“In the middle of the final set.” Mrs. Levin shook her head. “I can only hope he planned to marry her; they certainly will be forced to now.”
Clara stifled a sob, burying her face into the wrinkled, tear-soaked cloth she held.
“Is there anything I might do to help?” Mrs. Levin asked, offering me her seat. “I wish I could offer refuge here, but unfortunately our rooms are entirely full for the event.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Levin. For everything. If you could send Lady Demsworth at her earliest convenience, that will do.”
Mrs. Levin nodded. “You may stay here as long as you need. If I can do anything to help, please send for me.”
I nodded my appreciation before she crossed to the door, closing it behind her. As soon as the room was silent again, I sat beside Clara, and she fell into my arms.
“I feel like such a fool,” she cried. “He must have declared himself for her to be so openly affectionate.”
Rubbing her shoulders, I held her to me, trying to keep my own tears from falling. “You are most certainly not a fool, Clara. You are brave and kind and incredibly smart.”
“Love is folly. You said it a million times, but I never listened to you. I hate him, Amelia. And I hate her most of all.”
“Don’t be like that, dearest. Do not let bitterness replace what once was.”
“There is nothing left inside me but bitterness. I shall never love anyone as I loved him. And he led me to believe I was not alone in affection.”
“We have not yet heard the entire story. We must be patient and hear what Sir Ronald has to say.”
“I want to leave,” Clara said, dabbing her face with her cloth. “But wherever shall we go, Amelia? We have nothing ... nowhere ...”
My heart fell, my thoughts instantly turning to Peter.
He loved me.
He loved me.
But he had not asked for my hand. And even if he had, how could I accept him now?
I could never have Peter. Not like this. Not after Georgiana simultaneously sealed Sir Ronald’s fate and broke Clara’s heart. The pain a match with Peter would cause Clara would be too great.
There was only one thing I was certain of, only one thing left for me to do.
“I will write to Mr. Pendleton. He is expecting us.” I kissed Clara’s head.
“You shall have to marry him.” Clara’s voice was flat and certain. “Forgive me, sister, for everything I said against you. Where would we be without your practicality?”
I winced at the word, one I’d so often used against Peter. For once in my life, I could not agree. Practicality had wounded me greatly. And I would never recover. “I am only grateful his need matches ours.”
A knock sounded on the door, and Lady Demsworth quickly stepped in. “Ladies. I hardly know what to say, or where to begin. I must offer my sincerest apologies for Miss Wood’s behavior tonight. We have all been quite caught off guard.”
“Did she act on her own?” I asked as Clara wiped her eyes, sniffing.
“Oh, yes.” Lady Demsworth knelt beside us, more casually than I’d ever expected she could. “Miss Wood’s actions were a shock to us all. But I shall not trouble you with what you already know.”
“We were unaware of the circumstances, actually.” I cleared my throat. “Your clarification would be most welcome.”
“Oh, dear.” Lady Demsworth pressed her hand to her chest. “It pains me to think of the hurt this has caused you both. What can I do? Mrs. Levin has no rooms here, and I hate to think you are uncomfortable now in our home, but I insist you return so I may take care of you until you leave us. You must trust that I will not allow any discomfort to come upon you. I will keep every guest from your room so you may have the privacy I am sure you desire. I know Ronald will wish to speak with you both.”
“Where is he?” I asked.
“Mr. Wood insisted they leave at once. The three of them took a carriage back with Lieutenant Rawles and Mr. Bratten. If you are willing, we shall share a carriage with the Turnballs. As soon as you are ready.”
“I am so embarrassed,” Clara said, wiping her nose.
