Page 86 of Intolerable
“If you’re in the market for a companion next Season, I hope you’ll come see me.”
Ruark gave her a vague smile before departing.
As he took the reins of his phaeton from the tiger, he acknowledged one indisputable fact: even if he loved Cassandra for the rest of his days, he wasn’t sure he deserved her.
“Are you sure you want to go out this evening?” Prudence asked as she and Cassandra descended the stairs.
“I can’t hide for the rest of the Season.”
“You don’t have to, but there’s no harm in taking a few days to…” Prudence didn’t say what.
“Wallow?” Cassandra supplied before making a derisive sound in her throat. “I refuse to give him the satisfaction.” She secretly hoped she’d run into Ruark so she could give him the cut direct.
Sabrina was waiting for them in the entry hall, having just arrived to accompany them to a few routs this evening. They would start in Hanover Square.
“Good evening, Sabrina,” Cassandra said brightly, determined to have a pleasant evening. “What a fetching gown. Is it new?” Dark blue and trimmed with gold, it was quite dramatic and would draw attention, as well as envy. The Countess of Aldington had earned a reputation this Season for being among the most fashionable ladies of the ton.
“It is.” Sabrina glanced down at herself. “This is the last new gown of the Season, however.”
“Pity, how will anyone know what to wear?” Cassandra grinned. “Thank you for accompanying us this evening.” She lowered her voice as she cast a look toward the footman who stood near the door. “I didn’t want to ask my aunt.”
“It is always my pleasure to join you. Besides, Constantine is busy at Westminster tonight, so I was glad to receive your invitation.”
They left the house and settled into the Aldington coach, which had brought Sabrina. A moment later, they were on their way to Hanover Square.
Sabrina sat beside Cassandra on the forward-facing seat. “Constantine and I wondered if you’d had many callers since the Crimshaw ball. I hear you were quite the toast.”
Cassandra had avoided reading anything in the papers for fear there would be a rumor about her and Ruark. Hopefully, Papa’s coachman had been the only person to see them. She didn’t like to think about the alternative—which was why she hadn’t read the newspaper.
“I have had a few callers, but I didn’t receive anyone. Yesterday, I was shopping and today I was too tired. I suppose I needed a bit of time to prepare myself. I do think Glastonbury may propose. He called today and told Bender he’d return tomorrow.” Cassandra’s chest had tightened when she’d heard he’d come. Tomorrow was a certainty. Tomorrow, she could be the future Viscountess Glastonbury.
Sabrina studied her a moment. “I can’t tell if you’re looking forward to that or not.”
“I’m notnotlooking forward to it,” Cassandra said with a smile. She darted a look toward Prudence, who sat facing her. Prudence’s expression was impassive.
They arrived at the rout and made their way inside. After greeting their host and hostess, Cassandra followed Sabrina upstairs to the drawing room, where a variety of sweets and fruits were set about the room.
“My goodness, there’s a pineapple,” Sabrina said, her eyes on a pedestal at the center of the room that supported the fruit.
Prudence’s nose wrinkled. “It looks a bit battered.”
“It’s probably nearly rotten.” Cassandra shook her head. “Too bad they likely won’t eat it.” Pineapples were so very dear that many of those who could afford them simply used them as centerpieces until they began to rot. Others shared the exorbitant cost and passed them around for events such as this. Cassandra wondered if it even belonged to their host, Sir Edgar.
The pineapple had diverted their attention so that Cassandra didn’t see Ruark until he was directly in front of her.
He bowed to Sabrina first, then Cassandra, and finally Prudence. “Good evening, Lady Aldington, Lady Cassandra, Miss Lancaster.”
Sabrina responded, dipping into a slight curtsey. Cassandra stared at him a moment. Her tongue went completely dry, and her insides twisted into a giant knot. She abruptly turned and left the drawing room, walking mindlessly into another chamber that ended up being the retiring room.
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and counted to five.
“Cass?” Sabrina’s voice broke into her tumultuous thoughts, and Cassandra opened her eyes. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, thank you.” Cassandra summoned a smile and turned to face her sister-in-law.
Prudence stepped into the retiring room, her brow furrowed. “Do you want to leave?”
“I would, but I need a moment to collect myself.”
