Rescued By A Viscount(25)

She would need to look her best, and to do that, she would need a great deal of time and careful application of face powders and such. Summoning her maid, Claire set to work. An hour later, she studied her reflection in the mirror and knew she looked as good as she could, considering the shadows beneath her eyes. Her dress was peach silk, cut wide at the neck, and rested on her shoulders, displaying more of her chest than she normally showed. The sleeves were short and fitted, as was the bodice, and a thin, matching ribbon banded tightly beneath her breasts. The skirts were light and fine and danced around her legs as she walked. Any other evening, she would simply enjoy wearing this beautiful dress, however tonight it would provide the armor she required to draw attention away from her face. Her hair was soft, with long curls teased to lie on her shoulders. She wore a gold bracelet and thin necklace but no other jewels. She had no wish to wear anything her family had given her.

She presented herself in the hallway at the time her brother stated.

“You look lovely, dear.”

Claire just nodded to her mother, who also looked lovely. Her deep rose dress was offset with rubies at her neck. Mathew looked nothing like the man who had paced around her room an hour ago. He, too, was dressed elegantly, with a waistcoat of emerald and ivory satin, a fitted black jacket, and white evening trousers.

“Claire, we must talk more about this–”

“There is a child of our blood who needs us, and you and Mathew have turned your backs on it, Mother. What more is there to say?” Damn, she had been determined not to discuss this again tonight.

“Do not use that tone with your mother, Claire.” Mathew took her arm as he spoke.

She had to try once more to reason with him. “I’m sorry, Mathew, more sorry than I can say if Anthony and I hurt you with our closeness but surely-”

“Leave it alone, Claire.”

Mathew’s words were a low growl, but she was not deterred. She had to plead with him to send someone to Liverpool, before she was forced to take action herself.

“I’m begging you to send someone to Liverpool, Mathew-”

“Be quiet!” The roared words echoed through the hallway. “Not one more word do you hear me?”

His fingers bit into her arm as he spoke, but she shook him free as anger flooded through her once more. “Go to hell.”

Ignoring her mother’s outraged gasp, Claire sailed out the front door, where Plimley awaited with an umbrella. She gave him a brief smile and then walked with him to the carriage. “Thank you, Plimley.”

He knew better than to comment upon what he had just witnessed; after all, he was the family butler. Indeed, all he said was, “Enjoy your evening, Miss Belmont.”

Claire swallowed the swell of hysterical laughter. There would be no enjoyment tonight; the evening would be an exercise in survival and nothing more. She would smile, talk, and dance, then she would return to her room and work through her plan once more.

“Claire, I cannot believe you spoke to your brother in such an insulting manner. It is not like you to be so vulgar. Mathew is simply trying to do what is best for the family,” Lady Belmont said as they entered the carriage.

“You are as much a coward as your son, Mother, and I have no wish to discuss this further. And I will not apologize for saying what I did. It is obvious I have no hand in any decision that is to be made about Anthony’s child. Therefore, please do not bring the matter up again.”

“Claire–”

“Leave it, Mother. Perhaps one day she will grow up,” Mathew said.

Clenching her hands into fists, Claire forced her nails into the palms of her hands. It wasn’t overly painful, as she was wearing gloves, but the small sting helped her to focus. Nothing further would be gained by continuing this discussion with either her mother or Mathew. Therefore her best course of action was to keep quiet. Thankfully, her mother followed her lead. However Claire could feel her eyes on the back of her head as she stared out the window until they reached their destination.

The Belmonts walked into the ball with smiles on their faces. If anyone had looked closely, they would have seen the strain on each, yet no one looked closely; the façade was all that mattered on occasions such as these. There was too much noise for meaningful conversation.

“I shall be with my friends.”

Claire ignored her mother but heard Mathew murmur something she did not catch. Walking with no destination in mind, Claire hoped she could find someone to sit with who was as far away from her family as possible.

Chairs were set in rows before the stage, where a piano awaited a player. Behind it were a large vase of flowers, several candelabras, and a black curtain. The night would be long, but at least she could sit quietly for most of it and pretend to listen to whomever performed.