Never see them? That was supposed to be a good thing?
“You would become a duchess, like your sister,” he added with a proud nod.
Clara tried to think straight. It was the offer of a lifetime. Hundreds of young women on both sides of the Atlantic would give anything to be in her shoes at this moment. Why then, could she not feel her toes?
Clara tried to smile. “You flatter me, Your Grace. I had not expected such a wonderful speech from you today.”
Just before he’d proposed, he had told her that she was lovely—a rare jewel. Purity and perfection.
But she was not perfect. She was far from it. Would he still want her if he knew the passions that dwelled in her heart? Passions of the mind as well as the flesh? She suspected that any wife of his would have to hide or completely smother that side of herself.
“May I deliver good news to my family this evening?” he asked.
Clara’s skin prickled all over. It was too much too soon. How could she possibly accept? At the same time, she did not want to pass up this opportunity—which was indeed a great boon—and later live to regret it.
“Your Grace, you must give me some time to think about it. I am honored by your proposal, truly I am, but as I’m sure you can understand, I must consult my family on the matter.”
He smiled. “Of course you must. It is an important decision. I’m sure they will guide you in the right direction. Shall I return tomorrow?”
“That would be very good of you.”
He made a bow and took his leave.
Clara sat in her chair, unable to move. The walls seemed to be closing in all around her. The Duke of Guysborough had just proposed marriage, and before twenty-four hours were out, she must make the biggest decision of her life and choose her destiny.
She stood up and went to the window to watch the duke step into his carriage and drive away. He was a handsome, distinguished man, admired by the Queen of England. Mrs. Gunther approved of him. Clara’s parents would undoubtedly also approve. The duke had been married once before and had from all accounts been a good husband.
He was, as some would say, a sure thing. As far as appearances went, he was exactly what she wanted. Or at least what her head told her she wanted. Her heart told her something else, however. There was something about him that didn’t ring true. He was simply too perfect.
The carriage disappeared at the end of the street, and Clara turned away from the window.
Sophia entered. “Did he propose?”
Feeling almost numb inside, Clara nodded.
“What did you say?”
“I told him I would give him an answer tomorrow.”
“I see.” Looking worried, Sophia regarded Clara. “Are you still thinking about the marquess? Because I don’t think he’s the sort of man who would offer a proposal marriage quite so quickly.” She moved fully into the room and stood before Clara, who felt suddenly nauseous.
Sophia continued. “What do you want, Clara?”
“I don’t know. Or rather, I do know, or at least I thought I did. I want to marry a man who will be a good husband. A man I can respect. Everyone is telling me that the duke is that man, yet my heart is not quite so certain. He said something about his children today. He suggested that I would never have to see them—as if that would make me more likely to accept his offer. What does that say about his love for them, and his devotion to his family?”
Sophia nodded with understanding.
“Besides,” Clara added, “I am still attracted to the marquess.”
Sophia led Clara to the sofa and sat down. “I remember what it felt like when I was falling in love with James. If I had been pressured to marry someone else, I don’t know what I would have done. I don’t envy you.”
“If only I could see the marquess again.”
“But would it make a difference?” Sophia asked. “I believe the marquess would require a fair bit of wooing, so to speak, to be enticed into marriage, and unfortunately you don’t have time to do that. It’s a shame the duke had not waited a little longer and given you a chance to get to know him better.”
“You know me too well, Sophia.” Clara gazed down at her hands on her lap. “What am I going to do?”
Sophia shrugged. “Only you know the answer to that question. It’s your future.”
