Regency Romances

by Grace Fletcher

  "You've got a good sense of character, Cassandra. Like I said, you'll figure it out, eventually."

  Cassandra stared at him like he was utterly and completely mistaken.

  "Your Grace," She bit out the words, "I came in here for straight answers, and I am quite reconciled to that. I am most seriously displeased. A gentleman always gives truthful answers."

  Marcus smirked.

  "Well, I'm not exactly a gentleman, am I?"

  "No truer words have been spoken." Cassandra realized what she had said and blushed. She began to back away, looking everywhere but at him. "Well, seeing as I'm not going to get any honest discourse from you, I'll take my leave."

  Marcus couldn't help but laugh as Cassandra shut the door behind her after nearly running away from him. While he felt bad for not telling her the truth, taunting her had been most amusing. He hadn't done that to someone for a long time.

  Having Cassandra Mable around was certainly refreshing.

  Chapter 4

  Pre-Judged

  "Cassandra?"

  Cassandra jumped when someone touched her arm. She spun round and found Susan beside her, frowning at her.

  "Susan." Cassandra rubbed her chest as her heart threatened to jump out of her chest. "I was thinking about something."

  "Are you sure." Susan tilted her head to the side. "You look a little pale."

  "I'm fine." Cassandra lowered her hand and glanced towards the door to the library. "I think."

  Dinner had been tolerable. Marcus seemed to be on his best behaviour, allowing Susan to drive the conversation. Sitting beside her, Cassandra felt exhausted with her brightness and her laughter. Several of the men were lapping it up, much to the consternation of their wives. Cassandra saw many of them glaring at Susan, who seemed to enjoy the men's attentions.

  There was one, however, who seemed to have his attention firmly on Cassandra. William Lawson, a wealthy solicitor, and widower sat directly opposite her. Whenever Cassandra glanced at him, he was staring right at her. Cassandra had to keep glancing down at her dress. His staring was most disconcerting.

  Once they had finished dinner, Marcus suggested everyone go together into the library. Cassandra didn't want to go. Many of the women would be angry at Susan, and then Lawson would be staring her down from across the room.

  She had barely said anything to him, and the little they had talked about had been menial. Cassandra hadn't done anything to make him think there was anything more.

  She would never understand men.

  Susan grinned and linked arms with her as they slowly crossed the foyer.

  "Mr. Lawson seems to be giving you a lot of attention."

  Cassandra groaned. She had hoped Susan hadn't noticed.

  "He's not giving me attention. He's just staring at me a lot. It's making me most uncomfortable."

  "Oh, come on. Don't tell me you didn't like it." Susan teased. "I know he's over forty, but he's still a handsome man. If I were a little older, I wouldn't say no."

  "Susan!"

  "What?"

  Cassandra felt her face get hot and knew she was blushing. She pulled up in the middle of the foyer and looked around, hoping no one had heard them. There was no one around, and Cassandra relaxed a little. But she frowned at Susan.

  "That's not how a young lady is supposed to talk." She scolded.

  "Really?" Susan raised her eyebrows. "Because I don't like holding back what I think."

  "I've noticed."

  Susan giggled. Then she looked round when they heard footsteps. She grinned at the newcomer.

  "Marcus, brother. I was wondering where you were."

  Cassandra's heart pounded harder as she looked round and saw Mr. Murkwood striding across the foyer towards them. He looked resplendent in dark green with his hair trimmed so it was just off his shoulders. His eyes were focused on Cassandra with an intenseness that made her shiver.

  "I was just talking to William Lawson." He spoke to Cassandra, virtually ignoring his sister. He stopped before her, towering over her enough that Cassandra had to take a step back. "He seemed to be under the impression you were flirting with him, Miss Mable."

  Cassandra was startled.

  "What?" She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "I only said good evening to him and made small talk before dinner. That is all."

  "So you weren't giving him the impression you were interested?"

  Was he angry that she was supposedly flirting? Cassandra was confused. She glared back at him.

  "He was staring at me, and I didn't like it." She said stiffly.

