Page 78 of An Unwitting Alliance
Tom studied her, gauging her commitment to the idea. “What will you say to her?”
“I will say, ‘Patricia, I do not know why you put the pearls in my reticule, but I do not care to hold them for you.’”
This was clearly not what he was expecting to hear. “Do you really think she put them there herself?”
“I know she did. Well, I am nearly certain. It happened at the sewing circle. She picked up my reticule when I was at the refreshment table.”
Tom frowned. “Could she be behind all the robberies?”
Cassandra sank into her chair and let her head relax against the cushion. “I can hardly believe she would do this much, so I cannot say.”
“The Rebels should be back by nuncheon. Then I will escort you myself to see Miss Pollard.”
“Promise?” She did not know why she felt the need to ask. But with his friends here, part of her was afraid he would leave with them when their business was finished.
“I promise. And nothing eventful is going to happen at the Pollards’. Not unless I am the one to cause it.”
She folded her arms. “You do have such a way with words.”
He shrugged. “Miss Pollard thrives off attention, but she won’t get any this time. We will see this through together.”
“I know this is nothing compared to the Kelbys, but it is weighing on me.”
He studied her. “Is there something else?”
“No, nothing.” It was like she was transparent to him, no matter how opaque she tried to make her words.
His eyes narrowed as he searched for further clues in the details of her face. “What is it, Cassie?”
Him. It was him. And now she had revealed the place she ran away to. Soon there would be no place to hide. No way to hide. She’d be married to him, and as wonderful as it could be, it also unnerved her. Living with Aunt Evans had been a safe plan, but being married to someone she actually cared for made her feel vulnerable. That was all she had felt all night. She did not like her mood and her emotional state to be dependent upon another person. Before, she had been content to marry Mr. Gibbons, but what she felt for Tom scared her. At the same time, not having him was far more terrifying.
“I... I just miss everyone. Home is not the same without Papa and my siblings.” It was not a lie outright, but it wasn’t what made her heart squeeze tightly in her chest either.
“I know. It’s far too quiet.”
She smiled softly. “Do I sense that I am not the only one who misses them?”
“I miss hearing the girls giggle and watching them run from Nancy. I miss Robin’s impertinent questions, Michelangelo’s quiet, thought-provoking words, and the Rock’s efforts to prove his manhood. Your father must be nearly sick with worry. And I’m concerned for your mother too. I would go mad stuck in my bed. But I fear for what would happen if she left it.”
“But you promised nothing eventful would happen tomorrow, so at least we are safe for now.”
“Safe is relative.” His charming smile turned soft and alluring in the dim light, and it made her stomach flip. “For example,” he said, leaning closer, “this shed is far cozier than I thought.” He stared at her lips before leaning back again. “But since your reputation deserves protecting too, let’s get you back inside before someone misses you.” He held out his hand.
Despite all her reservations and fears, she accepted it all too eagerly. Her heart knew what it wanted, even if her mind did not.
Chapter 25
Cassandra woke with a start.A pounding in her chest made her double over to catch her breath. When she closed her eyes, she could still see the remnants of her nightmare. Dozens of children cowered in fear of Mr. Longbottom’s violent temper, and everyone was coughing and sick. She pushed away the tousled strands of hair by her face and moaned. Tom must be out of his mind to think about waltzing into the workhouse and convincing Mr. Longbottom to release the Kelbys. Someone was liable to get hurt. Tom was careful, but he was also impulsive.
She had to persuade him toward a different, safer route. Megan was still fast asleep, so Cassandra slipped quietly from her bed once more. After undoing her braid, she hastily combed through her hair with her fingers before giving up on it altogether. Instead, she fumbled with her nightgown and replaced it with a dark-yellow day gown spotted with small white flowers. If she wanted to impress Tom, this was not the dress, but the ties made it easy to don herself, and it was the quickest method to allow her to reach him before he left. The sun was still peeking its first rays over the horizon when she left her room, her hair a helpless mess of waves down her back.
To her relief, she found Tom in the breakfast room with Lord Reynolds.
“Cassie?” Tom’s spoon froze halfway to his mouth.
She self-consciously touched the long strands of her hair hanging by her waist. Her gaze darted from Tom’s to Lord Reynolds’s. The latter shifted uncomfortably.
Focusing on Tom, she said, “Might I speak with you in the corridor?” Her fingers grew stuck in a knot in her hair, and she quickly untangled it, letting her hands fall limp to her side.
