‘It’s really ready now, and Delia and I will make it known to the local churches and hospitals that we are there to give shelter,’ Alexis explained, and looked at the doorway as Delia walked in.
Delia joined them near the window. ‘I can see that you have hit it off. I knew you would. In fact, I’m sorry I didn’t ask you to become involved with the charity before, Claudia.’
‘So am I, but here I am now, ready, willing and able to do whatever I can. Wouldn’t it be possible to go and visit Haven House regularly, Delia?’
‘Of course, we’d love that. Alexis and I believe that the women will appreciate our interest in them. We fully intend to drop by whenever we can. Of course, they may be a bit shy at first.’
Claudia looked from Delia to Alexis. ‘I had a thought when I was on my way here earlier. I’d like to share it with you …’ A questioning look crossed her face.
‘Please do tell us.’ Delia smiled encouragingly.
‘I was wondering what I would actually do if I visited the shelter. It suddenly occurred to me that I might be able to teach the women something during their stay. I came up with the idea of taking some books. I thought perhaps there might be some women who can’t read.’
Alexis exclaimed, ‘What a clever idea! It’s just wonderful, Claudia. And there are bound to be many women who never went to school before it became compulsory.’
A smile spread across Claudia’s face, and she began to discuss the kind of books she would collect, how she might bring a carpenter to build bookshelves in one of the communal rooms with their permission.
As she sat listening to her, liking Claudia more and more, Alexis saw the strong family likeness between her and Delia. Their mothers were sisters, making them first cousins. Margot, Claudia’s mother, had died some years ago, but Delia’s was still alive and had helped with the charity.
Both women had the same burnished, glossy brown hair and dark eyes. Pretty women, they were well groomed and smartly dressed. She knew that Delia was just thirty because she had attended her birthday luncheon. But she had no idea how old Claudia was … younger than Delia, about twenty, perhaps, not much older than that.
Each of them was wearing a gown by Madame Valance. Her unique style was easy to recognize and it was obvious to Alex that they also patronized the French designer.
Delia had chosen a deep-rose-coloured silk gown, with long sleeves, a square neckline and a sweeping bustle; Claudia was dressed in a purple silk jacket with a cleverly cut skirt which matched. It was a straight skirt, with side drapes, but no bustle. Alexis thought it was chic, and decided she would order something similar. She liked the idea of skirts without those cumbersome bustles that she no longer tolerated.
Delia broke into her thoughts, when she said, ‘You are certainly giving us a very sharp once-over, Alexis. And the answer is yes. We are clients of Madame Valance.’
Alexis laughed. ‘I was actually admiring you both. And I have suddenly had a serious thought. We must be simply dressed when we are at Haven House, wearing plain clothes.’
‘Nothing like these gowns, nothing fancy. That’s most important,’ Delia interjected. ‘They would be upset, I think.’
Claudia was in agreement. ‘We have to show them respect and kindness, and we mustn’t appear to be superior or patronizing.’
‘Correct,’ Alexis said. ‘Plain clothes, plain talk, too, and very good manners. We must also have a lot of patience. These women who are so much in need must never be made to feel inferior.’
As they took their leave of Delia, Alexis turned to Claudia. ‘I have my carriage waiting, and I’m certain you do, too. But, if not, I would be happy to take you to your home.’
‘How nice of you, Alexis, and thank you. I’m going to visit a relative with my father. He said he would come for me, and I’m sure his carriage is already outside.’
It was. As Alexis and Claudia left Delia’s house, she saw it at once. Her father was standing outside on this glorious sunny afternoon, leaning against the carriage door nonchalantly smoking a cigarette. As soon as he saw them he dropped it, stubbed it out with his foot. Then he began to walk towards them, a smile on his face.
After greeting his daughter in an affectionate tone, he said, ‘Won’t you introduce me to your friend?’
‘Of course, Papa.’ She looked at Alexis. ‘I would like to present my father to you … Sebastian Trevalian. Papa, this is Alexis Malvern.’
Sebastian bowed slightly, offering her his hand.
‘Good afternoon, Mr Trevalian. I am very pleased to meet you,’ Alexis murmured, taking his hand.
‘The pleasure is all mine, Miss Malvern,’ he responded, staring at her with great intensity. He was still holding her hand in his, struck by her vivid beauty: her luxuriant auburn hair, deep-green eyes, and English-rose complexion. She was stunning. A beauty. No, a great beauty, and extremely elegant in her cream gown.
Startled by her father’s attention to Alexis, even puzzled, Claudia cleared her throat several times.
Glancing at his daughter, noting the surprised expression on her face, he immediately let go of Alexis’s hand and took a step back. ‘Wherever it is you are going, Miss Malvern, we will take you there.’ Turning, he put a hand under her elbow and began to walk her to his carriage.
‘Thank you, Mr Trevalian,’ Alexis said, ‘I have my carriage here, but such a kind offer on your part.’
Claudia said swiftly, ‘I’m so glad we met, Alexis, and I look forward to visiting Haven House on Tuesday.’
Taking hold of her father’s arm, still amazed by his fascination with her new friend, she made to lead him in the direction of their carriage. He shrugged her off gently, an amused look settling on his face.
‘I shall escort Miss Malvern, help her into her carriage,’ Sebastian announced firmly, and did just that, with Claudia staring after him, more and more surprised.
After stepping up into her carriage and seating herself, Alexis rolled down the window and looked at him, her attention held by his pale-grey eyes.
‘Thank you,’ she murmured.
Sebastian stared back at her for a long moment, before saying, ‘I do hope we shall meet again, Miss Malvern. Soon. I shall have Claudia give a small supper. You will come, I hope?’
Alexis found herself saying, ‘I would enjoy that,’ and then she wondered why she had accepted so quickly.
He nodded politely, and as he turned away she noticed the small smile playing around his mouth.
Her carriage moved forward, the horses snorting, the driver urging them on. Alexis leaned back against the leather seat, thinking about Sebastian Trevalian. His behaviour had been a bit odd. No, not odd. Very male. She knew he had been surprised by her appearance. And he had been attracted to her. Very much so.
With a little jolt, she understood that Claudia had been startled by her father’s behaviour. And she wished she had not accepted his invitation with such alacrity. It might look too eager. And she didn’t have the slightest interest in him. None at all.
And yet her thoughts stayed with Claudia’s father as the carriage rolled on towards Mayfair. He was undoubtedly one of the handsomest man she had ever set eyes on. It was his silvery-grey eyes, translucent and clear, that were so arresting and compelling.
His colouring was very fair, his light brown hair filled with blond streaks. There was no doubt that he was an Englishman, although his face had strong lines. It was sharply chiselled, with a Roman nose, a masculine jawline and generous mouth. He looked too young to be Claudia’s