‘Miracles can happen.’
‘Not to me.’ The forced cheerful smile was tragic. ‘But perhaps to you. I think you will enjoy being the Duchess of Westbridge. Now be a good friend and cheer me up. Tell me all about you and the Duke.’
Like a coward, Clarissa humoured her friend while she kept an eagle eye out for Seb. When Penhurst shuffled across the lawn looking like a man who had been engaged in vigorous and drunken physical activity all night, and there was still no sign of Seb, Clarissa happily let her anger fester as their hosts chivvied everyone towards the stables to collect the mounts for today’s planned ride. She was halfway to the destination when she sensed him, and briefly turned her head to confirm it, only to see him striding across the lawn looking handsome and purposeful. Invigorated by his exercise.
It must have been quite the night indeed!
Clarissa picked up her pace, deciding to ignore him from now until the end of time. How did Penny sound so resigned about Penhurst’s infidelities when she was eaten away with bitter jealousy for Seb’s? Not that he had been unfaithful in the strictest sense, because they were not a couple and nor would they ever be, but... Good gracious! There were no buts. How could he? It was galling. Infuriating. Humiliating. Beyond the pale...
‘Good morning.’
Would spitting in his eye be inappropriate? ‘Goodafternoon.’
‘What have I missed?’
‘Breakfast and luncheon.’ Clarissa stared straight ahead and hurried her pace. They had nothing to say. Nothing.
‘I know. I’m starving. And tired. I’ve only managed to snatch an hour of sleep.’ What did he want? Sympathy? Unbelievable. ‘But I had an interesting night.’
Insufferable! ‘So I gather.’
‘Would you mind slowing down? I have things to tell you.’
‘And yet I have no desire to hear them. In fact, I have no desire to be within ten miles of you so would you kindly go away!’
‘Gem?’ He touched her arm and she snatched it back. Lord only knew where those hands had been. Clarissa wanted to cry. The tears were already there, ready to fall.
‘I said leave me alone.’ Westbridge had stopped pacing ahead to look at them, so for good measure she waved and quickened her step to meet him, leaving her philandering spy behind. Which was exactly where he and all his exciting and intriguing machinations needed to be in all aspects of her life. Clarissa had allowed her head to be turned before and had learned through bitter experience that daring to dream for more than she deserved was always a mistake.
