Claudia. Minutes had trickled into hours that night, and the opportunity to approach her never arose. It seemed the lady had purposely avoided him and still did all these days later. He should be pleased. Having her near only complicated his life. Still, he could not stop his mind from conjuring memories of her, nor could he stop his body’s traitorous reaction every time he saw her. She caused his blood to race and his heart to ache. More than once, he saw hurt and anger in her eyes. The knowledge that he had put it there weighed heavy on him.
Now, with the house party almost at an end, he felt more compelled than ever to speak with her. He could not return to London without explaining himself and repairing the damage caused by his hasty kisses. Claudia deserved to know why he refused her. He simply could not leave things as they were.
Most of the party was out this morning hunting or enjoying other activities. This would be the perfect opportunity for him to find himself in Claudia’s company. He made his way to the parlor where a servant had informed him he might find Lady Wexil and Duchess Abernathy. Claudia spent a great deal of time with the ladies, making it likely she too would appear in the room. And if she did not…
“Henry,” Jane called from behind.
He turned to find her rushing after him. The last thing he needed at this particular moment was to have his sister waylaying his plans. He looked back toward the parlor, anxious to be on his way.
Jane came to a stop next to him. “I have been searching all over for you. I was just about to cease looking when I spotted you.”
“And what is the emergency?” He arched a brow, pretending nonchalance.
“It is only that we will be returning to London soon and you have yet to take me riding into the village. I thought perhaps we could go now. That is if I could find you and it seems I have.” She implored him with a sweet, sisterly grin.
He glanced back down the hall not at all sure how to proceed. It would be his luck that Jane had also stayed in, and he had indeed promised to take her shopping. He could not very well tell her he was on his way to see Claudia. Doing so would unleash a barrage of unpleasantness. He settled his attention back on Jane. “Oh, very well. Go change then, meet me in the entry hall.”
“I will not be long.”
He waited for her to disappear around the corner before continuing to the parlor.
Lady Wexil was seated upon a wingback chair when he entered the room. He glanced from her to her companion, the duchess. Duchess Abernathy was an old friend, she would forgive him for being forward, but would Lady Wexil? He steeled himself before clearing his throat and offering a bow. “Your Grace, Lady Wexil.”
“Lord Shillington, do come have a seat.” The duchess sat her cross-stitching aside and faced him with a pleasant continence. “Whatever are you doing here when all of the other gentlemen are out shooting?”
He settled onto a nearby brocade-covered chaise. “I returned early and was rather hoping for a moment of Lady Wexil’s time.” Would she refuse to assist him? What if she did? His throat tightened. Perhaps she would find his request vulgar. After all, he had no right to be alone with Claudia. The very notion was scandalous, a fact he well understood.
Lady Wexil turned to face him more fully. “Go on. You have my attention.”
“It is a lovely day.” He attempted small talk as he searched for the courage to break convention.
The duchess waved her fan, a knowing glint in her eyes. “Surely you did not seek our hostess out to discuss the weather.”
“You are quite right. I came to discuss…to ask...” Why did he find it so bloody difficult to get the words out? His palms became sweaty and his cravat seemed to be growing tighter by the second. He glanced at his boots not sure how to proceed.
“Do go on,” Lady Wexil prodded.
“I was hoping you might be convinced to--”
“Good day, Your Grace.