Page 70 of The Viscount of Shadows

Chapter 24

Claudia settled in at Olivia and Gideon’s. She sat with Olivia in the morning room. Olivia explained it was for the lady of the house to correspond and plan her day while basking in the sun’s rays. Or so it was said. Olivia clarified this small room only caught the sun toward the end of the afternoon, like now. A tea tray was set before them, and they were left alone.

“I have news,” Olivia beamed. “Gideon and I are taking in a little girl from Chellenhome and making her part of our family. Her name is Marie, and she is six years old. Oh, you should see her. Marie is a sweet, kind child. We fell in love with her immediately. We are getting to know her better and giving her time to adjust. She will come here to live with us in January.”

Claudia smiled. “Congratulations. That is wonderful.”

“And that is not all,” Olivia said excitedly. “I am expecting. Can you believe it? I thought I would have difficulties, considering I am well into my thirties. We are over the moon.”

“No wonder you have been glowing lately. I am pleased for you both. You—and Gideon—deserve every happiness.”

“Did I hear my name mentioned?” Gideon smiled as he strode into the room. “Do not despair. I only popped in to grab a few raspberry tarts. And maybe a raisin biscuit or two.” Gideon withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and deftly gathered baked goods from the 3-tired silver tray.

“I just told Claudia the good news,” Olivia said brightly.

“A family. I always desired one,” Gideon murmured. “And Claudia, we want you to be part of that family.”

She blinked rapidly, looking up at Gideon. “I am an illegitimate stepsister. Sired by a contemptible being we all despise.”

“That may be, but to me, you are my sister. And we want you to be an aunt to our children. Will you consider it?” Gideon asked, his look expectant.

There is that annoying lump of emotion.

She nodded. “Yes, I will.”

“Good. I am glad to hear it. That is a start. Ladies, I will leave you with your tea and varied discussions. See you at dinner.”

Gideon swept from the room, closing the door behind him.

“If you had met him a year ago, you wouldn’t believe it was the same man. He has opened up in all ways, embracing life and love. So have I. If ever there were two damaged people—but you know of what I speak.”

Claudia nodded. “So much has transpired. My emotions are a complete mess. I am so confused. I barely had time to adjust to my new situation when Tensbridge entered my life. I don’t know where to begin.”

“Why don’t we start at the beginning? At our time on the streets? That is the root of your muddled trepidation in allowing yourself to feel anything. I know, believe me. We shall meet here in the afternoon over the next few days, and we will puzzle this out. I promise.”

That would mean telling her story again, for the second time in a week. But who would understand how past events can shape one’s present life? Olivia would.

With a shaky sigh, Claudia sipped tea and began her narrative. “It all began at Eaton Place, in Belgrave Square…”

* * *

The past few days at Olivia and Gideon’s home had been a revelation. To witness a loving couple openly express their affection was not something Claudia was used to seeing. The consideration for the other’s needs, the teasing and playfulness. The trust.

Hearing of Gideon’s and Olivia’s pasts put much in perspective. At times, it felt as if only Claudia suffered, but deep down, she knew others had it worse. To find out that, in different ways, Olivia and Gideon had horrible pasts as sinister as—or in some respects—worse than her made her question her lingering fright when dealing with emotions. And within The Rakes stratosphere, Baroness Wenlock suffered trauma from living on the streets. The Duke of Chellenham suffered trauma from an emotionally abusive and neglectful father. But to hear that Winstone physically and mentally abused Gideon as a boy was more than she could bear. Her so-called father deserved to rot in prison.

Being wealthy did not guarantee happiness. Yet, despite Olivia and Gideon’s damage, they survived. They thrived. They loved.

Why can’t she do the same?

Claudia harbored deep feelings for Oliver. She could admit that much. Why risk her life to bring him food while he hid in the cache? He was right. A bond had formed between them beyond their shared hazardous experience. She initiated kissing him more than once, which proved she found him attractive. Oh, why couldn’t she move past her paralyzing fright?

Olivia breezed into the library with a basket of flowers. “Good afternoon! I hope I am not disturbing you.”

Claudia glanced down at the book in her hands. She had read the same page over and over for an hour. She set it aside. “Not at all.”

“Good. Because I ordered a tea tray to be brought up.” Olivia placed the basket on the table and arranged the flowers in a crystal vase. “Michaelmas daisies and autumn crocuses. Or so the gardener tells me. When I married Gideon, I knew nothing of flowers or how to craft an arrangement.”

“I like the lilac-colored daisies. They are stunning,” Claudia stated.