Shackles of Honor

by Marcia Lynn McClure

  “She was far from mistaken, sir,” Cassidy nearly spat. “What cruelty did you administer to me in there? You knew I thought you meant to tell them all of what happened in the inn!”

  “And what happened in the inn that is not for the telling?” he asked frankly.

  “My mother would perish were she to find out that you found me…that I was improperly attired and roaming the corridors in the dark of night!”

  “As would my mother if she were to know that I failed in protecting you so that you were led to that point.” Cassidy looked to Mason quickly. “That’s why I left out those two facts in the telling when I told them the truth of it all just now.”

  “You told them?” she exclaimed.

  “It warranted telling,” he stated. Then he stopped before two closed grand doors, Mathias halting at his heel. “Here then. Here we are,” he whispered.

  “Where?” she asked irritatedly.

  “At our chambers,” he answered.

  “What?”

  “Beyond these very doors. These are the chambers that we will share in the not too distant future.” Cassidy looked at him in astonishment, and he misread her expression. “You didn’t think you would be allowed to retain separate chambers from mine after we are wed, did you?” Cassidy could only shake her head in denial. “Well, then strike the look of horror from your face, Miss Shea, and let us journey onward.”

  When they reached her chamber doors, he said, “I’ll tell your mother that I’ve seen you safely on and that you’re merely tired.” He paused and, motioning to Katie, who came scurrying toward them, said to Cassidy, “You are simply tired, are you not?”

  “Yes. Tired,” she answered.

  “You’ll learn that I’m an intolerable tease, Miss Shea. It’s my mother in me. Surely, in time you’ll come to know when I am in jest or earnest.” Katie curtsied to Mason respectfully, and he instructed, “Take good care of your lady tonight, Katie. The dogs have been at her, and she is chewed to the bone.”

  “Yes, sir,” Katie agreed.

  “Don’t think me ignorant of what you’ve endured this day, Miss Shea,” he said, turning from her. “I’m full aware that this is all the harder for you now.” Cassidy watched him walk away, slapping at his thigh to call Mathias to jumping and playing with him.

  “Here now, miss,” Katie said softly. “Let me help you to bed.”

  “I’m fine to put myself to bed, Katie,” Cassidy argued, entering her chamber wearily. “But thank you ever so much for your willingness.”

  “Ah, but the young master has instructed me to take good care of you, and his word holds over yours still, miss.” Katie smiled pleasantly and also understandingly at Cassidy.

  “His word will hold over me forever,” Cassidy mumbled to herself.

  “Mr. Mason is the very best of men, miss,” Katie stated, going to Cassidy’s bed and turning back the quilt. “He’ll not rule over you like some horrid dictator.”

  “You speak as if you know him intimately enough,” Cassidy commented as an ill sort of suspicion began to rise within her.

  “I know him well, miss,” Katie confirmed, “for I’ve been employed here for three years now.”

  “Have you then?”

  “Mr. Mason is the standard of the moral, honorable man, miss. I can read in your eyes what your mind is thinking. And I assure you that, even were I a woman of low moral state, which I am most certainly not, Mr. Mason would no more trifle with me than he would any other woman, equal or beneath him.”

  Cassidy blushed guiltily, feeling sickened at herself for entertaining for one instant the notion that this kind girl had some dalliance with Mason. “Forgive me, Katie. It’s just…I’ve known him merely days! I hear good report of him, and he seems to be all that I hear. Yet…I do admit to entertaining doubt.”

  Exhausted, Cassidy sat down promptly on her bed, every ounce of her energy expended. To her astonishment, Katie sat down next to her, placing a comforting arm about her shoulders.

  “I was in love with Mr. Mason for a time, miss,” Katie told her simply. Cassidy looked at her in shock at the revelation. “How could any girl not be? He’s all that every woman dreams of to look upon, and his manner and character are irreproachable.”

  “You confide such secrets in me as if I were your best friend!” Cassidy exclaimed.

  “That is because I intend on being yours, miss,” Katie whispered. “At least, in my own heart.” Cassidy was warmed inwardly by the girl’s honesty. She was as refreshing as the spring. “And I’ll confess further to you, miss…that before I found my one true love in my Thomas…that I dreamt as wildly romantic dreams of Mr. Mason as do any of the women that know him.”

