Page 100 of Claim Me

I refused to go ahead without her, finally parting with her only once we were back inside and in the sight of security.

As we approached the cake, my grandmother scrambled toward me. “We’ve been looking for you.” Her eyes darted to Edward. “We couldn’t find you.”

I took her gently by the shoulders worried by her disheveled appearance. I’d seen her when she and Henry had arrived, but now she looked ill. A thin sheen of sweat covered her brow and she clutched my arm.

“Why don’t you watch?” I suggested. “We’ll get you a chair.”

“Yes, a chair.” She pointed at Edward, handing off the task.

I heard him muttering something about getting punished for not shagging inside the V&A under his breath as he left.

“I need to talk to you,” she said. “It’s very important, I think.”

“We will,” I promised her, slightly unnerved. Glancing around I looked for Henry. “Let’s find Henry to sit with you while we cut the cake.”

“No! I need to speak with you now. I can feel it.”

“Mother?” Henry studied her with concern. “Are you quite alright?”

She released her hold on me, seeming to calm a little when she saw him. “Yes, I’m going to sit down.”

“That’s good.” He patted her hand. “Then we’ll have cake.”

She smiled, lifting one gloved hand to wipe her forehead. “Yes, cake.”

Edward reappeared with the chair and we placed it near the cake table.

“What was that about?” he muttered.

“I think she’s confused. Henry told me she’s been having difficulty with her memory.” It was something to look into. I didn’t want to be the one to tell her she had to stay home from the parties in the future, but if they were overwhelming her…

Sarah was waiting by the table cake server in hand and a sour expression on her face. “Can we do this? People are threatening to riot.”

“You don’t want me to make a speech like Dad used to?” I asked innocently.

She rolled her eyes, reminding me of all the birthdays we’d had before. “No, I—”

But her words were cut off as all hell broke loose.

Chapter 29

Clara

I sat down with Belle, taking my time, uncertain what to expect. But most of me was still numb—except my heart. It ached with fullness. My best friend regarded me with amusement, but kept her comments to herself in front of Smith.

I was sure she wouldn’t afford me that courtesy later. I expected her to drag me off to the bathroom so she could pressure me for details. But what had happened with Alexander was ours alone. I’d never been one to kiss and tell. Once I’d met him, it had been unnecessary, since what he’d done to me was written all over my face.

I felt it there now, warming my cheeks. I felt it other places, too.

Across the room, he joined his brother and sister to cut the cake. It was difficult to process that this was my family—this was my life. He’d given it to me and he’d never allow anyone to take it away.

They laughed, and I wondered at the private joke, thrilling to see them coming together. They were—

A shout cut across the room and then another. I stood as a chair was knocked over.

“Clara,” Belle called, but I was already heading to the cake table. The crowd had moved in front of me, blocking my view. When I reached it, forcing my way gracelessly through the people gathered around to help. I found Edward and Alexander on their knees. Alexander’s hands were on Mary’s chest, pumping life into her with so much force I heard a rib crack. Next to him, Edward was calling orders.

Looking up, I saw Sarah standing behind the cake, holding her mouth. It felt as though my body was floating up, detached from the scene before me. I acted on pure instinct. Moving to her, I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and dragged her away.