Free An Unsuitable Match by Sasha Cottman Page B

didn’t require further clarification from her. She steeled herself for the truth, knowing he would not dare to furnish her with another lie.
    â€˜As a gentleman I will not go into the details of my relationship with Mrs Chaplin; suffice to say what I did was wrong and I deeply regret it. I also regret any pain that I may have inadvertently caused you. It was never my intent to hurt you, Clarice.’
    â€˜And what of your other lady friends?’ she replied, pressing the advantage.
    He frowned.
    â€˜There are no others and nor will there be in the future. Since I wrote that letter, I have pledged myself to you. Only you.’
    She closed her eyes and put a finger to her lips. To hear him actually speak the words was heartbreaking.
    â€˜Papa will never allow us to be together,’ she whispered.
    More guests had begun to wander back into the box and gather at the supper table. Their moment of privacy was quickly coming to an end.
    â€˜I know the road ahead will be difficult, but if we are united in our purpose we shall succeed,’ he replied. She felt the heat from his gaze burn into her as he searched her face for a sign that she agreed.
    â€˜I don’t know, David, I really don’t know. I am unsure of so many things.’
    â€˜Do you believe me?’ he replied.
    She pulled in a sudden breath. ‘Yes, I do.’
    â€˜Then we have made progress.’ He took hold of her hand. ‘Pity about the gloves,’ he whispered. He placed a delicate kiss on the end of each of Clarice’s fingers. One by one, he gave every digit intimate attention.
    Unlike during their earlier greeting, she now stood enraptured by his display of unashamed affection. Heat began to pulse through her body, finally appearing as a blush on her cheeks.
    Oh my good Lord, what was that?
    â€˜David,’ she whispered.
    â€˜Hmm,’ he replied.
    â€˜Your family.’
    She withdrew her hand and he straightened as the rest of the Radley family and Lady Alice returned to the box.
    â€˜They had better have some decent Scotch eggs,’ Lady Alice gruffly remarked.
    The Duke of Strathmore had hold of her arm and gently aided the dowager countess to her chair.
    â€˜Let me see what the supper table has for you, Alice,’ the Duchess of Strathmore offered.
    Clarice smiled as the duke and duchess shared a conspiratorial grin. Lady Alice was playing the invalid guest role to the hilt and they all appeared to be enjoying the game.
    Alex, Millie and Lucy joined Clarice and David at the front of the box.
    â€˜May I get you an orgeat, lemonade or champagne, Clarice?’ Alex asked.
    Lucy huffed and answered for her. ‘Champagne, of course; we are at the opera. And thank you, dear brother; Millie and I shall have a glass.’
    Alex hurried over to the supper table and returned leading the attendant, who carried a tray laden with champagne glasses. David took two glasses and handed one to Clarice.
    As she took a sip of the delicious bubbles, Clarice could see Lucy and Millie exchange a hopeful look with David. He in turn screwed up his nose. Was there anyone in his family he was not prepared to enlist to further his cause?
    â€˜Clarice, my dear, do come and sit with your poor old grandmamma,’ Lady Alice announced.
    â€˜Excuse me,’ she said and hurried to take her seat.
    When the second act began, David took the seat next to her once more. He continued as before, paying close attention to the singers on the stage. Clarice for her part found herself unable to concentrate on the performance.
    The champagne began to make her feel drowsy and she struggled to stay awake. Feeling cold, she unfolded her evening wrap and placed it round her shoulders. Slowly she slid down in the chair and finally her eyes closed.
    As the final act reached its crescendo, the attention of everyone in the Duke of Strathmore’s opera box was riveted to the stage. All except Lady Clarice Langham. She was fast