by Stella Riley
Sebastian spurred Ajax forward to career across the turf in the hope of cutting the runaway off before the inevitable happened. From the tail of his eye, he saw that the idiot groom had still to get back in the saddle – meanwhile the lady’s horse had bolted off the track and into the trees. Given the danger of low branches and potholes, it would be a miracle if the woman managed to keep her seat. Ducking and swerving at breakneck speed as he followed her, Sebastian recognised that he’d be lucky to keep his own.
His hat whirled away behind him and twigs slapped him in the face. But finally, after a hair-raising minute or two, he came up beside the fleeing horse and gripping Ajax between his knees, managed to get close enough to reach over and grab the lady’s bridle. Then, using all his strength, he hauled her mare to a standstill.
Still clutching the reins in a death-grip and her breath coming in a series of shallow gasps, the girl let her head fall forward for a moment. Then, straightening her spine, she turned … and Sebastian found himself looking into a pair of frightened, storm-cloud eyes. His heart, already beating forty to the dozen, lurched up into his throat and, despite the wild ride, he turned suddenly icy cold. Cassandra.
‘Th-thank you,’ whispered Cassie. And aware that Mr Audley looked furious, ‘I’m sorry. It – it was a squirrel, I think.’
‘I’ll speak to you in a minute.’ Releasing her bridle, Sebastian wheeled round on the ashen-faced groom who was just catching up with them and snapped, ‘What the devil were you playing at back there?’
‘I – it was the girth, m’lord. It seemed to be coming loose so --’
‘And had it become loose?’
‘Y-Yes, sir.’
‘I see. Did you saddle the horse yourself?’
The man nodded miserably.
There was a long, ominous silence. Finally, Sebastian said softly, ‘And Mistress Delahaye’s mare? You saddled that, too?’
‘Yes.’ The groom had no more colour to lose. He said, ‘I’m sorry, m’lord.’
‘You’d have been a damned sight sorrier if the lady’s girth hadn’t been secure when her horse took fright.’ Sebastian’s tone was arctic. ‘You do know your job, I take it?’
‘Yes, sir. Such a thing’s never happened before, I swear.’ He looked at Cassie, hoping to find some sympathy there. ‘I’m sorry, Miss – really I am.’
She opened her mouth but before she could get a word out, Sebastian said flatly, ‘Don’t. Do not even think of excusing this. Anything could have happened – and this fellow was failing completely in his duty by not being in a position to help the instant you found yourself in difficulty.’ And once more addressing the groom, ‘Go. I’ll escort Mistress Delahaye home myself.’
Watching the man ride disconsolately away, Cassie struggled to think of something she could say that wouldn’t bring Mr Audley’s wrath down on her. Mr Audley, unfortunately, didn’t give her the chance. Having indicated that they should start making their way back and in a voice rough with what might have been temper, he said, ‘I’ll accept that your mare was startled and you yourself taken by surprise. But you ought, at the very least, to have been capable of keeping her out of the trees. You realise that, if you’d come off, you might have broken every bone in your body?’
Cassie was still shaking. She hoped he couldn’t see it but felt resentful that he wasn’t being a bit more sympathetic. ‘Yes.’
‘If your horse takes fright, the first rule is to keep control of the direction. What were you thinking?’
‘Not falling off,’ she mumbled.
Sebastian’s heart-beat began to slow. ‘Aside from that.’
‘Nothing. I don’t ride very well.’
‘That’s an understatement.’ He shoved a hand through his hair, most of which had come loose. ‘For God’s sake, Cassandra - you could have been killed!’
‘I kn-know.’
The last of his terror-inspired anger melted away.
‘Why were you riding at such an hour and with only a groom, anyway?’
‘Because of Olivia. She wants to ride in the park but Mama doesn’t trust her to behave unless I’m with her – hence the need to practise.’
‘Olivia? This is the sister who calls me her wicked cousin?’
‘Yes.’ She summoned a hesitant smile. ‘I haven’t thanked you for the flowers.’
‘Ah. You worked that out, then.’
‘The initials? Yes. Of course.’ She paused, then added, ‘And thank you for rescuing me just now. I’m not sure what would have happened if you hadn’t been there.’
