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Chapter Four

Clara gazed at the clock and listened to each second ticking away. He would arrive soon enough, and then she would learn the details of the arrangement to which she had reluctantly agreed.

“His Grace, the Duke of Clemont,” a servant announced. Clara rose and offered a small curtsey, which was so shallow and swift it might as well have been an insult. The duke entered, looking tall and regal.

“Miss Sterling, it is a pleasure to see you again,” he said, clutching the lapel of his jacket with his right hand.

“I have arranged for some refreshments to be sent to the library. I thought it best if we have somewhere quiet and private.”

“That would be wonderful. After you,” he said, inviting Clara to led the way. She walked in front of him and made a point to turn her head, showing him her cheek and then her back. She clasped her hands in front of her stomach and strode quickly through the house, wanting to make sure he realized that he wasn’t going to make any concessions for him.

They entered the library, a small room where the walls were packed with books. In the middle of the room stood a round table with ornate legs sweeping beneath it. Plush, cushioned chairs were positioned around the table. In the table were drawers holding packs of cards and cribbage boards. One near Gerald was ajar, and he peered inside.

“We could have a game, if you like. If I win, you could help the children’s home without asking this of me,” Clara said, confident of her chances. She had been taught all manner of games since she was young, from draughts to some of the less reputable gentlemen’s gambling games.

She hoped he might wish to prove his superiority. Clara had shamed men before who did not believe she posed any challenge, leaving them red-faced and embarrassed. While she knew that Gerald did not have any cause to accept her challenge given that he had what he wanted, she thought she ought to try. Edmund had always taught her to take a chance; after all, there was never any knowing what might happen.

However, Gerald shut the drawer firmly.

“I am not a gambling man,” he said.

The maid, who had been standing beside the door, poured the tea and then stepped back, disappearing into the scenery.

“You told me you do not like lying, and yet you would have us pretend some sort of affection?” Clara asked.

“There are degrees, and sometimes lying is required, depending on what promises are made. This is not a malicious lie.”

“Then why lie at all?”

“I have my reasons, and they shall remain nameless. You have what you wanted, my full support for St. Margaret’s. In turn, I require your help and discretion. If that is too high a price to pay, then-”

“Then you would walk away, yes. Leaving those poor children to fend for themselves. I hope you will not be offended if I am candid with you, but I find this behavior most dishonorable and, frankly, rude.”

“And you are within your rights to do so, but I see it as an opportunity, Miss Sterling. I know you do not believe me, but I am not wholly concerned with myself.”

Clara rolled her eyes and snapped a biscuit in two, putting half in her mouth. The ginger taste didn’t do anything to soothe her ire.

“We must have clear rules if we are to mislead the ton without creating any misunderstandings. I do not wish to encroach upon your virtue; I want to make that clear.”

“Certainly not!” Clara said, almost dropping the other half of her biscuit.

“Perhaps I have made a mistaken assumption. Are you currently being courted?”

Clara paused, her brow tightening. “No,” she said coldly.

“Then there should be no obstacle.”

“None other than decorum, but I suppose that shall have to go out the window for the moment.”

He pressed his lips together. “This will be a smoother process without your constant jibes. I understand that you may think this deplorable of me, but it only needs to last a short time. A small sacrifice on your part to ensure the longevity of St. Margaret’s. I do not think it is too high a price to pay.”

Clara folded her arms across her chest and regarded him coolly.

“I’m not sure you have thought this through at all, but I suppose you are right. St. Margaret’s is what’s important here, so I shall not make this process too difficult.”

“Good, because the ton will hardly be convinced if we are bickering all the time”

“Thankfully I have picked up some stratagems from my aunt, Juliet, although I’m sure I shall have to outdo any of her performances,” Clara said, unable to resist another jibe. He looked unsatisfied by this and arched an eyebrow. Clara raised her hands and took a heavy breath. This was going to be more difficult than she thought.