Page 58 of The Trouble with Tweed

“It is well enough as far as Seasons go. I confess I much prefer a library to a ballroom, however.”

“Oh?” Claire’s eyebrows raised with a sudden hope—perhaps Lord Sheldon had a keen interest in books—or anything, for that matter—that might make him more interesting. “Do you enjoy reading?”

“Not particularly,” he said, his tone mulish. “I fear I was forced to read so much at school that I lost the taste for it.”

Claire blinked. His answer made her feel quite untethered. Hadn’t he been the one to bring up the library? She sipped her tea in flummoxed silence.

“Mother says I should marry soon,” Lord Sheldon said.

What on earth did one say to that? It took all her self-possession not to gape at him. Or scowl.

Instead, she politely said, “Is that so?”

“She says I should look for a lady who isn’t too young. One who would be appreciative of the estate and my title. Someone who will be thankful to be raised up and included in our family tree.” Lord Sheldon blinked at her expectantly.

Claire wondered what expression she wore—for the life of her, she couldn’t tell. It felt as if her face had become slightly deadened from his words. It was a new experience, to be sure. Not only the numb face, but being told that she was being singled out because she would naturally feel grateful for the attention of one such as he.

Claire did the only thing she was capable of at the moment—she gave a tremulous, wincing smile that felt much like a grimace, and a single nod.

Lord Sheldon nodded back as if they’d come to some sort of accord. “Mother will be very excited to meet you. Though we must choose a day when there isn’t any weather. She doesn’t like the rain any more than I do.”

He chuckled to himself as Claire looked balefully out the window to the beautiful day outside.

When Lord Sheldon left, with many promises to return, Claire escaped to her small back parlor, ordered a fresh tea service, and stared out the window at the very pleasant day. The sun had broken through the clouds, and couples were promenading happily through the park.

Based upon their short conversation, Lord Sheldon was obviously well within her grasp. All Claire had to do was reach out her gloved hand and take him. Yet he was insufferable. Not to mention he was far too boring, even though that was precisely what she’d requested from Michael. In fact, she’d asked for a husband as boring as boring could be.

Lord Sheldon exceeded that requirement. The man wasn’t interested in anything that she could tell. She had verbally poked and prodded him for the past half hour and hadn’t discovered any signs of life whatsoever.

Yet he was titled, prudent, wealthy, and had never been called a rake, even jokingly.

According to her list, he was perfect.

Claire frowned as she reconciled herself to at least one more afternoon spent nodding at Lord Sheldon’s forlorn predictions and sad memories. If ever there were a person who could suck the joy from a moment, it was Lord Sheldon.

Yet, because of her list, she would give him another chance.

CHAPTER 19- MICHAEL

Michael waited in the park for a half hour once Sheldon left the grand townhome, then was ushered into the small back parlor. Claire stood frowning at the window, the afternoon sunshine falling gently upon her and setting her hair aglow. Michael thought the strands looked like a glass of honey held to the light when the sun hit them just so.

“Good afternoon, Claire,” Michael said. “What a lovely dress.”

“Oh, hello, Michael,” she said, blinking down at herself. “Thank you.”

“It’s precisely the shade of Sylvia’s hair at the moment.”

She smiled. “It’s lightened since I saw her last, then. Would you care for some tea?”

“Of course.” He gave a cheeky grin. “You know I only come round for the biscuits.”

She shook her head, smiling as she poured Michael a cup.

“Well?” Michael asked, his eyebrow arched. “How was Sniveling Sheldon?”

Claire nearly choked on her tea. “Sniveling Sheldon, indeed.”

“Was he not?” He arched his eyebrows in question. “Perhaps he’s changed in the years since I last knew him.”