Page 37 of Courting Claudia

“I know what you want. But now isn’t the time, Claudia. We’ll be discovered. It’s too public.” He took her hand and pressed it to the front of his trousers and the evidence of his arousal. “But know this. I want you just as badly.”

Claudia leaned into the seat cushion and allowed the events of the evening to swirl through her head. She needed to talk to Poppy, but that would have to wait until tomorrow. What was she supposed to do?

Derrick had successfully proved to her that he was indeed serious about pursuing her. And the irony was that Richard had supposedly been courting her for a year now and had never advanced past sending her poems. Poorly written poems at that.

Not only had she once again failed to end their relationship, she’d entangled herself with him in a most scandalous way. She was shameless and weak.

Her body wanted Derrick. Of that much she was certain. But her father would never allow her to marry a man like him. His station in life alone was enough to send her father into a fit. But the fact that Derrick was the man that her father seemed to hate the most, aside from the majority party leader, ensured he would never bless a union between them.

If he ever found out about the courting, his head would likely split in two. She’d found a man who wanted her, and not for her dowry, because everyone knew Derrick had more money than most of his so-called betters. He seemed to want her because of her.

She almost squealed with the thought of it. It was a heady feeling, almost addictive—knowing that a man wanted her. No wonder Poppy was usually in such a good mood.

The carriage pulled to a stop in front of her house. Her nerves and body were so alert, she probably wouldn’t sleep at all. She took off her slippers to climb the stairs so she wouldn’t wake her father. It was a silly precaution, because he always went to bed early.

“Claudia, I’d like to see you now.” Her father appeared behind her. “In my study.”

His voice was tight and controlled. He’d clearly been waiting up for her. That had never happened. Chills shivered up her spine to prickle the hairs at the nape of her neck. He knew something.

Then she realized the obvious. Someone must have seen her on the balcony. It had been very dark, but it wasn’t an impossibility.

“Sit down.”

She complied and searched his face for any clue to what he wanted to discuss. She found nothing.

“I’ve heard a disturbing rumor, and I’m expecting you to dispel it.”

She nodded, not sure what to say.

“Are you familiar with a man by the name of Derrick Middleton?”

Her blood turned to ice. He knew. “Yes, sir. I’ve made his acquaintance recently.”

“And is it true he’s been seeking you out at parties? Trying to…court you?” He spat the words out as if the thought made him physically ill. “Is this true?”

“We have danced a few times.” She’d been to his office, and to his estate to ride horses with him. All with no chaperone. But if she told her father all that, he’d send her straight to the country to live the remainder of her days.

“But what are his intentions?”

“It’s my understanding, Father, that when a gentleman wants to court a lady, he must first consult with her parents. Has he met with you?”

“Of course not. And if he tried, I would refuse to see him. He is no gentleman, Claudia. Do not be fooled by his money. He is nothing more than a scoundrel who’s made his riches off the lies he prints in that paper of his.”

Well, that answered her question. Not that she expected a different answer. But she’d held a tiny bit of hope that he would consider allowing Derrick to court her.

“I can’t imagine what would prompt him to seek your attentions, but you must put a stop to his advances. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Father.”

“No more dances. I don’t even want you speaking to him. Don’t exchange pleasantries, don’t even look at him. Pretend you do not know him.”

She would make that promise now and hope life handed her a way not to keep it. She loved her father, and he knew what was best for her, but sometimes she wished he was wrong.

“You will marry Richard. Do you understand me, girl? You will do anything and everything it takes to secure that man as your husband. And I mean anything. Am I making myself clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Now get yourself off to bed. And figure out a way to make that man propose to you.”