Page 48 of Intolerable
Because of that, she was intent on understanding and supporting him too. She’d been so happy when he’d shared the promise he’d made to his father. That they shared the loss of a beloved parent at such young ages made her feel a kinship with him that she hadn’t experienced with anyone else. And it was why she understood why he wasn’t asking her to marry him.
“I’ll wait for him, Mama,” she whispered. “It’s only three years. I just need Papa to understand that I don’t wish to wed right now.” And to not be furious when she told him she wanted to marry the one man he’d refused. Cassandra touched the miniature. “How I wish you were here to help me.” Her mother would be able to manage the duke.
Cassandra could ask Constantine and Lucien to help her. Except Lucien didn’t want Ruark courting her either—and still hadn’t given her a good reason. Perhaps Constantine would be the better ally in this. Especially since his wife had seen them kissing last night.
The memory of being caught burned through her brain. The rest of the night had been quite awkward, at least for her. And likely for Sabrina and Mrs. Renshaw, as well as Ruark. Indeed, Ruark had left almost immediately after the game had concluded. He’d bid her a cool good evening from a safe distance.
Mrs. Renshaw and Sabrina had done a fair job of acting as though nothing untoward had happened, particularly Mrs. Renshaw. Sabrina kept sending quick, darting glances toward Cassandra that were full of curiosity. And concern.
Cassandra contemplated taking her sister-in-law into her confidence, telling her everything that had gone on between her and Ruark. She felt a sudden pang of guilt for not sharing her secret with Prudence or Fiona. In the end, she doubted she would break the vow she and Ruark had made. Though they’d been seen, the truth and length of their connection could, and probably should, remain secret.
Standing from the table, Cassandra picked up her bonnet and gloves, which the maid had left on the bed. Cassandra went into the sitting room where Prudence was seated in a chair waiting for her as they’d planned to take a walk around the square.
“Ready?” Prudence asked, rising.
“Yes.” Cassandra put on the hat and tied it beneath her chin then drew on her gloves. “I can’t stop thinking of the miniature my brothers gave me.”
“It’s a lovely gift.”
“Do you have a likeness of your mother, Pru?”
Prudence shook her head. “I don’t. I have several of her things, however. A pair of gloves, a handkerchief, and a ring.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a ring on your hand.”
“I don’t wear it.” Prudence, who had already been wearing her bonnet and gloves started toward the door, signaling that she didn’t wish to discuss it further. She was, in addition to being rather reserved, a private person.
They walked outside to meander around Grosvenor Square. After a few minutes, Prudence looked askance at Cassandra. “I hope you won’t think I’m being nosy, but I wondered if there is anything between you and Lord Wexford. Beyond a flirtation, I mean. And don’t try to say you don’t flirt with him. You both flirt with each other. I expect that from a man like him, but you don’t do that with anyone else.”
Cassandra’s pulse kicked up. “What do you mean ‘a man like him’?”
“He’s not exactly a rake, but he flirts with everyone. Surely you’ve noticed.”
She had, in fact, but she knew it was his nature to be charming and complimentary. He always sought to put people at ease or make them smile. “He’s just a naturally gregarious person.”
“I suppose.” Prudence sounded skeptical. “He does seem different with you, however.”
“Does he?” Cassandra’s insides heated with pleasure, and her step was suddenly lighter.
Prudence arched her brows. “I see you looking at each other. The frequency and…intensity gives the impression there is something between you.”
Frequency and intensity. Yes, that described their not-so-covert glances rather well. “You have always been incredibly observant.” Cassandra wasn’t surprised that she’d picked up on their mutual…interest. “Do you think others have noticed?”
“I think it’s becoming likely, which is why I bring it up now. I have tried not to say anything. If you want to tell me to mind my own affairs, I will.”
“Except that since you are my paid companion, I am your ‘affair,’ am I not?” Cassandra said with a smile.
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean I want to—or should—meddle.”
“I don’t feel as though you’re meddling. I appreciate you looking out for me.” Particularly if her and Ruark’s attraction was becoming obvious. Or at least heading toward obvious. They would need to be more careful.
That was assuming there would be any more flirtation. Perhaps last night’s interruption would put an end to whatever had been between them. She didn’t want that to be the case, just as she knew he wasn’t going to marry her. Not now anyway.
This would be the perfect opportunity to tell Prudence everything—about the incident at the Phoenix Club, their flirtation, and last night’s kisses. And Cassandra’s decision to wait for him. It would help to talk to someone, so that she could understand what she was feeling.
Cassandra’s breath caught, and she abruptly stopped walking. She was in love with him.
“Why did you stop? Is something the matter?” Prudence turned her head, her brow gently creased.
