Page 77 of Intolerable
Now he was just being difficult. Once he had someone confirmed to take Ruark’s place, he’d be less cantankerous.Curmudgeonly.Yes, that remained the best word for him. “Quite magnanimous of you,” he said with a benign smile. “I’m sure we’ll sort this out.”
Fred grunted again then looked down at his desk. Ruark assumed he was finished with the conversation.
“Afternoon, then!” Ruark turned and walked away, shaking his head at Fred’s behavior. His mind quickly turned to what he’d overheard between him and Glastonbury.
Why did the viscount need a moneymaking scheme? For that’s what it seemed he was about, suggesting this prizefight to Fred and taking a percentage of both the admission fees and the wagers.
The question he most wanted an answer to, however, was whether Glastonbury wanted to marry Cassandra for her lovely, amazing self—or for her dowry.
“This is exactly what I wanted.” Cassandra smiled at her reflection as she tilted her head to see a new angle of the cunning hat that she’d had made in the masculine style of the one Sabrina had worn in the park. Like Sabrina’s, this was a short top hat with a curved brim. Unlike Sabrina’s, it was black instead of teal and sported a wide, bright red ribbon and silk flower, which matched the walking gown Cassandra would wear it with.
“It’s quite fetching,” Prudence said with a nod.
“Oh, that hat is lovely!”
Cassandra pivoted at the exclamation and immediately recognized one of the women—it was Ruark’s mother.
“Lady Cassandra,” Mrs. Shaughnessy said with a smile. “I don’t think you’ve met my younger daughter, Iona. She’s not the youngest, those would be the twins who remained in Gloucestershire.”
Turning fully, Cassandra smiled at Iona. Her blue eyes were the same as her mother and brother’s, but her hair was a dark auburn. “I’m so pleased to meet you.”
“Mama, can I have a hat like that?” Iona asked.
“I think you must,” Cassandra said, looking to the milliner. “Helena, I hope you’ll be able to craft something similar for Miss Shaughnessy.” Removing the hat, Cassandra handed it to Helena who beamed with pride.
“Of course, my lady. It was my pleasure to create such a lovely accessory for you and I’d be delighted to help Miss Shaughnessy. Let me just wrap this up for you.” The petite woman retreated behind her counter to place the hat into a box.
“Is Kat not with you?” Cassandra asked.
“She hates shopping,” Iona said. “She’s probably reading, as usual.”
“Do tell her I asked after her.” Cassandra wondered what it would be like to have sisters. She imagined it was rather nice to have playmates and confidantes growing up. Oh, she’d had her governess, but that just wasn’t the same.
“We will,” Mrs. Shaughnessy responded. “How wonderful to run into you today. I do hope we’ll see you again soon.”
“I’m sure.” It suddenly occurred to Cassandra that if she married Ruark they would be her family. Shewouldhave sisters—four of them. The prospect filled her with joy as she collected her hatbox and left the shop with Prudence.
“Where shall we go next?” Prudence asked.
This was the only errand they needed to run on Bond Street today, but Cassandra was avoiding callers so they would extend their shopping trip until she was certain it was safe to return to Grosvenor Square. “I have no preference, so long as it isn’t home. Perhaps we should go back inside and accompany the Shaughnessys.”
“You won’t be able to avoid speaking with your father for much longer, not unless you want to accept a marriage proposal—that isn’t from Wexford—as soon as tomorrow.” Prudence spoke kindly but firmly. Cassandra had told her that she and Ruark had discussed possibly marrying at the end of the Season, and Prudence had been delighted to hear it.
“I plan to talk to him this evening.” She had to because Prudence was right—a proposal was imminent. From Glastonbury and perhaps others. Her father’s charming performance at the ball on Saturday still grated her nerves. And yet, hadn’t she wanted suitors to approach her? That was before she’d fallen in love with Ruark. Now, there could be no one else.
Prudence looked past her. “Is that your brother?”
Cassandra turned her head as Lucien walked toward them. He wore a dark frown that instantly alarmed her.
“I’ve been looking for you,” he said somewhat ominously.
“There must be an important reason since you’ve run me to ground on Bond Street.” Cassandra didn’t like the wriggle of trepidation that scurried along her spine.
“I went to Grosvenor Square first. I must speak with you immediately about a matter of…sensitivity.”
“You don’t want Prudence to overhear?” Cassandra asked.
“I would prefer to have a private conversation.” He flicked a glance toward Prudence. “Sorry. Would you mind returning to Grosvenor Square now? I’ll bring Cassandra home in my gig.”
