“Lady Claire has in the past two years purchased four pairs of boots, all from the same form and in the same style—standard men’s riding boots.” The investigator continued without regard for Alex. “Within the last week, she ordered two additional pairs. From Grigby, she recently ordered two pairs of buckskins and two shirts, all for immediate delivery.”
Alex’s grip on the chair tightened, and sweat broke across his brow. Macalester’s recitation had lasted forever. A simple reason for the purchases was bound to exist. He would have surmised they were a wedding gift for him, except she’d been buying these items for years. No denying the items were ordinary. He must have twenty of each in his possession. “Do you know what she plans to do with her purchases?”
“Grigby refused to share any information. I stole a peek at the books for what little information existed. The items are sized for a man half our size. Does Lady Claire have a younger male relative she’s responsible for?”
“I’m not familiar with her mother’s side of the family.”
“Scottish, I believe. Her mother was an heiress in her own right.” Macalester’s brow creased into neat lines. “Lady Claire is involved in Hailey’s Hope. Perhaps there’s a young man at that charity she’s taken under her wing?”
“I don’t know much about the charity except Lady Claire is quite dedicated to it.”
“Her mother founded it when His Majesty’s soldiers, specifically the Black Watch, arrived home from war with no employment prospects.” Macalester’s voice held an unmistakable pride. “The current Duchess of Langham continues the work in remembrance of the prior duchess. Lady Claire volunteers several days a week and is spearheading a children’s orphanage that will be located next to Hailey’s Hope. She’s well regarded by the soldiers. Fiercely.”
“Meaning?”
“I made the mistake of mentioning the curse to one of the residents. He actually was prepared to charge me in her defense.”
“I see.” Macalester’s details didn’t impart anything to disparage Claire, though the clothing purchases were confounding. He let out a breath. “Is that all?”
“One final item. Lady Claire recently sent a sum of one hundred and fifty pounds to a solicitor located in Leyton near the south part of Essex. I’ve not been able to ascertain what the solicitor did with the money. It’s minuscule in comparison with the total amount of her fortune. Rest assured, I’ll track the funds.”
Alex responded with deceptive calm. “How will you discover the information? I don’t want a nasty public suit coming back on me.”
“Not to worry. No one will know,” Macalester replied. “I’m continuing my inquiry as we speak. As soon as I uncover the purpose of the money and the recipient, I’ll send word. Anything else, my lord?”
“No. Thank you. You’ve done enough. I’d appreciate your continued discretion. Everything, even a minute detail, known to me alone.” Alex stood and approached the door he had entered.
“My lord, I have my own private entrance in the next room. Perhaps you’d like to leave from there? Your privacy is assured that way.” Macalester walked Alex to the next room.
“Thank you for the consideration.”
“Don’t let the information cause distress. There’s a reasonable explanation. I’ve done hundreds of these investigations. Lady Claire’s secrets appear to be quite harmless.”
Alex looked the investigator in the eye. “Good day.”
A tight knot of dismay snapped loose in his gut, much like a flag caught in high winds. He never looked back and continued down the private passageway to the street.
He couldn’t remember exactly the streets Ares traveled, but the horse had taken him home. Every scrap of information Macalester had divulged today led to another secret, another facet of Claire he didn’t understand. The investigator hadn’t discovered any direct evidence of an affair, but just when he thought he’d solved one mystery, another presented itself.
Upon reflection, Alex breathed with some relief. The size of the clothing and boots certainly wouldn’t fit Lord Paul, who was slightly smaller than Alex. Why was she buying men’s clothing? For a man or a boy? Was this the same person she sent money?
Within minutes, Alex was inside his Mayfair address with an unmitigated resolve to become better acquainted with his future wife.
The only way he knew to put the pieces together was to make Claire fall in love with some of his renowned Pembrooke charm.
