They had reached the stables, and Clara chuckled as Luke easily lifted her from the saddle. His hands remained on her waist just a second longer than she expected. “I suppose a large bouquet will be sufficient,” she answered reluctantly. “Though if it were me, I would want the whole garden.”
Chapter 11
An Unexpected Visitor
1808
Luke ‘courted’ Miss Barnes until the family had to leave for London. While he felt bad leading her on as he did, he actually thoroughly enjoyed it. Not the time with her, no—that was as boring as watching paint dry. It was the secret moments he and Clara shared afterwards. After each outing with Miss Barnes, Clara would leave Luke a note on his desk, urging him to meet her in some secluded, dark corner of the house so they could discuss how her plan was going. They laughed and joked, and she gave him advice on how to keep a woman interested. At times, Luke wondered if she could see right through his act, if she recognized every move he made was simply to please her, but Clara remained oblivious to his intentions.
While Clara lived at Maxwell Manor, she acted as lady of the house, just as she had done before. She arranged all social events, meals, tea times, etc. And when it was time to leave for London, Clara ensured the house was ready for their departure. Typically, many of the servants would have traveled with them, but Luke did not have a London home yet so they remained behind. Except for the kitchen staff. Clara insisted they were needed.
When they reachedTown,Clara and Luke's relationship remained much the same. She convinced him to go to societal events, and when he returned, hegave a play-by-play on everything that had happened. None of thetoncould have guessed that the silent Lord Maxwell took part in the main distribution of London gossip.
Clara was as popular as ever. She rarely stayed at home, and frequently had visitors. Though she was notoutin society, she quickly became a favorite of men and women alike. About once a week, Clara, John, and Luke went for an ice at Gunters. While they were out, Luke watched as men's eyes lingered on her. When he expressed his concern to John, the man simply shrugged. “I am sure Clara loves it,” he answered uselessly.
Luke’s favorite part of London was the theater. Not for the shows, but because Clara sat next to him, whispering in his ear. Though he probably would not openly admit it, John had a great love for Shakespeare. He refused to glance away from the production, or allow for any of Clara’s many interruptions, so she directed her comments to the baron instead. A few remarks were about the show, but most were about the people around them. “Lady Layton is expecting again.” “Look, Mr. Hues is sitting in the Smith's box.” “Did you see Miss Young? She looks exceptionally beautiful tonight.”
Clara loved the news of London, but Luke soon realized the gossip she shared was selective. While she knew every going-on of theton,only the positive news was distributed. Not once did Luke hear her say something unkind, and that made him respect her even more than he already did.
Luke’s greatest issue during the Season was Clara’s desire to play matchmaker for him. She would place him next to certain women when they hosted dinners, or try and force him to converse while they were out. “Why won’t you pick one to court?” she asked in frustration, but he knew she was not ready for the truth. He had barely learned to accept it himself.
But it was fact now, and there was no point in denying it. Luke Maxwell was in love with Clara Merritt, his best friend’s little sister. He could not pinpoint when exactly it had happened, but his love grew deeper every time he heard her say his name, and every time they shared a knowing glance. He loved the way she looked, the way she talked, and especially the way she nurtured everyone around her. Clara cared for people, and that made Luke care even more deeply for her.
While his affection may have gone unnoticed to Clara, one person had easily caught on—Lord Merritt. Anytime Luke spoke with Clara, he could feel the earl watching him. Before each ball or dinner party, Clara’s father would ask, “Are you sure you want to come, Luke?” But there was a twinkle in his eye that said he already knew the answer. While having the feelings of his heart exposed to his father-figure was embarrassing, it seemed to work to his benefit. Lord Merritt must have approved of the connection, because he created opportunities for Clara and Luke to be together. He would send John on useless errands, and then ask Luke to escort Clara to her dinner parties, or he would invite them to join him in the library, and then conveniently not show up. Having her father’s blessing was one less thing he had to worry about, but, unfortunately, the biggest obstacle still lay ahead. Luke had to persuade Clara to love him back.
