If Claire had known Nick was defending her to a [i]Baron[/i] of all people, she might have given him a little more slack. Since she did not, however, the bride only smiled weakly at the kiss before cutting the cake, handing it off to one of the staff. Once seated she was actually surprised to hear his travel plans. Or their plans, rather.

“Oh. You really planned a trip for us?” she asked with hesitation, watching him with suspicion. “Did [i]you[/i] organize it, or did your father?” Claire added with a smirk. Either way, it was in place and she didn’t want to leave. “All the same, I appreciate such a luxurious trip but I would much rather just go home.” Home. Claire looked around, realizing she would never sleep in her own bed again or read out on the balcony, or have supper with her father without her new husband at her side. With a small sigh she tried to not let it affect her; there was enough to worry about. “You really don’t seem like the traveling type with your business. I have plenty to do myself such as arrange all my belongings, work on the landscaping.” Obtaining secret information from British military personnel… 

“All I’m saying is I don’t mind if we stay here. No one can condemn us for being busy. If you wish, I could tell everyone I was to blame. Fever or something of the like,” she offered, knowing at this point his reputation mattered much more than hers. They may not get along, but he was the one who owned a business to bring in money and hers was shot at this point anyway. Looking over at him though she frowned, afraid he would take her slight concern as offensive. “Speaking of fever, Nicholas you seem awfully pale. Are you all right?.”

She’d barely taken a few bites, but Claire refused to do one more than against her will today. So without wasting any more time she informed Nick where she was going before heading upstairs to change, along with her maidservant. She came back down in a fashionable spring green and pink dress with a matching hat and white gloves instead of the earlier lace. Again she acted flattered at every compliment given, though she would have much rather moved through the crowd at a faster pace. “Miss Abbot, this has been a beautiful reception, I and my wife have very much enjoyed the company of everyone here,” one of them went on, continuing their conversation. Elijah Paulet, son of the Marquess of Winchester. His rather unpleasantly looking but wealthy wife hung onto his arm as usual.

“Well I’m glad to hear it,” she answered, glancing to the side in hopes Nick would rescue her. She didn’t see him. “This really is all for our guests, of course, it wouldn’t do if you weren’t enjoying yourself.”

“Oh, don’t say that, it’s your wedding! It was good of him to put the past behind him and take you as his, wouldn’t you agree dear?” The wife nodded, giving Claire a look of…what was that? Not disgust. More like faked pity. She’d gotten a few of those today, but thankfully not many. Most were just happy to be invited to such a grand event.

“Yes, it was good of him. I will not be forgetting his love and kindness anytime soon,” she said, hoping that if she went along with his sly insults he would let her go.

“I should hope not. A man can only forgive so many times. If my Sofia-“

“Have you seen my husband? It is about time we left,” she said, tearing her eyes away from him to look around desperately for Nicholas. Who knew she would ever desire his company so much. Claire only hoped his commanding presence would get them out of the room, not make him want to stay and join in on the conversation .