings.
“I can understand that,” Clarissa replied softly. “But she is a grown woman, James. She has her own strength.”
“Strength doesn’t mean she doesn’t need support,” he countered, his gaze still darting through the crowd of elegantly dressed guests. “I worry that she feels lost among all this pretence. It’s overwhelming. Not to mention the fact that a few unsavoury gentlemen may have already approached her. She is far too nice to send them on their way.”
Clarissa nodded, her expression thoughtful. “Lady Elaine wishes to find a husband this Season, does she not?”
“She does. And I shall ensure she finds the right one.”
“Is it not her decision?”
James looked at Clarissa, surprised at the question. “Of course it is. But she is quite naive when it comes to social situations and she will need my help.”
“Perhaps instead of hovering, you could simply guide her. The London Season is an overwhelming experience for any lady hoping to find a husband. It would not do to add undue pressure on her.”
James paused, considering her words. “Is that how it is for you?”
“It is,” she said, her smile encouraging. “But I have decided not to take everything so seriously. Of course, I would like to find my match, but I would also like to foster worthwhile friendships.”
“Is that why you were going on a walk with the leery Lord Fornsworth?” James asked and she laughed.
“He was rather nice before all that, but yes.”
James only grimaced. “I would much rather Elaine avoided such situations if she could. She is not likely to have a dashing gentleman like myself come to her rescue.”
“I do recall saying that I could handle it myself,” Clarissa hummed aloud in thought.