  “Thomas?”

  “Thomas Whitney, my betrothed, miss. He may not be so handsome as Mr. Mason to the rest of the world…but he is none other than the most wonderfully attractive and divine man ever born in my eyes.”

  “Then I’m sure he is as you see him. And I’m glad for you,” Cassidy told her honestly. She noticed then, however, that even though Katie smiled at the compliment, there seemed to cross her face an expression of sadness for a moment.

  “Mr. Mason is taken with you, miss. I can promise you that,” Katie offered.

  Cassidy rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. “Mr. Mason finds nothing whatsoever of interest in me. To him I’m his duty…his lot in life!” she said, mimicking his deep, commanding manner.

  Katie giggled. “You sound like him. He is severe at times. But he teases you…and he only teases those in whom he finds an interest.” Katie squeezed Cassidy’s shoulder reassuringly and then said, “Now, off to bed with you, miss. You don’t want to appear before him with reddened, puffy eyes, now do you?”

  “Is she his lover, Katie?” Cassidy asked bluntly.

  Immediately Katie made to busy herself about the room, straightening the standing looking glass, placing Cassidy’s slippers carefully in the bottom of her wardrobe. “Who, miss?” she asked, her smile fading completely.

  “Gabrielle Ashmore.”

  “I can tell you honestly that…no, miss. The families have been friends for many years. But you’re here now, and…she is not his lover.”

  “You mean to say that I’m here now, and so he must give her up?” Cassidy asked.

  “I mean to say, miss, they’ve had a fondness for each other…in the past, yes. I know that when they were younger, Mr. Mason…it’s really not my place to say, miss, for I don’t…I truly believe, miss, that her affections are far more serious than are his…were his…in the past.”

  Cassidy immediately felt guilty for putting her new friend in such a circumstance. “Forgive me, Katie. I should never have put you to such awkwardness. Please, think no more on it.”

  Katie smiled rather uncomfortably. “Yes, miss.”

  “I’ll be fine now,” Cassidy told her. “I just need rest. Will you wake me for breakfast in the morning, however? I feel I may not awaken early on my own after this day.”

  “Yes, miss,” Katie nodded. “Sleep well, miss. Rather…sleep some,” she said, smiling.

  Cassidy smiled at her, grateful for the girl’s insight. “Thank you, Katie, for everything.”

  

  His arms were so strong as he held her, his face so close to her own that she could study at her leisure every contour and dangerously prepossessing feature of his face. His eyes seemed to hypnotize her, hold her own so that she was caught in some euphoric paralysis. And then her attention was drawn to his lips—the perfectly masculine outline of them, the moisture that clung to them after he dampened them with his tongue. Her own mouth began to water for want of his kiss. She felt her heart beating so violently that she feared she might faint if he did not bless her with his kiss in that very moment.

  “Mason,” she whispered, thrilling as his powerful hand took hold of her chin, his head descending toward hers ever so slowly.

  “Miss? Miss?” Katie’s sweet voice interrupted Cassidy’s blissful dream. “’Tis t
ime to ready yourself for the morning meal, miss.”

  Instantly Cassidy’s eyes were open, looking up into the kind and lovely face of Katie as she bent carefully over her, smiling.

  “Pardon?” Cassidy whispered.

  “The morning meal, miss. You asked me to wake you.”

  “Oh! Yes, of course!” Cassidy responded, blushing crimson at the fleeting memory of the dream from which she had just wakened.

  “And it’s hurry you must, miss, for your mother is making ready to leave,” Katie told her.

  “What?” Cassidy exclaimed, sitting up instantly. “What do you mean my mother is making ready to leave?”

  “’Tis certain I am, miss. I helped her in repacking her trunks only just a while ago. Someone is ill, and she must return.”

  “Ill?” Cassidy gasped. “Father? Ellis?”

  “I’m not certain, miss.”

  “Please, Katie. Help me ready at once.”

  

  “Mother!” Cassidy exclaimed, dashing across the hall and bursting into the chambers that had been set aside for her mother. “What is this about?” Cassidy watched as two young men lifted her mother’s trunks and began moving them past her and out of the room.

