“Your crab puffs are a huge hit. Good thing we made more than you originally planned.”
Claire nodded. “This is a town that likes its seafood.”
With a large party like this, so many things could go wrong, but she’d been planning and organizing like a fiend. Over the next few hours, things went so smoothly it was almost anticlimactic. By ten o’clock, she estimated a third of the party guests had taken off. With the gathering winding down, all she had left to do was clean up and head out.
While she collected trays and chafing dishes from the buffet, Claire surreptitiously looked around for Linc, curious if he’d found someone he wanted to spend some quiet one-on-one time with. Throughout the evening, every time she’d ventured through the room, he’d been conversing with a different woman. His mother had to be thrilled that he was taking her matchmaking so seriously.
As if her thoughts had summoned him, Linc came up beside her. His long, warm fingers curved around her arm, and he gave her a brief heart-wrenching squeeze.
“Another successful event under your belt. Your food is fantastic and pretty soon everyone in Charleston is going to know who you are.”
His praise and support made Claire light-headed. “I’m sure they already know I’m your housekeeper.”
“I’m talking about the polo match that’s coming up. You’ll make a huge splash as the caterer and I’m sure my mother would be happy to talk you up to her friends.”
“You know, it sounds like you’re trying to get rid of me.”
“Not at all. It’s just that several people have mentioned to me lately that your talents are going to waste as my housekeeper. I thought maybe your loyalty to me might be stopping you from starting your own catering business.” Though he smiled as he said it, his blue eyes were grave.
“I’d never do that.” Her throat tightened at the thought of leaving him. “I don’t have the money or the know-how to start my own company.”
“But if you did?”
Although she was flattered that so many people had faith in her cuisine, the pressure to succeed overwhelmed her. “I also don’t have the time or the desire. You know that Honey is my top priority. Also, there are so many well-established caterers in Charleston, I can’t imagine being able to compete.” She offered him a wry smile. “So it looks like you’re stuck with me.”
To her relief, the corner of his mouth kicked up in a matching grin. “That’s good to hear, but I don’t want to stand in your way if you think doing something else might be better for you and Honey.”
“I know it must seem that I’m unambitious, but I’m happy right where I am.” The position enabled her to stay below the radar and out of sight of Jasper’s parents. “So, have you picked one yet?” she asked, deciding to change the subject.
“Picked one?” he echoed with a slight frown.
She used her chin to indicate the crowd. Hadn’t he noticed the way all eyes had been following him tonight? Every single woman here, with the exception of Sawyer, had her sights set on becoming Mrs. Lincoln Thurston.
“Your mother and sister have delivered every eligible female in Charleston to your doorstep. All you need to do is choose.”
“Truthfully, they all look the same to me. Not one of them stands out as someone I want to get to know.” He sighed.
“You haven’t given any of them a chance,” Claire said, secretly hoping that it would take him a while to settle on just one. For the moment, she liked having him all to herself. “You should pick three tonight and invite each of them out for dinner.”
Linc’s blue eyes glinted with irritation. “I can’t believe you’re okay with this.”
“I’m a realist.” Claire hoped her voice didn’t betray the lie. “It’s what has to happen.”
“It doesn’t have to happen this way.”
“You know that it does. You might have been okay marrying a woman your mother didn’t approve of, but I’ll bet it was hard on London knowing Bettina would never fully welcome her.”
Before she’d finished speaking, a lovely blonde appeared at Linc’s side and wrapped her hand around his arm in a possessive gesture. From what Claire had observed, Charleston seemed to have an overabundance of slender, elegant blonde women with perfect teeth and fine manners. She almost pitied Linc having to choose one, because none had stood out for her and she couldn’t imagine him settling for a woman who was interchangeable with a dozen others.
“There you are,” the newcomer said, behaving as if Linc had been having a conversation with thin air. “I’ve been dying for a chance to catch up with you all night, but you’ve been surrounded.”
Although Claire expected to be treated as if she didn’t exist, Linc wasn’t the sort to play along. Claire had noticed that he gave everyone his full attention, treating them like they mattered. From the gardener who maintained the meticulous landscaping around the Jonathan Elliot House to the mailman and his neighbor’s dog walker.
“Phoebe Reed,” he said, gesturing toward Claire, “this is Claire Robbins. She is responsible for all the delicious food.”
Forced to be polite, the blonde tore her rapt gaze from Linc and glanced in Claire’s direction, giving her a perfunctory nod. “I’m sure it’s all quite yummy.” Minor courtesy out of the way, she returned her full attention to Linc. “Your sister tells me you’re going to be a part of the holiday home tour. I can’t wait to see what you’ve done to the Jonathan Elliot House.”
Rather than be an awkward third wheel, Claire murmured, “I have to get back to the kitchen.” And before Linc could stop her, she faded into the dwindling crowd.
As much as she wanted to dwell on Phoebe and the dozen other beautiful, wealthy, socially connected women who’d been brought here with the purpose of getting acquainted with Linc, Claire had a job to do. Taking up one of the big trays she’d
