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Clara swallowed a lump in her throat. It felt as hard as a stone. So he did think it was a mistake, then. When he said it would never happen again, she imagined it was how a prisoner must feel when led to a dungeon, wrapping weak fingers around cold iron bars, knowing that nothing would ever change. She had allowed herself to believe in the impossible, and it was time to regain control and composure.

Clara flicked her hair back and clasped her hands.

“I appreciate the apology, but there was really no need to address the situation. The maze was a straining experience, and we must put it behind us. As far as I’m concerned, it never happened, and no rules were broken,” she said.

The rules might not have been broken. Her composure was another thing entirely. And her heart was allowed no voice in the matter.

Chapter Fifteen

Clara was sitting at home one afternoon when she received a caller. Her heart spiked at the thought it might be Gerald, although she was dismayed when Sir Lionel Mercer was announced.

Alfred welcomed him in, beaming. Sir Lionel bowed his head and took Clara’s hand, pressing his lips to the back of her palm. His silky hair fell across his cheeks. Clara almost wished her heart was swept away by him, but his sight provoked nothing of the kind, and again she could only see the absence of Gerald rather than the presence of Sir Lionel.

“Miss Sterling, I trust I find you well?” he asked.

“Well enough, Sir Lionel. And yourself?” she replied.

“I am in good spirits. It is a fine time of year. It was unfortunate that you could not attend the lecture with me. It was most fascinating. I hoped that we might be able to spend some time together and I could share all that I learned.”

“Do you have an event in mind?” Clara asked.

“As a matter of fact, I do. I am hosting a musicale next week, and I would be honored if you would join. I will ensure that you may choose when you play the pianoforte, if you so wish.”

Clara thought about the invitation, but when she didn’t offer a response, Alfred interrupted.

“Forgive me, Sir Lionel, but do you mind if I have a moment with my daughter?” Alfred said, reaching for Clara and taking her hand. Sir Lionel inclined his head and directed his attention in another direction, while Alfred gently pulled Clara to the far side of the room, speaking low to prevent Sir Lionel from overhearing.

“Clara, before you respond, I think you should accept the invitation,” Alfred whispered.

“You do?” Clara responded at the same volume. “But I thought you were in favor of Gerald.”

“I was. I am. But a proposal has not been forthcoming. The man hasn’t even mentioned marriage! For how long are you prepared to wait? I hoped that when he encountered Sir Lionel last time it might have spurred him into making a swifter decision. Frankly, I don’t know why he’s dragging his heels. If he has no intention of marrying you, then he should step aside. Sir Lionel has made no secret of his desire, and I do not believe he should be rebuffed. We have an opportunity here, Clara, an opportunity that will not remain forever.”

Clara pressed her lips together and inclined her head.

“I appreciate your thoughts, Father, and I will keep them in mind,” she replied coolly, although she had already decided what her response would be. Clara returned to her seat and tilted her head to the said, wearing a polite smile.

“First of all I am flattered that you would seek my company again. At any other time I would be honored to accept, but unfortunately, I must decline. It has no bearing on you, Sir Lionel. You are a fine man, but I must be honest and state that my feelings are directed towards the Duke of Clemont. I must be true to them, and I would not seek to dishonor you by giving you a futile hope. Your time would be better served pursuing an available woman.”

“I see,” Sir Lionel straightened his tie and took a deep breath. “I appreciate your honesty, Miss Sterling, and I wish you all the luck in the world. I look forward to our paths crossing again,” he said, bowing to her and then to Alfred. He accepted the matter with good grace and left the room, leaving Alfred agog.

“Clara, did you not hear a word I said?”

“I heard everything, Father.”

“Then why did you not agree to the invitation?”

“Because I do not think it proper for me to accept an invitation from him when I am being courted by another gentleman. Besides, it is not fair to Sir Lionel for him to pursue a losing cause,” Clara said.

If Sir Lionel had inspired anything like the intensity Gerald caused, then things might well have been different. But three times she had encountered Sir Lionel now, and three times she had compared him unfavorably to Gerald.

Alfred sighed and clasped his hands together.

“I hope you know what you’re doing, Clara.”

“You have always trusted my judgment before, father. I don’t know why you would doubt me now,” she said, the irony of the words tasting bitter on her tongue.

Alfred rarely lost his temper. In fact, she could count the number of the occasions on one hand. She was certain that he would lose control of it this time, though. Like everything else, Clara would simply have to bear it.