Chapter Six
With a heaviness of heart that weighed upon tonight’s celebration, Claire arrived at Lady Hampton’s dinner party. Within hours, her engagement to Alex would become official. After the evening at the opera, she was determined to tell him about Archard tonight. She couldn’t live with the secret anymore. Not after he’d treated her so warmly, always putting her interests ahead of his. Plus, he didn’t seem the least concerned with her curse.
Throughout the day she’d had to pinch herself to believe it was real—she was so close to marrying. She followed her aunt and uncle through the door, where she came under Lady Hampton’s scrutiny.
“My dear girl, I’m delighted you were able to attend tonight. I promise it will be an evening to remember.” Lady Hampton beamed as she pushed her way between Aunt Ginny and Uncle Sebastian. Ignoring the others, the grande dame grasped Claire’s arm and led her away into the drawing room. She lowered her voice and confided, “I received word earlier you must sit next to Lord Pembrooke.”
Like a schoolgirl with the latest secret, Lady Hampton continued in a singsong voice. “I hear he’s set his cap for you.” She looked both right and left to see if others could overhear before she continued, “I’ve known Pembrooke since he was in the nursery. Such a smart girl to grab him. I never believed in that silly old curse, anyway. I don’t know why I didn’t think of introducing you two before.”
Dazed by the whirlwind in front of her, Claire stayed silent.
Stepping back and leveling her gaze, Lady Hampton cooed with delight. “My goodness, dear, you’re striking. I’d venture to say radiant. Did Alex do that to you? He’s brilliant to snatch you up.”
“I agree, Lady Hampton.” Alex came from nowhere and settled Claire’s hand into the crook of his arm. He lowered his voice in a conspiratorial tone. “Is there a private room where Lady Claire and I might have a word?”
“About the wedding, heh, boy? All right, I’ll let you sneak off for three minutes. Not one moment more.” Lady Hampton matched Alex’s sotto voce intonation. “Go to the study, third door on the right down the hall.” She chuckled and winked as if she shared their secret. With a quick bob of her head that sent the plumes of her headpiece waving, she left to greet the other guests.
Alex’s smile of amusement remained when he placed his hand over Claire’s. Although she was caught off guard at the impact of his gentle grip, her apprehension faded when his impish grin captivated her attention. In two days, she would be married to him. His merriment was a good omen. “You’re close to Lady Hampton?”
“Is my mother here yet?” Alex’s tone warmed with laughter as he looked about the room. “She tells Lady Hampton everything. They were best friends growing up and have continued to be thick as thieves into adulthood. Some things cannot be kept secret in my household.”
“Pembrooke, I heard that,” Alex’s mother called out as she entered the drawing room to greet them.
She gave Claire a hug, then kissed Alex on both cheeks. “Hello, darling.”
Alex smiled and returned a kiss to his mother’s cheek. “Madam, you look beautiful as always.”
The marchioness batted his arm at the compliment. “Thank you.”
His affection for his mother was endearing and completely uninhibited. Claire wanted to beg for entrance into his secret world. What would it take for her to earn his regard? Would she ever have it? She pushed the nagging doubts aside and forced herself to enjoy the moment.
“I know you want privacy to talk,” the marchioness continued. “Do not tarry.
I want you both at the table before Lady Hampton sits down.” Without waiting for a reply, she left them on their own.
“Come with me,” Alex murmured. He let her walk ahead through the hallway and gently guided her with a touch of his hand. When they arrived at the study, Alex reached around her to open the door. A whisper of his warm breath brushed her neck.
She didn’t have the foggiest clue what was so urgent. Every inch of her skin tingled as thoughts of last night’s carriage ride leapt to mind. She tried to tamp her excitement into submission, but it was nearly impossible since Alex made the evening brighter.
With a devilish gleam in his eyes, Alex ushered her through the doorway and closed the door. “How are you handling all of this attention?”
“Well enough. You?” She kept her voice light, but secretly her insides stiffened, waiting for any sign the attention from the papers and society was making him wary.
“Perfect now that you’re here with me.” He closed the distance between them. “All I’ve thought about since the opera is how much I want to kiss you.” The low thrum of his voice made her body ache, and a flush swept through her. “May I?”
