Page 66 of Impassioned
“Only because if my father hears of it, hewillsay it was horrifying. Once upon a time, I might have agreed with him.”
“And now?”
He gave her an enigmatic smile. “Now, we must go inside before the musicale starts.” As he guided her into the house, Sabrina was careful to look straight ahead and not make eye contact with Harkin. Did she even know who he was? She didn’t think so, and she preferred to keep it that way, at least for tonight. And perhaps the rest of the Season.
“How was your evening before you had to deal with your mother?” Constantine asked as they strolled the perimeter of the drawing room.
“We hadn’t been here long.” Sabrina remembered that Cass had said she would find her. “Your sister is probably looking for me. I don’t suppose you see any potential suitors for her here tonight?” She glanced up at him.
“I am not the best person to ask.”
Sabrina’s gaze fell on a tall, dark-haired Irishman she’d danced with during her Season and whom she’d talked with at the Phoenix Club assembly. “What about Lord Wexford?”
Constantine arched a shoulder. “I don’t know him well. He’s a friend of Lucien’s if you’d like to determine if he’s up to snuff.”
“I’ll speak with him.” Sabrina scanned the drawing room to see if her brother-in-law was in attendance and found him near the doorway. She also noticed a gentleman waving his hand rather emphatically at Constantine. “Do you know that man?” She didn’t recognize him.
“Yes, he’s a colleague. Forgive me, but I must talk with him briefly. I will join you for the musicale.” He took her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of her glove, his eyes glittering with promise.
Sabrina’s insides fluttered as he moved away from her. She might have stood there mooning over her husband if Lucien hadn’t approached her.
He bowed to her with a gallant flourish. “Good evening, Sabrina. How goes your sponsorship of our sister?”
“It’s scarcely begun, but since you brought it up, I wonder if you might tell me about Lord Wexford. Would he make a suitable husband for Cass?”
“Absolutely not.” The answer came swift and hard. Lucien’s usually jovial gaze had darkened to cinder.
“I thought you were friends.”
“We are. Good friends, actually, but he is completely inappropriate for Cassandra.”
“I see. Well, I’m glad I asked you. If there are any other gentlemen we should avoid, I hope you’ll let me know.” She moved closer to his side. “Have you been able to procure an invitation for Constantine to the Phoenix Club?”
One of his brows slanted. “Constantine? Dare I hope things are progressing well between the two of you?”
She couldn’t help the blush that rushed to her cheeks. Probably because it was impossible to not keep thinking of their kiss on the balcony. “They are…progressing.” Perhaps Constantine would come to her bed that night. Her pulse quickened at the thought.
Lucien grinned. “That must be why there have been no further requests for meetings with the tutor.”
A wave of unease washed over Sabrina. She’d done a good job of ignoring the guilt she felt regarding her deception. It was easy when things were going so well between her and Constantine and when she was trying to look forward and not back. Should she even feel guilty given their newfound closeness? She hoped they would both see how the sessions had helped—and she was convinced they had.
“You should come to the club tonight,” Lucien said, pulling her from her troubling thoughts. “It’s Tuesday, so you can see the men’s side.”
“If my husband could come with me, I would.” In truth, she wanted to go anyway. She was quite eager to see the inside of a gentleman’s club.
“I’m working on it,” he murmured. “But I can’t tell you anything about it. In fact, if you could come tonight, your presence and, frankly, your charm might persuade others to be in favor of inviting Con.”
Her charm? “Are you mistaking me with someone else?”
He smiled at her. “Not at all. Lady Aldington has caused quite a stir since returning to town. Haven’t you heard? She is no longer the shy wallflower countess. She’s a coveted guest at any occasion,andshe’s a member of the Phoenix Club.”
Sabrina had no idea she’d garnered so much attention. The old anxiety welled up inside her, but there was something else too—pride. “I will think about coming.” It depended on Constantine and whether he had plans later. If he did, she would go to the club after dropping Cass and Miss Lancaster at Evesham House.
The host signaled that the musicale would shortly begin, and the guests should find their seats. Sabrina glanced about and finally saw Cass and Miss Lancaster. “Do you wish to sit with us?” she asked Lucien.
“I’m going to stand in the back. Hopefully, I’ll see you later.” His eyes twinkled mischievously, as they so often did, before he turned and strolled to the wall behind the last row of chairs.
As Sabrina made her way to Cass and Miss Lancaster near the front, she noted Constantine was still speaking with the same gentleman. His gaze met hers, and his brow briefly furrowed. He gave her a slight nod, which she thought was meant to reassure her that he would join her for the musicale.