  "She honestly wasn't leading him on," Susan added, laying a hand on her brother's arm. "Cassandra's not interested, Marcus."

  Marcus turned around to her, his scowl deepening.

  "Speaking of flirtations, what do you think you're doing, Susan?" He demanded. "You're dallying with the other guests. Their wives and partners have already complained to me about it. They're most displeased."

  "I don't flirt." Susan pouted, clearly hurt. "I'm just friendly."

  Cassandra didn't like the way they were being treated. Marcus had no right to be angry at them.

  "And I'm certainly not leading anyone on." She fought the anger down, trying to keep her composure. "I'm far too old to be considered for marriage, wealthy or not. And I wouldn't go around with someone in your circle of friends. So don't pre-judge me for something I haven't done."

  She was stunning when she was angry. Marcus couldn't help but stare. There was something about Cassandra that brought her to life, made her more animated. She could certainly hold her own that much he was certain of.

  But now he had upset her. Marcus hadn't wanted to cause displeasure; he was jealous. He had seen the way Lawson had been staring at Cassandra and had cornered him about it. He had had no idea why he was reacting this way, he just felt angry that someone else was looking at Cassandra.

  Could this be his mind saying he was attracted to Cassandra? Marcus had no idea. And he didn't want to be like Susan and end up vying for the attentions of the wrong person. That would make his situation even worse. He had problems with communicating with people in the first place, never mind cavorting with the staff.

  But now Marcus was stuck. What was he supposed to say? He was meant to be a Duke. Someone in his place would never stand for their employees losing their tempers at him. But he needed Cassandra to stay, and he wasn't going to do that by antagonizing her. So he nodded his head once.

  "Then I apologize, Cassandra. I shouldn't pre-judge anybody."

  "You're correct about that." Cassandra snorted.

  She was still simmering. But at least Marcus had apologized. He wondered what more he could do to make amends. The few times he had heard her laugh he wanted to hear more.

  Dancing. That would work. Girls loved dancing, so he reached for her hand.

  "Would you grant the pleasure of dancing with me?"

  But Cassandra pulled her hand away. She looked at him in confusion.

  "There's no music, and I'm not dancing in the middle of the foyer."

  "We can make our own music." Then Marcus realized what he had just said by the reddening of Cassandra's face and Susan's gasp. But he ploughed on, reaching for her again. "Come on, Cassandra Mable. Indulge."

  But Cassandra shook her head and backed away. Now she was looking at him like he was crazy.

  "Your Grace," Her eyes narrowed. "You're intoxicated."

  "I beg to disagree. I barely touched the wine."

  And Marcus hadn't. He used to indulge now and then, but since Cassandra had arrived, he had made a point of keeping away from the drink; after that first night when they had an intimate moment on that cramped passageway, Marcus didn't want to put Cassandra in that position again. People already thought him crude, and he didn't want to provide more circumstances that would remove any doubt.

  He realized it was only because he was a duke, that people came to his dinner parties. They came just for the socialization and prestige, not
because of any friendship.

  Now Cassandra was backing away from him, her eyes wide.

  "Then you're mad." She accused. "This whole family's mad."

  "Hey!" Susan looked annoyed, and Cassandra gave her an apologetic look.

  "My apologies, Susan, but your brother isn't making any sense. He's acting like he's not in his right mind and it's frightening me." She swallowed and curtsied quickly. "I think I'm going to take my leave and retire now. Goodnight."

  Marcus wanted to hurry after her as she ran up the stairs but he knew that wouldn't help the situation; Cassandra needed her time on her own.

  He didn't realize he had been staring at her until Susan hit him hard on the arm.

  "What was that, Marcus?"

  Marcus rubbed his arm. Now he was feeling bashful.

  "I just wanted to apologize." He mumbled. "And I thought girls like dancing."

  "Not Cassandra. You should know that." Susan folded her arms and glared at him. "What are your intentions?"

  "Leave off, Susan."

  Then a light seemed to go off in her head. Susan's eyes widened.

  "You have feelings for her, don't you?"