‘Neither am I – which accounts for any lapses in gentlemanly behaviour. My apologies for that. However, I would like to be assured that you will tell Sir Charles what happened this morning.’
‘Is that really necessary?’
‘Yes. It is. The squirrel making your horse bolt was bad luck and bad timing – but lack of care whilst saddling up is inexcusable.’
‘Very well,’ said Cassie reluctantly. ‘I’ll mention it to Mama and she can decide --’
Sebastian’s hand came down hard on her bridle again and his eyes trapped hers. He said implacably, ‘You will not merely ‘mention it’ as if it’s of no account, Cassandra. You will tell the whole story. I shall call in Conduit Street this afternoon and, if you haven’t done so, I will.’ Glad of the excuse to do what he’d wanted to do anyway, he released her bridle and added wryly, ‘Don’t worry. I shan’t expect you to paint me as a hero.’
She wanted to tell him he had no business using her given name – and she would have done so had he not used it in its entirety which, to her secret regret, no one else ever did. She had also become acutely aware of how splendid Mr Audley looked on horse-back. So she contented herself with saying crossly, ‘If you’re going to continue snarling, there’s little chance of my doing that.’
A glint of amusement returned to the blue eyes.
‘I don’t snarl. And you give as good as you get, darling.’
That really was a step too far even if it did produce an odd little quiver in the pit of her stomach. She lifted her chin, the picture of maidenly affront.
‘I’m not your darling, Mr Audley. You may address me as Mistress Delahaye.’
‘Yes, ma’am,’ he agreed meekly before spoiling it by adding, ‘And you may address me in any way you please.’
‘Don’t tempt me,’ muttered Cassie, watching the laughter in his eyes tugging at his mouth. ‘Very well. I’ll tell Papa – so there’s no need for you to call.’
‘Of course there is. If I don’t pay a formal call, how else am I to offer to ride with you and your sister?’
For a second, words failed her. Then she said flatly, ‘No. Absolutely not. No. Don’t you dare do any such thing!’
As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she recognised her mistake.
‘Oh dear.’ Sebastian grinned. ‘You really shouldn’t have said that.’
* * *
Sebastian arrived in Conduit Street at the appropriate hour but, instead of being shown to the drawing room, found himself being conducted to Sir Charles’ private study. He didn’t know whether this was a good sign or a bad one. But as the door closed behind him, Charles rose from behind his desk and advanced, hand outstretched.
‘Mr Audley,’ he said pleasantly. ‘Cassie has told me what occurred this morning and it seems that I am in your debt.’
Accepting the proffered hand, Sebastian shook his head slightly.
‘Not at all. I’m glad I was able to help. But I hope Mistress Delahaye made it clear that my main concern – and the reason I wanted you to know of the incident – was the groom’s carelessness?’
‘She did. She also, with the utmost reluctance, admitted that you saved her from injury – or worse.’ Charles’ eyes twinkled a little. ‘Gave her a scold, did you?’
‘That may be how she regarded it. But the truth is that, between an unpleasant few minutes thinking she was going to come to grief followed by the discovery of how very much wors
e it could have been if the groom had saddled her horse as badly as he’d done his own, I … temporarily forgot my manners.’
‘Most understandable.’ Charles waved his guest to a seat and went to pour wine. ‘At any rate, you certainly seem to have made an impression.’
‘And the groom?’
‘Will remain under close supervision until I decide otherwise.’ He handed Sebastian a glass, took the chair facing him and said, ‘I take it that Lord Wingham’s health is no longer a cause for concern?’
‘I believe not. His valet sends me regular bulletins – though in a week or two, I’ll probably go down to Sussex to see for myself.’
Sir Charles’ brows rose slightly but he refrained from asking why Sebastian was in communication with his father’s valet rather than his father himself. Instead, he said mildly, ‘Do I gather that, but for today’s debacle, you hadn’t intended to call on Serena and me?’
Sebastian swallowed, suddenly uncomfortable.
‘I … hadn’t decided. In truth, I wasn’t sure I’d be welcome.’
‘Because of the scrapes you and Gerald indulged in seven years ago.’
