Page 49 of Intolerable
“Not at all.” Cassandra started walking once more, perhaps a bit too quickly at first, so she slowed.
After a moment Prudence asked, “Is there no hope for you and Wexford to marry?”
Not at present.“Not if my father has anything to say about it.”
“And does he?” Prudence’s question carried a sardonic edge.
“Not really. If I wanted to marry Wexford—and he wanted to marry me—I would do so even if it infuriated him and agitated Lucien. I still don’t understand his specific issue with Ru—Wexford.” Cassandra needed to be careful. Perhaps she should pretend to loathe him in public so as not to draw attention to their…flirtation.
“So you do want to wed him?” Prudence asked.
Very much.“He hasn’t asked, so it’s a moot question at the moment. We have a harmless flirtation, nothing more,” Cassandra said, hoping her tongue wouldn’t ignite from telling lies. She continued walking around the square, and Prudence fell in beside her.
“What of Glastonbury?”
Oh hell. WhataboutGlastonbury? Cassandra winced inwardly. “He hasn’t called on me again, nor does he seem particularly interested.” There was nothing special between them, no current of attraction or sparks of magnetism. Not like there was between her and Ruark.
“Perhaps he isn’t serious about courting you,” Prudence suggested.
“That could very well be.” Cassandra would hope so, for she didn’t really want to have to refuse him. Her father would be displeased.
As their conversation turned to their social plans for the rest of the week, Ruark remained in the back of Cassandra’s mind. Hopefully, she would see him soon. She couldn’t wait to tell him that she loved him and that she would wait until he turned thirty.
A tendril of doubt curled through her. What if Ruark didn’t return her love? She’d wanted to wed someone who loved her—either now or would in the future. Ruark surely fit that description. Even if he didn’t love her now, the potential was definitely there. How could it not be given the connection between them?
Sabrina had just exited her carriage when they arrived back at Evesham House. “Good afternoon, Cassandra, Miss Lancaster.”
Prudence dipped a curtsey. “My lady.”
Sabrina’s gaze settled on Cassandra. “How fortuitous to meet you out here. Might we take a walk around the square?” It seemed clear—to Cassandra at least—that Sabrina didn’t want Prudence to accompany them. Less clear was the purpose for Sabrina’s call, but Cassandra could make a good guess.
“Certainly.” Cassandra turned to Prudence. “I’ll see you inside.”
With a nod, Prudence went into the house. Walking alongside her sister-in-law, Cassandra began a repeat of the circuit she’d just made with Prudence.
Looking askance at Cassandra, Sabrina smiled a bit nervously. “I asked if we could walk so that we wouldn’t be overheard in the house. I wanted to see how you were faring after last night’s…excitement.”
Her word choice was both amusing and accurate for it had been terribly exciting. And wonderful.
“I’m fine, thank you. I very much appreciate your discretion.” Cassandra made eye contact with Sabrina so she could convey the depth of her gratitude.
“Wexford didn’t take advantage, did he?” Sabrina gave Cassandra a gentle smile. “I have to ask, though I imagine you wouldn’t have allowed him to.”
Cassandra almost laughed. “Your confidence in me is most complimentary. He did not take advantage.”
“When does he plan to propose, and do you have a plan for breaking the news to your father and Lucien?”
Hesitating, Cassandra silently chastised herself for not anticipating the question. “Er, he doesn’t. At least not now.”
Surprise flashed in Sabrina’s gaze. “You’ve discussed it then?”
Cassandra clasped her hands, latticing her fingers together. “Not exactly.”
“I feel it is my responsibility to guide you, Cass. You must know that what happened is highly inappropriate. If anyone else had found you, the betrothal would already be confirmed.”
“I am aware of that.” She sent Sabrina another grateful look. “Thank you. I very much appreciate your discretion.”
“Was it a singular occurrence that will not be repeated? Or do you have a tendre for him?”
