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Chapter Thirty-Four
Half-awake, Clara sat propped up in bed, nibbling on bread. Thoughts of today’s momentousness cut through the grogginess but didn’t clear it.
She would reveal to her brother today that she inadvertently fell in love with his adversary.
Once night fell, she’d see James and share the outcome of David’s visit—and the news that she was with child.
How she wished she could proceed straight to this evening. Whether it was to celebrate or seek solace, she’d need James.
Until the moment came, she couldn’t be certain that he’d share in her happiness about expecting a child.
Quiet as Molly coiled and pinned her hair, she realized that despite her fear, there was consolation in ending the secrecy. She couldn’t hide anymore—not from David, and not from the world.
A knock sounded at her chamber door. Clara observed in the mirror as Molly answered and exchanged a few words with a downstairs maid. She returned with a letter in hand.
“It’s a message from Lord Anterleigh, my lady.”
An invisible hand squeezed her heart; the thin missive felt heavy in her hand.
Having promised to call, David’s letter was unpropitious. Had word of the full social calamity she faced reached him? Or perhaps he’d been up all night, piecing together the bits himself.
When she finally unfolded the parchment, she was taken aback by the brevity.She forced herself to read the words.
Dearest Clara, Explosion at the South Wales Colliery. Fourteen dead, more wounded. I must go. Will stay through the coroner’s enquiry. Send word of how you are faring. Your Affectionate Brother, David
Holding the letter in a limp hand, she eventually looked up. Molly waited anxiously.
“My brother has left London. There was an accident at a coal mine,” she explained numbly. “A terrible accident.”
Clara moved to the window. Gripping the casing as she stared out sightlessly, a wave of relief cascaded over her.
She choked, thinking of how he’d closed the letter.Your Affectionate Brother.
Idon’twant this over with as quickly as possible. She accepted the stay of execution—even if it only delayed the inevitable—and was determined to enjoy this time with James before the final reckoning with David.
Anterleigh. Home.
The place called to her. In a flash, she knew she needed to be there. If David disowned her, this would be her last opportunity to visit the beloved place.
After a few minutes, Clara turned to Molly, her head held high, her face set with determination. She had a plan.
Her maid looked at her expectantly, hope in her eyes.
“We shall leave for Anterleigh tomorrow. Send word and start packing.”
“Yes, my lady,” replied Molly briskly.
The maid’s mind obviously shifted to the list of tasks she would need to accomplish—and so Molly would.
“I’ll have Loudon send someone to make arrangements at the train station. Meanwhile, I must visit the lending li—I must visitViolet House.”
Perhaps the words would have shocked her household months ago; today, they neither stupefied nor distressed. Molly’s eyes widened in surprise for just a moment before she nodded.
If that didn’t scandalize you… “And Mr. Robertson will be calling this evening.”
Molly’s face was inscrutable. “Yes, my lady.”
After issuing more household instructions on packing and travel, Clara penned an invitation to James and ate a light breakfast.
