Cassie took the music box. A closer look revealed an intricate, inlaid pattern of different colored woods adorning the delicate instrument.
“Edward is coming back. I just know he is, but he won’t be here in time for the dance tomorrow. So I do wish Julian could dance with me,” Lorna sighed. “For both our sakes, we would be spared the humiliation.”
The top felt smooth and Cassie lifted the lid. A delicate tune to a three-quarters time emerged.
“Thank you, Lorna. I believe it will be of great help” Cassie had no intention of putting it to use at the moment.
“I’ll go and tell Julian right away!” Lorna responded with delight in the knowledge that she had in some small way helped her brother overcome his social inadequacy. She spun away from the drawing room to speak to him.
Several minutes later, Lorna returned, dragging the squire behind her. She was more than excited for him to proceed with his instruction.
“Shall we adjourn to the ballroom?” Lorna suggested.
“If that is what you wish,” the squire agreed, eager to please his sister.
“I’ll have the ballroom lit right away!” Lorna dashed off again.
“Only the corner, mind you!” he called after her in hopes of curbing his over-enthusiastic sibling.
Cassie sat quietly, waiting for the squire to be the first to speak.
“After you, my lady” He swept his hand toward the door.
“Since I have no idea where we are headed”Cassie mimicked his gesture-“after you, sir.”
He gave her a stern look as if he knew she was being purposely difficult and proceeded down the hallway.
Entering the ballroom, Julian was satisfied to see that less than half the ballroom had been lit as he had requested. He dreaded the notion of being alone with Cassandra. To hold her in his arms might be more than he could bear.
The grand room was expansive and the lack of lighting concealed the far end in darkness. Chairs lined the plainly decorated walls on both sides. The colorful guests were meant to supply the room’s ornamentation, but it had been a very long time since this room had seen any type of merriment.
Julian held the music box in his hands. In a bittersweet memory, he recalled when Edward had presented the gift to Lorna. She was in awe of its beauty and foreign origin. He lifted the lid and a lilting tune rose from the box. The squire hesitantly turned to his instructor.
“Shall we begin?” Cassandra’s eyes sparkled in the dim light. She stepped closer to him and held out her arms. The smile on her face, so lovely. Her open arms, so hard to resist.
“I would not wish to disappoint Lorna,” he said aloud for his benefit as well as Cassandra’s. He stepped closer.
“Of course not. She expects you to lead her in her first waltz.”
Julian wiped his damp palms against his trousers before taking Cassandra into his arms and beginning to dance.
The dim light of the room added a dreamlike quality to the atmosphere. He turned her slowly and moved around the edge of the room. It was no wonder the waltz was considered an immoral dance. Even someone such as he, who thought himself to be immune to the influence of a woman, could feel the effect.
Switching direction, Julian began to feel almost dizzy. Other men who did not have the control he had would certainly succumb to the temptation. No wonder his brother had such a weakness for women. He could see that if one spent a great deal of time in a woman’s company, one could easily become victim to a certain lady’s charms.
Concentration on the dance steps and a conscious effort not to step on his partner’s toes kept his mind working. He suspected if he allowed his mind a moment to stray, his desires would carry him off.
The feel of her in his arms, her fragrance drifting up from her soft hair and creamy skin, became more and more intoxicating with every revolution.
They continued to dance flawlessly and they kept in time to the slowing music. As the tune became a background of unrecognizable notes, he and Cassandra stood in each other’s arms staring at one another. Truth be known, his willpower was weakening.
Would he be able to dance with her tomorrow night and not appear an absolute flat? Would he embarrass himself by gazing adoringly at her as if he were a love-struck lad?
The dreaded evening finally arrived. The squire waited for Cassandra on the landing, surveying the guests of Almack’s. Relieved of her pelisse, she approached him. He was unable to tear his gaze from her golden sarcenet dress. The unadorned low decolletage displayed her shoulders and more cleavage than she had dared before. And was his mind playing tricks on him or was the dress translucent?
