“No!” She cleared her throat and watched as Miss Crumpton tottered over. “I mean, the coach will be cramped, and I would hate for you to be so uncomfortable.”
“Are you ready to depart dear?” Miss Crumpton looked between the two. “I believe I overheard His Grace say we were returning to Town.”
“No,” Cassandra said with panic in her voice.
“Yes,” James responded with a perplexed frown.
“My dear, I realize you are not looking forward to the trip, but you can hardly walk. I am sure His Grace will not mind if we must stop periodically for you to take some air.”
The heat of her blush could probably set tinder on fire. She looked down, closed her eyes and wished the earth would swallow her whole. This was worse than the Chester fiasco. Surely when she worked up the courage to face James, he would rescind the offer of marriage, and she would continue on her way to Scotland. This time she could blame her wobbly stomach on the surprising disappointment vying for attention over the mortification currently holding her hostage.
A gentle finger lifted her head. “Cassandra, look at me.” The entreaty was too sweet and comforting to ignore. She reluctantly forced her eyes open and met James's penetrating stare. “Does riding in the coach bother you?”
“I do not understand it, but yes it does. I never had this problem back home.”
“There is no shame in suffering from motion sickness. Come,” he held out his hand. “Everything will be fine.”
How could he be so positive? Yet, his confidence inspired her trust. She placed her hand within his and allowed him to lead her back to the waiting conveyance.
He helped Miss Crumpton settle herself and then whispered something to the kind lady. She responded by smiling and patting James on the hand.
James shut the door and held out his arm. “Your steed awaits, my lady.”
Stunned, Cassandra followed him to his waiting mount. This was highly improper. She stopped short. “I do not understand.”
“I thought you would enjoy seeing our lovely countryside and enjoy the air while we took a little time to get to know each other. I assure you no one will comment on our behavior.” He leaned down. “I am a duke. No one dare say anything about my assisting such a lovely lady.”
His words made her blush. Ever so grateful that she didn't have to enter the carriage, she waited as James lifted her onto the back of the animal before mounting behind her.
Despite the distance to the ground, Cassandra felt safe in James's arms. When he gently urged her to relax against his chest, she did so with a sigh.
James nudged the horse and took the lead. They rode down the dusty track in silence.
Cassandra's muscles relaxed, and the warm sunshine comforted her. Surely the sun would begin its descent soon, and with the loss of its warm rays, coolness would envelop them. At that point, she would have to return to the coach. She would worry about that when the time came.
It should have felt strange being wrapped in James's embrace, sitting so intimately against him. They were so different. He was hard where she was soft, and yet she reveled at the same time.
A heavy tingling began in her belly and traveled through her body, settling in the most unusual places. Her breasts felt heavy and full, and a strange heat emanated from her woman's center, but not at all unpleasant.
Soon the gentle stride of the horse, combined with the heat of James at her back and the sun on her head, lulled her to sleep.
* * * *
James resisted the urge to groan as Cassandra adjusted herself in his lap. The sweet weight of her feminine form brought out protective instincts. The strength of the new emotion staggered him. Except for his family, he knew nothing of such feeling until now. When they were in the meadow, he'd noticed purple bruises beneath her eyes from loss of sleep. It didn't take a brilliant mind to ascertain why. Her family. Without thought, he placed a kiss on the crown of her head and vowed silently to safeguard his lady.
Cassandra snuggled against him in response, triggering instincts of another nature. Such sweet torture. Much more nuzzling and she would have a very quick lesson on the male anatomy.
As they rode, he gazed down on her face, making sure she was still resting comfortably. His conversation with Chester before he finally took to the road in search of Cassandra had been rather edifying. He never noticed, or perhaps chose not to notice, Sara and her mother's coldness.
Chester agreed to the marriage, although clearly not happy about it, and tried to talk James into marrying his daughter instead. Envisioning himself married to her icy perfection was paramount in his decision. He could not marry Sara.
It was as if yesterday he had walked through an enchanted cloud. His chance meeting with Cassandra out on that balcony had proven life altering. No one was more surprised than he when he heard himself asking Chester for her hand. Yet instead of feeling panic or remorse, a sense of rightness and calm descended on him.
Cassandra stirred in his arms, and gooseflesh peppered the flesh on her arms. The sun drifted lower, painting the sky magenta. How unfortunate Cassandra wasn't awake to witness the beauty of the setting sun. He pulled her closer, and brought his mount to a halt.
With care, he slipped from the horse and carried his precious burden over to the carriage. A footman pulled the door and stairs out, and without a word, James entered the conveyance. After her embarrassment earlier, Cassandra wouldn't want to be caught feeling ill, so he hoped she would continue to sleep until they arrived in the city. In his mind, it would not matter in the slightest.
Miss Crumpton smiled from the other seat and then spoke in a hushed voice. “The chill sent you indoors. I expect she will be fine sleeping.”
“Yes, but if she needs to, we will stop.”
James pulled Cassandra close, resting her head on his shoulder. He cradled her close to his side, inhaling her special feminine scent. She was his and this primal need he had to mark her as such unsettled him. “I trust you will say nothing about the improprieties of our traveling as we are.”
