Tempted by a Rake’s Smile: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Meghan Sloan

  That hurt to say, but it was right. If Gabriel ever made a move at her, Cassandra would know what he was thinking. She would be seen as a means to an end, not as someone he desired for himself. Cassandra didn’t like how that felt in her stomach, which was turning into a knot.

  And standing here arguing with a woman who was under the impression that her non-existent status was being threatened wasn’t helping her at all. Cassandra took a step back and took Alice’s arm.

  “Now, if you don’t mind, my aunt and I are heading home. We’ve got a lot to do today.”

  “I didn’t say you could leave!” Jessica shrieked.

  That had people across the street jumping. Cassandra heard one woman gasp and declare that it was a disgrace. But she fixed her cool gaze on Jessica before turning away.

  “You’re not my mother, and you do not have any control over me. Now go home. You’re causing a scene. You wouldn’t want your family to clip your wings further, would you?”

  And with that, she walked away. Alice hurried alongside her even as they heard Jessica shouting after them. The woman was just shameless. Cassandra wondered how she could think confronting another woman in public was even a good thing.

  Hopefully, once word got back to her family, the girl would find out the hard way what she did was a bad thing. Cassandra just wanted to go home and hide.

  “What on earth was going on there?” Alice asked.

  Cassandra stared straight ahead as she walked.

  “I have absolutely no idea.”

  Chapter 14

  “Are you serious?” Emily gasped. “She actually told you to stay away from Gabriel?”

  “She did.” Cassandra braced herself as the carriage went around the corner, almost toppling her over. “She was under the impression that I was his mistress. I have no idea where she got that from, as I’ve never been around the man long enough for a rumour like that to happen.”

  Emily snorted.

  “It’s probably her way of trying to shame you into backing away. Apparently, it’s a regular occurrence.”

  “Has she done this before, then?”

  “From what I gather. I’ve never been privy to them, thankfully. But her brothers come into the Barrington Arms regularly.” Emily adjusted the stitching of her glove to make it straight on her arm. “Whenever their sister is mentioned, even in passing, both roll their eyes and sigh. She’s well-known due to her beauty, her outspoken ability when she’s the centre of attention and her single-minded determination, but her family are not too impressed with her behaviour.”

  Cassandra wouldn’t be either, if she were related to Jessica. From the few moments she’d got the day before, she had the impression that Jessica was a spoiled little girl who was used to getting her own way. Her parents must have had their hands full with her growing up.

  Cassandra could understand if one child was particularly spoiled - she had been spoiled when she was a little girl due to being the only child - but not every child stayed entitled. And from the way Jessica had been, she was very used to getting her own way. It wouldn’t be a surprise to Cassandra if she did cause these public scenes on a regular basis.

  As long as she didn’t do it with Cassandra on the receiving end, Cassandra didn’t care what the girl did. Or said. She hadn’t committed to anything with Gabriel Tattershall and it was unlikely that it would ever happen.

  Unlikely? It would never happen. And Cassandra hated how her stomach knotted with that.

  Emily shifted on her seat as the carriage took another sharp turn. They had been at Cassandra’s home and were now heading over to The Barrington Arms to have dinner with Emily’s family. Cassandra had suggested going in to see how Norman was beforehand, and Emily had agreed.

  Her friend was just as concerned about Norman’s welfare; there was a great amount of fondness between the two of them. Cassandra found it very sweet. Emily could overstep with her remarks in public - she helped out at her father’s business, so that was no surprise - but there was a huge, generous heart inside her.

  “Do you have a new driver or something?” Emily complained as she righted herself. “I don’t think I’ve been this knocked about in a carriage before.”

  “We have a temporary driver. Victor’s off sick at the moment, so we have someone standing in until he’s well again.” Cassandra gritted her teeth as her elbow knocked against the side. “I’ll be having a word with him later. I don’t know who taught him to drive, but he’s certainly not confidence-inspiring.”

  “I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks we’ve got an idiot in charge of the horses.”

  “The horses will get their own back, I’m sure. They have a habit of doing that.” Cassandra adjusted her bonnet, undoing the bow and then doing it up again. “Anyway, Miss Gibson…”

  “I thought you didn’t want to discuss her beyond what you said.”

  “I lied. Sort of. I’m just curious,” Cassandra paused her tying as the carriage jostled in the road, and then resumed doing up the bow. “I thought Miss Gibson said she was the one who got taken advantage of. I heard she was declaring that Mr. Tattershall had seduced her.”

