Page 58 of Intolerable
“I hope I can keep my mind on the fight,” Glastonbury said jovially. “You see, my head’s a bit full of plans as I am looking forward to proposing to Lady Cassandra tomorrow.”
Now her name was in Ruark’s mind, along with a visceral reaction to what the viscount had just said. Bitter anger rose inside him. He couldn’t allow Glastonbury to marry her.
Glastonbury struck while he was distracted, his hand connecting with Ruark’s shoulder. The anger intensified.
Ruark launched forward, but he was too agitated. Glastonbury deflected his blows. Then he landed another on the side of Ruark’s arm. Clenching his jaw, Ruark redoubled his efforts, willing himself to be calm and strategic. After several moments of matching each other’s defenses, he finally landed a hit to Glastonbury’s ribs.
“Nice one,” Glastonbury said, flashing a smile. His amiable demeanor was infuriating. In part because that was typically Ruark’s demeanor. He was charming and witting and devil-may-care.
Apparently, Glastonbury was too. Perhaps that’s why Cassandra had been considering marrying him.
Had been.Yesterday, she’d declared her intent to wait for Ruark. There was no reason for him to be upset right now. She’d already chosen him.
Except her father wouldn’t allow that, especially if Glastonbury came up to scratch, which he was. Shit!
Glastonbury’s right fist connected with Ruark’s gut and his left with Ruark’s side, pushing Ruark back. Before he could gather his wits, Glastonbury pressed onward, landing two more blows.
“Stop!” Mort called, ending the fight. “Well fought.”
Breathing heavily, Glastonbury stood in the center of the ring. He inclined his head toward Ruark. “Good match.”
“Is the viscount the winner?” someone called.
“Yes,” Mort answered in a clipped tone.
Ruark heard the spectators murmuring and saw money change hands. Of course they’d wagered on the bout. Sweat ran into his eye, and he blinked furiously. He’d let Glastonbury get the better of him. No, he’d let his mind wander in precisely the manner it shouldn’t have.
Ruark went to shake Glastonbury’s hand. “Good match. I suppose I was a bit tired.”
“I could see that,” Glastonbury said graciously.
They left the ring, Glastonbury going to speak with Fred, while Ruark headed toward the dressing room. Mort intercepted him on the way.
“You need to withdraw from the prizefight. Unless you want to get pummeled by Garnham.”
Ruark couldn’t think about that right now. His mind was consumed with Cassandra and her potentially impending betrothal. If Glastonbury got to her—more importantly, if he got to her father—the deal would be done.
He grunted toward Mort, who hurried to move in front of him, blocking Ruark’s path. “You’re being a dolt. There’s no shame in withdrawing. Fred will find someone else.”
“Let me go, Mort.” Ruark pushed past him and went to wash and change. He left the club through a back door in order to avoid seeing Mort or anyone else. Exiting into an alley, he made his way around toward Covent Garden where he’d hail a hack.
What the hell was he going to do? He couldn’t let Cassandra wed Glastonbury, but he also couldn’t break the vow he’d made to his father. What if they went with her plan and waited until he was thirty?
Her father would never agree to that. Nor would Lucien. Or would he? Ruark would be treating her differently from the women in his past. There would be no broken hearts or disappointment. They just had to be patient.
Perhaps he should get Aldington on his side first. No, ontheirside. Cassandra would have to be the driving force in getting her brother to support this plan.
Ruark wiped his hand over his brow. Was he deciding to marry her in three years? What if he felt differently about her by then? And he expected to—his father had been right. Every time Ruark fell in love, he fell out of love.
But if there was even the slightest chance she was different, shouldn’t he try to find out?
Except she might fall out of love with you too—she’s far younger with far less experience.
He’d see her tonight at the assembly where he’d warn her about Glastonbury’s intent to propose. Because if Glastonbury did that, there would be no point in wondering if Ruark might love her for more than a fleeting bit of time.
Chapter 14
Cassandra arrived at the Phoenix Club assembly with Sabrina and Prudence. While she was glad to have them with her, she desperately wanted to find Fiona. Ever since Ruark’s abrupt departure yesterday after she’d said she’d wait for himandthat she loved him, she’d wanted to talk to her best friend. Indeed, she wanted to completely unburden herself to someone who would understand. Someone who’d behaved improperly, as Cassandra had, and ended up married to the man she loved.
