Page 14 of Enchanted By the Lyon
She narrowed her eyes and lowered her brows. “Lord Blackthorn—”
“I believe, Cassandra, that I liked it better when you called me by my given name,” he said in a husky whisper.
“That was a momentary lapse of judgement given as I felt the need to help a friend, Lord Blackthorn,” she said icily and properly, instead of using his more intimate suggestion. He reminded himself that she was looking for a husband and that her refusal to be so…friendly…was for the best.
He gave a short bow. “Of course, Mrs. Vaughn,” he replied using the formality he should never have dropped in the first place. “I still offer my apology. In fact, I understand from Saxton that your currentcircumstancesare changing for the better and I wish you all the best in finding a suitable husband.” Although, he wondered if she could be persuaded to leave there and return here to her perfectly good and still-staffed townhouse, where he and she could then—
A slight gasp escaped her. “The marquis told you I am residing with them?”
He nodded and allowed a small but wicked smile to curl the edges of his lips.Say yes. I’ll make it worth your while…
“Be that as it may, since you obviously weren’t paying attention as I comforted Mrs. Yates, I shall inform you—I told her she should remain here in my home until we find out who attacked her and whether or not she would be safe in her own domicile, and I will continue to reside with the marquis and the marchioness’s home.”
That ended all his hopes. “Very well, then. I suppose, given your hope to return to the good graces of Society, I won’tbe seeing you much at the Lyon’s Den.” Unable to resist her magnetic pull, especially here, where they were alone and it wasn’t exactly improper, he took a hold of her hand. He ran his thumb across the back, and he swore he felt her tremble at his touch.
“I will still be going there since I have made an arrangement with Mrs. Dove-Lyon,” she said before she slowly pulled her hand away. Of course she had, he mused, for who else but the matchmaker would assist her to find a suitable husband?
He kept his opinion, this time, to himself, but he didn’t miss the briefest flash of something in her green eyes. Desire? Regret? Whatever it was, he still couldn’t help the sudden urge to pull her into his arms. Mentally, he shook off such thoughts. If she was attempting to make a good marriage, he wouldn’t get in the way by ruining her chances, since he had no intention of heading down the same road to matrimony as his friends.
She turned then and began walking down the hallway. He had no choice but to follow her. Before they reached the open area at the top of the stairway, she paused, then surprised him by turning back to him, placing her hand upon his forearm, and giving it a slight squeeze.
“Thank you again for your help today… Lucius,” she purred sweetly before she quickly turned and continued onward toward the stairs.
When they had gathered in the front parlor with Saxton and his wife to wait for the doctor to arrive, Lucius had the distinct impression that he would come to regret that he had no intention of marrying. But then, he dismissed that as nonsense. Mrs. Vaughn may be a lovely distraction, he reminded himself, but he was certain he wouldn’t be the best husband for her.
But he couldn’t help but think, what a pity.
Chapter Eight
Having never madeit to the Book Palace and Tea Rooms, given the situation occurring with Emily Yates, Cassandra sat in her front parlor with a tea trolley next to her. Higgins was in his element again now that Cassandra was in the house, and he went about his duties as though she had never left.
It was good to see Patience, Countess of Rowley, who had accompanied Doctor Thornberry to see the patient who was doing better upstairs. Cassandra was happy for her oldest friend and remembered the bygone days when she would enter the mercantile shop Patience’s parents owned, where she once had somehow found a dear friend who continued in that role to this day. That Patience’s husband allowed her to continue her nursing duties in the good doctor’s private practice was an added bonus because Patience truly thrived on helping others in need.
The sound of the front door closing and footsteps hurrying across the marble foyer floor caused Cassandra, Moriah, and Patience to look to the entrance of the salon while the butler stood at the side of the doorway.
“The Marchioness of Wickes,” Higgins announced when Josephine whisked into the room. She went to each woman wholifted their cheeks as she kissed them before she moved to her old place at the rounded table.
“Thank you, Higgins. That will be all,” Cassandra said, reaching over to pour a cup of tea for the last arrival.
“What have I missed?” Josephine asked placing her gaze on each woman.
Cassandra held up her hand. “First things first… Patience… please call the meeting to order.”
A frown marred Patience’s brow. “Well… I don’t know what we’re calling ourselves these days.”
Moriah gave a light laugh. “Call us whatever you wish, dear heart.”
“Well, we do still have one lady among us who hasn’t found her happily ever after.” Patience turned her eyes to each of her friends before she lightly rapped her knuckles on the table. “I call the last meeting of theWicked Widows Clubto order.”
Josephine clapped her hands in glee. “Now that it’s official… Why are we here and not at Moriah’s place?”
Cassandra nodded to Moriah, who set down her cup of tea.
“We ran into a complication on the street on our way to the Book Palace and Tea Rooms today,” Moriah explained. “Since Patience was with Doctor Thornberry when we needed help, we thought we’d send over a message for you to join us, since we were all here.”
“Is someone injured?” Josephine asked with wide eyes, searching each of her friends for wounds.
Patience leaned over taking Josephine’s hand. “None of us, dearest, but a lady upstairs.”
