“Yes, there is,” came the reply. “I will teach you everything I know about society. I will tell you about the gentlemen here in London, and we will devise ways to make certain thatanygentleman who shows even the smallest interest in you is worthy of your attention in return.”
Closing her eyes briefly, Cassandra found herself struggling against sharp tears. In only one single evening, her dreams and hopes of what society would be like, and of how the gentlemen would behave, had been shattered. Her cousin had tried to warn her, and she had not fully accepted what had been said. Now, however, there was no choice but for her to do so. With a deep breath and a lift her chin, Cassandra opened her eyes and tried to smile at her cousin.
“Thank you, cousin Norah. I do think that sounds like a good idea, for we all need to hear what you have to say.” Her shoulders slumped a little. “I, it seems, most of all.”
Chapter Five
“Good afternoon.”
Jonathan walked into Lord Yardley’s drawing room, to be greeted by Lady Yardley and Lady Cassandra. There was no smile on either of their faces, however and, given the serious feel of the room, Jonathan felt as though he had walked into a somewhat serious situation. Whatever was the matter?
“Thank you for attending.” Lady Yardley smiled at him but it faded rather quickly. “I hope you are aware that Lord Yardley has returned to his estate?”
“Yes, I did know.”
“And, therefore, I believe we may need your help.”
“My help?” A little surprised, Jonathan spread his hands. “I do not know what exactly it is I can do to help you.” An idea came to him and he sucked in a breath. “If this is about last evening and Lord Darlington, I can only apologize for not stepping in more quickly.”
“No, it is not about Lord Darlington.” It was Lady Cassandra who spoke, rising from her chair and coming towards him. To his utter astonishment, she settled one hand on his arm, her eyes soft as she looked into his. “I am so very grateful to you for what you did. I dread to think what would have happened had Lord Darlington managed to drag me out of doors.”
Her frame was shaken by a slight shudder, her fingers wrapping a little more tightly around his arm, and Jonathan found himself eager to comfort her, putting his free hand on top of hers.
“I am certain that you would have found a way out of it.” Taking a breath, he shook his head. “Lord Darlington is not a good sort. He is something of a rogue, in fact, inclined to prey on young ladies who are new to society.”
“Which is where I think we may need your help.” Lady Yardley began, as Lady Cassandra dropped her hand from Jonathan’s arm, turning back to her cousin. “I have told Lady Cassandra and her friends that I will assist them in their efforts to each find a suitable gentleman for themself. In addition, I have also suggested gently that you may be willing to aid us there.”
Jonathan blinked.
“Truly?”
Lady Yardley chuckled.
“Yes, though you need not appear so shocked! You are a good gentleman with an excellent character, and both my husband and I think you an exceptional fellow.”
A little uncertain as to what it was Lady Yardley was asking of him, Jonathan determined not to agree to anything straight away.
“I believe you will have to explain it to me a little more before I say anything further.”
Before Lady Yardley could explain, however, Lady Cassandra spoke up.
“My cousin is attempting to help both myself and my friends in seeking out suitable gentlemen,” she began, her face a little pink although her gaze was steady. “I am well aware that you may see that there are many excellent fellows in London, but what you may not realize is that my friends and I have determined that we will not marry a gentleman simply for the sake of it. There must be an affection there, at the very least! There must be the beginnings of love. None of us will marry a gentleman simply because he is handsome, or because he has a great deal of wealth, or because he carries a suitable title. That is the verylastthing we wish for.”
Jonathan stared at Lady Cassandra for some moments, resisting the urge to let a bubble of harsh laughter rise up within him. He wanted to tell her not to hope for such a thing, wanted to state that most gentlemen did not care for the idea of a love match, but the moment he opened his mouth, his heart twisted. Rather than holding her penetrating gaze, he dropped his to the floor.
“I am afraid, my dear, that Lord Sherbourne does not believe in such a thing as a love match.”
Lady Yardley smiled softly, her eyes rather heavy, as though she felt sorry for him in his lack of belief.
“That is notexactlytrue,” Jonathan protested, finding the wide-eyed look of Lady Cassandra to be a little too much to bear. “I am sure that such things can take place, but would say that they can be a little… rare.” Seeing Lady Yardley’s eyebrows lift, he cleared his throat, warmth flooding upwards. “Though, of course, you would say such a thing about your own match to Lord Yardley, calling it a love match, would you not?”
Lady Yardley chuckled at his attempt to defend himself.
“Yes, indeed, I would. But this is not about myself and Lord Yardley, this is about you, and your beliefs as regards love.”
Jonathan blinked, his throat constricting. How had he come from talking about how he could aid Lady Cassandra to this? He had no urge to talk about his thoughts on matters of the heart, particularly not with a young lady who seemed to draw herselfintohis heart, no matter what he tried!
“Yes, Lord Sherbourne.” Lady Cassandra began to move towards him, her steps slow, her eyes a little wide still. “I should very much like to know what your position is on such things. When it comes time for you to wed, will you seek out a love match or –”
