Page 20 of A Lady's Propitious Match
Graham barely even acknowledged Christopher, but Julianna smiled and thanked him. She certainly looked like she was glowing with the pregnancy and enjoying every moment of it. As long as she was happy, and hopefully loved her children equally, surely everything would be fine…
***
Weariness overcame Christopher as he stepped inside his home once more. That was a very challenging visit with Graham, worse than usual, and he needed a moment to himself.
But he was not about to get that. Not right away anyway. The butler handed him a letter which Christopher knew he needed to read right away. His eyes scanned over the words rapidly, taking in what his friend had asked of him.
Elliot had requested an urgent meeting with Christopher at his bachelor’s quarters. Of course he was immediately aware that this might be the meeting he was looking forward to. The meeting where he would finally get his answer regarding Lady Belmont.
He left immediately, without even thinking to tell anyone where he was going. This was about to change his future in one way or another, and he needed answers now.
His pulse leapt as he climbed back into the carriage. He could not help but hope that this was going to be exactly what he needed. A way out.
Not that it was just a way out for him. He could not deny that the idea of seeing Clara again truly thrilled him to the very core. Talking to her about art and getting to see her beautiful smile again… it would be perfect. Much more fun than spending time with Miss Henrietta.
Upon arrival, Christopher was grateful to find Elliot already waiting for him. Thank goodness, he did not think he would be able to be patient. He needed to know now.
Once they were inside his bachelor quarters, Christopher turned to Elliot with expectation shining in his eyes. “You wanted to meet with me?”
He had not even had a moment to pour them both a drink, which would have been the polite thing to do. But he was too consumed with needing to know what was about to happen. This was the rest of his life, after all.
“Yes, I did.” Elliot grinned. “I have come bearing good news. I have just been speaking with Clara, and she has consented to commencing the courtship ruse, provided you remain committed to the scheme. She had her reputation to think about, as do you.”
Christopher was moved by Clara’s boldness. He liked the way she asked for what she wanted, without leaving him to read between the lines.
“I am eager for this to proceed as well, Elliot. I would like to be sheltered from familial marital pressures, as does she. I hope Lady Belmont understands that I need this just as much as she does.”
“Yes, I have told her as much.” Elliot looked pleased that Christopher was committed to this, just as much as his cousin. “And I have been thinking this through. I have a plan for your first public meeting. I can accompany Clara, and her trusted friend, Lady Chambers, on an outing to the new art exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. There, a ‘chance’ encounter can transpire, in full view of members of the ton.”
“I see…” Christopher was trying to take all of this on board, but it was a little challenging, his mind was spinning.
“It will initiate the façade with credibility, because it will show that you move in similar circles. Showing your similar interests. I think it is the best way for your courtship to progress as you want it to, and to be believable, so no one suspects you.”
Christopher nodded, trying to disguise the fact that his heart was racing. The fact that he would soon see Clara again, and that they could finally speak about their unconventional arrangement, tinged Christopher with anticipation and nervousness.
“That sounds like a good plan to me,” he agreed. “I can see you have thought this through, and have come up with a solid plan.”
Things were moving quickly. Far too fast, but he knew they needed to make their move now to redirect their families. He was still a little uneasy at the idea of trying to deceive his mother, who was always very sharp, but he had to do this.
He needed to change his mother’s marriage plans for him.
At the same time, he also could not ignore his fascination with Clara nor deny their immediate affinity. He had felt something in her arms as they danced, and he was quite sure that she did too. He could not deny that he was looking forward to seeing what that was.
The meeting at the art gallery was going to be very exciting. He had to look at the positive side of this, because it was going to indelibly impact their futures, for better or worse.