“Goodness, certainly not, Your Grace. You give the sweet gel easily something I feel has sorely been missing in her life.”
James silently agreed. He regretted they hadn't taken the time to talk when they had the chance. He still knew nothing more about her. For the first time ever he wanted to know everything about a woman, hear her talk about her past. She was a complete mystery to him. Perhaps that was a large part of the draw.
In the end it mattered not. Somehow, some way his heart had managed to engage itself with an innocent. No longer could he tease his baby sister regarding her love match. He suspected she would delight in mentioning that fact to him. How had the impossible happened in less time than he ever thought possible? The mighty Duke of Sandringham had fallen in love with his little American.
But first he had to return her to her family, and then change her stubborn mind as quickly as possible. Before the Season was over, there would be a wedding. He smiled, for he was very anxious for that day to arrive.
[Back to Table of Contents]
* * *
Chapter Five
James waited for Chester and his family to arrive, enjoying a brandy with his brother-in-law and best friend, Stephen Winters, Earl of Langetree.
“Missed you at the Tidly's Ball last evening.” Stephen tipped his glass to his mouth in a pathetic attempt to cover his smile. “My wife tells me you had a rather interesting errand to see to.”
James snorted. “You know very well what I had to do.”
From the corner, Marissa sent Stephen a secret smile, one that her husband returned. Not a word was spoken, but they communicated. James longed for that same connection, to communicate with Cassandra without exchanging words.
“I thank you for accepting this invitation. I want Cassandra to meet my family and friends in a relaxed setting.”
Stephen sobered. “This seems important to you.”
“It is.” James glanced into his amber beverage.
“Cassandra is very special, and the future is going to be difficult for her.”
Marissa walked up to the two men. “But she has you by her side, and Stephen and I as well. No one dare give her any grief. I simply will not allow it.”
James bussed her on her cheek. “I am counting on that, sister dear.”
“Have you heard her story? It is all very tragic, and she really does deserve some happiness.”
“No, she has not said anything yet. But I will divine all her secrets eventually.”
He crossed the room and gazed out over the busy street, thinking. He looked over his shoulder and watched Stephen gently touch his sister. Nothing inappropriate, yet again a wealth was communicated without saying a word.
This was important to James. And it was something he couldn't order or pay for. Being a duke wouldn't assure him of this connection with a person. Rank didn't guarantee a happy ending. At times, all it provided was isolation.
And then he'd met Cassandra. Her petite beauty was so different from the blonde perfection currently in vogue. Her dark hair and almond shaped brown eyes, full beautiful lips haunted him. She was exquisite.
The brief time they had spent together only intensified his curiosity about her. He cared not that she was born and raised in America. He cared not that she had difficulty remembering titles and address. He would help her, and she would become the toast of the ton. Most importantly, he would finally find peace.
Voices interrupted his introspection, and he turned around just as his majordomo announced the arrival of his guests.
The Earl and Countess of Chester entered first, closely followed by Sara. James moved toward the small group and bid them welcome while he looked for Cassandra. Where was she?
“Where is Cassandra?” James asked as he looked directly at the earl. “The point of this gathering was to give us all a chance to converse.”
“Your Grace. We believed it would be better if perhaps we gave you an opportunity to reconsider your hasty decision,” the earl said as he tried to hold his stare. “We appreciate your offer but cannot in good conscience accept it when you do not fully understand Cassandra's peculiar situation.”
James tried to hold his patience, but it wasn't to be borne. How dare this family assume to dictate to him. Their gall choked him. “You will send your coach back to your residence in order to bring my betrothed here. Now.”
His softly spoken words caused the earl to take a step backward.
“We will wait the meal until she has arrived.” What James wanted in truth was to throw the family out of his home and race to Cassandra.
Stephen ordered the earl's coach brought around.
“I will go and help her get ready.” Marissa followed Stephen to the door.
After his sister departed, Charles faced his now unwelcome guests. “Cassandra did accept my suit, and we will marry before the end of the Season.”
“Your Grace—” The countess began, but James held up his hand.
“I will overlook your rude and high-handed behavior this one time. I will allow that the suddenness of our betrothal is causing you problems. But you bring this confusion on yourselves. I never committed myself to a match with your daughter. Should you still wish a connection to my title, be assured it will come through your beautiful niece.”
The earl and countess responded with silence and mulish looks. James smiled. “Very good. I will assume we have an understanding. Now, may I offer you a libation?”
* * * *
Cassandra was in her rooms feeling much like Cinderella with the exception she wasn't made to sweep out her aunt and uncle's hearth. They were currently attending a dinner not unlike the big ball, and here she sat because it was the best thing for all concerned.
A smile curved her lips when she thought back over the previous evening. The kiss she and her duke shared in the meadow, the soft kiss he placed on her head when he thought her asleep, and the gentle way he held her in the coach once they took refuge there when the sun finally left the sky.
Then there was the magical dance they shared at their first meeting. Although they had only spent a handful of hours together over the period of two days—they were unforgettable.
