Page 60

“Is tonight the night? Please say that tonight is the night? It would be so romantic,” Eleanor said, sidling up to him.

“The night for what?” Gerald asked.

Eleanor playfully hit his arm. “You know what, the proposal! It would only seem right. You could secure St. Margaret’s future, and then your own. There’s a certain poetry to it that is irresistible.”

“Eleanor, tonight is about the orphanage, not myself. Do you truly think I would be selfish enough to take the attention away?”

“Everyone is here. We would all celebrate,” Eleanor said.

Gerald knew he wasn’t going to be able to dissuade her, so he made an excuse that he needed to check on Duke and left, feeling a little hot under the collar.

After a period of music, and just after everyone had eaten, donations were received. Servants moved around the room, collecting letters of intent and cheques. Gerald was happy to see that everyone was putting their hands into their pockets, and he imagined Clara would be pleased.

He’d barely seen her all night, and the pain knifed through him. It was her night, of course, but in a way it felt like their night. He thought they ought to be together, yet they were parted.

Was this fate’s way of showing him the life that awaited him?

Was the universe telling him that he had to get used to this state of being?

If so, he wanted to rail against it. He didn’t like it, oh no, he did not like it at all. The taste was bitter on his tongue, and it was ill-fitting to be alone. At one point, something was thrust into his hands. He wasn’t sure what it was at first, for it was too big to be a cheque. He looked down, and his heart softened.

It was one of Sophia’s drawings, depicting the six of them together in the house. Gerald and Clara were standing near the fireplace, with the children at their feet. It was a tender domestic scene that warmed Gerald’s heart. For years he had never considered anything like this to become a part of his life, but as he stared at the picture, he wasn’t sure he could live without it.

The scene came alive in his mind. He heard the children’s laughter and saw the glee in their faces. They were so happy it seemed impossible that they had ever known any suffering, and that was all due to Clara. She had given them something to live for, and in many ways she had given Gerald something to live for as well.

He folded up the drawing and placed it in his inner pocket, unwilling to let it go just yet.

Lord Ashcombe clinked his glass and strode into the middle of the ballroom as the music grew quiet.

“For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Lord Ashcombe, one of the trustees of St. Margaret’s house. I would just like to say a few words. First of all, I would like to thank the Duke of Clemont for offering his home to us tonight,” he said, gesturing to Gerald, who raised his hand and inclined his head. “Then I would like to give a special thank you to the children, who gave us a wonderful performance that I’m sure will live in our hearts for a long time,” again, he paused for applause. “I would like to thank all of you not only for your generosity, but for your presence here. It is humbling to see how many people care about St. Margaret’s, and we are all ever so grateful that you chose to spend tonight with us. But lastly, and most importantly, I would like to offer special thanks to two women who are synonymous with St. Margaret’s. Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Stonewood, and Miss Clara Sterling, you two have been indefatigable in your efforts to maintain St. Margaret’s. We are all blessed to have you with us, and long may it continue.”

There were cries of ‘hear, hear’ and lots more applause. The crowd parted, revealing Clara to Gerald’s vision, and he was quite certain she had never been more beautiful.

Lord Ashcombe waited for the applause to die down before he made his next announcement.

“Although we need time to make a thorough count of all your donations, from a cursory glance it appears as though you have exceeded all our expectations. It will usher in a new era of prosperity for St. Margaret’s, and I am humbled by the amount we’ve raised. Sometimes when we put our time and effort into a cause we can never be sure how worthy it is, but tonight you have all shown that you share this passion with us, and I can assure you that the children who performed for you today and many more in the future will all benefit from your generosity. You have made a huge difference, and I hope that you can carry our gratitude with you forever.”

His words were met with ferocious applause. It was all directed---and rightly so---towards Clara. Gerald could only feel privileged to watch her shine.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Relief washed over Clara’s heart. The applause thundered around her. Agatha squeezed her tightly. Clara wasn’t entirely sure where to look.

“Miss Sterling, please, would you come up and say a few words?” Lord Ashcombe invited her, and she could hardly decline. Clara pinched her dress and joined Lord Ashcombe, turning to face everyone. There was only one face that truly mattered to her though. Even with this many people gathered in one place she was still drawn to Gerald. He loomed larger than all the others, and she had to make a concerted effort to not stare at him.

“First of all I would like to echo Lord Ashcombe’s gratitude. We are so touched by your generosity. It’s something we at St. Margaret’s shall never forget. I remember when I first learned of my grandmother’s involvement in St. Margaret’s. When I walked through the doors I had a feeling that I was home, although I could not anticipate how much of a role it would play in my life. I am proud to help these children, and after tonight you should all feel proud as well because you have played a part in ensuring their future.

If I may get serious for a moment, we must think about the children who have not yet arrived at St. Margaret’s. They are suffering all over London as we speak, and we must endeavor to take care of them. No child should ever feel they are alone.

Before I step away, I must make a personal thank you to the Duke of Clemont, who has honored his grandmother’s legacy.”

As she spoke these last words, Clara inclined her head and stared at Gerald. People turned to applaud him. He gave a deferential wave of the hand. It was a pleasant sentiment to end their association, she thought. With the future of the orphanage secured, the season would soon be over, and there would be no more need for this pretense.

With people’s attention on Gerald, Clara slipped away. She escaped through a side door and stood on the terrace, enjoying the cool air against her cheeks. Her jaws ached from smiling and talking so much. She was glad for the silence. Tilting her head back, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply, telling herself that she was ready to let everything go.

The door opened.

The footsteps she heard were familiar. She would have known them anywhere. They made her heart skip a beat.