  “Oh, my darling!” her mother exclaimed, dabbing at the tears on her cheeks. “Darling! Your father—in his infinite immaturity—has been thrown from his horse!”

  “He’s very hurt then?” Cassidy asked, panic beginning to rise within her.

  “I’m not certain how badly, but yes, hurt. Somehow. I must go at once, darling. I know how sudden this is, how terribly unprepared you are to face this situation on your own…but I must go. I’ve sent word to Ellis, and I know he will be here as soon as he can to be with you. Until then, Devonna—rather, Lady Carlisle—will serve your needs as companion and chaperone.”

  “But, Mother…surely you do not intend to leave me here alone?” It sounded a selfish remark even to Cassidy’s own ears. Yet she could not fathom that her mother would leave her at the mercy of this family of strangers. “Surely I may accompany you back.”

  “Darling…one does not arrive at the home of her betrothed, the family therein having planned all the proper social events, announcements, and invitations, simply to turn her back on everything the very next day. My darling, Mason is here! And Devonna and LaMont. And Ellis will be here as fast as that animal can carry him. I wouldn’t leave you if I did not trust everyone here.”

  Cassidy could see the severe concern and worry in her mother’s face. Suddenly she felt very selfish indeed. How could she deny her mother the right to return to her father when his health was in question?

  “The carriage is nearly in readiness, Lady Shea,” Mason informed them, entering the room behind his mother. “Your trunks are being secured now, and then you may take your leave.”

  Cassidy did not turn to face him—for suddenly, midst the chaos of her mother’s impending departure, visions of the dream she had been entertaining prior to waking flooded her consciousness. So she stood, her back to him, awaiting her mother’s next words.

  “Thank you, Mason,” Cylia mumbled, pulling on her gloves quickly. “Oh, Dev! I feel terrible about this! We descend upon you one day, and the next I must ask you to take complete charge of my daughter’s life until her brother can arrive. Forgive me…will you?”

  “That you would make to imply that your daughter, soon to be mine as well, would create for me the slightest of inconveniences is offensive, Cylia. For pity’s sake! Go to Calvert! You know that Cassidy will be fine here. You know that we would have it no other way. I only hope that you arrive home to find him well and in one delightful piece!”

  Cassidy stood affected by something akin to utter shock as she watched the carriage leave with her mother safely within. Never had she been separated from her family. Never! Not from all of its members at once. And now, here she stood, alone among strangers—strangers who neither knew her nor loved her. One of whom resented and disliked her.

  Chapter Six

  “Don’t worry, darling,” Devonna soothed, placing her hands at Cassidy’s shoulders. “We’re not about to turn into gargoyles and carry you off for a meal!”

  Cassidy turned and smiled at her.

  “Not all of us, anyway,” Mason grumbled as Mathias appeared at his side. The dog sat down happily on his haunches, panting away as if nothing in the world concerned him.

  “You’re going to give the girl nightmares, Mason. Do try to behave for the span of an hour, would you?” Devonna giggled, taking Cassidy’s hand and leading her toward the house. Cassidy followed her obediently, feeling the slightest bit reassured until Devonna said, “Now is the best time of all to begin with propriety.” Then, reaching out, she took hold of Mason’s arm, placing Cassidy’s hand to rest in the crook of it. Cassidy was instantly undone and reached out with her free hand to take hold of Devonna’s arm. “It’s time the two of you began to show a little faith in each other. Take her into breakfast, Mason. See that she’s well nourished. The color is fading quickly from her lovely cheeks. I shall join you as soon as I’ve looked in on your father.”

  “Hmm,” Mason growled, placing his free hand over Cassidy’s and rather marching her into the house.

  “She’s determined that you’re to accept me, you know,” he mumbled to Cassidy as he pushed her chair in for her at the breakfast table. “And it will go easier for you if you resolve to do so.”

  He sat across from her, and a young, very attractive maid brought their plates heaping with good food. Cassidy did not miss the blush that rose to the girl’s face when Mason nodded at her, saying, “Thank you, Syndle.”

  “Sir,” she said with a curtsy before leaving them.