  “That’s what she’s been telling people. Her brothers don’t believe, from what I gathered. Neither do her parents, although they were furious with Gabriel as well,” Emily sat forward. “Did you know that Gabriel was in the Barrington Arms with Mr. Gibson a short while ago? I believe it was about the same time we found out Mr. Montgomery had passed away. Father wouldn’t let me stay nearby to listen in, but I heard some of it.”

  “I thought you were meant to be working, not eavesdropping.”

  “Eavesdropping’s a lot more interesting. Anyway, Gabriel Tattershall was telling Mr. Gibson to keep his daughter away as he wanted nothing to do with her.”

  Cassandra stared.

  “He really did that?”

  “Yes. Gabriel said he wished nothing more with Miss Gibson, and she would just not listen to him. She had been coming up to his cottage and trying to converse with him, but he would send her away each time.” Emily’s eyes gleamed, “Apparently, Mr. Gibson was going to take her away from Ipswich to live elsewhere. I think the south coast was mentioned. They have a place in Brighton.”

  “If he was going to do that, why hasn’t she gone already?”

  “No idea. I’m sure she’ll be away from here soon.”

  “I hope so,” Cassandra grunted. She settled back even as the carriage lurched. “I don’t have time for chits like her. I’ve got more important things to worry about.”

  “Like wondering how you’re going to be around Gabriel Tattershall without falling into his arms,” Emily said wryly.

  Cassandra groaned. Even though Emily was of the same opinion as the day before, that Cassandra and Gabriel were a bad idea overall, her friend hadn’t stopped with teasing comments and passing suggestions. Cassandra wanted to swat her with her purse. There was teasing, and then there was what Emily was doing.

  “I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t said anything now,” she grumbled.

  “I’ll keep my mouth shut about it then,” Emily shrugged. “All I’m going to do is remind you that Gabriel Tattershall is not the person you should associate with. A nodding acquaintance is fine, but anything more than that is asking for trouble. We both know it’ll be bad to do anything further.”

  Cassandra knew that. But it didn’t make her feel any better. It didn’t help that when she had attempted to have a sleep in the afternoon the day before, her thoughts were filled with Gabriel. She had dreamed that Gabriel was in the bed with her, touching her body where every touch made her body tingle. He kissed her mouth, then her neck, and then her breasts, his hands drifting down further…

  Do you really want to relive a fantasy in front of your friend?

  Cassandra attempted to wipe out her dream from the day before - and last night - but it simply sat back and waited. It was as if it was preparing to pounce at the least expected moment. Cassandra had never been on
guard from her own thoughts before, and she didn’t like it.

  If there was a possibility to get Gabriel Tattershall out of her life, she would take it. That would be difficult if he was Percy’s brother. Even knowing that she was meant to be in early courtship with another man didn’t make Cassandra feel any better. He was becoming an all-consuming thought.

  And Cassandra didn’t like that.

  They arrived at Emily’s home, Cassandra alighting first. The footman who had accompanied them looked like he had been on an equally uncomfortable journey, while the driver sat in his seat looking very pleased with himself. He certainly wasn’t going to be pleased when Cassandra showed her father the bruises. There was a line between being inexperienced and needing time to learn and just being arrogant about the way things were handled.

  Linking arms with Emily, Cassandra headed over to Montgomery’s. She rarely went inside, mostly due to the fact Ernest wouldn’t be happy about her venturing into a rival business. But Cassandra had been curious before, and she was impressed with what she saw. Thomas Montgomery knew exactly what was needed.

  She had wondered if Norman was going to take on the ownership. It was his now, after all. But there had also been talk of Norman selling and going back to his place on the Norfolk coast. Cassandra wouldn’t blame him if he did; Norman wasn’t one for gambling and he liked to be in his own little world.

  The doorman greeted them cordially, although he was reluctant to let them in through the main rooms. But he led them around the side of the building and in through the back stairs. This was apparently Norman’s favourite way of coming and going without anyone bothering him.

  Cassandra was glad about this; even though there wouldn’t be many people inside at this time ofday, there would be enough to wonder why two young women were visiting the owner. Cassandra didn’t want to try and explain that one away.

  Not that anyone would pay attention to her. If it was good gossip, nobody listened.

  The doorman signalled for them to wait a moment before knocking on Norman’s door and entering when bid. There was the murmur of male voices, and to Cassandra’s ears there seemed to be more than two voices in there. Then the doorman came back out and ushered them in. Emily went in first, Cassandra following close behind.

