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They started away, but not before they heard her say, "I have always
thought this would be the perfect place for an offer of marriage."
Jack started and Claire turned crimson. When they were out of earshot,
he pulled her to the side of the path next to a stand of shrubs.
"Claire," he began.
Several youths staggered by. One of them called out, "You've got a
fine bit of muslin, my lord!"
Jack turned an icy stare on the youths.
"You are quite mistaken." The young man visibly shrank.
"Er, beg pardon. No offence, mi-milady." One of his' companions
yanked his arm, and he nearly tripped before they scurried away. Jack
looked down at Claire.
"Shall I put a bullet through him?"
"No, I wish you would not! It is not that important."
"Claire, I am sorry." He ran a hand through his hair, looking more out
of countenance than she'd ever seen him.
"Tis no matter. I... I haven't often been mistaken for a bit of
muslin."
"I hope not. Damn! I should never have brought you here."
"I insisted so you cannot blame yourself. And I... I have quite
enjoyed myself."
"There's no need to spare my feelings." He gave a slight laugh.
"Besides the mouse and the amusing little diversion that followed,
there is my grandmother. She was to provide a proper chaperon.
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Instead, she seems determined to get us to the altar together. "
"I ... I can't imagine why." Her face must be a thousand shades of
red.
She realised he was staring at her.
"Would it be such a bad idea, Claire?"
His eyes had that dark intensity that made her tremble and feel as if
her body was about to catch on exquisite fire. She bit her lip.
"I ... I
am certain it would not be . be wise. "
"Why not?"
"I..."
"My lord! How could you?"
Claire and Jack jerked apart at the sound of the dismayed feminine
voice.
"What?" Jack snarled.
The woman was short and plump and gaudily dressed in a striped gown
that revealed a great amount of ample breast. Even in the dim light,
Claire could see her face was heavily painted. The woman clutched
Jack's arm.
"How could you? When last night you were with me and now... now I find
you with this creature!" He shook her arm off.
"What the devil are you talking about?" She gave a loud sniff. Tears
gleamed in her eyes.
"All the promises you made me! Do they mean nothing, my lord?"
"I have no idea who you are. I fear you are mad or drunk."
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"Oh, no!
Dear Rotham! How can you be so cruel? " She flung herself at him and
then appeared to collapse in a swoon. He caught her as she slid down
his front. She opened her eyes and clutched at the lace on the front
of his shirt.
"I knew you would not leave me." Her eyelids fluttered shut.
Claire stared at them, her mind numb. She backed away. Jack, his arms
full of flesh and silk, looked as if he'd been struck.
"I... I'd best go," Claire said.
"No, wait! Damn it!" He struggled to pry the woman's hands from his
shoulders.
"Oh, dear!" The Duchess suddenly appeared behind Claire.
"Now what has gone wrong?"
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Chapter Seven
Q^V^Q
Jack had just finished dressing when his footman appeared.
"A message for you, my lord."
Jack took the note and quickly scanned the contents. A scowl appeared
on his brow.
"I have a call to pay."
"My lord, I believe Lady Rotham and Miss Snowden are to arrive
shortly," Hobbes said. He brushed a fleck of dust from the sleeve of
Jack's morning coat.
"They can occupy themselves until I return." Jack strode to his
dressing-table and retrieved Claire's fan before leaving the room.
Twenty minutes later he was shown into Lady Dun- ford's drawing-room.
Claire and Lady Dunford sat together on a sofa, a copy of a periodical
opened on a table in front of them.
Claire's eyes widened in surprise as he entered the room. She looked
fresh and lovely in a soft pink gown, a locket hanging from a ribbon
about her neck.
Jane rose from the sofa, a smile of welcome on her face.
"Lord Rotham, how kind of you to call."
He bowed over her hand.
"Thank you."
"Will you be seated? We have just received a new La Belle Assemblee.
There are some delightful new fash long. Do you not think Claire would
look well in a gown of sea-green crepe? "
He glanced over at Claire, who looked as if she wanted to vanish. His
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mouth curved in a slow smile.
"Most charming, although she looks lovely in anything she wears."
He was delighted to see her flush, despite the angry look she shot
him.
He turned back to Jane, who watched them with a pleased little smile on
her face.
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