Chapter 5

Chloe was lost in her thoughts, daydreaming as she often did over the breakfast table, especially when her father was droning on about other members of the ton. People she did not know or particularly care about. She could barely even hear her parents talk as she absently stirred her tea. At least not until her father coughed loudly, demanding her attention, that she finally snapped out of her drifting thoughts.

"Chloe, I must say, I was very impressed with your performance at the ball last night," he snapped, in a strangely out of character manner.

Chloe was stunned. "Oh… thank you, Father."

"Attracting the attention of the Duke of Fladbury was a significant achievement. Making the acquaintance of such a high ranking nobleman could lead to a most advantageous match for our family. Dancing with him… well, that was wonderful. Very clever of you."

Chloe felt a twinge of discomfort at her father's words. She knew that his primary concern was not her happiness but rather the family's social standing. He always made that very obvious, but this … this was a connection that she already knew would make her future awful. She did not like dancing with the duke at all. But of course, she had to keep that to herself. Forcing a smile, she nodded politely.

"Yes, Father, I understand."

She could not express her true desires… to search for a love match. Not three Seasons in. At this rate, she was going to end up a lonely spinster, a burden on her family for the rest of her life. It was obvious that her father was growing impatient with her. She also knew that it would be hard to compete with the increasing number of debutantes that came out each year, but if no man made her feel like Anthony did, then what was the point? Why marry a man who she did not enjoy? It seemed like her father was about to give her a list of reasons.

"The Duke is wealthy, influential, and well respected," her father continued, clearly oblivious to her inner turmoil. "A match with him would secure our family's position in society for generations to come. When I saw you on the dance floor with him, I was very happy for you."

Chloe glanced desperately at her mother, who smiled brightly, not sensing her worries at all.

"You did dance beautifully, dear. The Duke seemed quite taken with you."

Chloe's smile tightened. "Thank you, Mother."

Suddenly sensing the tension, Lady Swift gently continued, "But of course we will consider your happiness as well, Chloe. A genuine connection with a potential suitor is just as important as their social status."

Lord Swift waved his hand dismissively. "A match with the Duke of Fladbury would bring immense benefits to our family, Lady Swift. Chloe should consider herself fortunate to have caught his eye."

"I know, but…"

"But of course," Lord Swift jumped in once more, stopping his wife from sticking up for Chloe's desires. "I expect you to continue fostering this connection. The Season is not over yet, and there is still much to be done."

Chloe's heart sank as she forced another smile. Her cheeks were starting to ache with all the falseness.

"Yes, Father," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her father gave a satisfied nod and resumed his breakfast, but Chloe's appetite had vanished. She stared at her plate, the weight of his expectations pressing down on her like a heavy cloak. The Duke of Fladbury might have impressed her parents with his charming smile and polished manners, but she could not shake the feeling of unease that settled in her heart whenever she was near him. Lord Frampton was a man who radiated power and control. He was accustomed to getting what he wanted and had a cold reputation because of that. Unfortunately, because of his title and estate, he was the sort of man that her father would prefer for her, even if Chloe was sure that she could not be happy with him. She did not even have anything in common with him, how could she live a life with a man like that? Even if it would help for generations to come.

Did she have to be miserable for that to happen? There was a coldness in his eyes that sent shivers down her spine. Dancing with Lord Frampton had been the worst part of her whole night. How could she make her father understand that?

Sensing the heavy atmosphere, Lady Swift attempted to lift Chloe's spirits. "Chloe, should we go shopping today? There are some lovely new fabrics and accessories at Madame Francine's. A new dress or two for the up coming balls might be just the thing to keep us excited for the events that are to come."

Chloe looked up at her mother, grateful for the distraction. "That sounds wonderful, Mother. I would love that."

"Agreed," her father said. "You shall want to look your best. Especially now that you have caught the attention of a duke. You shall want to stand out at any event to ensure his eyes are not turned in another direction."

Chloe forced another smile, her heart sinking further. "Of course, Father."

She was not going to be able to escape this, was she? Her father was not going to let this go. The idea of having to spend more time with the duke, and even being forced into marrying him, was utterly heart breaking. She could not even begin to compare Lord Frampton to Anthony because they could not have been more different if they tried. And in the worst way possible.

