Page 24 of Impassioned
“Perhaps I should take over as your sponsor,” Sabrina mused aloud, surprising herself. She never would have had the thought before, let alone voiced it.
Cassandra’s eyes lit. “That would be wonderful!Ifmy father would allow it.” She pressed her lips together and glanced toward Prudence, who only lifted a shoulder in response.
“I bet he can be persuaded,” Evie said. “Speak with your brothers and gain their support.”
Sabrina warmed to this idea. “Yes, we’ll get Aldington to champion this cause, and the duke will have no quarrel with it. He grants Aldington everything.”
Cassandra’s brow arched. “You think so?”
Didn’t he? It seemed that way to Sabrina. Aldington was the favorite son while Lucien was a dissolute scoundrel and Cassandra was somewhat ignored. That twinge of guilt intensified.
“Perhaps my perspective is not a very good one,” Sabrina admitted.
“You aren’t entirely wrong—Fatherwilllisten to Con more than he’ll pay any heed to me or Lu.”
“Then I will speak with Aldington about this as soon as possible,” Sabrina said, even as she wondered what her husband would say—both about her initiative as well as acting as his sister’s chaperone. She was certainly above reproach and would be far more engaged than their aunt.
Evie’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she glanced toward Sabrina. “What an excellent solution for everyone.” Evidently, she thought this might help Sabrina’s cause with Aldington—or so it seemed. Sabrina would find out for sure when she spoke with Evie in a more private setting tomorrow.
Sabrina smiled at Miss Lancaster. “Have you been with Cassandra long?”
“Just a few days.”
“She was previously companion to Miss Wingate—Overton’s ward. But they are now on their way to Gretna Green. If I didn’t adore Fiona so much, the romanticism of it would make me nauseated with envy.” Cassandra let out an exaggerated sigh. “Honestly, I’m envious anyway. They are so very much in love.”
Sabrina felt a flash of envy too. She’d had no expectations for her marriage but was coming to realize that perhaps she had nurtured a bit of hope for…something.
“They are also the most popular piece of gossip,” Evie noted. “Some find their pairing scandalous, but since his grandmother has not only given her blessing but taken credit for the match, they are keeping their opinions quiet.”
Cassandra’s gaze darkened. “Still, you hear about them. Some people should mind their own business. Or better yet, go away. They won’t be missed.”
“Why the angry face, sister?” Lucien approached them, and he was not alone. Two gentlemen accompanied him, but Sabrina wasn’t sure she’d met either of them.
“Just grumbling about busybodies. Good evening, Lu.” Turning from her brother, Cassandra dipped a brief curtsey to the black-haired rogue—yes, rogue was the best description for his dashing good looks with piercing blue eyes and a slightly crooked nose—and then to the attractive almond-skinned gentleman with a captivating coffee-colored gaze flecked with gold. “Lord Wexford, Mr. MacNair.”
“Good evening, Lady Cassandra.” The rogue’s Irish brogue lilted over them like a warm wool blanket. He bowed toward Sabrina. “You must be Lady Aldington. It is my distinct honor to make your acquaintance, my lady.”
It was hard not to feel flattered by his charming language and the utterly beguiling twinkle in his eye. She curtsied. “Good evening, Lord Wexford. I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Sabrina, allow me to also present Mr. Dougal MacNair. His father is the Earl of Stirling.”
MacNair bowed just as elegantly as Wexford, but he made the addition of taking her hand. “Your beauty far exceeds your reputation, my lady. Lucien’s brother is a fortunate man.” He flashed a smile so bright and infectious that Sabrina couldn’t help but smile in return.
“You are too kind, Mr. MacNair,” she murmured as he released her hand.
Cassandra turned to her brother, touching his sleeve. “Lu, you and Con—mostly Con—are going to persuade Father that Sabrina should take over duties as my sponsor.”
“Entirely Con,” Lucien clarified benignly. “After my success in persuading him to hire Miss Lancaster, I’d best not push my luck. This is a brilliant idea and I wholly endorse it.” He looked to Sabrina. “Are you up to the challenge?”
“Of course she is,” Evie answered with a quick certainty. “She’s more than capable of chaperoning the Season’s brightest jewel.” Which would put Sabrina in the center of attention. While she knew this was at least part of her goal, it now seemed terrifying.
Have confidence, Sabrina.
Lucien smiled at her with enough confidence for himself and Sabrina. “Yes, she is.” His gaze moved over Sabrina’s head toward the doorway. “If it isn’t my brother.”
Sabrina whipped around and silently cursed herself for reacting so quickly. Her heartbeat kicked up, and her insides seemed to float.
Dressed in dark, somber evening wear, Aldington was even more handsome than she’d thought him to be. His tawny hair caressed his forehead as his gaze riveted on her. Though he stood several feet away, she felt his perusal and caught the subtle widening of his eyes. Had she caused offense?
