It was the best she could do. She hoped it was enough. One slip and she would have to find another home for the journal. That would be inconvenient.
Her busy morning had taken only an hour and a half, thanks to Mrs. Finley. She went up to her chamber and spent the rest of the morning with Jocelyn, going through the wardrobe to find dresses appropriate to half mourning. Having made their appearances at Brentworth’s party, Emilia and she had begun receiving invitations to other events. She looked forward to playing chaperone at a few more.
At half past one, while writing letters, a rap on her door brought Jocelyn out of the dressing room to open it. Mrs. Finley stood on the threshold, flushed and a little breathless.
“My apologies, milady, but a gentleman has called.” She handed Jocelyn a card. “A most distinguished gentleman. One of those important people you spoke of this morning. I’ve put him in the library.”
Jocelyn closed the door and handed Clara the card with a bland expression, but her eyes sparkled.
The card belonged to the Duke of Stratton.
Without either of them saying a word, Jocelyn came over to fuss with her hair, then gave her dress a critical frown before nodding.
As presentable as she could manage, Clara went down to the library. She found Stratton perusing the mostly empty bookcases. At the moment he was at the one that held the published copies ofParnassus. She trusted he had not removed any of them for a closer inspection, but if he had he would just assume she subscribed.
He turned on hearing her step. Her heart rose on fluttering wings at the smile he gave her. “You need more books.”
“The decorator recommended a shop where I can buy them by the yard. I thought it would be more fun to choose each one myself. It will take more time, but in a few years I will probably have most of the shelves full.”
He came to her, bowed over her hand, and kissed it. “You neglected to repeat your command that I not visit, so here I am. Are you angry with me?”
She could not say what she should say. He would know she lied. Worse, he would know her for a coward and a woman who did not know her own mind. “I am not angry. I am glad that you called.”
“Come with me,” he said, still holding her hand and coaxing her to the doorway. “I must test my luck and hope this does not anger you either.”
She followed him to the front entry. He opened it to reveal his horse tied out in front. Another horse stood beside it. A wonderful horse, as fine as Galahad and similar in build but darker in color. Almost black. It wore a sidesaddle.
Stratton went down and gave the horse’s neck a firm stroke. “You can name him what you like. I have already arranged for his board and care at a stable in the nearby mews.”
She stepped down and joined him to stand where the horse could see her and she him. “He is beautiful. I do not understand, however.”
“He is yours. I found him for you. Women do not go to the auctions, so to get the best I had to do it. Do you like him?”
“I adore him.” Oh, what a horse. He had gorgeous lines and an imperial gleam in his eyes. She petted his nose. The horse eyed her, taking her measure just as she took his. “What do I owe you for him?”
“Nothing. He is a gift, of course.” Stratton sounded vaguely exasperated but appeared delighted with her reaction to the animal.
A gift. A very valuable one. To accept would be compromising. To refuse outright would be insulting. “I must insist on buying him. I will do so when my trust next pays out.”
“You are a stubborn woman. I went to great trouble to give you a gift, and now you are turning me into little more than your horsemonger.”
“I appreciate the trouble. I do. I could have never found him myself. He is a wonderful surprise. However, I cannot accept a gift this valuable.”
He sighed with annoyance. “I will have my steward inform your trustee of the amount. I am not going to take your money outright or willingly agree to this.”
“Thank you. I must give him the perfect name and will put my mind to it.”
“If you change into a habit, we can go for a ride in the park before it gets too crowded. You can contemplate his name while you ride him.”
Her better sense said she should decline this ride. Her excitement over the horse silenced that voice in two seconds. “Come inside and wait while I dress properly. Only a short ride, however. I have many household duties today.”
Twenty minutes later she sat in the saddle. The horse immediately tested her when they set out. He tried to trot before her signal. She reined him in firmly.
Stratton missed none of it. “The auctioneer warned he needed a firm hand. He is spirited, and as you just saw, somewhat rebellious.”
“I can manage him.”
“I knew you could. The two of you have much in common and will find common ground quickly.”
