“How kind of you.” Claire’s smile appeared forced.
Containing his laughter was more difficult than he thought. Clearly, Claire didn’t like the idea of having a replacement mother helping her find a husband. He was surprised how blind she was in regard to her naiveté regarding men. She needed this more than he had originally thought.
“Now,” his mother spread out her skirts. “You two can tell me about all the happenings this season. Claire, why don’t you tell me which gentlemen you have your eye on and Ian can give us some insight into their characters.”
“My lady, this is a bit of an uncomfortable subject to have at present.” Claire coughed as a slight pink hue darkened her features.
“Why is that, my dear? Have I missed something important?”
Ian cleared his throat. “Mother, I believe Miss Ashford doesn’t wish to discuss the topic in front of me.”
“Oh?” His mother lifted her eyebrows in question.
“As an eligible bachelor, I might be number one on her list.” He winked at Claire, ignoring the fire in her gaze she’d just shot at him. “To prevent her embarrassment at having to admit such a thing to my face, I shall leave the two of you to your discussion.”
“Very well.” His mother dismissed him with a wave of her hand, but Ian saw the calculating glint in her eyes.
“So,” his mother’s voice trailed him as he left. “Is Ian on your list?”
He grinned as he made his way out of the house. Encouraging his mother had been the correct decision. With her on his side, Claire would be forced to look in his direction. With any luck, they would be betrothed within a fortnight.
“What do you mean, Lord Knightly asked you to?” Claire demanded of her best friend. “You told me you wanted to ride with my brother home from the picnic. You practically begged me to switch carriages.”
Camellia Bradley had the decency to blush. “Lord Knightly said he didn’t like the idea of us two women in the carriage alone, so he asked that I ride with Gordon. He said that he was practically your brother, so it would be safe for you.”
Jumping to her feet, Claire paced Camellia’s bedchamber. He’d set her up. Although the thought of being faced with highwaymen alongside Camellia terrified her, it still angered her that Ian would take his protectiveness that far. Especially knowing how much she loathed him.
“He’s not safe. Absolutely not.”
Her friend lay across the bed on her stomach, putting her chin in her hands as she watched Claire’s movements. “I don’t understand why you’re so upset. Did something happen that you are not telling me?”
As she contemplated confiding in her friend, Claire bit her lip. “The journey wasn’t entirely peaceful.”
With wide eyes, Camellia let her mouth fall open. “What happened between you two? Tell me everything.”
“Nothing happened between us.” Claire heard the bitterness in her own voice and tried to mask it by a forced laugh. “We just ran into a little trouble on the road. It worked out for the best that Lord Knightly was there, because he took care of it.”
“Oh.” Camellia sounded disappointed, but she quickly perked up. “Do you suppose he set up the trouble? Maybe he wanted you to see how he could take care of you.”
Freezing in her incessant pacing, Claire felt the color drain from her face. The thought made her sick to her stomach. Ian could have arranged for the carriage to drop them close enough to London that they would cross Starsen land. Her hands clenched in anger.
As she thought back over their ordeal, she dismissed it. Too many times she saw flashes of his concern. Plus, the hunger and lack of water had taken a toll on both of them. No. He couldn’t have done that to them.
“Although I don’t like him, I can’t think he would do something that could potentially bring harm on either of us.”
Camellia shrugged. “It was just a thought. And I don’t remember you telling me exactly why you don’t like him. From what I’ve seen, he is a decent gentleman.”
“Like he told you, he’s kind of an older brother to me. Do you always get along with Frederick?”
Her friend wrinkled her nose at the mention of her brother. “I suppose not. So, what are you going to do about Lord Knightly?”
With a deep sigh, Claire sank down to the bed beside her friend. “I really don’t know. It was easier before when we ran in different circles and I rarely saw him. Now, he’s going to make my life as difficult as he can.”
“So, he’s looking for a wife?”
The thought made Claire’s head ache. “I don’t know.”
“Why else would he be attending parties designed to provide men and women opportunities to meet?”
Claire shrugged. “Maybe he has begun his search. Now that I think about it, I’m sure he mentioned wanting a wife.”
“Then we find him one. Once he’s busy following some other girl and trying to convince her to marry him, he’ll leave you alone.”
Biting her lip, Claire weighed the merits of the plan. “I’m not sure that would work. We don’t know anything about the kind of woman he’s looking for.”
“Then we find out.” Camellia sat up, clearly getting excited about her plan. “It’ll be perfect. You can ignore him, and I’ll get as close to him as possible to find out his likes and dislikes.”
“I’d rather just push him back toward his bachelor life.”
“No. This is better. You can do things behind the scenes. Talk to Gordon and perhaps Lady Knightly about him.”
Bile rose in Claire’s throat at the thought of scoping out women for Ian. She knew he enjoyed a variety of them, but how would she feel if he did decide on one? Someone who wasn’t her? She didn’t want to answer that question.
