marriage. But surely, Giles would never be happy with a wife whose heart was given elsewhere.”
“And Rainsborough has your heart?”
“Oh, yes, Papa.”
Lord Howland cleared his throat nervously and looked around the room as though searching for something. Finally he found it: a celadon vase on the mantel. He fixed his gaze upon it as though he had never seen it before as he haltingly addressed his daughter.
“You know, Clare, your mother and I were completely unprepared for you. We were older than the usual parents when we had you, and are positively ancient now,” he said with a rueful smile, as he ran his hand over his thinning white hair. “I always worried that you might feel ... I don’t know ... anyway, that is why we sent you to Whitton. So you could experience a more normal family life.”
“Yes, I know that, Papa, and I am grateful.”
“I would not like to think you are throwing away the steady warmth of affection for the fireworks of ... uh ... passion, Clare. Especially if you might have felt your parents lacking ... in ... Oh, damn it,” said the marquess, turning toward his daughter at last. “Your mother and I love you, child, even though we have probably done a poor job of showing it. We were out of practice, you see,” he added, with a sad smile.
Clare’s eyes shone with unshed tears. “Oh, Papa, of course I know you loved me.”
“Of course, but you were a lonely, quiet little thing.”
Clare laughed shakily.
“And look how you have grown into a very beautiful young woman. It is no wonder Rainsborough is in love with you.” Lord Howland cleared his throat. “If you are happy, then your mother and I are.”
“I am, Papa,” said Clare softly.
“But there are Giles’s feelings to consider. He cannot find out about your betrothal through the Times. You must tell him yourself.”
“Yes, Papa.”
“And I hope you are right that it is only the affection of old friends that both of you feel.”
Chapter Four
“Won’t you be joining me in the park this morning?” Sabrina asked her brother as he came down for breakfast. Giles was not dressed for riding and he looked tired, as though he had not slept well at all.
He smiled at her apologetically. “Not today, Sabrina. I have an errand and a visit to make. You will be pleased with me, I think,” he added with a mischievous smile. “The errand is to Rundell and Bridge’s and the call to the Dysarts."
Sabrina sighed with relief. “I am glad that you are at last taking some action, Giles. I noticed when Rainsborough and Clare went out to the garden last night. And when they came back.”
Giles’s face became serious. “As did I. That is when I decided I couldn’t wait any longer. Rainsborough is a thoroughly charming man. I would like to say villain, but he seems to be above reproach, both in background and behavior. But he is so damnably handsome and so attentive.”
“But what is between you and Clare is deep and longstanding, Giles.”
“I notice you didn’t say, ‘But you are ever so much more good-looking, Giles.’’’
“You are quite a handsome man, my dear brother,” said Sabrina. “But even a loyal sister must admit that any woman might be affected by Rainsborough’s appearance.”
Giles groaned.
“Clare is not the superficial sort, Giles. I am sure she is just enjoying her triumph. After all, it has quite made her Season. Nevertheless, I am glad you are going to speak at last.”
* * * *
Giles had long ago picked out a betrothal gift. It was a simple pendant set with a deep purple amethyst to bring out the violet in Clare’s eyes, and just the right length to nestle in the hollow of her throat. He had had it set aside for him at the beginning of the Season when he first saw it. It felt good to be standing there, watching the jeweler wrap it for him, knowing that Clare would soon be wearing it.
He had thought to do the correct thing and speak to the marquess first, but his lordship