It was not his place to voice an opinion. His warming feelings for her were irrelevant-nor did he have the time to delve into exactly what they were. He had a duty to perform and that was to see to the late earl’s wishes.
“Does this meet with your approval?” Cassandra smiled in triumph at her obvious impact on him and batted her dark lashes for further dramatics. “Might you believe I can catch the notice of any gentlemen tonight?”
The squire cleared the obstruction from his throat and managed a reply. “Yes, quite nice.” He leaned closer and whispered, “You should not waste the opportunity. There are many eligible men here and more than one suitable. I must encourage you to make an effort” He could see turbulence brewing in her eyes.
“You may be quite assured, sir, I shall”
He escorted her to join the assembly. Clearly Cassandra was not pleased with what she had to do but she would do it.
She displayed a warm glowing smile toward the gathering, welcoming whatever and whoever might come her way. Julian was pleased to have Horace partner her for a first dance.
The squire stood to one side of the crowded room and watched. Next to him stood an exclusive male trio, their eyes transfixed on Cassandra moving across the floor.
“Say Jared, isn’t that Edward Stewart’s intended?” Daniel Thompson asked, the eldest of the three.
“I believe was is a more appropriate description,” Colin Henderson remarked.
“What are you saying, Henderson?” Thompson quipped.
“I believe poor Edward met with an untimely demise. It’s said he was aboard the King’s Quest when it sank a while back.”
Thompson reached up to his throat to straighten his already perfectly tied cravat. “Poor sot.”
“Poor girl, you mean,” Jared Gilbert sighed. “Stewart was quite the cad, you know. She deserves better than his like.” Gilbert smoothed any unsightly creases on his waistcoat.
“Agreed,” Thompson spouted. “However, I wouldn’t want to subject myself to a potentially scandalous situation and court her myself.” The other two nodded, all in complete agreement.
Julian noticed Lord Nathan Ellerby standing on the other side of the young men, listening to every word. He did not wait to make his move toward Cassandra before the young men dispersed.
“Well, best be off,” Gilbert announced.
“Quite right, Jared” Thompson eyed his two companions.
“The ladies are waiting.” Henderson looked across the room, planning his route perhaps?
“‘Tis time to do the pretty.” Gilbert gave the cuffs of his shirt a final tug.
The three men parted, disappearing into the crowd.
The squire watched the young trio with interest and caught Ellerby making his calculated approach. With position, wealth and a title, Ellerby should prove to be more than a suitable match for Lady Cassandra if she should snare the confirmed bachelor. Did it really matter that the squire didn’t personally care for him?
Julian remembered the first ball Cassandra attended at the Addisons’. Ellerby had been quite disappointed to hear Cassandra was betrothed to Edward. Tonight Ellerby had no obstacles to overcome. Julian neared the couple to listen.
“… and a waltz?” Cassandra’s voice rang out in laughter. “Lord Nathan, that would raise a few eyebrows, would it not?”
“Do not let that worry you. I
, for one, intend to have a marvelous time.” His dark eyes gazed up at her with a devilish twinkle.
“I grant you your wish, sir.” She smiled.
He straightened. “Then I look forward to our first dance together.” Off to Ellerby’s left, the squire noticed the onslaught of Gilbert, Henderson, and Thompson.
“I best be off and let the lads try to impress you.” With a small respectful nod, he disappeared.
Seconds later in Ellerby’s place stood three young men, vying for Cassandra’s attention. To their delight, she accommodated them all by promising each a dance.
As the strings tuned, Julian made his way to Cassandra’s side to remind her of their dance. He had hoped a prominent display on the dance floor would encourage interest. He knew now the exhibition would be unnecessary. Lady Cassandra was a social success and would not have any problem attracting gentlemen.
Throughout the evening Cassie laughed, smiled and chatted with the various men who came to pay their respects and to those lucky enough to dance with her. Glancing over the shoulders of her potential suitors, or out of the corner of her eye, she made certain Squire Stewart observed her every move. She was pleased the gentlemen found her amiable but she did not enjoy it half as much as she led the squire to believe.
