“I think then, that I would be glad to accept, Lady Yardley,” Lady Elizabeth stated, as the others murmured their agreement also. “And with Lord Sherbourne helping us, I am sure that we will find ourselves in the very best of situations.”
“I am looking forward to Lord Sherbourne’s company.” Miss Millington’s eyes glowed with a sudden fire. “You say that he is to be of aid to us also, Lady Yardley? That is very good of him.”
As Lady Yardley launched an explanation about how Lord Sherbourne had often helped her and Lord Yardley in her writing of ‘The London Ledger’, Cassandra battled with a sense of jealousy. Jealousy that she had not in the least bit expected, but was present, nonetheless. Why ever should she be jealous over Miss Millington’s obvious delight in the fact Lord Sherbourne would be assisting them? He certainly was a handsome fellow with his dark hair, square jaw, and swirling hazel eyes, but that did not mean that there was any particular interest on Cassandra’s part… or was there?
Biting the edge of her lip, Cassandra’s frown drew across her forehead as she looked away from her friend, recalling how Lord Sherbourne had assisted her the previous evening. How grateful she had been to him for coming to rescue her from Lord Darlington and his less than proper schemes! She had been grateful for his strength, his determination, and his willingness to break into a conversation and take her away from the gentleman without even a flicker of hesitation. When she had kissed his cheek earlier that afternoon, the gentle warmth of his skin on hers had made her heart leap, but she had put it down to a mere sense of gratitude rather than anything else. Surely it could not be that she was drawn to the very gentleman who, only a short time ago, had declared himself entirely unwilling to wed! No, that would be nothing but foolishness, and she would not allow herself to be foolish.
“What say you, Cassandra?”
Turning her attention back to her cousin, Cassandra took in Lady Yardley’s smile.
“I think it is an excellent idea,” she declared, smiling at her cousin. “After yesterday evening, where I was almost stolen away by a gentleman whom I considered to be amiable, I am more aware of my need for as much help as I can get!” Her smile slipped a little. “Society is not as I thought it would be, and I believe that my ideas about quickly finding a handsome, loving gentleman to call my own were entirely foolish. I see now that not every gentleman is as he appears, which does leave me with the question as to how I am to discover the truth about their character!”
“And that is where both I and Lord Sherbourne step in,” her cousin reassured her. “We will find you an excellent fellow by the end of the Season, I am sure.” She gestured to the entire room. “No matter how many Seasons it takes, I shall be here to help all of you.”
“And we shall be here for each other too,” Cassandra added as her friends nodded. “We have all made a promise to aid one another in our search for a gentleman who will love and care for us. Whether I find a husband this Season or next, I shall come to London every year untilallof us are wed, settled and happy. I promise it.”
“As do I.”
Lady Elizabeth smiled at her and, as the rest of her friends pledged this also, Cassandra pressed one hand to her heart, aware of tears prickling in her eyes and the happy smile on her lips. Last evening had brought into sharp relief just how little she knew of society, but now she felt a good deal more confident. She was protected, surrounded by those who cared for her – and she for them. She had nothing to worry herself about unduly any longer. With her cousin, Lord Sherbourne, and ‘The London Ledger’, she would be able to find out the truth about any gentleman’s character before she gave her heart to him, and that seemed to be the very best of situations.
“How do we begin?” she asked, now a good deal more eager than before.
“Well.” Lady Yardley laughed as Cassandra smiled at her. “You go back into town, back into society, and enjoy as many balls, soirees, and afternoon teas as you please. But should a gentleman step forward and begin to make his attentions known to you, then I suggest that you come and speak with us about him, so we may find out as much as we can of him. If you desire to return such attentions, and the gentleman in question appears eager to further his connection with you, then, should he be just as he seems, all shall be well. But if you find no particular interest in him, then I would encourage you to treat him accordingly – not cruelly, but without any obvious interest in returning his attentions. There is no shame in behaving so, for I assure you, you will not find love with a gentleman in whom you have no interest.”
Cassandra nodded slowly, those words resonating within her. Her mother and father had never shown any particular interest in the sort of gentleman whom Cassandra might wish to marry, but in the little they had said, there had never been any mention of love. The only advice which had been given to her was that, if a gentleman was favorably titled, well-connected, wealthy, and willing to marry her, Cassandra should accept without hesitation. There was never any thought of affection or interest and thus, it was something of a relief to hear her cousin speak so very differently and with such determination.
“Perhaps we should also tell each other which gentlemen we ought to stay away from.” A wry smile tipped the edge of her mouth. “Lord Darlington would be one such gentleman, I am afraid.”
“Certainly, he should be!” Her cousin agreed as the other young ladies shared a look. “I believe you also have a gentleman you would wish to place on that list, Miss Millington?”
Miss Millington nodded but, much to Cassandra’s concern, she shuddered lightly.
“I should like to add Lord Holdridge to that list.” Her voice was soft. “In my foolishness, I thought him to be enamored of me.”
Immediately, Cassandra shook her head.
“You are not foolish, my dear friend.”
“I was.” Miss Millington managed a smile as she took in a deep breath. “But I shall never be so again.”
Lady Yardley also smiled, reaching across to squeeze Miss Millington’s hand for a moment.
“I assure you, if we do as we have planned, no unscrupulous gentlemen will be able to take advantage of any of you. You will see a gentleman’s heart and whether or not it is open to love – and, I promise you that, in due course, you will all find your hope of happiness fulfilled. It may take a little time, but love is coming.”
Cassandra smiled, pressing one hand to her heart.And my heart is ready to receive it.
Chapter Seven
“Good evening, Lady Cassandra.”
Jonathan’s eyes had found the lady the very moment that she stepped into the room. He had not meant to do it, but it was as though something within him had drawn itself to her. Reminding himself that he was meant to be helping the young lady, rather than finding himself drawn to her, he nonetheless offered his arm.
“Good evening, Lord Sherbourne.”
“Should you like a turn about the room?”
Lady Cassandra glanced back towards Lady Yardley who was only a step or two behind them. She nodded with a smile and Lady Cassandra quickly gave her acceptance.
