Sophia stood up and paced the room. “This is very dangerous, Clara. No woman should ever believe that she can change a man. When you marry, you must marry the man for who and what he is, not what you hope he will become.”
“You rescued James.”
“But I didn’t know that’s what I was doing when I agreed to marry him. I believed he was perfect as he was. It was only later that I realized there was more beneath the surface than I knew. You, on the other hand, know that the marquess is not the kind of man you ever intended to marry. You should not forget that.”
Clara tossed the covers aside and stood up. She went to her dressing table to sit down and begin combing her hair. “There is an attraction between us. We could have talked all night long.”
“He’s a very skilled lover,” Sophia argued. “That’s what he does. He seduces women, makes them feel desirable.”
Clara bristled at the words. “No, there was something special between us.”
“I’m sure all women feel that way after a night in his arms. He’s very handsome and charming. Tell me you did not do anything foolish. You didn’t give yourself to him, did you?”
When Clara turned and faced Sophia, she recognized the anxiety in her eyes. “You needn’t be concerned. I am still a virgin.”
Sophia let out a breath of relief and collapsed into a chair. She rested a hand on her chest.
“Which is another reason why I believe he is honorable beneath the infamous notoriety,” Clara added. “He’s had three opportunities to take advantage of me, and all three times he has resisted and done everything in his power to protect my virtue. I trusted him completely last night. There was not a single fear in my mind that he would ravish me against my will or do anything to harm me. The fact that he could act with honor in that way leads me to believe that if he makes any kind of vow or promise, he will be faithful to that vow.”
“You think he could be a reliable husband?”
“Yes, I do.”
“We’re talking about a lifetime, Clara, not one night with a virgin. Maybe he didn’t ravish you because he knew that if he did, he’d have to marry you, and the idea of commitment and fidelity outweighed his temporary desires.”
Clara pulled the brush roughly through her hair. “There was nothing temporary about what happened last night.”
“But you are not experienced with this sort of thing! Some men can make love to a woman and forget her the very next instant. Their dalliances are merely conquests. What did happen, exactly?”
Clara shook her head. “I wanted to tell you before, but now I don’t. You’ll only disapprove.”
Sophia approached Clara and rested her hands on her shoulders. “I only worry that you’re going to get hurt. That you’re romanticizing what happened.”
“You were supportive before. You were encouraging me to find out all I could about him. Why have you changed your mind?”
“I haven’t changed my mind. I just feel that you must tread carefully where the marquess is concerned. Guard your heart as well as your virtue until you can be sure he is worthy of you. Be vigilant and act with caution. That’s all I’m saying.”
Clara knew deep down that her sister was right. Clara’s head was in the clouds this morning.
But how could it not be? She had glimpsed heaven the night before.
“All right, fine” she said to her sister. “I promise to be careful. But I must refuse the duke.”
Sophia nodded. “Mrs. Gunther won’t be happy. You probably shouldn’t tell her beforehand. She’ll spend the whole day trying to talk you out of it.”
“Good point. I’ll tell her after the fact, then she’ll have no choice but to accept it.” Clara sighed heavily. “Well, now that we’ve got all that out of the way, do you want to hear what happened in the carriageafterthe marquess and I talked?”
Sophia smiled and sat down next to Clara. “Of course. And spare nothing. I want every delicious detail.”
Later that day, the Duke of Guysborough was announced and entered the drawing room. After a short time, Mrs. Gunther mentioned that she needed to speak to her maid about something, and left Clara alone with him.
As soon as her chaperone was gone, the duke stood up and moved closer to the fireplace. “You’ve had a chance to consider my proposal?” he asked, looking down at Clara where she sat on the sofa. He appeared confident. She supposed it was natural, considering his status. Clara was not looking forward to rejecting him.
“I have, Your Grace, and I am very flattered.”
He smiled and moved closer to sit down next to her. A cold knot tightened in Clara’s belly. She hated this.
“I am honored by your offer,” she continued, “but...I’m afraid I must decline.”
