Rescued By A Viscount(19)

He hadn’t said anything, but she felt the intensity of Simon’s gaze sharpen on her face as Eva spoke. Whereas before he’d been listening with one ear while his mind had seemed to wander, as most men’s did when women gossiped, now he was focused fully on the conversation she and the duchess were having.

“I had not realized I looked so haggard.” Claire tried not to make the words sound shrill, yet they did, anyway. She suddenly felt panicked. First Simon and Mathew, now Daniel. Had anyone else seen the smudges and yawns?

“Now, darling, you know that’s not true–it is simply that Daniel knows you better than most and was concerned.”

Claire felt small for her peevish behavior. She took the hand Eva held out towards her and squeezed it briefly.

“I’m sorry, and, yes, I have been a bit weary. Perhaps the break is just what I need. However I will need to ask mother first–”

“Ask mother what?” Lady Belmont sailed across the room. She wore her favorite color of blue, and her hair was immaculately arranged. As usual, she presented an elegant picture. Her smile widened as she saw Georgia. “Give me that baby at once!”

“The duke and duchess are going to the country for a few days and wished my company on their travels, Mother.” Claire realized she really wanted this break–nay, needed it.

Lady Belmont picked up Georgia and took the seat beside Simon as Claire poured her tea. “We have just received an invitation for the Botheringham house party, which is in three weeks, so perhaps a break now will do you good, Daughter. I think you should go with them and this delightful child.”

Claire felt her heart sink to her toes. House parties were horrible for her because if she was having a sleepless night, she was confined to her room in case other guests came across her wandering the halls in the early hours of the morning.

“We are all going to the Botheringhams’, aren’t we, Simon?” Eva said. “Lady Botheringham has asked that I bring Georgia, too.”

“I can hardly contain my excitement,” Simon drawled, looking at Claire.

Why, after so long in his acquaintance, was she struggling to find her usual poise? Because he saw you in that lane and he suspects something, although he’s not sure what. Suddenly, she felt exposed and vulnerable.

There was only one way to deter Simon and his suspicions, and that was to throw him off the scent. To do that, Claire needed to do what she always had. Provoke and challenge him, make him think of something other than seeing her in that lane.

“Of course you can barely contain your excitement, Lord Kelkirk–there will be everything you love at that house party.”

Simon uncrossed his knees and braced his hands on them, giving her his undivided attention. Grey eyes fixed on her face, he said, “And what do I love, Claire?”

Me. Claire had no idea where that thought came from and quickly banished it as ridiculous. “Flirtations, food, and attention.”

Eva and her mother laughed, as she had meant them to.

“You think you know me so well, Miss Belmont?”

He was smiling, yet his eyes were still serious, and Claire realized that, in all honesty, she didn’t know much about him other than what she saw when he was in public. She knew he was the most loyal of friends to Eva and Daniel, and that he would protect both of them and their daughter with whatever means it took, but what else was there to this man?

“Of course.” Claire forced a laugh. “Have I not witnessed your behavior almost nightly for the past few years?”

More laughter, but not from him. He just gave her a gentle smile. “I hope there is a bit more substance to me than that.”

“Of course there is, Simon,” Eva soothed. “You are the most wonderful man I know besides my husband. Some woman will be extremely lucky to have you as her husband one day.”

“Thank you, darling, and I assure you that you are first equal in my affections, also,” he drawled.

“And who is the other lucky recipient of your adoration, Lord Kelkirk?” Claire held her breath as she waited for his answer. It wouldn’t be her, obviously, but the thought of another woman holding his affections did not sit well, for some foolish reason.

“My aunt,” he said with a knowing smile, almost as if he had guessed her thoughts.

“It is time you married, my lord. Perhaps I may offer a few suggestions to you?”

“Mother, I don’t think–”

Simon held up one hand towards her. “I would love to hear your mother’s suggestions, Claire. After all, I am not getting any younger, and she is a woman of great sense and discerning tastes…unlike her daughter.”