Chapter Seventeen

B rennon was absent at breakfast. Alex was not the only one to notice, but maybe he was the only one to feel a sense of relief. That did not speak well of his selflessness. However, since Clarity didn't appear distraught, he thought it acceptable to be the smallest whit pleased she hadn't accepted the man's marriage proposal.

What was Brennon thinking, making such a public spectacle of himself?

More importantly, Alex wondered why he was damned relieved she hadn't tied herself to him.

If her face had been ruddy and her eyes swollen with crying, he might have felt otherwise. Because much to his surprise, Clarity had become as dear to him as she had been before, in the youthful days when he'd cherished their friendship. Moreover, her happiness was important.

While Clarity didn't have the look of the brokenhearted, she was quieter than he'd observed previously. Keeping her attention on her food, she let those around her carry the conversation while she poked at her coddled egg disinterestedly.

Alex spent the better part of breakfast trying to catch her eye. He had no right to pry, nor was it his place to comfort her should she need it, but he wanted her to know ... what precisely? He supposed he wanted her to know he cared.

When he finally succeeded in gaining her attention, she gave him her smallest smile and turned quickly away.

Later, as they all parted ways, some to change clothing depending on their chosen activity or lack thereof, his aunt sidled up to him, leaning close.

"What happened last night was exactly as I expected of Lady Clarity, a muddled and public failure, causing derision instead of respect. Maybe you and Miss Brambury can take up the mantle of the suitably engaged couple." She tapped her chin. "You could make an announcement tonight at the ball to make up for Lord Brennon's debacle."

He winced at her words. "That seems a tad premature."

"Whatever do you mean?" Aunt Elizabeth frowned at him, her nostrils flaring. "There is no reason to wait, especially if you hope to have your affairs organized by year's end with a wife installed on Grosvenor Square, one who can capably run your household. Think of the ease with which Miss Brambury will arrange a festive Christmas dinner and a Twelfthtide party. And then before you know it, you will be the proud father of an heir."

Wordlessly, Alex stared a moment, but all he could summon himself to say was, "We'll see."

In his room, which was the same one his parents used to occupy, he sat upon the bed and mused over his aunt's words.

Marry in order to have his holiday parties organized and a child in the new year?

Strange advice from the woman who had never been particularly festive during the Twelfthtide or anytime, nor did she like children if he recalled correctly.

More than most, though, he knew how everything could end in the blink of an eye, and he must remind himself his aunt was only looking out for his future as she'd done since the accident.

What if he didn't have an heir because he dallied and something happened to him? Ending the Hollidge viscountcy by dawdling would be yet another way he disappointed his parents.

Aunt Elizabeth was right, after all. There was no reason not to choose Miss Brambury if all he was looking for was a competent mate. No reason at all.

Certainly not because of the unwelcome rekindling of some silly childish emotion, for an unpredictable female who had repeatedly demonstrated how impossibly unsuitable she was.

And also, how impossibly delightful, sweet, and passionate, too. She sparked an avid and relentless craving in him each time they were close. Tossing himself back onto the counterpane, he closed his eyes and considered. He would be a happy man to be alone with Clarity Diamond, holding her close, feeling her heartbeat against him. Even if they did nothing else, he would be content.

Of course, there was a lot more he wanted to do with her!

And by her mouthwatering kisses and the way her eyes sparkled when they looked at him — not to mention how she'd given Brennon the mitten — Alex could dare to believe she felt an intense craving for him, too.

He groaned. If he could go with his heart and not worry about the consequences, it would be an easy choice, although not necessarily a good one. All he had to do was get through the next twenty-four hours without making a dreadful mistake, and then he would be on the way back to the sanctuary of his study.

Meanwhile, he'd agreed to an archery outing. Unsurprisingly, Emmeline declined to attend, and just as expected, Clarity was enthusiastically eager to participate. Since her glum demeanor at breakfast, her effervescence had returned when he met the group on the back terrace.

Some might say that spoke of a fickle nature. In fact, his aunt said that very thing before he bid her good morning and headed out with the party toward the targets.

Most of the gentlemen were with them and also Lady Fenwick, again keeping her elderly husband company, and Radiance, the redheaded younger Diamond sister.

"Only wait until you see how much I've improved," Clarity boasted, as if they had last drawn bows the week before.

She'd never been one to sing small about herself, but he liked that. It had made the difference in their ages less relevant as the somewhat plump girl tried to keep up with him in all regards, out of sheer determination.