It wasn’t a question but Sebastian answered it anyway. ‘Yes.’
‘All of them being your fault, of course?’
‘Not quite all. But I’m aware we must have caused you some embarrassment.’
Unexpectedly, Sir Charles laughed.
‘Nothing I wasn’t prepared for. And thanks to his association with you, Gerald sowed all his wild oats with remarkable speed and efficiency.’
‘That sounds almost like approval, sir,’ said Sebastian cautiously.
‘Oh – I wouldn’t go that far. But at least my son grew up a good deal quicker than you seem to have done. No.’ This as Sebastian would have spoken. ‘You needn’t explain. I’m aware that you had your reasons – perhaps even some cause. Losing your twin brother must have been hard enough without the other consequences his death led to. However … may I ask if this visit to London marks the turning of a new leaf?’
‘The leaf turned some time ago,’ came the candid reply. ‘Just … less publicly.’
‘Good.’ Charles finished his wine and stood up. ‘We had best repair to the drawing room. I believe we have a number of callers today – most of whom I imagine you know. Ah. I almost forgot. Cassie says you offered to ride with herself and Olivia. She further insisted that I should on no account give you permission to do so.’
Mr Audley also rose and, smothering a laugh, said, ‘Of course she did. It is something to do with her sister – though after this morning she’s also a little annoyed with me.’
‘Oh she’s certainly annoyed with you – which, for Cassie, is very unusual,’ agreed Charles calmly, leading the way from the room. ‘As for Olivia … well, I’m sure you’ll rise to the challenge. Ride with them by all means, if you wish.’
Seeing her father lead Mr Audley across the room to bow over Mama’s hand and receive a much warmer smile than might previously have been expected, Cassie promptly forgot what she had been saying. Laughing softly, Isabel Vernon said, ‘Dear me, Cassie. First, driving in the park with a gentleman who claims he never drives females; and now wicked Mr Audley paying a courtesy call. Whatever next?’
‘He isn’t wicked – just infuriating,’ returned Cassie. Then, ‘What do you mean – Mr Penhaligon doesn’t drive females?’
‘He doesn’t – or very rarely. And he doesn’t pay morning calls either. It’s an affectation which I suspect he thinks makes him seem more interesting than he actually is. But the fact he chose to make an exception in your case is --’
‘Cassie!’ Olivia erupted at her sister’s side, eyes wide with excitement. ‘It’s him, isn’t it? It’s Cousin Sebastian. He’s gorgeous, isn’t he? Almost … yes, almost as handsome as Mr Penhaligon.’
Fortunately, before Cassie could blurt out something she’d doubtless regret, Isabel Vernon said, ‘Do you think so, Olivia? But of course, you won’t have met Rockliffe or his brother yet, I suppose. And though I have a preference for dark-haired gentlemen myself, even I have to admit that Mr Audley’s looks are extraordinary.’
‘Yes. I suppose so. Cassie – will you introduce me? Please? I promise I won’t --’
‘Olivia.’ Beckoning her younger daughter, Lady Delahaye spoke with quiet authority. ‘Please re-join the other young ladies and the conversation you abandoned with Mistress Galloway. And Cassie, my love … perhaps you would get Mr Audley a cup of tea and introduce him to anyone he isn’t already acquainted with?’
Olivia made a sulky withdrawal, Isabel Vernon turned away to answer a remark addressed to her by Lily Brassington … and Cassie found herself meeting teasing blue eyes in an otherwise solemn face.
Reaching for the teapot, she said quietly, ‘Please tell me you didn’t ask Papa if you could ride with Livy and me.’
‘I did not.’
She gave a sigh of relief and continued pouring the tea. ‘Thank you.’
‘I didn’t ask because Sir Charles raised the subject himself and gave his blessing.’
Her hand jerked and the tea missed the cup.
‘I’m so sorry,’ he said, innocently. ‘That was entirely my fault.’ And when she glanced up from reaching for a clean cup, ‘The tea, I mean. You can scarcely blame me for the other thing since it was something you said that piqued your father’s sense of humour.’
‘In other words, if I hadn’t said anything, you wouldn’t have raised the subject?’ She shook her head. ‘You don’t really expect me to believe that, do you?’