  “Had I not resolved to do so, I wouldn’t be seated here while your acquiescent kitchen maid fumbles about delightedly before you.” Cassidy could not stop the bitter, accusing words from escaping her lips. Of course, she regretted instantly her utterance.

  “Syndle is quite adept, I assure you,” he stated.

  “I’m certain that she is. In all of her…duties.” Whatever is the matter with me? Cassidy wondered to herself. She had turned defensive and almost malicious suddenly.

  She glanced up at Mason quickly and was surprised to find not anger but something else apparent in his eyes. Perhaps curiosity?

  “I’m inclined to believe that your mother’s departure might prove to be quite an educational experience for me, Miss Shea. At least where you’re concerned,” he told her. “You seem to be much more…shall we settle on vocal…in her absence. In my own experience anyway.”

  “Fine!” Cassidy exclaimed suddenly, slamming her fork down next to her plate. “If it’s an education you want by way of my vocal cords, then you shall have it, Mr. Carlisle!” Standing, she let go at him with all the things that had been building up for the past few days, especially in reference to his remark about his mother wanting to ensure that Cassidy accepted him. “It’s painfully obvious, Mr. Carlisle, that the reason I’ve been brought here is so you may find some shred of being able to reconcile yourself to me! We both know that I had no choice in the matter! For had I had a choice, Mr. Carlisle, I assure you I would not have chosen to eat my breakfast while staring at your pompous expression each morning!”

  Slowly and very calmly, he placed his fork at his plate’s side as well, stood, and placed his fists firmly on the table before him as he leaned toward her. “You were given the choice, Miss Shea, and you chose duty, as did I. If you think to find pity from me, then you search in vain. Reconcile yourself, Miss Shea. You’ve made your choice. Now show that you possess some semblance of honor, and accept the consequences gracefully.”

  “Don’t speak down to me as if I were a child!” she shouted at him.

  “I’ll speak to you as I wish. For my other alternative is to take you over my knee and give you a sound and thorough spanking!” he shouted in return.

  “How dare you even speak such a thing! And you call yourself a gentleman?”r />
  “I’ll do more than speak it, girl! I will act it!” Cassidy gasped as he literally picked up the table from one end, sending it flying, food, service, and all, to one side.

  “Do not dare to touch me!” Cassidy shrieked as he took hold of her arm.

  “I will dare to do more than touch you!” he growled.

  “Mason Carlisle!” Devonna exclaimed from the doorway. “What nonsense is this?”

  Instantly Mason straightened himself, taking a deep breath but still holding Cassidy’s arm mercilessly tight. “Her mother has left her, and now her true demeanor is rearing, Mother,” he grumbled. Mathias bounded in, panting and darting hither and thither as if the whole scene before him was some jovial game.

  “Cassidy’s demeanor is impeccable, Mason. ’Tis obvious to me,” Devonna said calmly, smiling at Cassidy.

  “You’ve not eaten breakfast alone with her then, I see,” he accused. “Already, in the span of five minutes…she has accused me of lechery, cowardice, and brutality! While displaying her own less admirable virtues such as jealousy, tendency to provoke, and immaturity!”

  “Jealousy?” Cassidy exclaimed. “I beg to know how you arrived at that determination!”

  “Why else would you slander Syndle so? She gave you no cause to issue such remarks toward her.”

  He was right, and Cassidy knew it. And because she knew the truth of his words, she was dumbstruck momentarily as her mind tried to grasp at some wit with which to battle him.

  “Come now, children,” Devonna interrupted. “Cannot the two of you see what is so obvious to everyone else? You were destined for each other, darlings! Though the circumstances may cloud that for you both now…it’s the truth I speak. Oh, Mason,” Devonna pleaded with him suddenly, taking hold of his arm, turning his face toward hers, and gazing at him beseechingly, “take the girl in your arms once, my darling. Let down that fearsome battlement behind which you have barricaded yourself, and truly see what a divine gift you have received.”

  At Devonna’s suggestion, Cassidy began to struggle more determinedly to escape Mason’s grasp. But his powerful hand held tightly to her wrist, and she could not escape him without further making a fool of herself.