Page 19 of An Unwitting Alliance
“What a picture they make,” Mr. Harwood said, sitting on the settee beside Cassandra and drawing her attention away from her parents.
“This is a nightly routine for them,” Cassandra answered. Speaking of her parents felt like neutral ground, and therefore, it felt safe to respond.
“You never answered my question about whether or not you play the pianoforte.”
So he was back to prying about personal details. “Is it imperative for your wife to possess musical abilities?” If so, she would not admit to any talent.
Mr. Harwood’s blue eyes seemed to laugh before he did. “You have a tendency to answer a question with a question. Perhaps your real abilities lie in deflecting unwanted conversation. Never mind. Let us talk about what you have shared with me already. Have I told you yet how remarkable your recovery has been?”
Cassandra hardly dared guess what this would be about. “Of what recovery do you speak?”
“Your teeth. I know it is hardly parlor appropriate for me to mention this, but I must compliment you on the shocking change. I do not know of a single surgeon-dentist in even London who could have managed it.”
“What was wrong with her teeth?” Megan frowned, but not as deeply as Cassandra.
“I thank you for noticing.” Cassandra cleared her throat. “Though, as you said, it is hardly an appropriate topic to discuss.” Why had she not kept her teeth covered when she spoke or smiled? It was a common enough practice for many women in Society, but as Cassandra had been fortunate to have had experienced no dental problems, she had never worried about it.
“Cassandra, what are you speaking of?” Megan was terribly confused, and Cassandra couldn’t blame her.
“Your sister was about to tell us how she managed to correct her—”
Cassandra yawned loudly, cutting Mr. Harwood off in a very unladylike, and very desperate, manner. “Oh heavens, look at the time! It’s getting late. Shall we retire, Megan?”
“Already?”
“Yes, already.”
Megan did not like to be left out of anything. Cassandra could tell she was growing increasingly frustrated with the veiled conversation.
“You must be practicing forspinsterhood,” Megan said with exaggerated emphasis while narrowing her eyes at Cassandra. “I assume that is why you are retiring exceptionally early.”
“What is this about spinsterhood?” Mr. Harwood leaned into the arm of the settee, angling toward Cassandra.
Megan was angry with her, and there was no telling what she would say.
“It seems Cassandra is quite set on it.” Megan gave her a pointed look.
By the hungry expression on Mr. Harwood’s face, Megan’s words were fodder for him to use against Cassandra.She emitted analmostimperceptible groan.
“Don’t tell me our engagement has ruined your dreams?” Mr. Harwood shook his head. “My humblest apologies.”
She could not help but defend herself, even if the claim was an outrageous lie. “You act as if such a desire is unworthy. I cannot imagine anything better than a quiet house all to myself.” She raised her brow, defying him to call her out on her falsehoods.
“With a pile of newspapers by your side, no doubt. But won’t you be lonely?”
She shook her head. “My cats will keep me company.” Why did she say that? She did not even care for pets.
“You don’t have any cats,” Megan muttered, making Cassandra cringe over her lies. Apparently her sister’s mood was unimproved. The least Megan could do was play along.
Mr. Harwood’s hand flew to his chest in a dramatic show of shock. “But you must have cats. A dozen at least. Have you told your parents of this goal to be a spinster? I think you should. Right away.”
He knew perfectly well that such an idea would do her no good. Did he even realize how cruel his teasing was? “Alas, they seem to desireyourhappiness over my own. Perhaps you should speak to them about your own dreams. Oh, I forgot. You do not make plans. You’re more of an idea person.”
A smile formed on his lips as he seemed pleased she had remembered. “You are correct. But I do have a few brilliant ideas of what Idon’twant to do. That is far easier than the alternative.”
She wanted to laugh, but she thought in this instance he might actually be serious.
Megan took the bait. “What do you not want to do?”
