Page 103 of Intolerable
He watched, bemused as she went to pour water into a basin on the dresser. Then he pulled himself up and scrubbed his hands over his eyes. “Have you given any thought to what we should say to your father?”
“I’ve had many thoughts,” she said. “None of them pleasant. We’ll simply inform him that we will wed. He may choose to join in our happiness or be a curmudgeon.”
“What do you think he’ll choose?” Ruark slid from the bed and joined her to tidy himself.
Giving him a swift kiss, Cassandra went to gather her clothing. “I honestly don’t know. We actually had a rather nice conversation the other day. He seemed ready to allow me to marry at my own speed—and to the man I choose. Then he went and warned Glastonbury off without a care as to what I might want.” She scowled as she sat and pulled her stockings on. “Not that I wanted to marry him. The point is that it is supposed to bemychoice. If I want to wed a man who only wanted me for my dowry, so be it.”
Ruark finished his ministrations and turned toward her. “Did you know that?”
“I did not. I was quite angry with Lucien for telling my father instead of me. He had no compunction about telling me thatyouwere unworthy.” She tied her stockings above her knees then pulled the chemise over her head, blocking his lovely view. “Yet, he didn’t give me the same courtesy when it came to Glastonbury.”
Stepping toward her, Ruark grimaced. “I hope you won’t be angry with me too. I’m afraid I’m the one who learned about Glastonbury’s financial state. I would have told you myself, but Lucien said you didn’t want to see me. So, I told him—I thought it imperative that someone find out the truth.”
She stood, holding her corset, and went to him. “Of course I’m not angry with you. I probably wouldn’t have wanted to hear that from you,” she said quietly.
“I’m so sorry about what I put you through.”
Cupping his cheek, she shook her head. “Don’t. Doubt, especially self-doubt, is a terrible thing. And the promises we make to our dead parents are important, even if they don’t make sense.”
“Did you make a promise to your mother?”
She lowered her hand to his chest. “In a way. I hoped I would make her proud. I think that’s why I put off my Season for so long. I was afraid I’d make a hash of it.”
He smiled, pushing her hair, which was in quite a disarray, away from her face. “You could never do that. I didn’t know your mother, but there is no way she wouldn’t be proud of you.”
“Even considering my behavior last night?” She glanced toward the bed and let out a wry laugh.
“She would be so glad you are happy and loved.” He kissed her, and she shoved at his chest.
Eyes sparkling, she backed away. “You’re going to distract us even further. We need to hurry.”
He gaped at her as she danced away from him, her eyes alight. “Me? You were the one who detained us in bed.”
She looked back at him over her shoulder, her gaze utterly provocative, making him groan. “I didn’t hear you complaining.
Laughing, he finished dressing, helping her with her clothing when she needed it. A short while later, they accepted a basket of bread, cheese, and ale from the innkeeper’s wife for their journey.
Ruark discussed their plans for departure with his coachman, that they’d stop at the King’s Arms first, then handed Cassandra into the coach. She tucked her cloak around herself as Ruark sat down beside her.
As the coach rumbled from the yard, Ruark pulled Cassandra against him. “We’ll go directly to your house.”
“In your coach or Lucien’s?”
Ruark considered her question. “Does it matter? You choose.”
“We’ll take your coach,” Cassandra said decisively. It sends a message to my father—if he sees it.”
“Always so bold,” Ruark murmured before pressing a kiss to her temple. “How I adore that about you. Will he be awake, or is he a very late sleeper?”
She pressed herself more tightly against him. “He gets up far too early for someone who stays as late as he does at his club. Sometimes I wonder if he sleeps enough. We’ll be able to see him immediately, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
“I can hardly wait.”
She laughed. “Liar. Don’t let him bother you. If he insults you even slightly, we’ll leave immediately. I’ll stay with Con and Sabrina until the wedding.” She turned her head toward him. “Do you really think you can get a special license?”
“It might be easier with ducal support, but I’m sure it will all work out. Hopefully we’ll be able to wed tomorrow or the next day.”
“My brothers will help if you think that can aid your cause.”