The problem was she still wanted to marry him, herself. But, she needed him to want her—for her. She couldn’t marry any man as an obligation. Or one who didn’t love her. Those matches never went well.
“I should just concentrate on myself and marry quickly. Then it will no longer be his job or right to protect me.”
“Are you talking about Lord Higgins again?” Camellia rolled her eyes. “To be perfectly honest, I don’t know what you see in him. He may be decent enough to look at, but other than that, he has no redeeming qualities.”
“He is a good dancer,” Claire defended.
“Half of the eligible men can hold themselves on the dance floor.”
“He’s easy to be around.”
“So am I, but you don’t plan on marrying me.”
“What do you have against him? I just don’t see anything wrong with him.” Claire lifted an eyebrow at her friend, she was tired of hearing that Lord Higgins was not good enough.
“I don’t know. It’s just a feeling I get. Like you are settling for a bland scone when you really want the blueberry one smothered in jam. I don’t understand why you would do that.”
“Because a plain scone is better than being hungry. I’d much rather take a chance at some kind of happiness than end up alone.”
“You are nineteen, not twenty-one. Settling is for those girls who are sitting on the shelf. This is your first season. Don’t give up yet.”
Ready to end this conversation, Claire nodded. “Fine. We will try your plan first.”
“It’s a good plan, it has to work.” Her friend clapped her hands.
Claire resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Camellia’s excitement was not catching. The whole project would end up being miserable. The only way for her to survive it would be to meet a new gentleman and fall desperately in love with him. Then she could work on making new memories that didn’t involve Ian’s mouth on hers and his bare body pressed against her, as if one with hers.
“Ian,” his mother called as she set her glass on the table. “May I speak to you ab
out something?”
Raising an eyebrow, Ian studied his mother, curiosity stopping him with his glass of port at his lips. To date, she’d never asked his permission before doing anything, and he wasn’t sure why she’d begun now. As much as he loved women and had spent a great deal of time with them, he didn’t understand any of them.
“Of course.”
“After you left Lord Dailey’s townhouse yesterday, Miss Ashford and I spoke at length. As it happens, you were one of the topics.”
“Oh.” Ian took a sip of his port as if not really interested in her response, although the mention of Claire had his blood humming.
“During our talk, I got the impression the girl didn’t care much for you. When you were children, I imagined she had feelings for you. Has something happened?”
Ian swirled the liquid in his glass, forcing himself to breathe evenly. Even if he wanted to answer his mother’s question honestly, he couldn’t.
From one moment to the next, he was never sure how Claire felt about him, or if he had done something wrong. It was as if he were always a step behind.
“Not that I’m aware. She and I always seem to get along just fine,” he lied.
His mother smiled, a mischievous curling of her lips. “Perhaps you aren’t as observant as I. Could it be you found the one woman you can’t charm?”
Tightening his grip on his glass, he clenched his teeth. His mother had the right of it. Claire had even said so herself. She was immune to him.
“Some women are stubborn,” he answered noncommittally.
“So are men,” she mumbled, then cleared her throat. “Well, if your attention is bothering her, perhaps you should try leaving her alone.”
The thought rebelled in his mind. He refused to give up on her, to be forced to sit idle as his enemy courted her. After what the bastard, Higgins, had done to Annalise, Ian had kept a closer eye on the man. So far, Ian had saved one lady from the earl’s clutches. He refused to allow that to happen to Claire.
“You make it sound as though I’m stalking her. We have attended a few events together. Nothing more.”
“From the way she tells it, you have been in her company quite a bit more than that. Regardless, ignoring the girl might give her what she wants, since it clearly isn’t you.”
That stung and it took every ounce of his control to not react. He thought about how he ignored Claire at Avange Manor. She hadn’t like that one bit. Would she react the same here? Perhaps his inattention would make her seek him out. He liked that idea.
“You’re right, Mother,” he conceded.
“I am?” The confusion in her voice was laughable.
Finishing his port in one last swallow, he nodded. “Of course. I have no wish to make her uncomfortable. If she has decided against me, I am wasting both my time and hers.”
“So, you have decided to find a bride then? I hadn’t realized your decision had been made.” Excitement flashed in her eyes.
“It’s always been my intention to wait until this season to marry.” He didn’t add how he’d been waiting for Claire’s coming out season.
“Wonderful. In light of that, perhaps it wouldn’t be such a great idea to avoid Miss Ashford.”
“Why is that?”
As his mother’s worried eyes darted away from his, he realized the point of this conversation had truly been to encourage him to attend Claire. His mother had expected him to disagree and try to charm the lady. He wanted to laugh. His mother had played so easily into his plan.
“First, you don’t want to snub her. Secondly, if you are seeking a bride and don’t give her a second thought, other men might think there is a reason for that.”
His eyes widened. His mother was brilliant. “Perhaps, but I don’t see why other gentlemen would look to me.”
