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“I’m sorry his quest was not successful,” Clara said of Alex’s search for his mother.

“We shall see.”

Clara looked at Emma. “What do you mean?”

“Geoffrey believes there’s hope yet they may find her.”

Clara tore her eyes from Alex when Sara caught her staring. He was just so easy to look at, so appealing to the eye.

She sat back, the effects of too much wine beginning to take effect. It had been some time since she’d allowed herself more than one goblet at a sitting.

She allowed the conversation to flow around her and tried not to look at him too much. Clara smoothed the front of her gown under the table, the soft velvet under her fingers reminding her of happier times. Reminding her of home.

“I’ve never seen you so happy.”

She whipped her head around. How had Alex come to be behind her?

“May I speak with your friend, Lady Emma?”

She appeared to consider it.

“Mayhap, sir. Are your intentions honorable?” she teased.

Clara giggled.

“Perhaps. And if they are not?” he teased in return.

“Then you most certainly may not speak to Lady Susanna,” she said.

Clara turned to watch the exchange in full.

“Well, then you give me no choice. You have my word, Lady Emma.”

Emma was not to be put off so easily. “You forget, Scotsman, I was raised with three brothers. I will have your word your intentions are honorable. Or your word they are not?”

This time Alex laughed aloud and Clara joined him.

“Very well. You have my word my intention is simply to speak with your friend.”

Apparently satisfied, Emma moved her chair away so that Clara could stand.

Since their hosts had already left the dais and were currently dancing to the harpist’s soft melody, she and Alex were free to move about the hall as well.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

In answer, he led her around the corner at the far end of the hall. A cushioned seat sat in the middle of a circular cutout in the wall, softly lit by a torch. Alex waited for her to sit, then sat opposite her.

“Lady Susanna.”

“’Twas Sara and Emma’s idea.”

“I’m surprised you went along with it.”

“Not as surprised as I am.”

“But I’m glad you agreed.” He sighed, his eyes intent on hers. “Tell me all, Clara. Let me help you.”

She didn’t know what to say.