  And stopping short when she saw Gabriel sitting in one of the chairs by the desk. He rose to his feet when he saw her, his eyes drifting over her face and then down her body. His expression was blank, but then Cassandra saw the flash of something in his eyes. That sent her body into a meltdown. She was only wearing a dress and thin coat due to how warm it was, but now Cassandra felt like she was wearing too much.

  Why did he have to be here? Why couldn’t she go anywhere without him turning up?

  “Cassie?”

  Cassandra started. Norman and Emily were both staring at her, Norman a little more curiously. Her face heating, Cassandra turned away from Gabriel and approached Norman.

  “Forgive me, Mr. Montgomery.” She took his hand,. “You have my sympathy as well about your father.”

  “Thank you.” Norman gave her a soft smile and kissed her hand. “I’ve already sent a notice to your father about the funeral tomorrow. I hope both of you can attend.”

  “We’ve received it, and Father’s planning on going,” Cassandra promised.

  She knew this. Ernest had spoken about it with her and asked her - almost begged her - to come with him. Cassandra would have gone anyway, but she was under the impression that her father needed her that more than anything. He was still upset about Thomas’ death, and it seemed to have made him a little more fragile. It made Cassandra sad that her normally strong father was struggling.

  Norman was still holding onto her hand. There was a tiny growl from somewhere and Norman let go abruptly. Cassandra blinked and glanced over at Gabriel. He was glaring at Norman with a scowl, his eyes narrowed at his friend. What had just happened there?

  “He came to see me last week,” Norman cleared his throat. “I must admit, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a grown man cry like he did. In spite of their differences, he really did care.”

  “Father has a huge heart, certainly.” Cassandra was struggling to breathe. It felt like the walls were closing in. She glanced at Emily, who was looking at her with an arched eyebrow. “If...if there’s anything you need, just let us know. We’ll help out wherever we can.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

  Cassandra fixed her pleading looking on Emily. They needed to leave. She couldn’t be in the same room as Gabriel when he was watching her. Her resolve was crumbling by the second. Emily seemed to get the message because she turned to Norman with a sweet smile.

  “We can’t stay too long, Norman. We just came to see how you were holding up.”

  “I’m glad you did.” Norman squeezed Emily’s waist. “It’s nice to see a couple of pretty smiles.”

  It was then Cassandra realised that Norman and Emily were holding onto each other, with Emily’s arms around Norman’s waist. She stared. Emily was a very personable young woman, and she was aware Emily and Norman saw each other like brother and sister, but this was scandalous even in private.

  “You can let him go now, Emily. We may be in private, but we’re not alone.”

  “Oh.” Emily let go and stepped away with a shy shrug in Norman’s direction, “Forgive me, Norman.”

  “Do you see me complaining?” Norman’s eyes twinkled. “It’s nice to have a bit of...company.”

  Cassandra rolled her eyes.

  “You need to brush up a bit on your charm, Norman. It’s a little rusty.” She cast a look over at Gabriel, who was still watching her. “Perhaps Mr. Tattershall could show you how it’s done. He’s had a lot of practice.”

  Gabriel arched an eyebrow, a slight smile twitching at his mouth. Norman looked bewildered. Emily cleared her throat and grabbed Cassandra’s arm.

  “We’d better be going. We agreed this would be brief.” She started to drag Cassandra towards the door. “We’ll see you at the funeral, Norman. And I’ll come by again when Cassie’s unavailable.”

  Cassandra started to protest, only for Emily to push her out of the room. Her friend shut the door abruptly and glowered at her.

  “Did you have to do that?”

  “What?”

  “Make a comment like that. You’re just adding fuel to a fire.”

  “At this point in time, I’m not even sure I care.”

  But Emily did have a right to be concerned. Cassandra could be outspoken, but she had never spoken like that. It was shocking, even by her standards. She would need to take a moment to calm down, and Cassandra wasn’t even sure she could be calm. Not when whatever was sizzling in the air between her and Gabriel was still there and was incredibly strong.

  Cassandra turned away from her friend and hurried towards the stairs. She needed a breath of air, just to get some part of her composure back.

  #

  Gabriel stared after Cassandra as she and Emily Barrington hurried out into the hall, the door shutting hard behind them. Her spirit was still there, but she was jittery. Something was off about her, like someone had given her bad news and she was trying to keep on an even keel. Women were known to be unpredictable at times, and Cassandra fell into that category, but this was out of character - even for her.

  He had wanted to go after her, to see if she was all right, but decided against it. Cassandra would certainly push her away, and Gabriel didn’t want to get in another argument. He enjoyed their verbal jousting, but it was getting a little too much.