Sweet Awakening by Marjorie Farrell Read Free Book Online

you and Giles would make a match by the end of the Season. Either of these young men would make you a fine husband, I am sure, but you have known Giles for so long, Clare, and I thought there was a deep affection there.”
    “There is, Mama,” Clare replied quietly. “Giles and I are good friends, and I hope will remain so. Had I never met Justin, I am sure I would have lived very happily as Giles’s wife. But now that I have, I cannot imagine marryinganyone else. I am aware now that I could not give Giles the same kind of love that I bring Justin.”
    “You know your own heart best, Clare,” said her mother. “Your father and I see no real reason to refuse Lord Rainsborough. I will tell Maurice to send the earl in.”
    Shortly after her mother left, the butler admitted Justin and closed the door behind him.
    The earl ran his hand through his hair and looking over at Clare, gave her a charmingly boyish grin. “I think I survived the ordeal. I hope you still want me, Clare.”
    The thread of insecurity in his voice was genuine, and again, his vulnerability touched Clare deeply. As she rose to go to him, he approached her quickly and said, “No, I should do this properly,” and bending over her hand, lifted it to his lips and kissed it.
    “Lady Clare Dysart, I love you with all my heart. Will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”
    No one, not even Giles, had ever declared his love for her. Clare was so moved that she couldn’t speak, but only nod her consent.
    “You do love me, Clare?”
    “Oh, Justin, yes, yes. More than anyone in the world.”
    He pulled her up by the hand and enfolded her in a tender embrace. After a few minutes he released her, and bending down, teased her lips with his. Their response to one another was as immediate as the first time. The kiss might well have gone on for hours, but they both finally heard Lord Howland's not so subtle cough at the door and broke apart from one another.
    “Well, I can see we had better schedule a wedding date soon,” said the marquess with a smile.
    “The sooner the better, sir,” said Justin, recovering his dignity. “I hope the betrothal notice can go in immediately. I want everyone to know that Lady Clare is mine,” he added, gazing down at her with such loving possessiveness that Clare could have melted at his feet.
    “I will send the notice to the Times tomorrow, my lord,” agreed her father. “And we will see you tonight at the Farnham ball?” he added, subtly dismissing Justin.
    “Yes. Of course.”
    “It will be difficult, I am sure, but you will not make yourselves obvious or a subject for gossip, I trust.” Lord Howland made it as a simple statement, but both Clare and Justin heard it as the command it was.
    “No, sir. I will treat Clare no differently than I have been.”
    “Humph. That has caused comment enough,” said the marquess with a smile. “Good day to you, Rainsborough.”
    “Good day, my lord. And thank you.” Justin gave Clare a humorous longing look from behind her father’s back as he left.
    “Sit down, Clare.” Her father put his hands behind his back and looked down at his daughter. “I know that your mother has talked to you and she says you are absolutely sure that Rainsborough is the one.”
    “Yes, Father. I love him very much.”
    “And what of Giles? The boy has loved you for years, and your betrothal has been taken for granted by our two families.”
    “But it was never formal, Papa,” Clare protested. “Oh, I know, you and the Whittons expected it. I expected it,” she continued with some wonder in her voice at how her life had taken a direction she never could have foreseen. “But Giles and I only love each other as good friends, after all.”
    “That is an excellent basis for marriage, Clare.”
    Clare could not imagine speaking openly about passion, especially to her father. “I know, Papa. And as I told Mama, had I never met Justin, I am sure Giles and I would have had a good