‘No – but it was worth a try.’ He watched her add milk to the tea and, taking a small step back, said, ‘Please don’t give in to temptation. I’m wearing a new coat.’
Cassie gave an involuntary choke of laughter.
‘You are absurd. I don’t throw tea over Mama’s guests.’
‘Excellent.’ Sebastian accepted the cup and said, ‘Is the thought of riding in the park with me so very dreadful?’
‘It isn’t you that concerns me.’
‘At all? Now that’s a truly lowering thought – and I such a hell of a fellow.’
This time she managed not to laugh but failed to disguise the fact that she wanted to. As severely as she was able, she said, ‘Mr Audley – will you please stop teasing or flirting or whatever it is you’re doing. The problem, as you very well know, is my sister.’
‘One of those over there, I presume?’ An almost imperceptible movement of his head indicated the corner where four very young ladies sat whispering to each other in between sending soulful glances in his direction. ‘What is the worst she can do?’
‘Interrogate you about every exploit of yours that ever appeared in the scandal sheets? She has them all, you know. Embarrass us both by telling her friends – and therefore the whole of London – that Wicked Cousin Sebastian is showing interest in her almost-on-the-shelf sister? With Livy, nothing is impossible.’ Cassie paused, then added aridly, ‘I take it you remember Cecy Garfield and her hand-maidens at Cavendish House?’
He shuddered slightly. ‘Vividly.’
‘Well, Livy and her friends are worse because they’re younger. And right now – in case you haven’t noticed – they’re heaving admiring sighs and hatching ways in which to bring themselves to your attention.’
‘Heaving admiring sighs?’ Sebastian looked interested. ‘Are they really?’
‘Yes. And stop pretending you like the idea. You don’t.’
‘All right. I don’t.’
It occurred to Sebastian that, in only a handful of meetings, he had come to like Cassandra Delahaye much more than was probably wise – as his reaction to the morning’s near-catastrophe should have told him. He also thought that she was either exaggerating her sister’s annoying qualities or, having recently seen him in the company of a female she almost certainly believed was his mistress, was using Olivia as an excuse. He had offered to ride with her in order to, if not improve her horsemanship, then at le
ast to increase her confidence and because he enjoyed her company. The younger sister was of little if any consequence as far as he was concerned. But everything else pointed to the wisdom of not allowing his acquaintance with Cassandra to deepen.
Shrugging slightly, he said, ‘Very well. The choice must be yours, of course. And since you have apparently already made it, there’s nothing further to say. Dare I assume I’ll have the pleasure of seeing you at Lady Elinor’s supper party tomorrow evening?’
~ * * ~ * * ~
CHAPTER NINE
On the evening of the Cavershams’ party, Aristide made a last-ditch attempt to persuade his sister to accompany him by saying flatly, ‘If this childish behaviour of yours really is nothing to do with Nicholas Wynstanton, you’d better prove it. My impression – and probably his, too – is that you haven’t got the nerve to spend more than two minutes in the same room as him. Well?’
Madeleine stared at him in mute exasperation. Then she snapped, ‘All right. All right! If it will stop everyone jumping to stupid conclusions, I’ll come. Just don’t expect me to make a habit of it.’
‘I gave up expecting you to be reasonable some time ago,’ he replied. ‘But you will move into the damned house. I want to employ an assistant and your current rooms will be the most convenient place for him to work.’
Her response was the one he had learned to expect. Impaling him on a fulminating stare, she swept from the room. She still hadn’t spoken a word when their carriage drew up in Mount Street.
At the same time that Aristide was berating his sister, Cassie Delahaye was doing the same thing to herself but without much success. The instant Mr Audley had given way on the previous afternoon, some perverse part of her had immediately wished he hadn’t. Equally annoying was her inability, despite having Susan lay out all of her other evening gowns for inspection, to resist the lure of the lilac and green shot-silk that had inspired him to send her violets. Luckily, the violets themselves were now past their best. If they hadn’t been, Cassie had the awful suspicion that she’d probably be pinning a couple of them to her bodice. And worst of all was the single, common thread running through all these things … which ought to frighten her silly but somehow didn’t.