Page 23 of Courting Claudia
“Who?”
“What’s the matter with you? Mr. Middleton—I saw him here speaking with you only a few moments ago.”
“Oh him. Well, he came to invite me to go riding with him.”
“And?”
“And I accepted. I had no choice,” she added quickly. “He practically blackmailed me.”
“Blackmailed? With what material?” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Have you been holding out on a delicious secret?”
“Of course not.” Except the kiss, but she couldn’t very well tell her that. “It was Richard. I didn’t want him to see us speaking, and Mr. Middleton used it against me. I’m not quite certain why he asked me to go riding with him.”
“Perhaps you’ve captured him with your charms.”
Claudia released an unladylike snort. “That must be it,” she said dryly. “Be serious, Poppy. I’m in a dreadful situation.”
“How is it remotely dreadful when a man that looks and charms like Derrick Middleton is paying attention to you?” Poppy released a tiny shriek and brought her hand to her mouth. “Oh! He’s courting you.”
“Shhh! Not so loud. He is doing no such thing.” Claudia winced and leaned closer to her friend. “He claims that he’s courting me, but it simply cannot be the truth.”
“Why not?”
“Honestly, Poppy. Have you seen him? What on earth would a man like that want with me?”
“There’s no reason why every man on earth wouldn’t want you.”
“You are biased because you are my friend.”
“I am biased and I am your friend, but I’m also being truthful. There is not one single reason I can think of as to why Derrick Middleton or any other man wouldn’t want to court you.”
Claudia opened her mouth to speak, but Poppy cut her off.
“Unless…” Poppy frowned.
“Unless what?” Claudia asked.
“It could be your father.”
“My father? What does my father have to do with anything?”
“Your father isn’t exactly warm and inviting, Claudia. Perhaps men are afraid of him, and that is why Richard is your only suitor.” She raised one finger. “Until now. I think it’s splendid.”
Claudia rolled her eyes. “You would.”
“Nobody said you have to marry him. Although given the choice between Richard and Derrick…Look at it this way, perhaps a little competition will spur Richard into action.”
“Heavens no. I don’t want Richard or anyone else knowing that Mr. Middleton is playing this charade. But I do want to spur Richard into action as you say.”
“How are you going to do that?”
“I’m not certain.”
“I cannot for the life of me understand why Richard is dragging his feet. He has your father’s permission and yours. What is he waiting on?”
“How should I know? Maybe he doesn’t want to marry me.”
“That’s rubbish.”