A Passion for Pleasure(39)

Gasps and applause rose from the guests as they shifted to obtain a better view. Clara smiled.

Millicent seemed to preen at the attention, her elegant head sweeping back and forth as she watched the keys, her foot tapping in time to the music. After the first tune concluded, she gave a slight bow before starting to play again.

“I heard tell that Lady Rossmore intends to offer her patronage to Blake’s Museum.” Lord Margrave scratched his bristling side whiskers as he peered at Millicent. “Apparently Fairfax’s daughter is Blake’s new assistant, so her ladyship believes he ought to have the means to exhibit more of his work.”

Sebastian slanted his gaze to Margrave. “You know Mrs. Winter?”

“Indeed. Her husband was quite a promising young fellow. Tragic death in a hunting accident. Fairfax has been good enough to take the son under his wing.”

He returned his attention to the stage as Granville concluded the demonstration and the audience began buzzing with excitement and questions. Several people crowded up to the stage to look at Millicent more closely, while others drifted toward the refreshment table.

Sebastian’s heart thumped against his rib cage as he saw Clara weaving through the crowd. As if sensing his presence, she turned her head and smiled, then diverted her path to approach him.

“It went well, don’t you think?” she asked. “Lady Rossmore was quite pleased.”

Sebastian nodded, acutely aware of his father’s presence. “Mrs. Winter, this is my father, the Earl of Rushton.”

“Oh.” A flush painted her cheeks as she realized the familiarity of her remark. “Lord Rushton, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Yours as well, Mrs. Winter.” Rushton studied her with his apple-peeling gaze. “Quite a unique demonstration, I must say.”

“Thank you, my lord. My uncle has a number of—” Her eyes skidded to Margrave. “Er, good evening, Lord Margrave.”

Though he didn’t know the reason for her sudden unease, Sebastian moved closer to her, resisting the urge to pull her protectively to his side.

“Mrs. Winter.” Margrave gave her a short nod. “I saw your father not three weeks ago at a steeplechase. Visited Manley Park recently, have you?”

“No…no, not for some time, my lord.” She paused, glanced at Rushton, then back to Margrave. “Have you been to Manley Park, my lord?”

“This past summer, yes,” Margrave replied. “Your father invited Lady Margrave and myself for a Saturday to Monday visit. He’s procured a very impressive stud-horse.”

“I’ve heard, yes.” Tension threaded her voice. “Was Andrew Winter present, my lord?”

Sebastian saw a slight frown tug at Rushton’s mouth, but the implications of the question appeared lost on Margrave.

“No, no, didn’t see him, unfortunately. Fairfax said the boy wasn’t well.” Margrave shook his head. “He’s back in London now, I think, Fairfax is. Must speak to him about the railway investments he was considering. Might have brought the boy along. Beg your pardon, there’s Lord Crombie. Rushton, I’ll see you at the club, yes?”

Clara took a step back, her skin white as paper. Margrave bid them a good evening and pushed through the crowd.

“Well, Mrs. Winter, if your father is in town, I’d be pleased to make his acquaintance,” Rushton remarked.

Sebastian slipped his hand beneath Clara’s elbow.

“Clara?”

“Excuse me. I…I need some air.” She pulled from his grip and hurried toward the doors leading to the street.

Sebastian and Rushton exchanged glances before Sebastian went after her. He caught her on the steps, reaching out with his right hand to grasp her arm. Momentarily startled, he watched his hand obey his instinctive command to draw her to a halt.

She spun around. “What? What?”

Sebastian cupped her cheek with his other hand, easing her face upward to look at him. “Why are you so afraid of your father?”

“He has my son, Sebastian. And if he comes to London, he won’t allow me to see Andrew.” She pressed her hands to her face and closed her eyes. “Lord Margrave said Andrew wasn’t well. What does that mean? What’s wrong with him?”

She shivered, hugging her arms around herself. Sebastian removed his coat and slipped it around her shoulders as protection against the cold night air.

Help her.