Page 54
“Is this as you imagined it?” Gerald asked.
Clara took a moment to look around. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, fanning herself against the heat. The flower arrangements were being erected, while long ribbons and banners were stretching across the ceiling.
“I daresay it’s even better,” Clara said, smiling with approval at the way the decorations were taking shape.
“I’m sure it will put everyone in a generous mood.”
“I hope so. It is not easy to ask everyone for money, but it is necessary.”
“The people who attend these galas are always keen to spend money on good causes. What’s the use of hoarding money? You cannot do anything with it. Much better to know you are having a positive impact on the world, and I’m sure the children’s presence will go some way to helping influence people. I simply wish I knew what surprise Grandmother has arranged. Has she told you anything?”
“No, and nor have the children.”
“They take secrecy very seriously. If Grandmother made them promise to keep this a surprise, they will not tell us.”
“Then the only thing we can do is wait to see what they have planned.”
“And that’s what worries me.” Clara put her hands on her hips and sighed a little.
Gerald grinned. “There’s no need to catastrophize things, Clara. Agatha might have her odd moments, but she possesses a kind heart and I don’t believe she would do anything to harm the prospects of St. Margaret’s.”
“Perhaps you are right. I only worry because so much depends on this gala.”
Gerald’s grin softened into a reassuring smile. “There are many good-hearted people in London, and I can’t imagine anyone with a good conscience would want St. Margaret’s to fail. They will come to the gala with the intention of donating money. The only question left is to decide how much they will donate,” he said.
Clara exhaled deeply and smiled.
“Yes, you are right of course. I shouldn’t feel such trepidation. It’s silly of me.”
“It merely shows that you care a great deal, which is only to be expected. I only remain unconcerned because I know who is attending the gala. It will all be fine, and everyone will be amazed by the decorations. You have done a fine job.”
Clara’s cheeks warmed at the praise. “Thank you again for providing the flowers. It wouldn’t look this good without your generosity.”
“As always, it’s my pleasure,” he said. Silence fell upon them. Clara stared at him. Something had been weighing on her mind. There were a few maids and servants working to hang the decorations, but Eleanor was not present. Clara lowered her voice as she stepped closer to Gerald, although she made certain that she did not step too close, as the air always prickled and it became harder to concentrate.
“I spoke with Eleanor yesterday when I helped her choose a gown.”
“Yes, she said she was thrilled with the gown you picked.”
“I’m sure she will look beautiful. However, I fear that she has become fully invested in our relationship. When talking to her she is of the opinion that a marriage is inevitable, and she even calls us an inspiration. I fear that when the truth is revealed, she will grow bitter and resentful, and see it as a personal insult. She possesses such a good heart I hate to think that she could ever feel this way about you or me. I just wanted to warn you, in case you should be taken aback by her reaction.”
A pensive look came upon Gerald’s face. He pursed his lips and bowed his head.
“It has been on my mind. I’m fully aware that Eleanor has been enthusiastic about this recent development, and of course she has had no cause to think it anything other than genuine. In truth, I have been considering the same matter with your parents. I hope that they will not think ill of you. Of course, you do not need to tell them the truth. You could simply say that I broke off the engagement, and I would be the enemy.”
A smile flickered upon Clara’s face at the offer to fall on his sword, but that was something she could not accept.
“I have lied to them enough already. It is better that they know the truth. While they will be upset at first, I am sure that it will cool. They have the maturity of years behind them, something that Eleanor does not yet possess.”
“No, and that is something that has been on my mind from the beginning. It is unavoidable, I’m afraid. However, if she does find a suitor before the season’s end, then I think it is worth it. I will have to let her be angry at me for as long as her feelings persist.”
“You must try to make her understand that you did this for her.”
“I’m not sure she will accept that explanation. I am used to making sacrifices, Clara. This is just another in a long line of them. As long as Eleanor gets what she needs, I will be able to live with what I have done.”
Clara brought her hands together and squeezed her fingertips. When this had all begun, she thought Gerald selfish and rude, asking something entirely unconscionable of her.
However, now that she understood him better, she could see this decision had been made out of love, love for Eleanor. It was unconventional, certainly, but he had been driven to desperation, searching for a way to help her find a suitor rather than overshadow her.
