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However, Clara knew that she and Eleanor would never be friends. Once this was over, Eleanor might well hate her for the deceit. She might hate Gerald as well.

Before Clara could say anything else, Teddy came into the greenhouse and saw Gerald and Clara standing close together. A wide grin came over his face.

“I was right! You are getting married! I need to tell Emily.” He raced away immediately, while Clara was calling after him, raising her hand forlornly.

Gerald chuckled. Clara moved to the other side of the table, putting valuable distance between herself and Gerald. He seemed amused. Clearly this wasn’t taking as much of a toll on him as it was on her. The act of blurring fantasy with reality, and it was difficult to anchor her feelings in the latter when she had to convince other people of the former.

The sooner this was over, the better, she thought.

“Aren’t the minds of children wonderful things?” Gerald said.

“That’s certainly one word for it,” Clara replied.

Gerald perused the drawings again.

“I wonder if you would do something for me. Could you draw the flowers at Clemont Hall? Commissioned of course, and I would very much insist that you put your name to your drawings.”

Clara leaned forward a little, peering at him. “Is this just a token gesture to make up for all that you are asking of me?”

Gerald had a blank look on his face.

“Not at all. It’s something I have been meaning to do for a while, but I haven’t found a suitable artist, until now. I’m sure you will be able to capture the flowers quite beautifully.”

“Then I accept,” Clara said, appreciating that he valued her work. It would be nice to put her skills to good use as well. She’d had fewer commissions recently, and missed the work. Gerald bid her farewell as he continued his inspection of St. Margaret’s. When Clara returned to the house, she noticed that Emily was pouting. Clara chuckled to herself, thinking of a time long ago when she’d had a girlish infatuation. She’d grown out of it quickly, understanding that a fantasy of marrying her much older cousin was a foolish notion, one that befit a naïve girl. She was a naïve girl no longer.

There were certain notes that echoed through life, and it made Clara think about what Emily and the other children would be like in the future. She was determined to give them the best life possible.

Chapter Eight

“You are going to need to smile more if society is going to believe we are besotted with each other,” Gerald said.

A day had passed since their last conversation and Hyde Park stretched out behind them. Winding paths led in all directions, while the pleasant chatter of birds was audible in the air. Other people were alighting from their carriages, eager to enjoy the temperate air and the refreshing verdant scenery.

Clara turned to him and gave him the coldest smile she could muster. There was nothing but ice in her eyes, which made the expression a dark reflection of its usual nature. Gerald laughed in a carefree manner.

“That suggests you would prefer to be anywhere but here, and I can’t believe that is the case. Look around you! Why, I dare say there is no better place in the world. Observe the trees, so lush and ripe in their full season. Has there ever been anything greener? And the lake, still, like a mirror, until a boat slips across the surface, the oars cutting into the water. The clouds, fluffy, why, is that the shape of a ship I spy? And the birds, oh, those wonderful creatures who extend their wings and soar through the air. I’d wager you are the type to imagine you are a bird, thinking of yourself flying over London, able to settle wherever your whim takes you. It is a beautiful day, and you would smile like that? Poor, Clara, very poor.”

As Gerald spoke, he thrust out his arms emphatically and gesticulated to everything he referenced. His voice adopted a humorous, exaggerated tone, and Clara was unable to resist the temptation to laugh. The forced smile transformed immediately. It widened, and brightness sparkled in her eyes. A giggle burst out of her lips, and she folded her arms around her abdomen, holding herself together as she doubled over.

“That’s more like it. It is a sin to be moody on a day such as this. That is the smile I have been hoping to see,” he teased. Clara drew her gaze away, not wanting him to see the effect his words were having on her.

Thankfully, Agatha provided a welcome distraction as she berated the driver for not helping her down from the carriage properly. She dabbed her forehead and then encouraged Gerald and Clara to stride ahead.

“Don’t wait on my account,” Agatha replied. She had volunteered to be the chaperone that Alfred had insisted upon.

They strolled along the path in an amiable manner.

Clara had to admit that the scenery was wonderful. The monolithic grey landscape was pushed back in this pocket of greenery, the lush grass stretching out as far as the eye could see, framed by rows of trees. The spires of buildings poked out behind them, breaking the illusion, but it was easy enough to ignore.

They passed by the lake, and then turned onto a long avenue framed by tall trees. Shadows crisscrossed along the path, while the park stretched on either side of them. The sound of merry chatter greeted their ears. Other people were taking walks or having picnics. Behind her, Clara heard the roll of wheels as a carriage ran around the park.

They approached a group of three young ladies who were standing together holding parasols. Clara noticed the way they stared, their eyes soft when they looked at Gerald, but hard when they turned towards Clara.

“Good morning, Your Grace,” they cooed, smiling in an attempt to get his attention. Gerald smiled politely, but his attention did not waver from Clara. The women scowled as he passed without stopping, and Clara’s heart bloomed with pride.

“You are becoming adept at pretending,” she said.

“Hm?” he asked, then followed her gaze and turned his head to look at the women. “Oh, I hardly noticed they were there. I wanted to ask you about your drawings. How did you first discover your talent?”