His normally granite facade showed minute signs of agitation. He must have convinced himself to keep his personal sentiments to himself. Cassie was equally determined to do all she could to see that he failed.
Julian truly believed persuading Cassie to marry was for her own good. He, however, did not feel it a wise choice to stand on the side and watch. The squire could not stop the knot tightening in his stomach every time she took to the floor on the arm of another man. Nor the pounding in his head that threatened to make him scream when she bestowed one of her delightful smiles upon another.
Julian half-heartedly led Lorna around the dance floor in her first waltz. Instead of attending to his partner, he turned and twisted his head to keep a watch on Cassandra.
“Do pay attention, Julian,” Lorna scolded him.
“I am sorry” He reluctantly allowed Cassandra to slip from sight and faced his sister. He continued to steal glimpses across the dance floor at Ellerby and Cassandra.
When the dance ended, Ellerby displayed his most gracious manners and escorted Cassandra back to the squire. It was all done very proper, but this cur’s false propriety did not fool Julian.
“I would like to ask permission to call on you tomorrow afternoon,” Ellerby asked. “Perhaps I might take you for a drive through the park?”
“Well .. ” Cassandra eyed the squire’s expression and she must have guessed his general growing displeasure. Her attention returned to Ellerby. “I think I’d enjoy that, thank you”
“Good, I think it best if we keep our outings discreet.” He made it sound as if he were making a grand chivalrous gesture. “I would not want to cause any unnecessary talk. I recognize the delicate situation at present.”
“I appreciate your discretion. I’m not so sure anyone else would be as courageous as you to tempt a possible scandal by calling on me so soon after my … Mr. Stewart’s … absence”
“Scandal? If you only knew what that man.. Julian grumbled under his breath.
After Lord Nathan left, Cassie decided he was the perfect antagonist for the squire. As to Lord Nathan, his lordship would certainly not allow his heart to become involved with her, of that she felt quite certain. She smiled in satisfaction. Yes, Lord Nathan would do very nicely.
Lady Cassandra and Lorna talked and laughed all the way home, much to the displeasure of the squire who had to relive the women’s triumphs-the gossip, the dancing, and the gentlemen.
Upon reaching Stewart Hall, Julian retired to the solitude of the library. The familiar leather-bound books that filled the walls welcomed him. He ran his hand over the front edge of the heavy desk.
It had been his father’s, still as solid as the day it had been made. It afforded a comfort along with the countless number of objects that had lined the shelves ever since he could remember, but this night they did nothing to ease his pain.
He unwound the cravat from his neck and flung it aside then pounded his clenched fist on the desk. The evening had been a success-an intolerable, unbearable, blinding success.
It wasn’t a horrible dream as Julian had first thought when he awakened in the leather winged-back chair in the library. The crick in his neck and the cramp in his lower back proved what was happening around him were all too real.
Lord Nathan Ellerby had entered just shortly after Maxwell announced the visitor’s punctual arrival for Lady Cassandra’s afternoon drive.
The squire rose as quickly as he could manage, considering the pain running up his neck and shooting down his back.
By gad, he was tired.
Moving with some semblance of balance and grace, he made his way to the hallway just in time to see Cassandra and Ellerby leave. Maxwell opened the front door.
“And may I ask, who is to be your chaperone?” the squire called from the hallway just outside his library to the rapidly retreating forms.
“Not to worry, Squire, Romeo will be a splendid chaperone.” Cassandra smiled indignantly. Romeo ran outside and jumped into the back seat of Ellerby’s curricle.
Julian was not pleased with this unpleasant outcome.
“Good day to you, Maxwell.” Ellerby tipped his hat in obvious good humor and ushered Cassandra out the door.
“Good day to you,” the butler intoned. He stood motionless, holding the door open.
Left alone, feeling outraged, Julian stopped in the corridor and shouted, “Shut the door!”
