Page 26 of Intolerable
“My brother would be appalled.”
“As would the duke,” Prudence added wryly. “Perhaps you should choose him just to spite them.”
It was Cassandra’s turn to laugh. “You have the most wonderful sense of humor, Pru. Thank you, for I needed some levity.”
They walked in silence a moment before Prudence spoke again. “I hope you don’t think me too forward, but is love the most important requirement to you in a marriage? I think you must be honest about that—with yourself if no one else.”
Cassandra took a long while to answer, not because she didn’t know but because Prudence had struck right at the heart of it. “I do want that. I want someone who will love me unconditionally, as my mother did.” Her voice softened as she said the last, as memories of her mother’s singular care and affection washed over her.
“I understand how you feel.” Prudence spoke gently. “My mother loved me the same way. I fear a mother’s love is unparalleled. While we might experience love from others, it will never be the same. It will never…fill the void of what we have lost.”
Cassandra’s throat tightened. “You do understand.”
They avoided talking with anyone as they continued in silence to where her father waited in the barouche. As she climbed inside and sat beside him once more, she tried to imagine the man with whom her mother had fallen in love. That was difficult, but she could conjure the Papa who’d given Cassandra her very first dance lesson as Mama had watched with glee. The memory was the clearest she possessed of the three of them together, a happy family.
She smiled at him. “I hope I will find a husband who suits us both, Papa.”
He coughed. “Yes, well, I’ve decided to allow you to attend that assembly on Friday.” It was just like him to avoid saying Lucien’s “infernal” club’s name.
Joy surged in her chest. “Thank you.”
“There is one caveat.” Of course there was. She braced herself for what that could be. “You must dance with Glastonbury and ensure he will call on you soon.”
Bloody hell, she didn’t think Glastonbury was even a member. She was about to say so when her gaze connected with Prudence who gave an infinitesimal shake of her head to indicate she shouldn’t say anything.
Cassandra pressed her lips together. She would talk to Lucien. Perhaps he could extend the viscount an invitation before…tomorrow.
That wasimpossible.
“I’ll do my best,” she said, hoping her father wouldn’t find out Glastonbury wasn’t a member or that she’d known he wasn’t.
Even if he did, what was the worst that could happen?
“If you go and don’t dance with Glastonbury, there will be no more assemblies at thatplace, nor will you even ask. Furthermore, I will attend every ball with you for the rest of the Season and ensure you have a gaggle of gentlemen warring for your affection.”
A gaggle? Having to suffer her father’s personal matchmaking skills whilst he compared her suitors to geese was enough to strike fear into her heart.
She needed to speak with Lucien immediately.
Chapter 7
“Oh good, you came.” Cassandra strode into the drawing room upon hearing that Lucien had arrived. Dressed in elegant evening attire, he was obviously on his way somewhere. She, on the other hand, was spending the evening at home, which she didn’t mind. The social whirlwind could be dizzying. “I won’t keep you long.”
“It’s fine. Your note was rather distressing in its brevity.”
Upon returning from the park earlier, she’d immediately dispatched a short missive to her brother stating simply,You must come to see me. Now.
She arched a brow at him. “And yet it still took you over an hour to get here.” She spoke sardonically, and he knew it.
“I was out when your note arrived, and I admit I dressed to go to the club and planned to stop here on my way. It wasbarelyover an hour, if you want to be specific.”
Since she said she’d be brief, she indicated he should take a chair near the hearth then moved to sit opposite him. “I need your help.”
The words had hardly escaped her lips before he responded, “Anything.”
“You say that, but you haven’t heard my request.” She appreciated his willingness to assist her, even without knowing what she wanted.
He sat forward in his chair, his body taut with energy. Or perhaps nervousness, which was odd for him. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll do everything in my power to see it done.” He held her gaze as his lips twisted into a slight frown. “I must apologize for not being available to you. I get so caught up in helping others—or meddling, as Con puts it—that I fail to see when my own sister requires my support. I’m sorry, Cass.”
