Page 56 of An Unwitting Alliance
“A good idea.” She glanced over her shoulder to assure herself that the others weren’t following them. When there was no sign of them, her hand went to her heart and she moaned in relief. “They’re gone!”
“Is it wrong that I hope they search for Tiger for the rest of the day?”
Cassandra grinned. “I cannot believe your charade worked. Your ability to lie on the spot would be more disturbing had it not just saved my reputation.”
Tom chuckled. “The Rebels tell me that my ridiculousness increases under pressure. But I am not sure how such an indiscretion of dishonesty can redeem me for compromising you today.” He stopped short, and his face took on an exaggerated seriousness. “If anything gets out, you do realize I will have to marry you.”
Cassandra nearly choked on her laugh. “Heaven forbid. What will our mothers say?”
Tom grinned and started walking again. “Congratulations, probably.”
Perhaps after the fiery kiss she and Tom had shared, Cassandra might say the same to them. Were the Matchmaking Mamas not so very wrong after all? Would Tom agree? He and Cassandra might be finally enjoying each other’s company, but marriage was different. It was forever. Was he hoping Mr. Gibbons’s presence would change everything? How she wished she knew what he was thinking behind his calm visage.
* * *
As soon as Tom returned to Fairview, he sent Mr. Buttars to find his valet. Not five minutes later, he and Joseph were facing each other in Tom’s bedchamber. “Oh, Righteous One, I need a favor.”
“Again, sir?” Joseph’s expression was one of weary acceptance.
“Are you still put out with me about sharing a room belowstairs?”
“No, sir. More slightly concerned for what unusual task you will set me to.”
Tom scratched his forehead. “A valid response. I admit I have sent you on more than one odd errand in our time together. However, I did secure the mobcap myself, which you have yet to thank me for.”
“Thank you, sir.” Joseph’s dry response ended with a deep nod.
Tom chuckled. “Very good. I require a doctor to be sent to the workhouse to look in on a Mrs. Kelby. And, while you are at it, see what you can learn about her son’s welfare. His name is Alan.”
Joseph bowed again and excused himself.
Tom watched him go and let out a long sigh. He trusted Joseph, but he would have liked to have seen to the task himself. He had not been easy since he’d witnessed the anger on Longbottom’s face. That man was dangerous. But Tom had promised to remain with the Vails, and while he could excuse a few things, he felt the need to stay. Perhaps it was guilt rooting him to the house as much as his pledge to Mr. Vail. He ran a hand through his hair and noticed his rumpled cravat. His mind naturally drifted to Cassie.
To their kiss.
What a kiss too.
He had not heeded Brookeside’s Matchmaking Mamas’ advice as he should have.Showheryou care.Check.Be a gentleman.No check. Did he get credit for accomplishing half his task? That is, if a kiss performed under duress counted. Stealing her breath away had been a complete bumble on his part. He had been caught up in the moment and... and been utterly surprised when she had returned his kiss with a fervor he could not have imagined.
That night Cassie was tasked with keeping her mother company, leaving Tom to ponder his behavior and her subsequent reaction to it a little longer. The next morning he moved quickly through his routine, nearly cutting himself in his haste to shave his face. Joseph was absent, which Tom took as a sign that his man was fulfilling his mission, so Tom was tasked to see to his own needs. As a result, his cravat was less than exemplary, but he hardly cared.
He moved from his room to downstairs, anxious to see if Cassie would be pleased to see him or withdrawn. Was she thinking about their kiss as much as he was? Or was she already dreaming about dancing with Mr. Gibbons? When Tom found the breakfast room empty, he soon learned from Mrs. Buttars that the women were busy altering gowns for the Pollards’ ball.
He would be attending as well since the invitation had been extended to him. He not only needed to convince Cassie that he could dance like a normal human being, but even more so, he wanted to make sure Mr. Gibbons kept his distance. It might be the first ball Tom would attend by his own choice and not out of obligation.
Intent on being helpful, he took over the schooling for the boys and played another game of lawn bowls with them. Several times throughout the morning, they mentioned how enjoyable their secret delivery to Bethy and Janie the day before had been. Of course, delivering a kindness to their sisters had been thrilling, but only second to the part where they were almost caught by their harmless uncle. Tom was glad they were happy. He hoped Cassie was happy too and not regretting his presence more than ever.
Perhaps he could convince Auntie Evans to slip the news of their engagement at the ball, airing their secret for one and all and sealing his and Cassie’s fate. Auntie had been justifiably concerned about the long walk he and Cassie had taken together, so if her retribution came in the form of an announcement, Tom would not complain.
It would give him a lifetime to convince Cassie to care for him.
At least that would solve some of his problems. Not all, and certainly not any of Cassie’s reservations, but he was all out of creative solutions. Gentlemanly solutions, that is.
He paused before tossing his ball in the second round of the game and pointed first to Michelangelo and then to Robin. “Boys, be gentlemen. Always.”
They looked at him strangely, but at least Michelangelo nodded.
“Good. That is the most important part of... lawn bowls.”
