Page 68 of Intolerable
“I know.” Her lips spread into a brilliant smile. “It won’t be so bad now that I have something to look forward to later.” She arched her brows playfully before turning and hurrying back around the hedge.
Ruark pivoted and slumped back against the outer shrubbery of the maze. It didn’t support him very well, so he stood upright almost immediately despite the weakness in his knees. The memory of her kisses would carry him through the next few hours.
What would guide him through the next three years?
Blowing out a breath, he wiped his hand over his face. He didn’t want to think about that right now. Looking to the past or the future wouldn’t help the present.
And right now, the present seemed quite lovely.
Thankfully, the duke was once again in the gaming room when Cassandra left the ball with Prudence at half two. He would probably have tried to make her stay, to dance with even more gentlemen. As it was, she was expecting a half dozen calls next week at least. Perhaps more. She’d lost count.
It was amazing what her father’s presence, rather his affable demeanor, had done for her husband hunt. She’d never danced so much or been so sought after. That she’d been able to get away for even a few minutes with Ruark had been a remarkable achievement.
As soon as they got to the guest room they were sharing, Cassandra realized she had a conundrum. There was no way she could steal away to meet Ruark without Prudence knowing she was leaving. It was apparently time to confess. She’d nearly done it with Fiona, who’d attended the ball with her husband, earlier, especially after seeing Ruark behind the maze. She wanted to share her joy with someone, and who better than her best friend? Or her companion?
Except without a proposal from Ruark, she doubted they would share her ebullience.
She and Prudence had foregone a maid this evening, reasoning that they could help each other dress and undress for the ball. That had been Cassandra’s deviousness as she’d thought a maid would just be another hindrance between her and Ruark.
As Prudence helped her from her ballgown, Cassandra broached the truth. “Pru, I need to tell you something.”
“Is it about Lord Wexford?”
“Er, yes.” Of course Prudence had made that accurate assumption.
Prudence took her gown to the armoire. “I noticed you mostly avoided each other this evening. I was surprised he didn’t ask you to dance when we were speaking with him and his family. Did you fall out?”
Cassandra began to unlace her corset, which fastened in the front. “No.” She ignored the heat rising in her chest and neck. “Since you remarked upon our behavior, we thought it best if we steered clear of each other.”
Standing in front of the armoire, Prudence crossed her arms over her chest. “Why? If you’ve formed an affection for one another, you ought to pursue it, regardless of what your father says.”
How Cassandra appreciated hearing her say that. “He’s not ready to marry. He has his reasons and I understand them. I love him and I’m going to wait until he is.”
“What?” The word fell out of Prudence’s mouth with the force of a rock dropping from the sky. She unfolded her arms and came toward Cassandra, her eyes wide. “How did this happen? Does he love you in return? Why won’t he—” She cut herself off and held up a hand. “Let’s start with how.”
“Pru, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say so much and with such…vehemence.” Cassandra couldn’t help smiling. “To answer how, I should tell you that something happened the day that Fiona and I went to the Phoenix Club dressed as maids.”
Prudence closed her eyes and put her hand over them. “I never should have told you what to wear or encouraged you in any way.”
Cassandra gently took her hand and pulled it way from her eyes, then drew her to the bed and sat down with her. “This is in no way your fault.”
“Fiona ended up kissing Overton that day. I can only imagine what happened to you.” Prudence’s pale eyes were filled with distress.
“Nothing worse, I assure you. I kissed Lord Wexford. We were trapped in a dark cupboard, you see. Well, not trapped.” She shook her head. “The particulars don’t really matter. Suffice it to say, the day left us both changed, and we regarded each other very differently, despite promising each other we’d forget it ever happened. That proved rather impossible for both of us.” Cassandra smiled then. She felt no regret.
“Why didn’t he court you?” Prudence pressed her lips together. “Because he’s not ready to marry.”
“Please don’t ask me to explain. It’s his secret to share. Or not. He will not wed until he’s thirty, and I support that. Fully.”
Prudence blinked at her, and it was a long moment before she spoke again. “Why would you do that?” she asked softly with great concern.
“It’s only three years,” Cassandra said defensively.
“You’ll be twenty-five. On the shelf, by all accounts. The duke will not approve,” she said quietly, as if she were delivering bad news that Cassandra wasn’t wholly aware of.
“I know. I am trying to come up with a reason that I cannot wed, but I fear my father won’t be supportive. Especially since so many gentlemen now seem as though they would like to court me.” Cassandra’s shoulders slumped.
“You were rather popular tonight. The duke’s presence seemed to have encouraged suitors.”