Cassandra was in love. In love with a handsome duke who made her laugh and didn't care if she made mistakes. He said he would be patient while she learned and she believed him.
But, her aunt banished Cassandra to her rooms upon her return from her aborted trip, and Cassandra understood any chance she had at a happy ending with James was over.
“Why are you not dressed for dinner?” Marissa stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips. “My darling brother is waiting for you to arrive.”
Cassandra gasped. “My aunt and uncle feel it would be best for me to stay here.”
“Your aunt and uncle are mistaken.”
Marissa took control of the situation and within a short time Cassandra found herself dressed, coiffed, and sitting beside her friend on her way to James's home.
“My brother is in love with you, Cassandra,” Marissa said with a serious tone to her voice. “I hope that you will be very happy with each other. Please, if you do not feel the same, be honest with him. He is much different when he talks about you—happy. It is not something I have seen in him before where it pertained to women.”
Cassandra swallowed hard. “I know it has happened quickly, Marissa, but I do love your brother. I would do anything to keep him from hurting.”
Marissa reached over and hugged her. “Oh, Cassandra. The moment I met you I sensed the two of you would suit.”
The coach ride was quick and nerves attacked her belly and in her hands. She shook as she was helped from the conveyance, and trembled when she looked up at the grand home before her. This was the residence of her duke. Was she up to the challenge of making him happy?
She apparently failed to hide her anxiety from Marissa, who linked arms with her and tugged her toward the door. “You worry too much, Cassandra. We will not let you fall. Trust me, and trust in James.” Then Cassandra stood in the foyer and took in the grand surroundings. Oh, my. What a stately residence. How many servants did it take to keep it?
Marissa laughed softly. “Come along. I have a feeling James is waiting quite impatiently for us in the parlor.”
The parlor door opened, and Cassandra searched out James. He was already moving across the room with the smile she positively loved on his oh so handsome face.
“Welcome to my home, Cassandra.”
Cassandra remembered her manners and dipped into a curtsy. Or at least she tried to. James stilled her action.
“We are not going to stand on ceremony here in my home, and I will not have my fiancée curtsying to me.”
Her aunt gasped but Cassandra ignored her. The only person who held her attention was James. Each time she saw him she fell deeper in love with him.
“Thank you for the invitation. I am sorry to be so tardy.”
He raised her gloved hand to his lips and placed a kiss on the satin. “You were worth the wait.”
The wealth of meaning behind those words had the power to unknot the tension coiled in her belly. He placed her hand in the crook of his arm. “Come, dinner is ready.”
The meal was delicious and the company entertaining. Cassandra was surprised by her family's change in attitude and behavior. Sara was polite and kept her snide remarks to herself. If she didn't appear outright cheerful, she at least held on to her poise.
Eventually it was time to depart, and Cassandra realized she had enjoyed herself. James doted on her the entire evening, making her feel special. Marissa and her handsome husband made her laugh and even her family seemed to accept the change in her colonial status now that she had the duke's attention. James escorted her to the carriage. “I would like permission to call upon you tomorrow, my lady. Perhaps we could go for a ride in the park.”
Oh, my. She had hoped to avoid that particular test of society. It was considered the utmost of importance
to be seen in Hyde Park. “I would like that, Your Grace.”
In a low voice, James said, “Liar,” with a teasing smile on his face.
“Well, I admit I would rather not be put on display, but I will enjoy being with you.” Cassandra was surprised by her daring and flirtatious banter. Judging from the pleased smile on James's face, so was he.
“Until tomorrow, my sweet.” He placed a kiss on the back of her hand and then helped her into the carriage.
The door shut with a quiet snick. All would have been calm if not for the disgusted and unladylike snort from her cousin. “I cannot believe you of all people have captured His Grace's attention and apparent affection.”
Feeling bold by her success and empowered by knowing James did, indeed, have feelings for her, she smiled at her cousin sitting in the shadows. “Yes, it is a wonderful thing, is it not?”
Cassandra ignored her family for the rest of the journey home. For the first time since arriving in England, she was looking forward to the next day. She would be seeing James again.
[Back to Table of Contents]
* * *
Chapter Six
Cassandra inhaled the sweet scent of the carnations, roses and orange blossoms in the bouquet James had delivered. It was beautiful, and her heart melted at the romantic gesture.
For the past fortnight, James had courted her with trips to the opera, theatre and carriage rides. He paid attention to her at the balls and soirees they attended, dancing only with her, and only the waltzes.
Marissa sat across from her and smiled. “I must say I never knew my brother had such a romantic nature.”
Cassandra pulled her attention from the flowers and smiled at her friend. “This is the first time I have ever been courted or had flowers delivered to me.”
“Enjoy them, my friend. They are beautiful.”
Cassandra sighed with pleasure. “Yes, they are. So, are you excited about tonight's ball?”
Marissa frowned. “Not particularly. I really do not care for the Clairmonts. Lucinda and I made our debut together. She was interested in Stephen.”
A Dance of Manners Page 25