“Yes,” she said, surprised he had asked her. When he took her in his arms, she focused where their bodies touched—chest against chest, leg against leg. If she had her preference, they’d stay here for the rest of the night. This was much more comforting than having Lady Hampton’s other guests observe them like a pair of caged lovebirds.
The familiar smell of citrus and spice drew her closer. “We’re long overdue for this.” His hand brushed her cheek.
She couldn’t form the words, so she nodded her head. The moment stretched, and her whole body ached for his mouth to cover hers. It had been such a long time since anyone had wanted to kiss her.
Claire should have known what to expect. She saw him coming closer, but still, she stiffened. His lips were surprisingly soft and gentle when they settled over hers.
For a second kiss, it was somewhat chaste. Eyes closed, she concentrated on his touch. Before she drew back, he deepened the kiss by slanting his mouth over hers. With relentless patience, he coached her lips to match his movements. She parted her lips on a soft sigh. This was the kiss she had imagined all along. When she acquiesced, Alex moved his tongue over hers, caressing in a slow, exaggerated dance.
Claire became lost in his protective embrace until she heard moaning and, through the sensual fog, recognized her own voice. She drew away, shocked by her reaction. Starved for affection, she had completely forgotten herself.
In a slow, languid motion, Alex leaned back and looked deep into her eyes but held her close. “I’ve missed you.”
Gentle and with the ease of an engaged lover, he placed a tender kiss on the corner of Claire’s lips with a matching one on the opposite side. Encouraged by his overtures, Claire met his lips with a tentative kiss of her own. A deep groan vibrated in his chest in response. He tightened his embrace.
With a slow, deliberate movement, he kissed her jaw before trailing his lips upward until he reached her earlobe. “Claire, what you do to me,” he whispered. He eased back to study her face, then drew her close and placed his forehead against hers.
Claire’s lips throbbed as if demanding she return to kissing Alex. She closed her eyes and focused on his touch. “We should get back before our three minutes are up,” she whispered.
“What if I don’t want to?” He grimaced, then unveiled the most seductive smile. He raised his hands as if weighing something on a balancing scale. “Kissing you or dinner? Selfishly, I’d much rather stay here, but I want to make our announcement as quickly as we can.”
They were becoming better acquainted. That’s all the kiss represented. If only her brain would share the information with the organ in her chest, the one that pounded in a rush beat and demanded she give him everything. There was only one wise course of action—tell him everything tonight no matter the consequence. He deserved that much.
“My lady, shall we return to the others?”
Alex’s forearm was not a safe place for Claire to rest her hand as he escorted her into the dining room. She didn’t want to let go. Within minutes, most of the ladies had taken their seats. Alex waited until the stragglers sat down, then sat on Claire’s right. Lady Hampton sat at the head of the table with Alex by her side. To Claire’s left sat the elderly but lively Earl of Linscott.
Rumor had him enjoying a sordid affair with the lady on his left, the widowed Lady Tottin. The earl hadn’t bothered to glance in Claire’s direction once. He seemed more than happy to divide his attention between his glass of wine and Lady Tottin. That suited Claire perfectly. Lady Hampton had relaxed the formal etiquette rules for their small group, and Claire needn’t worry about entertaining him with conversation.
As the liveried footmen served the first course of turtle soup, Somerton addressed her from across the table. “Lady Claire, I understand discussions are under way for expanding Hailey’s Hope. Has an architect been chosen?”
“The choice of the architect will be made by Her Grace and the others who serve on the expansion committee.” Claire’s confidence rose with the familiar subject. “With luck, the final plans and a groundbreaking before autumn would be a cause for celebration.”
Aunt Ginny nodded her approval. “Lady Claire gave a substantial contribution for the expansion. The men require a larger dormitory, but a greater need is to establish a home and school for the widows and children. With proper education, a hope for securing good-paying jobs can become a reality.” Her aunt’s loving gaze caught hers. “She also created a trust for a new orphanage.”
