Sam didn’t like it. He didn’t understand why Dolan would seek her out. The man was a monster. Sam still hadn’t told her about Abigail, partially because of his promise to Lila but also because he wanted to gather more information first. “What did he say to you?” Sam asked.
She shrugged and said, “Something along the lines that I made the wrong choice.”
Fury uncoiled in him. He wanted to give Dolan a good thrashing.
Clara leaned over and took his hand. “I do not believe I made the wrong choice at all, Sam. And I told him exactly that.”
“What did he say?” Sam bit out.
“That was the end of it. Addie and Eleanor came looking for me.”
She placed a kiss on his palm. “I couldn’t care less what that man thinks. You are nothing like him. You are not a cold man who manipulates people. If anything, our marriage has taught me that what makes a true gentleman has nothing to do with bloodlines.”
He felt the bile rise in his throat, thinking about his own strong-armed tactics. Clara could never know. She would be horrified he blackmailed her parents to gain their acceptance of her. He didn’t regret it. He had done what was needed to give Clara access to her brother and to ensure she could enjoy a way of life similar to the one she lived before him.
“Let’s talk about something else,” she insisted.
He forced himself to relax and be his amiable usual self. “What painting were you looking at?”
She laughed and excitedly said, “A piece painted by Lady Adderly. Eleanor has one hanging up in her home.”
He eyed her skeptically. “Her artwork is atrocious.”
Clara tilted her head back and laughed. Sam was enthralled by her. Her sage green dress highlighted her pale blonde hair and her delight made her appear almost enchanting. The fear he would lose her ricocheted through his body. Why did he always feel that way? If he was honest with himself, he knew why. He and Clara were from two vastly different worlds, and Sam feared someday it would be too much for her. He knew he was overcompensating because of that fear by making sure she was happy, even if his actions were underhanded, but he didn’t want her to regret her choice. He stared at her intently and said, “I promise I will do everything to make sure you are happy.”
She sobered and her brow drew together in confusion. “Sam, you make me happy every day.”
He nodded. “Just know that is my main goal now, understand?”
She smiled and said, “I am fine and yes, I understand. Why are you being so serious? My husband who is normally so jovial.”
He pushed away his concerns and smiled at her. “I want you to worry about nothing and that includes Dolan.”
“Dolan doesn’t worry me at all,” she declared.
Sam was glad to hear those words from her, but Dolan did worry him. He didn’t understand why Dolan had bothered to approach her. Beyond that he didn’t want Clara to find out the reason her parents embraced her now. He didn’t want her to see the underhanded tactics he took to keep her happy. The thought made him uncomfortable. If he was unwilling to share his actions with her, was he making the right choices? He pushed the dark thoughts away and pulled her back over to his side, wrapping his arms around her.
“Your happiness is my main priority, nothing more,” he reiterated.
She snuggled deeper into him, seemingly content with their conversation.
Their carriage came to a stop, and they entered their townhouse. Sam’s only desire was to bring Clara upstairs and ravish his wife, but they were stopped by Henson.
“Mr. Kincaide, you received a letter from Mr. Miller. The messenger stated it was urgent.”
Sam nodded and took the letter. He opened and read the words to himself.
Sam,
We need to talk. We have found out information about Dolan and the Claremores. It is imperative that Devons and I see you at once. Please visit us tomorrow at the Den.
Miller
Sam folded the letter back up as Clara stared at him curiously. Finally, she asked, “Is everyone okay?”
“Yes, I will deal with it later. Henson, please send word I will meet with them tomorrow.”
Henson nodded and left.
