Page 106 of Intolerable
“We’re getting married,” Cassandra stated without preamble. “Tomorrow, if possible. As soon as Ruark can get a special license.”
“Did Father agree to help with that?”
“He doesn’t know yet. You’re coming with us to tell him.”
Lucien laughed. “How on earth willmypresence help you?”
“Because you’re my brother, and I want to know you support me.” She stepped against Ruark’s side, and he slid his arm around her. “I know you think I shouldn’t marry Ruark, but we love each other, and it really isn’t any of your business anyway.”
Frowning, Lucien prowled toward them, his narrowed gaze fixed on Ruark. “If you hurt her, I will make your life very unpleasant.”
“I would never. I truly love her, Lucien. More than anything.”
Cassandra would never grow tired of hearing him say that. “Please Lucien? Con and Sabrina are meeting us in Grosvenor Square. We need to hurry.”
“This is bloody awkward. My best friend and my sister.” Lucien shuddered.
“Just think—you’ll be Uncle Lu to our children,” Cassandra said, hoping there would be several of them.
Lucien held up his hand. “Stop. Please. First Con and now you. I’m being suffocated by overly happy people.” His mouth broke into a wide smile. “I am very happy for you.”
Cassandra stepped away from Ruark to hug her brother who swept her tightly against his chest.
“If you ever need me—for anything—I will always be here,” he whispered.
She pulled back and smiled with gratitude. Then she gasped as Lucien lifted his hand as if he was going to hit Ruark.
Instead, he embraced his friend, thumping his hand on Ruark’s back. “I lied about the banishment. MacNair was right—you can’t be banished. I believe he said, ‘once you’re in, you’re in.’”
Ruark returned to Cassandra’s side. “I must admit I’m relieved. Although, I won’t be spending any time there unless my wife receives an invitation.”
Cassandra’s breath stalled in her chest. To be a member of the Phoenix Club… where she would be included and on any given day she could go there to find camaraderie and friendship…
“As you know, membership decisions are not completely up to me, but I think I can assure you that Cassandra will receive an invitation. I’ll do my best to ensure it happens quickly.” He winked at Cassandra, and she hugged him again, laughing with joy.
This was all she’d ever wanted—a family who loved her, friends who cared about her, a sense of belonging. Now, she hoped her father would complete the circle.
Con and Sabrina had arrived at Evesham House just before Cassandra and Ruark with Lucien in tow. They made their way to the drawing room while Bender summoned the duke.
Everyone sat except Cassandra. Ruark watched her pace near the hearth. He could feel her anxiety from where he sat nearby. Why was he sitting? He should be at her side when the duke entered.
Ruark rose and went to her just as her father came in.
“What on earth are you all doing here together?” the duke asked before his gaze settled on Ruark. His eyes widened, and it seemed the butler hadn’t informed him of Ruark’s presence. The sly old man. Or perhaps he hadn’t noticed Ruark and needed spectacles.
Either way, the look of shock was gratifying. The sheen of disdain that followed was not.
Cassandra had stopped pacing and now stepped toward her father. “Papa, the very large flower arrangement was from Lord Wexford. He has asked me to marry him, and I’ve said yes.”
Surprisingly, the duke’s attention snapped to Aldington. “Did you facilitate this while she was at your house last night?”
Aldington glanced toward his wife and then at Cassandra. “Er…”
“She wasn’t at Con’s,” Lucien said, standing from his chair. “I only told you that to cover for the fact that she was in Croydon with Wexford.”
The duke sputtered, his gaze moving from Lucien to Cassandra then to Aldington. Finally, his focus settled—rather menacingly—on Ruark. “You ruined my daughter?”
Cassandra moved in front of Ruark. “No, Papa. We are in love, and he’s the man I choose to marry. You did say I could choose.”
