It did not last too long and it was near agony to her heart to step away from him. Breathing hard, she gazed up into his eyes and saw him smile, the lantern glow from the distant path catching the edge of his jaw.
"My darling Clara," he murmured, lifting one hand to trail down her cheek. "It is only a few minutes alone with you, I know, but it will be enough to sustain me for the next few days."
"I have struggled being apart from you," she told him, her hand catching his again. "But to know that there is now hope for our future has brought me both relief and joy."
"Not only hope but a promise." A steadiness came into his eyes which had not been there a moment ago. "Clara, I have been thinking on this a great deal. If our search for the truth should not lead to freedom for us both to marry with your brother's blessing, then I have another plan in mind." He paused, his gaze holding hers with a fierceness that made her pulse quicken. "I would elope with you."
Clara's breath caught.
"It would take some planning," he continued, "and I know the consequences well enough. There would be much said about us thereafter and it would be damaging to both of our reputations --- whispered about for many years to come. I would not take such a path lightly. But if it means that we can be man and wife, then that would be enough for me." His thumb brushed across the back of her hand. "I would not demand it, my love. I can understand if ---"
"But what is that to our love?" she cried, and then pressed her hand to her mouth, remembering where they were. The darkness of the elm walk felt protective but voices carried at Vauxhall, drifting through the trees like smoke. She lowered her voice. "If we can be together, as husband and wife, then what does a few whispers matter? It means nothing at all. I would care nothing for it." Releasing his hand, she put her own back around his neck, her fingers in his hair. "The only thing that matters to me is you."
When he kissed her again, it was soft, slow and sweet; a gentle brush of his lips across hers. Clara leaned into him but then forced herself to pull back. Alice could not keep Tyrone occupied forever, and the cascade was not so long a spectacle.
"I can finally have a secure hope that we will be husband and wife one day soon," she murmured, pressing her hand to his cheek only for him to turn his head and kiss her palm. "I love you, Rutland."
"Not as much as I adore you," he replied, making her smile. "Before you go, Clara, there is something I must tell you."
She waited.
"I discovered that Miss Jennings, my aunt's companion, was sent from the house in disgrace."
Surprise threw itself around Clara's heart. "What do you mean?"
"Lord Prentis informed me that she had done something --- though he did not know what --- that was considered a betrayal to the family she was working for. Lady Prentis, it seemed, was deeply upset about it but refused to speak of the specifics to anyone. Thus, Miss Jennings was sent away rather than leaving of her own free will."
Something kicked hard in Clara's stomach. "You think that my brother's shame, whichever brother's it is, relates to this incident?"
When Lord Rutland nodded slowly, Clara's heart flipped over in her chest, forcing her to catch her breath. "Goodness."
"I do not know for certain but it would align, would it not?"
Clara had no choice but to nod, finding herself in full agreement. "Yes, I suppose that it would." She let out a slow breath. "I too have some news for you. I discovered a half finished letter, penned by Tyrone. It was to be sent to my brother Thomas --- Lord Thomas --- and although it did not have an address, it did state that Thomas was in Devon."
Lord Rutland's eyebrows lifted.
"I have a spinster aunt in Devon," Clara continued, quickly. "I have written to him there, in the hope that he is residing with her. I was careful with what I wrote and did not even sign it as myself, just so I could be quite sure that, should Tyrone discover it, he would not have any certainty as to who penned it."
"You are both courageous and wise, my darling." Lord Rutland sighed, leaned down and kissed her lightly. "Would that I could stay longer with you but alas, I fear we must go."
A low whistle from the path --- Worthington's signal --- made her start, her skin prickling, but Lord Rutland only smiled.
"Come then. Let me return you to the walks so that your brother does not see you gone."
"Take me in your arms for one more moment, Rutland." Despite the concern, despite their lack of time, Clara did notwant to step away from him. Her heart both ached and exploded with love at the very same time as he, a tender smile on his face, wrapped his arms tightly around her and held her close.
"Soon," he said quietly, as his head lowered near to her own. "Soon, we will have no restraint upon us any longer, Clara. One way or another, we will be husband and wife and I will be free to kiss you just as often as I choose."
Clara closed her eyes and leaned against him, her chin tilted upwards, inviting his kiss. At least now, she could be certain that no matter what they discovered, no matter what obstacles they came upon, Lord Rutland had every intention of making her his wife. But for now, this moment and this kiss would have to suffice.
Clara had barely settledherself back in the supper box beside her mother when Alice and Tyrone returned from the Grand Walk, her cousin's cheeks flushed from the evening air and her brother looking somewhat less relaxed than when he had departed. Alice caught her eye and gave the smallest nod.
"The cascade was delightful," Alice declared, taking her seat. "Though I confess the crowds were rather thick."
"Lady Clara! I must express my deepest apologies at having not come to speak with you thus far this Season. There have been so many ladies and gentlemen present at every occasion, I have found it near impossible to even get near to you!"
Clara looked up to find Lady Deborah approaching their supper box, her smile wide and her manner as open as it had always been. She must have spotted them from one of the neighboring boxes.
