Page 4 of Intolerable
Where Wexford was dark with a hint of danger and wickedness, Glastonbury was golden and elegant.Helooked the consummate London gentleman. His blond hair waved artfully over his forehead while his pale, blue-green eyes sparkled like the sea. His easy smile ensnared every female in its captivating web, for he had a way of making one feel as if she were the only woman in the room. Aunt Christina had made that observation. Now, as Cassandra basked in the warmth of his smile, she tried to grasp that sensation.
She just didn’t feel it—they were in a crowded ballroom. It was impossible to think she was the only woman present. Perhaps she just wasn’t romantically inclined.
“It’s lovely to see you, Lord Glastonbury,” Cassandra said as he released her hand.
“I was hoping we might dance the set after the break. I understand it’s a waltz.” His golden brows arched briefly as he gave her a flirtatious look.
They’d waltzed once before, and he was an incredibly accomplished dancer, probably the best she’d partnered with. Cassandra smiled demurely. “That would be lovely.”
“I shall look forward to it. In the meantime, I must make a quick circuit. I’ll find you back here?”
She wondered why he didn’t ask her to promenade but then didn’t care since she saw Fiona was returning toward them. “Brilliant,” she said, flashing him a brief smile and hoping he would immediately take his leave so she could have a few minutes alone with her friend. And with Prudence of course.
“See you soon then.” He departed, and Cassandra realized she and Fiona had enough time to visit the retiring room before she was due to dance with Glastonbury.
Fiona arrived, pressing her hands to her flushed cheeks. “My face hurts from smiling.”
Cassandra laughed lightly. “Welcome to being a countess.”
“Tobias whispered nearly the very same thing in my ear not a quarter hour ago.” She shook her head with a faint smile. “He’s off to the gaming room for a bit, so I’m quite happy for the respite.”
“Excellent, I thought we would go to the retiring room,” Cassandra said.
Fiona’s warm brown eyes lit. “This reminds me of the first time we met when you swept me away to the retiring room so we could become acquainted.” She turned to Prudence. “Not just me, of course. How are you, Pru?”
“Very well, my lady.”
“No, don’t do that.” Fiona laughed as she vigorously shook her head. “I am still Fiona to you.”
As they made their way to the retiring room, Fiona told them about their trip to Scotland. It was obvious she was blissfully happy. Cassandra was thrilled for her friend but felt a pang of envy too. One of the things they’d had in common was the fact that they were relatively alone. Both of Fiona’s parents were dead, and she’d only had her family’s long-time maid, who’d come to London with Fiona as her chaperone. Cassandra had a father and her brothers, but she still felt alone, probably because she was the only female in the family. Or because she missed her mother, especially this year, as she’d embarked on her first Season.
When they were settled in a corner of the retiring room, Fiona asked about Cassandra’s Season. “I know you aren’t betrothed yet, but are there any prospects?”
“Just Glastonbury at the moment.”
“What about Wexford? I saw you dancing with him again.” Fiona had been present at the Phoenix Club assembly when Cassandra had danced with him before. That had been the night before she and Overton had eloped.
“That was merely a ploy to provoke other parties.” Cassandra flicked an amused glance toward Prudence. “Thank our Pru for the brilliant idea of having Wexford pretend to show interest. He’s going to pay a call on Monday. Hopefully, that will calm my father into leaving me alone for a while.”
Fiona grimaced. “His pressure regarding your marriage has increased that much?”
“Daily.” Cassandra leaned back in her chair and drummed her fingers on the arm. “He’s insisting I marry by the end of the Season. If I don’t select a husband, he’ll choose one for me.”
“How horrid.” Fiona gave her a sympathetic look. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to provide support, but I am glad you’ve had Prudence.” She smiled at her former companion.
“I honestly don’t know what I would do without her.” Cassandra sent Prudence a grateful glance.
“So you must wed,” Fiona said matter-of-factly. “We will find you an acceptable husband. No, not acceptable, we will find someone who will sweep you off your feet and with whom you will fall madly in love.”
“I’d prefer he fell madly in love with me first.” Then Cassandra wouldknowthings would work out, that her marriage wouldn’t be cold and lonely. She absolutely didn’t want to be in a position of unrequited love.
“How could he not?” Fiona grinned.
“Because he’s terrified of my father.” Cassandra let out a rather indelicate snort. “That seems to be the reason for my lack of suitors. They’re all completely cowed by him. It’s not that they have to work up their courage for a single interview with him, they must have the internal fortitude to suffer him for a lifetime.”
“They’re all ridiculous,” Prudence said crossly, surprising them. “If they’re not bold enough to even give you a chance, they aren’t worthy of your attention. Glastonbury may be the perfect match. You like him, don’t you?”
“I do. He’s an excellent dancer.”
