Page 69 of Intolerable
“His pleasant demeanor, you mean. Did you see how he behaved? He smiled and laughed and made idle conversation. It was appalling.”
Prudence laughed then quickly sobered as Cassandra sent her a quelling glance. “My apologies. I found it rather amusing. Shocking, but also amusing. I’ve never seen His Grace act like that.”
“I haven’t either, which makes it appalling. Why can’t he be that amiable all the time?”
“You make a valid point,” Prudence agreed with a firm nod, all humor from a moment ago gone. “Let us return to Lord Wexford.Doeshe love you in return?”
How Cassandra wished she hadn’t asked that question. “Yes, I believe so, but I’m not pressing him to propose, not even secretly. He has very important reasons for keeping to his plan of remaining unwed until he’s at least thirty, and I won’t ask him to deviate from it.”
“I think you’re making a mistake.” Prudence looked away. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to overstep.”
“There is no need to apologize. I appreciate your counsel. Why is it a mistake to wait for the man I love?”
“Because if he truly loved you, he’d marry you now. He wouldn’t risk your reputation or cause upset for you within your family. He shouldn’t expect that of you.”
Her words cut into Cassandra with a sharp and painful precision. “He isn’t—I offered to wait. You don’t understand, and you can’t.”
“No, I suppose not.” Prudence’s lips were drawn into a slight frown as she stared across the room in consternation. “I admit to feeling a bit sad that you didn’t feel you could confide in me. This has been going on for weeks.” She turned her head toward Cassandra, who saw the hurt flicker in her gaze.
“I’m sorry. We promised each other we wouldn’t tell anyone.”
“I can understand not wanting to break a promise,” Prudence said.
“There wasn’t much to tell for a long while. After the incident in the cupboard at the Phoenix Club, we resisted our attraction for some time. We didn’t kiss again until my birthday party.” Grimacing, Cassandra decided not to withhold anything else. She hated that Prudence was sad. “We were hiding together during the game after dinner. Unfortunately, Evie found us.” At Prudence’s sharp intake of breath, she added, “And Sabrina was standing behind her.”
Prudence lifted her hand to her mouth, her eyes widening. “Oh dear. They obviously said nothing.”
“Evie thought it best—for me—if nothing was said. Sabrina spoke to me about it the next day.”
“That’s why she wanted to walk alone with you around the square.”
Cassandra nodded. “She suggested Ruark and I forget it ever happened. That’s what we tried to do after the first time.” A wry smile curled her lips. “We weren’t very good at it.”
“This certainly explains all the lingering looks and the lengthy promenades. And the extended visit to the garden at the Phoenix Club. You really didn’t kiss then?”
“No, I swear. What I told you about fainting was completely true.” She was again reminded that he was a pugilist and that she loathed the violent sport. But she’d find a way to accept it now that she knew it was a bond he shared with his father.
“Why are you telling me now?” Prudence asked.
Cassandra grimaced again. “I’m going to meet him shortly, and I knew I couldn’t steal away without telling you where I was going.”
Prudence blew out a breath. “You wouldn’t have told me if you didn’t have to.”
“Probably not,” Cassandra said quietly. “I honestly thought—and I still think—it’s best if you don’t know anything. Then you can’t be held accountable. Will you promise to pretend you knew nothing if something happens?”
“Such as you getting caught again?” she asked sardonically. “I appreciate you trying to protect me. Although, that’s my job when it comes to you. I should forbid you from meeting him.”
Cassandra laughed and rolled her eyes. “You can’t forbid me.”
“Perhaps not, but I could inform your father.”
For a brief moment, she sounded serious, but then Cassandra saw the light of mischief in her eyes and exhaled with relief. “You wouldn’t, and I thank you.”
“Still, you shouldn’t go.”
“I can’tnotgo.” Even the thought of it made her heart twist. “Things are about to become very complicated, I fear. There will be calls and at least one proposal.” At Prudence’s arched brow, Cassandra said, “Glastonbury told Ruark yesterday that he planned to propose today. It was fortunate that we left early to attend the ball. When Papa announced he was joining us, I worried we wouldn’t leave in time and that Glastonbury would call before we were on our way.” She took a breath to ease the gathering concern in her chest. “I want to have tonight with Ruark—and yes, we plan to be very careful.”
Prudence tipped her head to the side. “Are you saying you think you may end up having to marry someone else?”