  Marcus knew he shouldn't have to explain himself, especially not to his younger sister. He held himself accountable to no one. But Susan knew Cassandra and she might be able to help; she wasn't an uncouth as he was. Naïve, yes, but she was a bit more refined than Marcus. That Marcus needed.

  "How am I supposed to tell her that?" He demanded. "We're not of the same social class, which is a definite hindrance to a man of my status. And not only am I her employer, but she thinks I'm mad as well."

  Susan sighed. She patted her brother's arm.

  "Don't despair. I'll see what I can do."

  "Don't do anything disobliging."

  "Would I ever do that?"

  Marcus groaned.

  "Don't make me answer that."

  Chapter 5

  Fitting in

  "Oh, that dress looks gorgeous on you, Cassie." Susan gushed.

  Cassandra shrugged, looking in the mirror as she checked everything was still in one piece.

  "It's nothing special, Susan. It's just a dress."

  "But it's lovely." Susan insisted.

  Cassandra thought it only tolerable. It was a little faded, but it wasn't frayed or worn. Amazingly it still fit her after having it three years. Cassandra was good with a needle, but she wasn't so good at letting out a dress. If she didn't have this to wear, then she wouldn't have an evening outfit at all.

  Thankfully, there weren't many dinner parties so Marcus allowed her to wear other dresses if she didn't need to dress up, which Cassandra appreciated. He had asked her if she wanted any more clothes but Cassandra refused. She had said she didn't want anything else from him except a salary. That seemed to have made things clear to Marcus because he kept his distance except for giving over her wages.

  After that night three weeks ago where Marcus had accused her of flirtations and then acted strangely afterwards, Cassandra wasn't sure what to make of her employer. He confounded her, and Cassandra was displeased with that. What even shocked her more was her growing affections towards him. She was finding him attractive despite his despicable manners. That was frightening in itself, not to mention it was abominable; companions did not fall in love with their employers.

  If it even is love. Cassandra had never been in that situation so she had no idea what she was feeling. But she wasn't sure she liked it.

  Susan shook her head and turned back to the mirror at the dressing table, going back to brushing her hair.

  "I don't understand why you don't get a new dress. You are compensated enough to buy several."

  "Because the money I earn goes to my aunt." Cassandra turned away from the mirror and sat on the edge of the bed. "She needs it more than I do."

  "Surely you need some yourself."

  "I keep a little aside, but most of it goes to her."

  Mary's health was a lot better, and the widower over the road from her was paying her a lot of attention. Cassandra was glad she was happy; her aunt deserved it after raising her for so many years.

  Cassandra had no regrets about it. She did what she did for her aunt. If it meant, she was to go without, she was prepared to go without.

  Susan sighed and gave her a smile.

  "You're a true saint, Cassie."

  Cassandra didn't answer. She picked at the thread on the bedspread. They were at an inn, preparing themselves to go to a party hosted by a family friend of their father's. But Cassandra was wondering what was going on.

  "Susan, don't you find it a little strange that your brother knew had foreknowledge about this party we're going to?"

  "What are you talking about? We came to Bath on a whim. It was just good timing."

  Cassandra didn't believe that for a minute.

  "You're not unwise, Susan. Do you honestly think this was arranged on a whim?"

  "Marcus is good like that." Susan put the brush down and turned on the stool. "He may not be as sophisticated as other people, but he's good with timing."

  Cassandra didn't think so. Marcus had indicated nothing about going to a party, simply saying they were going to Bath for a few days to take in the sights. He had specifically said it was for Cassandra, who had never been to Bath. That had made Cassandra all the more suspicious. What employer took his employee on a holiday simply because she had never been there?

  "Is he always so...odd?" She asked hesitantly.

  Susan laughed.

  "He's been called worse. I guess he has been. I've never known any different." Her smile faded a little. "You're still thinking about the other week when he asked you to dance, aren't you?"

  "Yes, I'm quite bewildered."

  "Cassie, he doesn't know how to make things up to people. He's just beginning to understand when he needs to apologize, but he doesn't understand how to proceed."