The Season was half over when the Merritts received an unexpected visitor on the doorstep of their London townhome. The man was tall, muscular, and handsome. While his name was one she had heard many times, Clara had never before caught sight of her oldest cousin, Mr. Everett Merritt.
Everett was second in line for the Merritt title, meaning should John die before heproduced an heir, the earldom would go to him. Clara had heard many scandalous things about the man, and while some may have been true, she believed everyone deserved a chance to prove themselves. Papa and John were not home to persuade her otherwise, so Clara welcomed her cousin inside and invited him to stay. He eagerly accepted, and after sending a servant to deposit his things in a guest bedroom, he sat with Clara and her friend, Alice Smith, for tea.
Alice was an ordinary looking woman with brown hair, a plain face, and round, wiry glasses. Though her father was a prominent baron, she had already reached her mid-twenties and seemed destined for spinsterhood. Clara had not given up hope for her. Alice had a kind heart, and Clara would help her find a husband, if that was what she desired. Luke had been the most logical solution to MissSmith’s predicament, but the man was not taking as well to Clara’s matchmaking skills as he had in Harleston. Perhaps because he realized she truly intended him to form an attachment to this one.
“What is your line of work, Mr. Merritt?” Clara asked as she delicately poured tea for everyone.
Mr. Merritt wore a fashionable navy suit. His mother had Spanish heritage, and some of her features, mingled with those of Clara’s late uncle, gave Everett a dark, mysterious presence. His hair was jet black and slightly wavy, his eyes a dark brown. His muscles rippled through his tight-fitting coat, and two perfectly placed dimples adorned his cheeks. His smile was straight, and he flashed it at Clara often. “I have a few obstacles in my way before I start my desired line of work,” he responded. “Though I have also considered becoming a solicitor.”
“What is your desired profession?” Alice inquired. The man simply smirked.
“Is that why you have come to London?” Clara directed the conversation once more.
“Yes,” his voice was low and sultry, “well, that and I heard you would be here, dear cousin.” Clara blushed at his flattery. “Tell me, will you be attending Mrs. Charlesworth’s ball tomorrow evening?”
Obviously, Clara would not be attending any balls this Season, but none of the household would attend that particular party. Mr. Charlesworth was a prominent businessman, though not on the same level of aristocracy as the family of an earl. While the Merritts were friendly people, they still had a level of nobility to maintain. They did not attend any event in London not hosted by a lady of rank.
Everett did not have the same social circle, nor did he need to be reminded of it. “I am not yet out in society,” Clara explained. “Will you be attending the ball?”
“I had planned to, but if you are staying in, I shall stay and keep you company. Perhaps I will even teach you to dance.” He winked.
“I already know how to dance!” Clara replied with a flirtatious look of her own.
“Oh, but not like we do in Spain.” He looked her up and down, his eyes lingering on her petite figure. “I can teach youmanynew things.”
Before Clara could reply, Papa, John, and Luke came clobbering through the front door. “Clara!” Papa yelled from the foyer, his voice full of fear as he camerunning into the room with his hat and gloves still on. “Clara,” he sighed in relief at the sight of her. “Oh, you are safe, I heard an awful rumor that-” He did not finish his sentence, because as he glanced over to the opposite sofa, he discovered the rumors were true. Everett was in town.
“We have to get rid of him!” Lord Merritt shouted as he paced the study floor. He had sent Clara to eat dinner at Alice’s house, and was now discussing the best course of action with John and Luke. Well, he was supposed to be; all he had done so far was repeat the same thing over and over.
“Who is he?” Luke whispered to John as the earl continued to ramble on.
“My cousin,” John spat the words as if they were sour. “Though it is not a relation I boast. The man is a conniving rake. He defiles women and then takes bribes to make himself scarce.”
