Page 70 of Intolerable
“I hope not, but I am worried my father will insist, particularly if there are several gentlemen to choose from. It would be different if Ruark was ready to marry now. I would fight to choose him.”
“You can still do that,” Prudence said, as if it were obvious. “You could also demand Ruark marry you.”
“Perhaps.” But she couldn’t, not when Ruark had promised his father. Prudence would likely understand. She’d lost her mother and seemed to have had a strong connection to her. “What Iwilldo is fight for the chance to wait for him.”
And she would do it knowing the risk. Three years from now—even a year from now—he may realize that he didn’t love her. To be fair, she may decide the same about him.
“Do you think the duke will allow you to postpone getting married? He seems rather single-minded.”
“He already allowed me to put off my Season. He understood that I was struggling to be ready without Mama.”
Her throat constricted as she recalled when she’d told him, three years earlier, that she wanted to delay her Season. He’d surprised her by not only understanding but telling her not to give it a second thought—of course she would wait. But then last autumn, he’d said he hoped she was ready because it was time. She couldn’t delay any longer. He’d been kind about it, but he’d also indicated the matter wasn’t up for debate.
Prudence gently patted her forearm. “Perhaps he will be more understanding about Wexford than you think.”
Cassandra doubted it. “He’s been awfully cruel to Ruark. I worry he will cut me off completely, both financially—and emotionally,” she added softly. She really didn’t want to lose another parent, even if he behaved like a beast sometimes. “I have that same concern about asking to delay my marriage.”
Prudence nodded, her expression warm with sympathy. “I understand your fear. We really do have to take what happiness we can, for we never know what tomorrow will bring. You should go and meet Wexford.” She winced slightly. “Where are you going exactly?”
“The stables.”
“Won’t they be swarming with activity with so many guests?”
“Yes, and because of that, Ruark believes there will be too much going on for anyone to notice us.” Cassandra glanced toward the clock on the mantel. “I need to hurry.”
“You should wear my day gown. It’s dark blue and will blend into the night.”
“Thank you, Pru. For everything.” Cassandra hugged her, and Prudence clasped her tightly in return. After parting with laughter and smiles, they got to work getting Cassandra ready quickly.
Prudence put a cap over Cassandra’s hair to disguise the elegant style she’d worn for the ball. There wasn’t time to change it. “You should take the backstairs at the end of our corridor. I believe they will lead you down near the scullery. There should be a door to outside, and the stables won’t be far away.”
“How do you know all that?” Cassandra had seen the stables earlier when they’d gone for a walk after arriving, but the rest was a mystery.
“You’ve commented more than once about my skills of observation.” She smiled slyly. “I pay attention. To everything.”
Cassandra grinned at her. “And for that I am most grateful.”
Chapter 17
Finding her way to the scullery was easy. Getting through it so she could exit the house was less so. Keeping her head down, Cassandra maneuvered her way past bustling maids and finally emerged into the cool, dark night.
“Thank goodness,” she murmured as she started toward the stables, moving quickly because she was late. Hopefully he hadn’t given up on her.
He and Prudence were right about the activity at the stables. There were dozens of vehicles clogging the yard and several groups of retainers seemed to be enjoying their own entertainment. They were gathered together, drinking and talking. One group was singing. Most importantly, they were all too busy to pay any attention to her.Splendid.
But where was Ruark?
Suddenly she saw him, standing near the corner in the shadows. He beckoned her to come to him, and she realized that’s why she’d seen him. If he hadn’t moved, he would have continued to blend into the darkness.
When she reached him, he put his arm around her waist and ushered her around the stone structure. “I worried you found trouble,” he said quietly as they walked farther into the darkness.
“No, but I did have to take Prudence into my confidence.” She stopped, forcing him to stop too. The faint light coming from the stables and the activity in the yard provided just enough illumination for her to make out his expression. “There was no other way I was going to be able to leave my room.”
He smiled at her and caressed her cheek. “I understand. She didn’t try to stop you from coming?”
“She did at first, but I convinced her that seeing you tonight was incredibly important to me. We must take the time that we have, don’t you think?”
“I do, and I know you understand that better than most. As do I.”
