Page 9 of Intolerable
“Thank you,” Fiona said with a light laugh. “I don’t feel matronly. I don’t feel all that different, truth be told.”
Cassandra gave her a skeptical look. “That can’t be. You’re married now. Surely many things have changed.”
Fiona blushed. “Some things, yes,” she murmured. “Oh! I am officially a member of the Phoenix Club now. That’s new.”
Envy slashed through Cassandra, but it was silly to be upset over something she couldn’t control. As an unmarried young lady, Cassandra wasn’t eligible to receive an invitation. She summoned a smile and spoke the truth. “I’m so thrilled for you! Now you can go to all the assemblies. And even visit the men’s side of the club on Tuesdays.”
The Phoenix Club was a singular organization, and it was owned by Cassandra’s brother Lucien. The membership was rather unusual, with not a duke among them. Though, Cassandra believed there were a few heirs to dukedoms, including her brother Constantine. What made the membership so unusual was that it included women. An exclusive club with menandwomen simply didn’t exist in Society. They were kept separate, however, with a ladies’ side and a men’s side. Ladies were permitted entry into the men’s side on Tuesday evenings, whilst the men were never allowed in the ladies’ side, save when the ballroom that spanned both sides was open for an assembly. And even then, they weren’t permitted to leave the ballroom except to go outside to the ladies’ garden.
The club held assemblies every Friday during the Season starting in March. Young, unmarried ladies with sponsors or relatives who were members were allowed to attend, which was how Cassandra had gone to her one and only assembly a few weeks ago.
“We plan to go tonight,” Fiona said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “It won’t be the same without you, however.”
Cassandra and Fiona had disguised themselves as Phoenix Club maids several weeks earlier and stolen into the club, certain they would never have an opportunity to see the inside. During their visit, they’d infiltrated the men’s side, getting so far as the first floor before nearly being caught, which had separated them for a while.
“At least this time, you won’t be in danger of discovery. You’ve every right to be there.” Another pang of envy shot through Cassandra. Perhaps after she was married, she’d receive an invitation. She supposed it depended on whether her husband was a member. Although, there were some members whose spouses were not members. In fact, her sister-in-law Sabrina had received an invitation before Cassandra’s brother, Constantine. But then Con hadn’t wanted to be a member, not until his wife was one. Cassandra, on the other hand, was desperate to receive an invitation.
Why was that?
Because she’d always felt lonely, and the idea of having a place to go on any given day where she would find camaraderie was irresistible.
“I suppose so,” Fiona said. “I shall hope you will marry soon so that you can become a member, and we can go together.”
“I doubt that will happen. Wexford made his faux call yesterday, and it was not well met.” Cassandra grimaced.
Fiona frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that. What happened?”
“My father was as obnoxious as ever. You should have heard him interrogating Wexford about his ancestry. He was quite horrid.” Cassandra recalled the conversation, in particular Wexford’s reaction and response. “The earl held his own, however.”
“You sound impressed.”
“I was. Most men would have genuflected or fled. Wexford indicated he would continue his pursuit—fake as it may be—despite my father saying he would not approve of his courtship.”
“I can’t say I’m surprised. Wexford doesn’t strike me as the sort to cower or be managed. Not that I know him very well, but that is my impression.” Fiona cocked her head. “Why doesn’t your father approve?”
“Because he’s Irish, and his mother used to be Catholic. But mostly because his mother married the Irish steward of their estate after Wexford’s father died.” Cassandra leaned forward and lowered her voice to a dramatic whisper. “Total scandal.”
Fiona rolled her eyes. “Ridiculous. I can only imagine what he thinks of me, a country nobody marrying an earl—myguardian, no less.”
“If he has a negative opinion about that, he’s keeping it to himself.”
“I should hope so since we are close friends.”
“Oh, that wouldn’t stop him. After all, Wexford is one of Lucien’s dearest friends. He won’t comment on you because the dowager countess has given you her seal of approval. That sort of endorsement goes a long way with my father.” Cassandra rolled her eyes.
The dowager countess was Fiona’s grandmother-in-law. She’d arrived the day before the elopement and had crushed every rumor or negative piece of gossip with the force of a hurricane. A very prim and controlled hurricane, but she possessed the strength of a storm, nonetheless.
“So, Wexford will continue his faux courtship?” Fiona asked.
“I think so. We haven’t spoken since he left yesterday. I will look for him tomorrow evening at the Farrowsby rout and discuss our plans.” Cassandra wasn’t certain the ruse would even work. No one wanted to court her because her father was so bloody intimidating. His behavior with Wexford was exactly what everyone feared.
“Tell her the truth.” Prudence spoke for the first time. It was not unusual for her to say nothing when they were out, as she was a woman of few words. However, in this instance, she was well acquainted with both Cassandra and Fiona and likely felt comfortable. As comfortable as Prudence ever was. Cassandra wasn’t sure that her companion was ever truly at ease. She was perhaps the most guarded person Cassandra had ever met. Despite that, she was wonderfully supportive and an excellent confidante.
“What truth is that?” Cassandra asked in mock ignorance.
Prudence narrowed her eyes playfully before turning her attention to Fiona. “Cassandra remains rather ambivalent about the whole prospect of marriage.”
“That’s not surprising,” Fiona said. “I’m sure I would be too, if I hadn’t fallen in love with Tobias.”
