Page 50 of Intolerable
“I can’t say.”Wouldn’tsay. In that moment, she decided she wasn’t going to discuss her feelings for Ruark with anyone but him. Not when there wouldn’t be a betrothal for some time. If he even wanted her.
Cassandra squeezed her hands together then let them drop to her sides. “It was a heated moment. I was hiding, and he came in… I don’t know how he knew about that door.”
“I see. So, it’s possible, if not likely, that you can pretend it never happened.” Sabrina’s features relaxed into a relieved smile. “That might be best.”
They’d already tried that tack with spectacularly poor results. Stifling a laugh, Cassandra swallowed, schooling her expression to one of contemplation. “Yes, that would be.”
But it simply wasn’t going to happen.
Chapter 12
Today’s training with Mort had gone better than yesterday when Ruark had been too distracted by thoughts of Cassandra, the dark cupboard at Aldington’s house that had surpassed the dark cupboard at the Phoenix Club as his favorite enclosed space, and the fact that he’d been horrifyingly close to finding himself in front of a vicar exchanging wedding vows. Still, he wasn’t performing at his best, and with the prizefight in less than a week, he needed to clear Cassandra from his mind.
They’d kissed again, and now it was time to move on. For her sake, especially. She was going to wed, and it wouldn’t be to him.
He paid the hack driver and went into his house, where he immediately realized there was some sort of chaos. His butler, Bartholomew, whom Ruark affectionately called Bart, came into the foyer looking slightly harried.
“Has my mother arrived?” Ruark asked as he removed his hat and gloves.
“Within the last hour. She did not agree with the arrangements you specified for the bedchamber assignments, so we are having an additional room made up for Miss Iona.”
“What was wrong with the arrangements?”
“Your sisters will not be sharing a room,” his mother answered as she swept into the foyer from the stairs. Though a few new strands of gray streaked back from her temples into her dark brown hair, she possessed the complexion of someone several years younger.
“Welcome to London, Mother.” Ruark went to buss her cheek.
Before he could back away, she cupped his face and held him tightly. “Just look at my gorgeous boy.” She frowned. “Where were you when we arrived?”
“I just came from boxing.” It was somewhat difficult to speak as she was smashing his face between her hands.
“Horrid sport, but your father would be thrilled. Is that why you do it?” She smiled up at him, her blue eyes twinkling as she massaged his cheeks, which jostled his head. “Of course it is.”
Thankfully, she let him go. Ruark stepped back and stretched his jaw, though he resisted the urge to smooth his face, as if she’d left his flesh in disarray. Because she pretty much had.
“I suppose I started because Da loved it so.” His father had been renowned for his skill in Ireland. “Then I grew to love it myself.”
“Let us adjourn to your drawing room or wherever. We’ve much to discuss.”
They did? “You’ve only just arrived. Surely you wish to rest or refresh yourself.”
“I can do that later. I’ve no time to waste on this errand. Come.” She turned and went back to the stairs, giving him no choice but to follow.
Errand? That made the trip sound rather purposeful. As he trailed her up the stairs, he asked, “Marrying Kat off is an errand?”
“Yes. I had to bring her here, didn’t I? That signifies as an errand.”
“Are there no marriageable gentlemen in Gloucestershire?”
She looked back at him, her eyes hooded, as she reached the landing but said nothing before continuing to the drawing room. Once there, she waited until he came in then closed the doors.
“No one in Gloucestershire will have her,” she said darkly. “I need her wed with due haste before rumors of her behavior carry to London, and she becomes unmarriageable here too.”
Hell.“What happened?” Ruark didn’t bother going to sit down.
“Kathleen was seen kissing a gentleman—” His mother pressed her lips together then uttered a most unladylike curse. “Nota gentleman. The blackguard doesn’t deserve that description.”
“Who is he, and why isn’t he marrying her?” Ruark nearly choked on his own hypocrisy.He’dbeen caught kissing a young lady and wasn’t marrying her either. The difference was that their secret—theirtransgression—was safe. Apparently, Kat hadn’t been so lucky.
