Fated by the Marquess_Clean Regency Romance by Madeline St James

Author:Madeline St James [James, Madeline St]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-10-05T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Claire woke the next morning feeling hopeful, then bounced immediately hesitancy and fear as she recounted the conversation with the Baron from the night before. She wondered how she might be explained if the Duchess asked about her. He didn’t seem like the kind of man to lie, despite his assertion that he would not interfere with the plan to see her status elevated. She kept her nerves calm by considering that with all of his ready answers last night, he was sure to have an explanation for her presence.

Claire joined Lady Catherine for breakfast in the parlor and was given extra lessons as to how to behave that night. She found the fact that she had to sit certain ways, address certain people first or wait to be addressed, and to also mask her emotions despite how she might feel about something, to be tedious. She wanted to see Christopher under different circumstances, because it would be more enjoyable for them to converse candidly. She knew he would dislike being addressed as Marquess, but according to Lady Catherine, she had to do so. Otherwise it would be considered rude and an insult the Duchess for not adhering to formality. Claire desperately wanted to speak with Christopher in a private setting, and she wished he would have come to morning call for her again. Lady Catherine laughed as she saw her looking at the door.

“Lady Claire, it would be inappropriate for him to hound you day after day. You’ll have to be patient until tonight.” Claire smiled and looked away from the door. She suffered through the rest of the lessons, and before she knew it they were having afternoon tea and then a rest before dinner.

Claire took time to explore the townhouse a little. She let herself wonder around, testing doors. No one stopped her. When she found a library, she loitered. Claire gazed at the many bound spines of the books, took a few down off the shelf, and lovingly perused their contents. She was taught to read by her mother, but time at Madame Kingston’s never afforded her the luxury to do so. Claire sank into a chair and submersed herself in the plot of the book she selected.

She got so caught up in the joy of reading that she didn’t realize when someone entered the library. “It’s almost time for dinner. I thought you would be with Catherine.”

Claire looked up and found Lord Desmond smiling down at her. “Oh! Lord Desmond, I didn’t hear you come in.” Claire stood and curtseyed quickly.

“It’s alright. I was quiet and didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Oh, thank you,” she replied. “I looked around the house a little today and found this room. I hope that’s alright.”

“Of course it is. Lady Claire, you do not need to apologize or make excuses for your own presence.” .”

Claire blinked up at him. “My Lord, I’m afraid don’t understand.”

“Even after a few weeks, I feel you still worry that you do not fit in.

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