“Because you’ve known the girl her entire life. As a close family friend, it is reasonable to believe you are privy to her secrets.”
Ian pretended to consider his mother’s words. “Well, I can’t do both. Either I respect her wishes and leave her alone, or I pursue her against her will, simply for her own good.”
With tight lips, his mother tilted her head to one side. Clearly, she realized she had talked herself into a corner.
“Maybe you can do both, in moderation?”
Allowing his repressed laughter to explode, Ian stood and walked to the other end of the table where his mother sat. As he lifted her fingers, he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.
“You are such a delight. Now, I must bid you a good night. I am meeting Gordon at the club.”
She shook her head indulgently then swatted at his arm. “Go on then, but please think about what I said.”
After promising to do just that, Ian entered his carriage to make his way over to the club. Part of him wished he were meeting Gordon at his house instead, so he could have a chance to see Claire. However, that would ruin his plan to avoid her. He let out a sigh as he entered the loud club. This would prove more difficult than he thought.
“There you are,” Gordon exclaimed, already unsteady on his feet. “I was beginning to think you had forgotten.”
“Is that why you started without me?” Ian settled in the chair beside his friend and poured himself a glass of brandy.
“No. I’ve been here for a few hours already.”
Ian reared his head back in surprise. “That isn’t like you. What’s going on?”
“I’ve decided to let Harriet go.”
That shocked Ian even more. “Why? Did you find someone else?”
With his finger on the rim of the glass, Gordon tilted it from side to side, watching as it came perilously close to spilling. “No. I’m done with mistresses. Women are too much work. Brandy is easier.”
Grabbing the glass from his friend, Ian slid it to the side and out of Gordon’s reach. “What has happened to you? Ever since you left me at Avange Manor, you’ve changed.”
Gordon sat back in his chair, his eyes taking on a faraway look. “It was a mistake.”
“To leave me? You bet it was.”
A weak smile touched his friend’s face. “The whole thing was. It doesn’t matter. I have too much to deal with right now to add distractions like Harriet.”
“Then let me help you. Is it your father? What can I do?”
Gordon let out a long breath, then raked his gloved hands down his face. “It’s everything. Can we talk about something else?”
“Something besides everything?” Ian shot his friend a half smile and joined in when Gordon laughed.
“Yes.” Gordon leaned back in his chair. “Did you know Claire isn’t going to marry Marcus? That would have been the simple choice. Not to mention an easy blessing from me.”
“I hadn’t heard that.” Ian tried to act unmoved. “Did she say why?”
“No. Women are strange creatures. Although in this case, I don’t think either one of them had any real feelings for the other. Claire is, well, Claire. And, Marcus just wants it done.”
“Not that I don’t understand his situation, but I hope he puts a little more thought into his choice. Marriage can be great, or it can be unbearable.”
Gordon eyed Ian closely. “Have you pondered a lot on the subject? My sister tells me Lady Knightly plans to have you wed this season.”
Shrugging, Ian tried to keep it light. “I always planned to marry young. It’s a matter of getting the right lady to say yes.”
“Then do it quickly before she has been taken by another. Being second in line isn’t much fun.”
His friend sounded like he spoke from experience. Although curious, Ian refused to make Gordon explain in his current miserable state. Instead, he thought about Claire. He knew she hadn’t lost her heart to anyone, but it would only be a matter of time
. Considering her beauty and sweet disposition, a number of men could be competing for her love right now.
How was he supposed to ignore her and ensure she fell in love with him at the same time? Anxiety settled in his stomach, making him take another swallow of brandy. He was doomed.
Chapter 8
“You look marvelous, my dear,” Baron Dailey’s weak voice proclaimed as Claire entered the room. “This will be your night.”
“My night for what, Papa?” Claire tucked the coverlet under his chin.
“To get your betrothal. Once you are settled, you can see to your sister. Then I can peacefully go to your mother.”
Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to allow them to fall. “Don’t talk like that. You are going to get better and see to Carolyn yourself. You just need to fight.”
He smiled. “You always had so much of your mother in you.” His cough rocked his frail body and dislodged the sheets. “It’s too late for me. Go get you a husband and bring him to me.”
Claire gulped before nodding in agreement. As her father’s eyes drifted closed, she quietly left his bedchamber. He wasn’t doing well. Leaning against the wall outside his room, she fought off her tears. She couldn’t allow Carolyn to see her like this.
Claire arranged her features in a neutral mask. The joy of the upcoming ball had worn off. She could claim a headache and remain home, but she couldn’t let her father down. Before his time came, she needed to bring him her betrothed.
As she straightened her back, she firmed her resolve. Camellia could focus her efforts on Ian. Tonight, Claire had another mission. She needed to determine if Lord Higgins was still willing to extend his suit to her. With Ian hovering, she noticed the earl had maintained more of a distance from her. That had to stop.
Embracing the Knight Page 10