But she kept all of her feelings inside as they finished up their breakfast. She hoped that she would be able to talk to her mother about this when they were alone because she really did need to get this out of her system and to have someone on her side. She was not sure how much power her mother would have over her father, but without her, she was very much on her own and trapped. About to be trapped in a marriage that she could not stand the idea of. That was not the way that she wanted this Season to end.

***

Later that morning, Chloe and her mother made their way through the fashionable shops of Bond Street. The vibrant atmosphere of the shopping district provided a temporary distraction from Chloe's preoccupied mind, still dwelling on her father's expectations and the pressure to secure a suitable match, preferably with the duke who she had disliked the most. The bustling street was lined with elegant store fronts, their windows displaying the latest fashions and accessories. Chloe tried to lose herself in the beautiful silks and satins, the intricate lace and delicate embroidery, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the unwanted attention of the Duke of Fladbury.

What on earth had she done to garner that?

Chloe was not exactly a wallflower, but she did not consider herself someone who a duke would notice either. Certainly not on her third season. She sighed inwardly, her mind flashing back to the ball. She had tried so hard to stay on the periphery, to avoid drawing attention to herself, but Lord Frampton had singled her out almost immediately. Why? What had she done to attract his interest? Whatever it was, she hoped not to do it again…

"Lady Leonora?" Chloe's eyes snapped up as she heard her mother talking. "How wonderful it is to see you."

Chloe's heart began to race. Lady Leonora James along with her daughters, Hannah and Caroline, stood in front of them. Anthony's family. Her heart ached as she tried to smile at them.

"And Hannah, Caroline, you both look lovely," her mother continued.

Leonora returned the smile warmly. "Lady Swift, Chloe, what a pleasant surprise. We were just admiring the new collection here. It seems we all had the same idea today."

Chloe curtsied politely. "Lady Leonora, it's a pleasure to see you. And you too, Hannah and Caroline."

Hannah grinned. "Chloe! It has been ages. How have you been?"

"Busy with the Season, as I am sure you have been," Chloe replied, forcing a lightness into her voice. "There are so many events to attend."

Caroline nodded enthusiastically. "Is it not thrilling? The balls, the soirées, the endless dance cards. It is all so exciting."

"Hmm." Chloe could hardly even bother to respond.

"Well, we have some news," Lenora declared, her eyes sparkling with excitement, capturing everyone's attention once more. "Anthony is home."

Chloe's heart stopped beating.

Anthony was here ?

Home?

Back in London?

Her breath caught in her throat.

"Anthony is home?" she repeated, trying to keep her voice steady.

Leonora nodded, her smile broadening. "Yes, he returned just a few days ago. We are so delighted to have him back."

Chloe forced a smile, her mind whirling with a mix of emotions. He had been back for a few days. How did she not know that he had already been back in the country for a few days? What on earth did that mean?

"That is wonderful news, Lady Leonora. It must be so nice to have him home."

Hannah and Caroline exchanged knowing glances, seemingly sensing the under current of emotion in Chloe's voice.

"Indeed, it is," Lady Leonora continued, clearly pleased. "He has been busy with his duties for now. But he is looking forward to partaking in the Season."

Chloe's heart fluttered with a mixture of hope and anxiety. She desperately wanted to see Anthony, but the thought of facing him now, amidst her father's relentless pressure to secure a match with the Duke of Fladbury, filled her with dread. She forced herself to maintain her composure.

As the conversation continued, Chloe's mind drifted back to her childhood with Anthony, the carefree days they had spent together. She had so many questions, but she did not dare voice them now in the middle of Bond Street. Perhaps it was best not to voice them at all…

Just then, as if the universe had heard her thoughts, Anthony appeared around the corner, carrying a small package. He looked every bit the distinguished gentleman, his presence commanding and his eyes searching the crowd. When his gaze locked on to Chloe, he froze for a moment, surprise and a flicker of something deeper crossing his face. Handsome as ever. Painfully so. It seemed like her heart was never going to be able to let this man go…