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She held her breath, but it wasn’t necessary for long.
He nodded. “You have my blessing, Clara. You’re a lady of singular devotion. Whether it’s applied to caring for Violet or playing piano, you’re indomitable. Your heart is true and good, so I should scarcely be surprised by the direction of your energy.”
Air rushed past her throat in a near sob. “Thank you, David.”
He frowned. “You didn’t think I’d cut your funds, did you?”
“Not just cut my funds. I see how you are with people with whom you disagree. Look at your rivalry with Mr. Robertson. I don’t want to be your enemy, David, or have you feel that I’ve betrayed you. I don’t want to loseyou.”
He took her hand. “Clara, you haven’t betrayed me. Fear not. No, I’m gladdened by this, truth be told. I’m coming to accept my place in the world, and yours, too.”
She stilled. “What do you mean?”
“As we discussed recently, look at the suffering of being matched poorly—our friend Adrian, half theton.The other half are no better off. Eugene. Our parents all but died for love. We spoke of finding a proper match for you when you were ready, but you’ve chosen this LLS, and I accept that.”
Clara blinked. Was her only choice the LLSora match?
He squeezed her hand and continued. “I never meant to bore you or hurt you by speaking of trade with you, you know. Now I hope you’ll share tales of your LLS. I’m dying to hear how you negotiated with the apothecary for the price of supplies and delivery! Of course you’ve been bursting to share all this.”
“I…yes, I have. And about the people involved. They’ve become dear to me.”
“There it is, then. I have my firm, and you have the LLS.Andwe’ll have each other.”
Thank God.Her eyes closed in gratitude.“Oh, David, that warms my heart. And I haven’t given up on a family one day. Perhaps I shall still marry—find someone who can accept what I do with the LLS, as you accept it. Perhaps you’ll find a strange lady who admires your odd traits as I do.”
David’s eyes bulged for a moment, unflattering to his normally handsome face. “Perhaps.”
“You don’t think it’s possible, do you?”
“If I tell you no, you’ll prove me wrong, won’t you?” He smiled indulgently.
She swallowed. “I won’t risk the LLS, David. Just as you wouldn’t give up your firm.”
“I understand.” He nodded. “It’s for the best, Clara. I won’t see your spirit crushed by a weak man who can’t appreciate you. You needn’t marry—there’s no need for the funds. And you have your outlet with the LLS. There’s great suffering in London, and you’re an angel to dedicate yourself to it. Consider me a benefactor of your endeavor.”
He stood, offering his arm. “Come. Let’s return. I’m in the mood for dessert, after all. I’m much relieved.”
Clara rose and took his arm. “It’s a relief for me as well.”
On one hand, shedidfeel much lighter—by revealing the LLS, and throwing her brother off the scent of her other secret. She wasn’t keen on dessert, however—not with the knot in the pit of her stomach that tightened as she thought of James.
She hoped her brother’s belief in the truth vindicating James would come to fruition. Public sentiment was high, and James was in danger.
And even if he escaped harm from the fire’s ramifications, she wasn’t sure how much longer could she hide her feelings for James from him—or her brother.
If either of them knew how she really felt, she could lose them both.
