Page 31 of A Virgin to Trap the Earl of Thornhill
William shot his brother a wry look. “Perhaps I am not as easily entranced as you, Cassian.”
Cassian laughed, the sound echoing through the quiet morning. “Or perhaps you’re just too serious.”
There was a silence then, only the sounds of hooves on the dirt path beneath them breaking it. The words were there on the tip of William’s tongue, ones he had hardly spoken aloud.
“There are times, Cass,” he began, quietly, “when I wish I could be you, the carefree younger son.”
Cassian looked at him, surprise evident in his eyes, the joviality that usually graced his features momentarily absent.
“The weight of the Earldom, it’s… it’s sometimes too much; I cannot live up to my father’s name, I just…” William confessed. He glanced at Cassian, his expression unguarded.
For a moment, Cassian said nothing. Then he cleared his throat, a newfound seriousness in his gaze. “Being the Earl is not without its burdens, true, Will. But remember, you don’t have to bear it all alone.”
William arched an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his eyes. “And who would share these burdens?”
Cassian met his gaze squarely. “Why, me, of course. I may not have the title, but I share the name. And the responsibilities that come with it.”
It was a rare moment, seeing this side of Cassian. It was then William realized that beneath all the charm and humor, Cassian, too, understood the weight of duty. And, for the first time in a while, he felt a little less alone. A soft smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, gratitude flickering in his eyes.
“Thank you, Cassian,” he murmured, clasping his brother’s shoulder in a rare show of affection.
“You’re welcome, brother,” Cassian replied, his usual smile returning, though there was a newfound depth in his eyes. “And remember, we Thornhills are stronger together.”
“Indeed, we are,” William agreed, meeting Cassian’s gaze. “But it’s not just you, brother. I should also share my burdens with a wife as Father did.”
“And yet you keep snubbing all potential countesses,” Cassian retorted with a smirk. “What about Charity Eastwick? A family of good standing, pleasant, if not a tad bit… uninspiring.”
“Pleasant but dull as ditchwater, you mean,” William countered. “Can you truly imagine Lady Charity as the Countess of Thornhill?”
Cassian’s grin widened. “Well, if you are looking for a spark, there is always Miss Eris. Intelligent, capable, quite charming when she wants to be.”
“Eris? She is as stubborn as an ox, and her tongue is as sharp as a razor,” William replied though he could not hide the warmth in his voice.
“Ah, but a woman of such spirit would ensure you never become too conceited, wouldn’t she?” Cassian shot back. “She would keep you on your toes, that’s for sure.”
“Cassian, you have a peculiar sense of what would make a good match,” William said, shaking his head.
“Perhaps,” Cassian agreed. “But think about it, Will. You need someone who can match your intensity, who isn’t afraid to challenge you, and who would stand by you, come what may. Is that not Miss Eris?”
Caught off guard, William found himself unable to respond immediately. His mind swirled with thoughts of Eris, her fiery spirit, her wit, and the undeniable attraction he felt toward her. Was it possible that Cassian, in his own odd way, was right?
“But what about you, Cassian?” William finally managed to ask, turning to his brother with a furrowed brow. “I thought you held a certain affection for Miss Eris yourself?”
Cassian shrugged, his gaze focused on the road ahead. “Well, Miss Eris is indeed a charming lady, intelligent and spirited,” he conceded, “but I have realized that her feelings toward me may not be as I had hoped. And perhaps, it is time I considered looking elsewhere for love.”
With that, they urged their horses forward, the morning sun casting long shadows as they galloped through the countryside, but despite the uncertain future, William felt a little lighter, a little more capable. Because he wasn’t alone, and that was enough.
As they rode back into the courtyard of the castle, they found a small crowd of ladies assembled to bid Cassian farewell. Lady Marianne was there, of course, with her stately bearing and measured smile. Emma, Charlotte, and Lydia, the three daughters of Viscount Harlington, were also present, their youthful faces alight with admiration for the charming naval officer.
Cassian dismounted with the grace of a seasoned rider and swept into a gallant bow that had the ladies giggling and blushing. He then proceeded to charm each lady with a few words, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Lady Marianne, always a pleasure. Your wit and grace have truly made this stay memorable.”
Next, he turned to the Harlington sisters, taking each of their hands in turn and bestowing a kiss upon their knuckles. “Miss Emma, your piano forte is simply divine. Miss Charlotte, your knowledge of literature has left me utterly astounded. And Miss Lydia, I dare say your paintings rival those of the great masters.”
William stood to one side, struggling to maintain a straight face as his brother laid it on thick, his charismatic charm evident in every word, every gesture. The ladies were eating out of his hand, swooning over his flattery. Even their mothers looked pleased, casting approving glances his way.
Finally, Cassian turned to their mother, the Dowager Countess. “Mother, my heart aches at the thought of leaving your loving presence. You shall be dearly missed.”
The Dowager Countess patted his cheek fondly, a soft smile on her lips. “Oh, my sweet boy. Do take care and write often.”
