Courting Claudia by Robyn DeHart Page A

invitation. “You would enjoy it.”
    She would enjoy it. But she was so embarrassed right now, she wasn’t certain she could ever face him again. “I don’t know,” she finally said.
    â€œBring Poppy along. I promise I’ll behave. But there is something there I would like you to see.”
    â€œI’ll talk to Poppy and see what she says.”
    â€œDo you want me to send a carriage after you?”
    â€œNo. I can manage on my own, thank you.”
    â€œThen I shall see you tonight.”
    â€œPerhaps.”
    He took her hand and brought it to his lips, all the while his eyes locked on hers. His warm mouth lingered a bit longer than was necessary, and a shiver went through her.
    â€œI look forward to it,” he said and dropped her hand.
    Â 
    Excitement and trepidation swirled through Claudia’s stomach, battling for dominance. She shifted on the carriage seat and fought to keep her hands still.
    â€œWhere did you tell your father you were going?” Poppy asked from across the carriage.
    â€œTo the Petermans’ soiree.”
    â€œThis early?”
    â€œWell, he wasn’t home when I left, so he won’t know I left several hours before the soiree begins. If he asks, I’ll simply tell him I went to your houseto get dressed. It’s not as if he’ll speak to your parents to verify my story.”
    â€œTrue. What kind of art exhibit is this?”
    â€œA private one, by invitation only. I’m not positive what that means, but nonetheless Mr. Middleton secured us an invitation. It’s a private society of painters. I can’t recollect what they call themselves.”
    â€œSounds mysterious,” Poppy said.
    Claudia let her gaze fall to the window. The afternoon sun lingered, giving the street an ethereal glow. The calmness of dusk was in sharp contrast to her nerves. Her mind wandered back to what Derrick had said in his office. Strip her clothes off to show her what he saw? What did that mean?
    It was utterly scandalous, that much she knew. No one had ever spoken to her in such a manner, and she knew she should be offended, but she felt nothing but shock laced with curiosity and something she could only label as intense desire. What did he see when he looked at her?
    â€œHe’s still courting you,” Poppy said. “I thought you were going to tell him you weren’t interested.”
    â€œI’m not. I did. Well, that is to say, I told him he mustn’t court me.”
    â€œThen why did he invite you to a private art showing?”
    â€œBecause I’m an artist and he appreciates that.”
    â€œDid he invite all his illustrators?”
    â€œI don’t know. Perhaps.”
    Poppy narrowed her eyes. “I don’t think you’re being completely honest with me.” Then she smiled. “But if you want to keep your little secrets, I’ll be content to speculate from a distance.”
    â€œWhat is that supposed to mean?”
    â€œNothing. You never told me how your meeting with Richard went. Did you kiss him?”
    Perfect. As if she wasn’t nervous enough, and Poppy had to bring up that dreadful incident. She recounted the story of her failed attempt at kissing Richard. Poppy simply sat across from her, staring with mouth agape.
    â€œHe pushed you off of him?” Poppy asked incredulously.
    â€œYes. He was quite offended.” Claudia shook her head. “It was a shameful idea. I shouldn’t have even thought it, much less attempted it. There is a reason men are the instigators in relationships. It’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
    â€œThat’s foolish, Claudia. He’s a wretched man. There is no rule, unwritten or not, that says that only a man can instigate kisses. Richard is your beau—or is supposed to be. He’s been courting you for a year, for heaven’s sake, with the intention to marry you. There is absolutely no reasonwhy he