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Chapter Thirty-Two
Not since she was Pen’s age had Clara felt as though the outcome of a ball would determine her entire life trajectory.
Tonight, it was true.
She was no longer a girl looking for a husband, nor a young womannotlooking for a husband. Nor was she simply Lady Clara, present only to amuse herself.
She needed David to see James at the premier affair, to understand they both belonged—even if they achieved their invitations through different means.
As dark as her mood was when David brought her home last night, she was sanguine today. Mr. Irons had earned his place in David’s esteem; so too could James.
Before dressing her for the ball, Molly brought her another tray of food, this time only tea and simple bread. Molly was right to insist; the small, bland portions settled her stomach.
“I feel like one of the birds Aunt Violet used to feed at the park.” She smiled at Molly before taking a small bite.
The maid returned a wan smile, and in a sure sign of distress, resumed her task of wiping down and lining up the already clean bottles and jars on her dressing table..
She sighed and finished her bread. She hadn’t confided in her, but perhaps doing so would put her mind at ease.
“All will be well, you’ll see. Mr. Robertson and I will marry.” She felt her pulse throb in her throat at the words; the corners of her mouth turned up.
Molly clutched her polishing rag, and only her eyes moved. “Marry?”
“Yes.” She smiled wholeheartedly now, her hand over her abdomen.
“Lord Anterleigh has consented?”
She sighed, looking askance. “That’s what tonight is about. Come, help me preen my feathers.”
Molly rang for additional help, and a younger maid arrived. After Clara changed into fresh unmentionables, Molly tightened her corset laces, just enough to fit in her gown but far less than usual.
Next, they helped her into the voluminous crinoline, creating the proper shape and volume of skirts. When Molly held up the silk gown, she and Clara made eye contact over the other maid’s head—Clara had fretted about the garment fitting without her corset cinched to the maximum.
With a reassuring nod, Molly signaled to the girl, and they lifted it over her head.
Clara sighed with relief minutes later when they fastened the last hook and eye closure at her back.
Eyes dreamy, she looked in the mirror and imagined James’s reaction to the design.
Molly sang serenely as she dressed Clara’s hair in a more elaborate sweep than usual. The assistant maid handed Molly the pearl and diamond hair combs, which she inserted with care on each side of her chignon.
The final touches were teardrop pearl earbobs encircled with diamonds, and a single diamond and pearl bracelet.
Feeling radiant, Clara approved of her maids’ work and complimented them heartily.
Ever punctual, her brother’s carriage arrived as she descended the stairs. Despite their difficulties last night—and the fact that she’d wheedled David into attending at all tonight—she knew he would do his duty.
She’d marched into her house last night frustrated and furious, but now she was more worried, for David’s sake. Their parents’ deaths impacted both of them, of course, yet she assumed that David’s greatest burden was shouldering responsibility of a hungry estate.
How much of his dedication to earning his own way wasn’t pride but self-protection? Anyone else in his position would have married an heiress to fund Anterleigh’s coffers—as their own father had done. Perhaps David’s dedication to making his own way wasn’t only because he was suited to trade.
However they left each other, Clara was happy to see her brother now, and he appeared gratified, if not relieved. Once they settled into his carriage, he took her gloved hand.
“I awoke this morning with horse hooves pounding in my head, and formidable regret about my loose tongue last night. I hope that you’ll forgive me, Clara.”
Her hand tightened affectionately. “I know you want to protect me, not hurt me.”
He nodded, looking eased. With a last squeeze of her hand, he settled back into his seat. “I feel like a creature who’s crawled out from under his rock. You, however, are radiant, sister.”
