Page 74 of The Viscount of Shadows

Olivia stood, and the men immediately jumped to their feet. It had been a lovely meal of crown roast of pork, baked salmon, and all the accompanying side dishes of whipped potatoes and the like. Claudia especially loved the desert, a trifle with whipped cream, custard, fresh raspberries, and blackberries. She had fretted most of last night about this dinner, but it had gone better than she hoped.

The ladies followed Olivia down the hall to the sitting room, where a tea tray with biscuits and small frosted cakes awaited.

Gideon’s Aunt Mirella slipped her arm through Claudia’s as they headed toward the settee. “I am so glad you are strengthening family ties with Gideon and Olivia, even though they are not blood ones. We all need people around us who care. And I would very much like for you to think of me as your aunt and call me so.”

Gideon’s aunt spoke to something Claudia was beginning to realize. Regardless of someone’s independence and dogged determination to remain aloof and removed from complicated emotions, ‘we all need people around us who care.’

Claudia wanted that, after all.

She had it with her mother and, when she passed, acknowledged she would never experience it again. But she found refuge with her ladies in the East End and now with the Galway Agency ladies, The Rakes, along with Gideon and Olivia, taking her into the protective, trusting circle of love and family.

Claudia patted the older woman’s hand. “Of course, Aunt Mirella.”

“Well done,” Mirella beamed. “Olivia and Gideon will be so pleased. You all deserve happiness.”

Yes, blast it; Claudia deserved happiness. And if she could accept it within these groups, there was no reason she couldn’t take that final step toward Oliver Wollstonecraft.

A footman entered the room as they were taking their seats. “A parcel has arrived for you, Miss Ellingford. Shall I bring it in?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Once seated, Claudia placed her teacup on the table before her. The footman laid the parcel next to it. “It came with a card, miss.” The footman bowed slightly and departed.

“Who is it from, Claudia?” Olivia called out.

“I am not sure.” She broke the wax seal and flipped open the paper.

My dearest Claudia,

You have destroyed me for any other woman. You have captured my heart and soul and are the very air I breathe. Our bond is profound and fundamental. I want to hold you close and share everything, including laughter and tears. These emotions are overwhelming. Believe me, I know. But if you search your heart, you may discover that you feel the same. I could write pages about how you fill my heart, but I will say three words encapsulating it all.

I love you.

I am in utter misery without you.

With the deepest and most steadfast love,

Oliver

Tears filled her eyes at the heartfelt words. Claudia reread it, and her heart soared. The joy tearing through her was powerful enough to topple down the last of her reserves.

He loves me.

Setting aside the note, she grabbed the heavy parcel and tore the paper off, tossing it aside. It was two beautiful leather-bound books from two authors she had longed to read, Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle. Oliver had remembered her mentioning it. With a gasping sob, Claudia grasped the note and stood suddenly, her heart banging against her ribcage.

I love him.

Claudia had the irresistible urge to tell Oliver that exact thing this very minute. The declaration could not be delayed. Just like his note to her could not wait.

Olivia came to her side. “What is it?”

“I must go to him,” she whispered fiercely. “Can you call the carriage for me?”

“To Oliver?”

Claudia held the note to her heart and nodded.

“Then you shall. William!”