During the remainder of the week, Julian continued to brood over Lady Cassandra’s poor choice of beau. And Ellerby! He had made such a pest of himself. Calling every day. He cleverly made sure a gift of some sort preceded each of his carefully planned visits. Flowers, candies, assorted trinkets, and, just this morning, a new bonnet!
The man went so far as to bring treats for her dog!
Imagine, trying to win Cassandra’s affection by offering trifles to her pet.
Surely Romeo could see through the man? But then again, Romeo was only a canine.
What bothered Julian most of all was it might just be working. Ellerby had the charm; he had wiles. What Ellerby may not have known is that Cassandra had a time limit and she would have to find someone to marry. Could Ellerby, a confirmed bachelor, come up to scratch?
This day was particularly warm, warmer than most they had experienced this summer. Lord Nathan’s dark blue curricle once again waited outside Stewart Hall.
Cassie brought her parasol to fend off the strong rays of the sun. She fingered the ruffles thoughtfully, remembering Edward and the day she and Lorna had each received their gifts. It seemed so long ago … a lifetime ago.
“Would you mind a different route for a change?” A confident Lord Nathan had already altered the course of the curricle.
“What did you have in mind?” Cassie felt perfectly at ease in Lord Nathan’s company. He had always behaved as a perfect gentleman should. A change of destination did not alarm her in the least.
“It seems frightfully warm this afternoon. I thought we might stop for an ice.” The transport passed the entrance to the park and continued down the street. “Is that agreeable to you?” He raised an inquiring eyebrow and waited patiently for a reaction.
Not altogether sure what “an ice” consisted of, Cassie’s response was one of indifference more than of enthusiastic approval.
Arriving at Berkeley Square, there were obviously others who shared the same opinion about the day’s weather.
Lord Nathan and Cassie found themselves at, literally, a standstill. Dozens upon dozens of carriages clogged the street. Only one solitary lane was purposely left open to allow the stream of traffic to pass through. They and all these other carriages sat parked in the street in front of Gunther’s, apparently for the same reason.
Cassie noticed waiters darting around and about the stationary vehicles and gasped at every near miss. The waiters were as graceful as a dance in motion, death defying in their precise performance. Their fleet movements and turns and their bobbing heads held the patrons who waited enthralled in a dazzling street show.
With the surrounding commotion, Cassie wasn’t aware Lord Nathan had ordered their refreshment. Several minutes later two white current ices arrived before them, deftly delivered on a tray.
“By your expression, I take it you’ve never sampled these exquisite treats” Lord Nathan’s statement hung in the air.
Cassie looked at the melting morsel and merely shook her head. With his spoon in hand, he asked Cassie to sample the fare with a wave.
“Delightful!” she exclaimed.
Several hours later, Lord Nathan Ellerby returned Lady Cassandra safely to Stewart Hall. He bid her a gracious good-bye and left a reference to a more than chance meeting at the Assembly Room for the following night. Maxwell stood sentry in the foyer while Lord Nathan watched Lady Cassandra ascend the staircase.
Lord Nathan took two sidesteps and leaned toward the butler. “Tell me, I don’t suppose the squire is about?”
“I believe he is in the library. Do you wish me to disturb him on your behalf?”
“Exactly what I had in mind,” Lord Nathan replied with a chuckle.
“If you will be so good as to remain here while I speak to the squire.”
“Don’t mind at all”
Maxwell inclined his head before proceeding down the hallway to inquire whether the squire was free to speak to Lord Nathan. Squire Stewart, although interested, did not seem pleased to make time for visitors. However, several minutes later, Maxwell emerged into the hallway and asked Lord Nathan to enter.
From down the hall, Miss Lorna stepped out of the small parlor and Romeo followed. The terrier made a detour and trotted down the corridor. He must have heard the pair of footsteps leading to the library. She soon followed but stopped short when she spotted Maxwell standing at the door while Lord Nathan continued into the library.
An Agreeable Arrangement Page 8