Page 31 of Enchanted By the Lyon
Lucius continued to keep her abreast of his investigation into Barlow and how he most likely had taken advantage of Cassandra’s grief and innocence. He had but recently admitted that anything linked to her parent’s demise had turned up as a dead end, and although disappointed they could learn nothing from it, it still angered her that a murderer was still out there, possibly wreaking havoc with other people’s lives.
Still, she had to admit that she enjoyed their meetings at the Saxton residence on the few occasions that he called upon her there. He had been the perfect gentleman and was doing his best to hold true to his word that she could trust him. Dinners and the theater, escorting her to balls, and even attending charity events she was involved in caused her to believe him. Even the hostesses could not complain after he continued to make a sizable donation to their causes. His efforts made her fall in love with him all the more.
And then there was the package he had delivered to her wrapped in pretty paper with a lovely pink bow. She had carefully unwrapped the box, took off the lid and found a copy ofPride and Prejudice. His lovely note had mentioned it was a gift she was sure to enjoy and a love story worth reading. He really was a dear man! Just as she always believed he could become.
“You’re lost in thought, Cassie,” Patience exclaimed, taking hold of her hand. “Worried about moving or is it something else?”
She squeezed her dear friend’s hand. “Oh, just reminiscing about my life. There have been so many changes of late that it’s hard to pinpoint what may happen next.”
Patience smiled. “Well, if we’re lucky, we’ll be celebrating the announcement of your engagement! I never thought I’d see the day when the Earl of Blackthorn was smitten by a lady from theWicked Widow’s Club.”
“I will be happy whenthattitle is no longer associated with any of us.” Cassandra chuckled softly.
Patience sighed. “I suppose. But wasn’t it fun to be the center of attention, at least for a little while?”
Now Cassandra laughed aloud. “You only say that because your name was mostly muffled from the scandal of the rest of us.”
“I still enjoyed the wee bit of fame it offered. I always felt like I was left in the background while others were more notorious,” Patience declared with a shrug before she turned her head to gaze out the window.
“You were never in the background, Patience, and should never talk down about yourself. Why, I don’t know what I would have done without your friendship all those years ago. You never once turned up your nose at me as though I was unworthy of anyone’s help or kindness,” Cassandra answered with a sincere heart.
“Now who is putting herself down? If it wasn’t for you, none of us would have made such advantageous marriages,” Patience declared with conviction.
“I have to admit that I was thrilled when they all turned out to be a love match. Reformed rakes do make the best husbands,” Cassandra said smiling.
“Speaking from experience, dear sister?” Patience asked winking.
“Well, he did need a bit of convincing, but came around in the end. He hasn’t proposed as yet, but I’m convinced it’s only a matter of time.”
“I’m sure you’ll be happy to put your past behind you, Cassie. Being able to sell your townhouse to Emily was a stroke of luck. Now everything is all falling into place.”
“She needed to get out of that seedy part of town. I’ve been very worried for her safety ever since she was accosted in the street,” Cassandra admitted.
“It was kind of you to allow her to stay at your place.”
Cassandra shrugged. “She needed a place to stay where she would be hidden if the man was trying to find her. It didn’t hurt that my townhouse was closer to the place where that man almost accosted her and we could get her there much quicker than we could her own home.”
Patience leaned forward in her seat. “Well, we’re about to pull up to your old place. I’m certain Higgins will be happy you’re here to organize the move, including getting settled in your new home.”
“I think Higgins is just happy he will soon be able to perform his normal duties for me. That man is one of the most loyal servants I ever had.” As the carriage began to slow, Cassandra gave a heavy sigh. “There were a lot of good memories in this house with all of you in it.”
“We’ll make new memories, Cassie.”
The footman came and let down the step. Cassandra descended and began to make her way to the door. She had almost reached the portal when it was violently pulled open, causing a loud bang to ring out as it hit the wall. She gasped, never expecting the one man who had tormented her in her past to now be leaving her home.
A harsh laugh left his lips before he found his voice. “You haven’t changed over the years, my pet,” Viscount Hollingsworth sneered.
“What in the world are you doing here?” she asked.
“Slumming,” he laughed as he looked over his shoulder back into the house. “They’ll let anyone, even those of no worth, into the neighborhood it seems.”
“You are not welcome here, Forbes,” Cassandra declared, pushing Patience behind her.
Hollingsworth took hold of her arm. “Since I heard you were selling the place, you don’t have much say on the matter.”
“The ownership of this house is still under my name until all parties have agreed to the terms of the sale. I repeat, you are not welcome here,” she fumed, yanking her arm away from him.
He shrugged, adjusted his waistcoat, and then peered down his nose at her. “No matter. I’ll be back soon enough.”
