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James looked dubious, but he bit his tongue, and his expression warmed anew. “I hope she has your eyes.“ He cupped her face.
His tenderness touched her, and she turned her face to kiss his hand. “Thank you for saving me when I fell, James. I didn’t thank you properly.”
“Thankyoufor saving me from Lord Trout Lips. I couldn’t take another second near him.”
She laughed, but only until she realized all that James had done for her last night. “I know that a duke’s ball is far from your preferred form of entertainment. I’m grateful to you for attending.”
His gaze dropped to her neckline, which he fingered absently. “You wanted to prove something to your brother. What we all learned—you, I, he, and everyone else in attendance—is that I don’t belong there. And never will.”
Clara swallowed before she voiced the instinctive denial that welled. His words, softly spoken, carried truth; denying them was a disservice to them both.
“You knew that before you even went to the accursed ball,” she realized. “That my plan was doomed.”
He shrugged.
“Why did you go, then?”
“For the same reason as you invited this poor soul to a duke’s ball, Clara. For love.”
“Oh, James!”
His eyes searched hers. “What does your brother know?”
She shook her head. “Nothing.” She explained David’s departure to Wales following the mine accident there.
“Even with the bairn—do you think that after last night, he’ll agree to give me your hand, lass?”
“It’s not his hand to give.” Her words were bold, but right. “I give myself to you, James, as you give yourself to me. I still hope for my brother’s blessing, I do, but David shall have to make up his own mind. I won’t seek to change it anymore.”
He guided them to the edge of her bed. “This isn’t what I was expecting. I’m not complaining, mind you.”
She was surprised by the extent of his relief. Could he have doubted whether she’d changed her mind about being together? “Were you worried?”
“After last night? Of course. How often do you invite mehere, Clara? I was out of my mind, half-decided it was a good sign, half that it was ill-omened. But when I saw those trunks…are those for my house?”
“Eventually. But first—come to Anterleigh with me.”
He looked taken aback. “Anterleigh? The family seat?”
She nodded. “With David occupied, it’s an opportune time to visit. I hate thinking that way, as it’s a terrible tragedy he’s seeing to…”
“Wehavewanted to leave London together. After the ball, it might be a good idea especially. I may not heed scandal the way others do, but I’m not blind.”
“To have you there with me…” She shook her head, unable to explain how important it was.
“You know that it’s not my concern, but areyousure about me going? What of the servants? I know Anterleigh means a great deal to you. But we could go to one of my—”
She shook her head. “I know in my heart that Anterleigh is calling. What if I’m never welcome there again? I must go, James, and I hope you’ll join me.”
“Wild horses couldn’t stop me,” he growled, bending to kiss her neck.