  "I'm not thinking about that." Cassandra bit her lip. Should she bring this up? "I mean just before that when he accused me of flirting with Mr. Lawson. He acted...he acted like he was jealous."

  "Maybe he was concerned about you. You're a member of his staff, and one of his guests was ogling you."

  "He wouldn't have acted like that if it was a concern."

  Cassandra had been stewing over it since that night. She couldn't understand his actions. Marcus was a confusing man and half the time he didn't conduct himself as an employer should. Cassandra noticed him watching her a lot as well. He kept his distance, but that didn't stop him looking. And Cassandra always managed to sense when he was watching her.

  Susan grinned. Her eyes glinted.

  "Do you know what I think? I think he fancies you. And not as in passing interest. I mean he really has feelings for you."

  "I beg your pardon?"

  "He adores you. He's just got a very strange way of showing it."

  "But..."

  Cassandra was stunned. That had momentarily passed through her mind, but she had dismissed it, believing it to be ludicrous. Now Susan was suggesting it.

  And Cassandra was beginning to panic. This wasn't supposed to happen to her.

  "But he can't! I mean..."

  "You mean you're my companion, and he's a nobleman so it shouldn't happen?" Susan finished. "It's happening all the time now. The restraints seem to be a little looser now."

  "I don't know about that."

  Susan rolled her eyes, still smiling.

  "Come on, who wouldn't desire a handsome man like my brother? Besides," She added as she stood and went to her trunk, "I think you'd be very well pleased with him."

  Her back was to her, but Cassandra sensed something in Susan's tone. Something was amiss. She sat up.

  "Is there something you aren't disclosing to me, Susan?"

  "No."

  But it was said too quickly. Cassandra was about to push her further when Susan straightened up quickly, picking up her cloak.

  "Come on, Marcus will be wond
ering where we are."

  What had just happened?

  "Cassandra?"

  Cassandra jumped, nearly sloshing her drink over the rim of her glass. She quickly recovered and looked up at the tall, statuesque woman standing over her. She had to crane her head back to look her in the eye.

  "Lady Belton."

  She started to stand so she could curtsy but Margaret Belton waved her back down.

  "Don't be silly. Please sit. Do you mind if I sit with you?"

  Cassandra blinked. The lady of the house, the hostess, sitting with her? She caught herself quickly and nodded.

  "Of course."

  "Thank you." Lady Belton eased herself onto the window seat beside Cassandra and rubbed at her calf. "I'm not as young as I used to be."

  Cassandra didn't believe that. Although she was nearly fifty, Lady Belton was more energetic than Cassandra was. She was also more lively than her daughter Edith, who was a little on the plump side but had a sunny smile like her mother.

  "Why aren't you joining in, dear?"

  Cassandra sighed. She had been approached by the other guests asking if she wanted to join them but she had politely declined, feigning a slight headache and not wanting to exacerbate it. But the truth was she didn't like evenings like this; she preferred to be at home and spend it on her own. She was out of her element.

  "I guess I'm not used to all this." She admitted. Lady Belton wouldn't mind if she told her the truth." Plus I am a servant. I shouldn't be mingling."

  "Nonsense." Lady Belton scoffed. "I insist you join in with us. At least humour an old lady and talk to her for a bit."

  "You're not old, Lady Belton."

  Lady Belton laughed, throwing back her head, so the candlelight flickered over her burnished golden hair.

  "Thank you for being so kind." She looked across the room and indicated Marcus, who stood by the fireplace looking splendid in a dark red coat as he spoke with Edith Belton and John Starling, Lady Belton's brother-in-law. "I must say, I was surprised when Marcus said he had a companion for Susan. But Susan, while lovely and charming, is somewhat wayward. I guess he thought she needed someone to tame her."

  Cassandra wasn't sure if this was an offhanded comment or not so she took it with a pinch of salt. She looked at Susan, who was sitting on the sofa talking animatedly with Lady Belton's sister Abigail Starling. The older woman seemed to be enjoying the conversation.