By the next morning, Clara was feeling much better. She knew she had taken a risk and worn herself out these last few days. She must be more careful. There was too much at stake.

She traveled with Mr. Brummell and Rosalyn in the carriage. At the appropriate moment, she looked out, expecting to see Benjamin, but she did not. His usual chair in the window of White's was left empty. She was prepared to put on a smile and act unconcerned. Clara turned to Mr. Brummell.

"I know, no more than you. Your husband can be a secretive man, even to me."

"I understand," Clara said, sitting back in the carriage. She's spent so many days being mad at Benjamin she did not know how she would react upon seeing him again, but she guessed fate was giving them a reprieve.

"I will see what I can discover. If I learn anything, I will pass it on to you. I promise," Mr. Brummell told Clara.

Clara nodded, and Mr. Brummell left the women to carry out their day. He learned nothing of Benjamin's whereabouts. He knew he should not be concerned. Benjamin often would disappear for days at a time when on a mission, he just hated thinking that Benjamin would be called away now of all times, with the ball just a few days away.

He checked on Clara's gown and it was coming along splendidly. He checked on his own attire and discovered that Benjamin had his clothes sent to his flat in London. Mr. Brummell hoped this meant he still planned to attend.

Mr. Brummell stopped at the hotel to find Clara excited to announce her brother had arrived. Lord Richard Bentley rose to greet him.

"Thank you for taking such good care of my sister. I owe you a great debt."

"Nonsense, I've quite enjoyed our time together. Time I am guessing is coming to an end, now that you are here?"

"I see no reason you cannot keep your acquaintance with my sister, even though I am here to take back my role as her guardian."

"Oh Richard, what will we do about you and the ball?" Clara asked.

"I have been sent an invitation, which I have already accepted. I'm fully prepared to watch over you for the evening freeing Mr. Brummell here to find much more enjoyable pursuits should he wish it."

"Hard to imagine someone's company being more enjoyable than your sister's," Mr. Brummell admitted.

"Don't let Mr. McAllister hear you say that. He's liable to see you as a threat," Lord Bentley told him.

This gave Mr. Brummell a hardy chuckle. "I sincerely doubt it. He knows he has nothing to fear from me."

"Have you heard from him?" Clara asked.

"I fear not. He must be on a mission as he has not been seen by anyone all day. However, this is not an unusual circumstance. I'm sure he'll turn up again. He has already seen fit to have his clothes for the ball sent to his flat. I'm certain it is his intention to be there."

"Intention?" Richard said frowning. "He best do better than intend if he plans to keep the Queen happy and secure my sister's happiness as well.

"Nothing will keep him from Clara. He wants this as badly as she does," Mr. Brummell supplied.

Clara didn't not like the nervous feeling in her stomach. She had no reason to believe anything was wrong but it was a feeling she could not shake.

"I will leave you to catch up with your brother. If Mr. McAllister gets in touch with me, I promise to send word."

"Thank you, Mr. Brummell."

Mr. Brummell nodded and left.

"Come pack your things. We are going to my flat in London. I don't think it right you staying here on your own."

"I have been on my own for quite some time now, Richard. I really don't think it necessary..."

"It is not a request, Clara. You and I have much to discuss and I'll not have a sister of mine staying in some hotel, while I am in town."

Clara sighed. "As you wish."

"Thank you." Richard felt truly grateful that Clara chose not to fight him on this.

Within the hour Clara was packed and headed with Richard and Rosalyn to his flat in London.

"Since when did you have a place in town?" Clara asked.

"Juliana sometimes enjoys coming to London, wishing to spend time with Annabelle and the family. I know how much she enjoys painting with our sister, so I thought it best to rent a flat to stay in such cases."

"I'm surprised Annabelle would hear of it. I'm certain she would rather you stay with her in our Aunt's house."

"The house is much larger than their last here in London but with Annabelle, Cyril, and now three children, there is little room for us."

"How is everyone?" Clara asked.

"Juliana is wonderful and Charles is growing bigger every day. The time is going by so quickly. He is already walking and with the time Juliana spends reading to him, he has already begun to say a few words."

"I had no doubt that Juliana would make a wonderful mother. She practically raised Annabelle and me."

"We are planning to add to our family, we hope within the next year. We think it would be best for Charles to have a playmate and Juliana already misses having an infant in her arms."

Richard saw how Clara's eyes became shiny and bright with tears unshed. He took hold of her hand. "I'm sorry Clara, I did not mean to be insensitive. Please forgive me?"

"No, it's perfectly fine. I would never deny another their joy for all the world. I'm glad you and Juliana are getting along so well and all is right with the family."

"Once this ball happens and your relationship with Benjamin becomes public, and you'll have your chance."

Clara gave Richard a weak smile and nodded. She had nothing to say on the subject.

"Is Juliana with you?" Clara asked.

"No, she is home, but I know Annabelle is eager to see you."

"Richard, I..."

Richard could see the hesitancy in his sister's features. "Clara, I understand, one thing at a time. When you are ready, we will deal with the matter you seem not to wish to discuss."

"Thank you!" Clara said fussing with her skirts, her guilt of what removing herself from them did to her family threatening to overwhelm her.

"I do hope though Clara you can trust us. I would hope you know you can depend on us, if ever you need us, we are here for you. You took a great risk going out on your own. If we lost you..."

Clara could see that Richard was visibly shaken by the thought of him losing her and her heart reached out to him as she squeezed his hand. She knew her family cared deeply for her but she had her own troubles which neither her brother nor sister could ever understand. Still, she did not think it right to keep herself from them. She needed to find a middle ground.

"It really was not my intention to worry anyone. It was something I had to do, and I couldn't ask any of you to take that risk for me."

"We're family, Clara. It's what we do."

"I promise you, Richard. I won't do it again."

Satisfied Richard nodded.

They reached the flat and soon Clara was settled in. Richard was in the den; it was late but he had not retired for the evening.

"Come in," he told her, spying Clara in the doorway.

Clara came and sat across from him.

Richard looked up at her and stopped what he was doing. "You seem concerned. Something on your mind."

"I know Benjamin's work is secretive and that he has a life I know nothing about and it is not unusual that he should disappear but I can't shake the feeling that something has gone wrong."

Richard gave her words some thought. "I have learned in the short time I've spent in his presence that Benjamin is very resourceful. Even if he were to be in trouble, I have no doubt he'd find a way out, if only because of his desire to be with you again."

"You really believe that?" Clara asked.

"You don't?" Richard posed. "Has something happened? Do you doubt he loves you?"

Clara could not look at Richard directly. She knew Benjamin loved her, but perhaps he didn't know how to love her. It would be a concept that would be difficult to explain, especially to Richard who married his childhood love.

"No, I do not doubt him. Thank you, for the talk, Richard." Clara rose to go off to bed.

As Richard watched his little sister leave his heart felt heavy. Clara has been through so much, he dearly hoped that his brother-in-law would not let her down again.