“Claire, I cannot express to you how concerned I am that you would go out riding without a suitable companion,” he told her one day. “I gather that there was some…disagreementbetween you and my sister but it is not appropriate for you to be going out on your own.”
Claire, who had never before in her life been chastised by the Duke, felt appropriately remorseful. She had allowed her rivalry with Lady Suzanna to get the better of her and risked ruining her reputation in the process.
“I understand, Your Grace,” she muttered. “I shall be more heedful next time.”
He sighed. “This is a matter between you ladies and I shall not involve myself in it,” he told her. “But please do not go anywhere without a suitable companion. I shall not be able to explain myself properly to the Viscount, should mishap befall you.”
Claire blushed in shame, when she recalled that her father had indeed entrusted her to the care of His Grace and Lady Suzanna. He had been under the impression that she would conduct herself properly and abide by the rules.
In the past few days, she had not done so.
“I shall rectify my actions, Your Grace,” she apologized. “But…it might be difficult for me to associate with Lady Suzanna in the meantime.”
His gaze softened. “We mean you well, Claire. We truly do.”
“I know that.” Her gaze hardened at his words.
Has Lady Suzanna informed His Grace of the reason behind our dispute?
“Very well, then,” he said. “I shall leave you to your matters. I believe that there is another ball tonight?”
“The Cunningham ball,” she answered in clipped tones.
He nodded. “I shall see you both there, then.”
Her head snapped up to meet his gaze. “Will you be in attendance, Your Grace?”
“Certainly, seeing as I cannot leave you both to your devices at the moment,” he grimaced. “It is not that I do not trust you, Claire, but I fear that there might be others who might take advantage of this.”
She nodded. “I understand perfectly well, Your Grace.”
In all honesty, Claire understood full well the concerns of the Duke. She had seen just how very quick the rest of Society was to pick up even the slightest whiff of something unusual and it would be surprising if they had not made an issue of her early morning jaunts alone.
If the Marquess of Draydon were to find out, it might not turn out in my favor.After all, men do not want to deal with the troubles of ladies. He might find it all too troublesome and it would leave an unfavorable impression on him.
Claire sighed and knew that as much as she did not want to associate with Lady Suzanna at the moment, they would have to tolerate each other, and tolerate each othernicelyat that.
As if nothing had happened to rip their good friendship apart.
She grimaced as she went back to her rooms. If she were to engage in a seemingly “friendly” rivalry with Lady Suzanna, she had best put her all into it.
After all, the duke’s sister had years of experience to her name whilst Claire was but a fledgling to Society.
On the other hand, there are also those who deem Lady Suzanna a veritable spinster.Whilst I have my youth on my side.
She smiled to herself as she threw open her wardrobe to survey the gowns inside. She had just the perfect one in mind to wear tonight.
* * *
“Lady Claire, allow me to say that you are absolutely stunning this evening!”
“Right you are, Pembroke. I believe that the lady owes me a dance.”
“No, she dances withmefirst!”
Claire watched as the three young lords bantered with each other as to who would dance with her first. She had garnered the reaction she wanted when she opted for the pale, peach-colored satin and chiffon gown she had chosen for tonight.
It was certainly more revealing than her other gowns but seeing as it was an evening ball, she knew it was still considered proper to show a bit of her chest as long as the neckline was not so scandalously low as to be considered highly improper.