Somerton inclined his head in agreement. “If I may lend assistance? I recently finished a renovation on my London residence. Many of the architects considered were top-notch.”
“Would you have the time to come to Langham Hall next week?” Aunt Ginny asked. Soon, the two were entrenched in the most myopic discussion regarding wall reinforcements.
“Claire.”
She jumped at Alex’s whisper.
“The charity is lucky to have such a generous benefactress. I’d contribute substantially to your cause and entice Somerton to give also.” The warmth in his voice was almost a caress. “The duchess is fortunate to have you working with her at Hailey’s Hope. Your own passion and commitment shows.”
“Thank you.” Custom dictated her formulaic answer. When she turned to acknowledge his compliment, the intensity of his gaze made her gawk as if she were a love-struck girl of seventeen.
He lifted his glass in a silent toast. “I look forward to discussing it in greater detail with you … in private.”
As the others continued their conversations, Alex’s eyes never left hers. The world fell away, and it became the two of them. When he delivered a wolfish grin before taking a sip of wine, Claire couldn’t hide her enchantment as heat swept up her neck and settled in her cheeks.
What would her marriage be like if Alex truly came to care for her? To have a husband who valued your efforts to help others would be the start of a strong foundation for their union. Even more, to have a husband who valued you as a person would make all the heartache she’d experienced in life a trifle.
Claire forced herself out of the self-induced fog of euphoria. The temptation to believe he was developing a genuine fondness for her drifted away, to be replaced by a familiar feeling of foreboding—something would go horribly wrong tonight.
She concentrated on keeping her breath even when the end of the meal brought forth a delicious assortment of jellied oranges, apricot tarts, sliced fruits, and her uncle’s announcement of her upcoming nuptials. Before the ladies left the gentlemen for their ritual of port, her aunt and uncle stood next to Lady Hampton and Alex’s mother.
The act signaled that Claire and Alex were to join them at the head of the table. She tried to push away the fear the curse would make an appearance. Her mind filled with grim images of Alex walking out of the room never to return while L
ady Hampton’s guests fell to the floor in a chorus of boisterous guffaws. Her legs turned into lead. She stared at her untouched plate.
“Lady Claire.” Alex placed his hand under her elbow to help her stand.
Like an automaton, she let him lead her to stand with their families at the head of the table. His hand never left the small of her back as he stood beside her.
Uncle Sebastian raised his glass. “Will you all join my duchess, the marchioness, and me as we share our joyous and heartfelt wishes for the upcoming marriage of our niece, Lady Claire, to Alexander, Marquess of Pembrooke?”
A thunderous round of “Hear, hear!” and claps exploded in the room.
Alex leaned in and whispered, “It’s over.” His hand moved to the side of her waist, and he gave a gentle squeeze in reassurance.
She struggled to maintain her taut hold of control. The black cloud of the curse tightened its stranglehold on her happiness. She turned to Alex. His eyes never left hers as he raised her hand for a kiss.
When she let out the breath she’d been holding, everything tumbled out.
Tears, laughter, and an audible sigh of heartache.
Selfishly, how could she chance his rejection? Whatever could she tell him that wouldn’t leave him disappointed?
* * *
Gentle rain transformed into a foggy mist as the carriage made its way through Mayfair to Langham Hall. Claire found it harder and harder to maintain the façade of calm.
“The evening was a complete success based upon the way the guests rushed to congratulate us.” Alex captivated her with an irresistible, devastating grin. “I didn’t hear Lord Paul mentioned once.”
“Not a single peep. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done tonight.” The entire magical week was a memory she would keep forever—whatever happened tonight. Something she would find comfort in as she grew old, and Alex was the reason.
Nothing about the evening had been real, and if she allowed herself to think otherwise or permitted her foolish heart to hope for a happy outcome after she told him about Archard, it was a recipe for disaster.
The Bad Luck Bride Page 9