“That, at least, will remove that barrier to your success on the stage.” Jane declared.
Clarissa’s mind whirled with the possibilities than Jane’s idea opened to more enjoyment for Frank and herself in the bedchamber. A smile stretched her face.
Jane led her to the door and opened it, before hugging Clarissa in a tight embrace. “Welcome to the family once again,” she said.
“Thank you, Jane. I’m so glad to have Francis’s family helping us.” They were far more caring and helpful than she deserved. Tears prickled her eyes, but she blinked them away.
Clarissa followed a footman downstairs, donned her outdoor apparel from the butler and departed. She walked quickly to her father’s house in time for lunch with him. Suddenly, almost everything she could ever wish for was within her grasp —except Francis in London with her.
But she wished for him most of all.
Chapter Fourteen
Late on the morning after their fateful dinner at Grosvenor Square, Francis stared into the flames in his fireplace and wiped a hand over his face. How could he turn down his brother-in-law’s gift of the Everslie living in Hampshire? Even though it broke his heart to leave Clarissa.
That would be ungrateful of him and a catastrophic decision for his future, not to mention that he would lose Jonathan’s goodwill in the process.
Besides, he was without income and had little prospect of employment in London.
And yet, Clarissa was adamant that she could not leave London because of her career and the presence of her newly discovered father.
When he moved, he would do so alone.
One good thing that had come from the inquisition yesterday morning was that Fanny and her father could do no more damage to his career than they had already achieved. Mrs. Jenkins, Travener, and even Marchmere, however, remained as threats to Clarissa in the future, from whom he would need to protect her until they found another target.
Last night he believed he had no choice but to put distance between them to protect his heart. It would be hard enough to cope once they were apart, even having spent so little time in each other’s arms. How much worse would it be if he had given in to his heart’s wish and spent another night with the woman he loved?
After he had experienced a sad and lonely night sleeping in his sitting room again, following renewal of the terms of their marriage as one of convenience, Clarissa had left for her father’s leased townhouse in Soho. His heart ached already, as thesilence of his previously pleasant home had turned unwelcoming and bleak.
Somehow, he must find a way to restore their marriage to what it was before their breakup. But, as there were so many forces against them, that outcome seemed unlikely. Clarissa must stay in London for her career and to spend time with her father.
He wanted to stay in London to protect Clarissa from her aunt and Travener, but as he had no prospect of work in the church here, he must leave the capital. Wales, the bishop had suggested! The only sensible place to go was the living in Hampshire that Dalton offered.
He didn’t want to be separated from Clarissa for one minute, let alone by hundreds of miles. Even returning to living a marriage of convenience under the same roof was heartbreaking to contemplate.
Nevertheless, he must talk with Jonathan to resolve the matter of the living.
***
Within the hour, Francis was announced to Jonathan in his study at Dalton House. His brother-in-law rose from his chair and strode around his oak desk to shake Francis’s hand.
“I hope I’m not imposing on your morning?”
“No, I’m glad to see you,” Jonathan said, with a smile and a firm shake of his hand. “How can I assist?”
“I need to talk with you about the Everslie living.”
“Of course, take a seat.” He indicated an informal grouping of chairs before the fireplace. Francis took the nearest and withdrew his reading glasses case from his pocket. Jonathan sat opposite him. “Now, have you and Clarissa come to an understanding? What would you like to do?”
“Jonathan, I’m torn between my options. I can take the living and exist separated from Clarissa, or I can turn it down and remain in London and try to win back my wife.”
Jonathan blinked. “I suggest you choose whichever means the most to you.” His voice was filled with compassion.
“My wife, of course, but I have no employment with which to support her. And no prospect of any within the church in London.”
“I believe your wife said she earns more than enough to support you both in London. Is that an option you have considered?”
“I would rather not! I try to be a humble man, but to be supported by my wife is a hard thing for a man’s pride to swallow. Besides which, her employment and income are not reliable, because they’re dependent on her being offered roles.”