"Your improvement cannot be difficult since you never once hit the target last time we let arrows fly," he reminded her.

Adam spoke up. "My oldest sister is quite good, Hollidge. We joke she could join the Grand National Society if she wanted."

"Is that so?" Alex asked, impressed.

"I may decide to join Queen Victoria's St. Leonards Archers," Clarity said. "Thanks to Father."

"I have given her and her brother many lessons," Lord Diamond said. "And Ray, too, now that she's shown an interest."

Alex felt a heaviness in his chest. He tried to recall every minute his father spent passing along advice and lessons, cherishing each one. Still, he wished he'd come to visit after his parents died, for gladly, he would have accepted the earl's tutelage.

"And how are you as a bowman?" Alex asked Adam, realizing Clarity was staring at him as if she knew his thoughts — how many memories had been made freshly raw by returning to Oak Grove Hall.

"I'm passing fair, am I not, Father?" the heir asked.

"You are better than Ray and worse than Clarity," Lord Diamond concluded.

"Too much talking," Clarity said. Then she looked at Alex. "How about a wager?"

"Clarity!" her father said. "Your mother would be appalled." But he grinned, and the others in their merry party chuckled.

"And why isn't Lady Diamond with us?" another of the guests asked. "I've competed with her before, and she is an excellent archeress."

"She is indeed, but someone had to stay and handle the watercolor activity, and it couldn't be me," Lord Diamond said. Then he nodded toward his daughter. "Ladies first."

Alex was impressed when Clarity drew her forty-pound bow and shot a 26-inch arrow, hitting close to the middle of the nearest target, which was fifty yards away.

"Bravo!" he said before anyone, and she offered him a pleased smile.

They all took a turn on the near targets, with the men using sixty-pound bows. Alex, who hadn't practiced much in years, was by no means the best. Yet it was enjoyable, and he decided he would take it up again at his country estate.

Soon, they'd all progressed to the farther targets, apart from the younger sister who declared herself ready to sit with old Lady Fenwick and watch. However, Clarity continued until the end, and as Lord Diamond had said, she was consistently good.

What's more, she handled the bow and shot the arrow with grace and femininity combined with unexpected strength. She was both womanly and competitive!

Alex found it difficult to focus on anything except her. Perhaps that was why he was shooting worse even than young Adam.

"A pity we didn't wager," she said, removing her shooting gloves.

"Indeed," Alex agreed. "You would be much the wealthier."

Although full of admiration for her, he was shocked when they returned to the manor, and in the midst of the other guests, Clarity crowed about her accomplishments.

His aunt glared disapprovingly, although it was Lady Purity who gave the subtle set-down.

"Didn't you think your fellow archers would give an accurate account of your skill, dear sister?"

Clarity's mouth snapped closed, and her cheeks turned crimson before she added, "Each one in the shooting party performed very well."

"I wouldn't say that," Lord Fenwick disagreed, entirely oblivious to the undercurrent of disapproval over the poor manners Clarity had displayed. "I shot like a ten-year-old girl, but I can hardly see past the end of my nose. Thus, I am sure I am forgiven."

"You shot like Odysseus, my love," said Lady Fenwick. And the two wandered upstairs to change from their outdoor clothing.

Clarity followed, looking morose, and Alex couldn't help feeling sorry for her. She had a joyful nature that overtook her good sense in some instances. He recalled being the same way.

"Tea and cake in the drawing room," Lady Diamond announced. Some guests went to change from their outdoor clothing, while others headed directly for the promised refreshments.

Aunt Elizabeth approached with Emmeline.

"How was your painting session?" Alex asked.

"Even if either of us was as talented as the famed Mr. Sandby, I'm sure we couldn't compete with Lady Clarity's self-proclaimed ability."

"She was merely excited," Alex defended her. "She has a remarkably accurate aim, even at a distance."

"She was conceited!" Aunt Elizabeth declared. "Humility is a wonderful trait in a female, and that young lady lacks even a wisp of it."

Alex was pleased Emmeline had not piled on the insults. But then she spoke.

"Lady Clarity's pride and lack of humbleness are undoubtedly due to being doted on by her loving family. One can and must forgive her for knowing neither her limitations nor the agreeable nature of polite meekness."

Alex sighed. Both ladies were making a mountain from the smallest mole hill and painting Clarity to be gloating and pretentious.

Unsure why they were still discussing the matter, he pointed out, "I believe tea is being served in the drawing room." Giving them each a short bow, he strode away.