Rescued By A Viscount(64)

The woman was dressed elegantly in a high-necked emerald gown. Her grey hair was pulled into a soft knot on top of her head. The man, too, was dressed immaculately and it was he who saw them first.

“Simon!”

The delight on their faces as they saw their nephew was genuine and quickly changed to concern when they saw his bruises. Claire stood back as Simon greeted his family. She heard his deep voice speaking softly for several minutes and then felt the eyes of his uncle and aunt upon her. What were they thinking? Simon had said they were good people, yet surely they would be shocked over her behavior, and the fact that their nephew had gained his injuries because of her.

As if sensing her tension, Louis tightened his arms around her neck. “I have you,” Claire whispered, hugging him close.

“Miss Belmont, please come and sit down. You must be tired.” Simon’s aunt walked forward, holding out her hands to Claire. “And this is Louis, I believe. Hello, young man.”

Claire sat and turned Louis in her arms so he could look at the other people.

“You may relax here, dear. Simon’s friends will always be safe and welcome in our home. We understand you have had quite an adventure and now must return to London to face your family.”

She sent Simon a brief look. Had he told them of the betrothal?

“Yes, it has been a difficult time,” Claire said, feeling her way. “I would like to thank you very much for opening your home to me and Louis and on such short acquaintance, especially considering the circumstances.”

“This is Simon’s home, my dear. We merely look after it for him.”

Of course she’d known that but wasn’t sure what to say.

“It is your home as much as mine, aunt, as I have told you both many times.” Simon’s words made his elderly relations smile, and he smiled in return. She remembered smiles like those being bestowed upon her in the home she’d grown up in. That wasn’t likely to happen again.

More tea was brought, and Simon talked with his family, who, in turn, tried to coax her into conversation. Claire was good at social chatter, yet the art seemed to be failing her now.

“And how is the season going for you, my dear?”

“Uh…I…very well, thank you.”

“Do you like fish, Louis?” Simon’s uncle asked the boy, who nodded. “Well then, come with me, and I will show you something.”

Claire watched in surprise as her nephew climbed off her lap, took the man’s hand, and allowed him to lead him deeper into the conservatory.

“If you will excuse me, there are things that need my attention.” Simon rose and gave them a bow without meeting Claire’s eyes, and then he, too, was gone.

“He is preoccupied, Claire, but it is not with you that he is angry. It is for the circumstances that were thrust upon you.” Claire saw no censure in the woman’s eyes.

“Yes, he has much on his mind, and I’m afraid I have contributed to his concerns.”

“I understand that Louis is your late brother’s child?”

Claire nodded, unsure how much Simon had said.

“And that you must return to London tomorrow to tell your family of his existence?”

Not true, strictly speaking, as her family already knew about Louis. However she would have to tell Mathew that she had defied him and now had Louis in her care. Nodding again, Claire said yes, that was the case.

“It will not be an easy interview, from what I gather, and I would like to offer to look after Louis for you here until you return.”

“Oh no, I could not impose. Nor would I like Louis to think I have abandoned him so soon.”

Eyes like Simon’s offered her a soft smile. “My husband and I have a great deal of experience with wounded young boys, Claire, and we will ensure he is both safe and happy until you are in a position to return for him.”

“I could not impose upon you like that.”

Her smile was genuine. “It would be no imposition. In fact, my husband and I would be glad of the company.”

“How much did Simon tell you about my situation?”

“That you now have your nephew in your care and need to inform your family of that fact, and no more.”

She was not lying. Claire could see the honesty. At least he had not mentioned what he had been forced to do in Liverpool.

“If Louis is happy with that arrangement, then I would be grateful, as it will not be for long. I will return in a few days, and we will retire to my brother’s estate.” Hopefully, Claire added silently. She hoped Mathew did not turn his back on her and Louis entirely.

“And now you must be exhausted, so I shall show you to your room.”

“Would it be too much of an imposition to show Louis and I around your gardens? I believe it is a passion to all of you.” Claire didn’t want to go to her room and rest. She wanted to see Simon’s home because she knew this would very possibly be her only chance.