Free Courting Claudia by Robyn DeHart Page B

She might not be high on Society’s list of marriageable girls, but she’d rather be a spinster than resort to dishonest tactics to secure a husband.

Chapter 5
    A wake at eight indeed. Claudia had been awake since six, if not earlier. Her mind was alert with thoughts of Mr. Middleton’s dashing smile and the things he’d said to her. She’d successfully avoided being seen with him last night, but what of this morning while they rode? Would people not see them in the park? People that she knew?
    She scrambled to her feet, then rifled through her closet searching for the perfect bonnet. A hideous bonnet, one so large it was sure to hide her from other riders. She found it below her otherhats—it was a tad squished and wrinkled, but a few shakes should take care of that.
    It didn’t match her riding habit, but it would have to do.
    Perhaps not, but this was a desperate situation. She couldn’t very well break her promise to ride with Mr. Middleton, but she certainly couldn’t parade about with him as if he was actually courting her, and she was allowing it.
    If her father ever discovered all the time she’d spent with Mr. Middleton, he would likely ship her off to live in a convent somewhere. Especially since most of that time they’d been alone. And part of that time, they’d kissed.
    She was a ruined woman. Richard would wed her thinking she was a complete innocent, which she was not.
    Her cheeks burned with the thought. Instead of fantasizing about kissing Derrick, she should turn her torrid thoughts to Richard. Should not a wife desire her husband? She closed her eyes and gave it a try, but as much as she wanted to think of Richard in that light, there was nothing torrid about him.
    She’d never actually entertained torrid thoughts about anyone until that first kiss. Perhaps once she kissed Richard, all feelings for Derrick Middleton would leave her mind forever and be immediately replaced by desire for Richard.
    Only part of her actually believed that, but she kept the thought in her mind in an attempt to persuade the rest of her.
    She finished tucking her curls into the oversize bonnet. She would have to be careful walking in such a contraption lest she fall over, as it completely hindered her ability to see anywhere but straight ahead. The color, she noted, did match her eyes perfectly, but you couldn’t much see her eyes once the bonnet was in place.
    Well, if nothing else, the ridiculousness of this hat would send any suitor in the other direction, so by this afternoon she should be rid of Mr. Middleton and find herself in Richard’s embrace.
    She allowed that thought to swim around a bit, trying to warm up to Richard’s arms, but found that when she thought of kissing, only Derrick’s face came to mind. A person needed to take only one glance at Derrick’s lips to know they were created for kissing.
    How would she get through the morning looking at said face and lips? Ah, yes, the bonnet—she would simply keep her focus straight ahead and never even notice he sat beside her.
    Which is precisely how she should be living her life. Looking straight ahead to Richard instead ofher continual dalliances on the side with another man. This was the perfect reminder.
    She checked the clock; only fifteen more minutes. Grabbing her reticule, she tiptoed out of her room. She peeked out of the hall window and was pleased to see the day shone brightly with not a cloud in the sky. At least it was a pleasant day for a ride. And she hadn’t been riding in so long.
    A black brougham pulled up and stopped. She slipped out of the front door just as Derrick stepped from the carriage. It was a stately carriage, the black so shiny you could see your reflection, and the wheels were apple-red.
    â€œYou’re early,” she said.
    â€œYou’re ready.” He helped her into the carriage.
    â€œThis isn’t a customary vehicle for riding in the