Page 79

“Miss Bowles, would you kindly return to the ball? I’m certain there are a number of gentlemen needing your attention,” Lady Dalmeer said without a glance in the woman’s direction.

“But surely, your ladyship needs help to maneuver⁠—”

“Surely, I do not.”

Oliver had never seen the countess so serious before. She had been all smiles and flattery up until that moment.

“What of Miss Sterling and Miss Hollis?” Miss Bowles questioned.

“I wish for them to stay,” Clara said at once, “if you agree, your ladyship.”

Lady Dalmeer nodded.

Miss Bowles scowled at Clara, then slowly backed away with a look of disgust at Oliver. He merely smiled in response, and was relieved when she left without another word. He had a feeling he’d finally seen the last of the woman, and he could hardly comprehend his relief.

“Well,” Lady Dalmeer continued, addressing the two solicitors, “now that we are rid of one problem, I trust you both can settle the next?”

Mr. Babbington nodded directly, and Mr. Peddles stepped forward, facing Clara directly. “Miss Hatfield, once again, I do apologize for this late interruption, but I’m afraid it cannot wait. As mentioned, my father was your father’s solicitor. It just so happened that the elder Mr. Peddles became ill and died at the same time as your father. I was supposed to have met with you when you turned the age of one and twenty, but quite unfortunately, your papers were lost in the swift turnaround after my father’s death, and your name was lost. I cannot share how much I regret this occurring.”

“I understand,” Clara said. “But...how did you find me now? I have left no trail.”

“That is why we are so late upon the hour. But a few days ago, I received word that Mr. Babbington here had been asking after the solicitor of Mr. Hatfield. As soon as I heard the name, I went in search of my records and discovered the portion your father set aside for you. Ashamed at my negligence, I immediately set out to find you, discovering your mother alone at Cliveley Park, instead.”

Clara took a quick step forward. “You have seen my mother? Tell me, sir, how is she?”

He winced, and Clara’s expression stiffened. “She is in a very poor state, Miss Hatfield, I am sorry to say.”

“But she is alive?”

“She is. But she has been desperate to find you and to bring you home. The minute I saw her state, I rode for Mr. Babbington, and together, with his knowing where Mr. Cole was, we rode for Bellthorne Hall.”

Clara lowered her gaze. “I thank you for the knowledge, Mr. Peddle. But I fear I have no home to return to.”

The ruddy-cheeked man smiled. “But you do. Beyond Cliveley Park. Do you recall your father ever mentioning a house he set aside for you and your mother? Denham House?”

“Never, sir.”

“Your mother said the same. According to the files, your father secured the modest home for your family in the center of Cumbria just before his death. He has also left you a comfortable enough portion to live out the rest of your days in peace.” He winced. “Once again, I apologize for not delivering this news until now. And...” He hesitated, a dark cloud crossing his features. “Your stepbrother...I wish you to know that he will be required to return all of the items he has seized from you both that he has not already sold.”

Clara didn’t respond, seeming to take the news in stride. “Is Mother still at Cliveley?”

Oliver’s heart fell for the woman even more. Of course she’d be more concerned about her mother than anything else.

“She is. I believe she is not so very past the point of becoming well again, but you will undoubtedly bring comfort to her if she sees you alive and well yourself. I suggest we leave as soon as you are available.”

She nodded at once. “Do you need sleep, sir?”

“I find carriages more than sufficient.”

“Then...will you take me tonight?”

He nodded with an understanding smile. “Mr. Babbington and I can take you directly.”

Oliver’s solicitor nodded at once.

“I shall collect my things.” Clara turned to Lady Dalmeer first. “Your ladyship, I must beg your forgiveness for my subterfuge. But I wish you to know that I served your house to the best of my abilities. Now, however, my duties lie with my mother. I shall inform Mrs. Wintle of my departure, but I wish to thank you for the kind way you treat your staff, for the respect I was treated with, and for the opportunity I had to be in your home. I wish you a long and healthy life.”

She delivered a deep curtsy, and Lady Dalmeer looked somewhat taken aback. “Well, my goodness. I never thought I’d see the day that my house party would result in a matter such as this. But of course you must see to your mother. Travel safely, Miss Hatfield.”