She hoped it was only that.
* * *
The next morning dawned bright and early for Claire, who hardly slept throughout the night. She had spent the hours tossing and turning in bed, thinking what she could do that would help the Duke forgive her for her misbehavior.
She wanted to believe that Lady Suzanna was right—that he only needed some time to himself.
She got out of bed and quietly dressed herself, thankful that as of the present, there was nowhere she had to be. Her father’s death and the mourning period had effectively put a halt to all her social activities, although she knew that soon, they would have to welcome callers who wished to express their sympathies.
They could not just keep out the rest of Society in their grief.
When she descended for breakfast, she discovered that His Grace had left early for business, much to her dismay.
“I cannot help but wonder if he is still terribly upset with me,” she told Lady Suzanna fretfully. “I fear that he may never forgive me. This is the first time he has avoided me for so long.”
Indeed, since they were young, he had never ignored Claire and Trixie.
“Oh, do not fret, dear Claire. You know there is nothing my brother cannot forgive you for,” Lady Suzanna smiled at her as they sat down for breakfast. “In any case, you will be quite busy today with people coming in to call and express their sympathies.”
She let her shoulders slump a little. “I suppose I will have to face Society again soon.”
“Indeed,” the duke’s sister replied. “The longer we hold them off, the more there will be talk and we want none of that.”
Claire laughed weakly. “Although, I do suppose that there are those who would crave the notoriety.”
“Well, whatever gets them the attention they crave, I suppose,” Lady Suzanna laughed.
Breakfast proceeded in a rather leisurely manner as Claire and Lady Suzanna began to talk more freely to each other. In truth, she had missed the company of the duke’s older sister, as well as her vibrant wit.
Later on, they were joined by Trixie, whose fresh round of complaints on her lessons never failed to make the two ladies laugh.
After breakfast, Claire returned to her rooms, intending to finish her design. She reviewed the notes in her little journal—the one she took with her when His Grace took her out on a carriage ride around London.
She smiled fondly at the memory before applying herself wholeheartedly to her task once more. So focused was she on her design that she hardly noticed the time until a maid rapped on her door to announce that luncheon had already been served.
Flustered, she took a moment to compose herself before rushing back down. To her disappointment, His Grace was not present.
Still, she found it to be mildly pleasurable, with her sister and Lady Suzanna there to accompany her for the meal.
By the time the first caller arrived, Claire was close to despair as she thought of ways to seek the forgiveness of His Grace.
She had not expected, however, to see Lord Draydon in the drawing room, dressed impeccably in deep green. When he smiled at her, she found herself ruminating why his handsome features no longer inspired a host of butterflies to take flight in her belly.
“Lady Claire, I am so sorry for your loss,” he told her somberly. “I was not able to extend my sympathies most appropriately the last time we met.”
She smiled faintly at him. “It is of no consequence, My Lord. I am merely grateful for your assistance at that moment.”
“Indeed, and I shall endeavor to always be of assistance to you,” he told her with a meaningful look in his eyes.
For a moment, Claire was taken aback by the rather intimate tone in his voice and the way he looked at her.
What am I thinking? Should I not be overjoyed that he has begun paying more attention to me?
Fortunately, she was spared the agony of not knowing what to make of his behavior when Lady Suzanna appeared with some servants bringing refreshments for their guest.
“Lord Draydon,” she said politely, inclining her head a little when she saw the way he regarded Claire.
He smiled at her in return. “Lady Suzanna, it is a great pleasure to see you again.”
