“I do not think that we have been introduced.”
She glanced at the gentleman in question, and his eyes caught hers for a moment before they darted away again. He was not much taller than her and had a stocky frame, but yet there seemed to be a gentleness about him, for his eyes softened when he smiled. Something in her mind prodded at her and her breath swiftly wrapped itself around her chest – this was the gentleman who had tutted so very loudly and obviously when Lord Darlington had asked about her dowry. Surely that in itself meant he was a good sort!
“Perhaps I should make sure you are introduced.” Lady Yardley touched Cassandra’s arm lightly. “I know a little of him and to my mind, there is nothing of concern. Lord Sherbourne will know more, mayhap, but we do not need to wait to make introductions.” Cassandra considered the man in question, when her attention was brought back to her close surroundings by Lady Yardley’s voice. “Ah, Lord Sherbourne. The very gentleman I was looking for.”
Cassandra turned her head, as Lord Sherbourne appeared on Cassandra’s other side, his hand going to her elbow for a moment.
“Pray do not tell me that you have already found yourself in yet more difficulty, Lady Cassandra?”
Her gaze dropped and she flushed, only to shake her head, giggling alongside his laughter.
“No, I assure you that I have not.”
Lady Yardley joined in with the laughter, wrapping one arm protectively around Cassandra’s waist as she waggled one finger in Lord Sherbourne’s direction.
“Pray do not tease her! She has endured quite enough already.”
“Very well, I apologize.” With a mock bow, Lord Sherbourne changed his expression to one of seriousness. “Then what is it that requires my aid?”
Lady Yardley tilted her head in the direction of Lord Alderton.
“I wanted to ask your opinion on the gentleman over there. I do not know him particularly well, and thought that you might have a better awareness of his character.”
Cassandra glanced over to where Lord Alderton still stood, and their eyes met for a moment before he pulled his away, although she was sure she caught a twinkling smile on the edge of his lips
“You speak of Lord Alderton.” The expression on Lord Sherbourne’s face was suddenly not one of mock seriousness, for his brows had pulled together and there was a line between them, sending a groove through his forehead. Was there something about Lord Alderton to dissuade her from him? “In truth, I do not know Lord Alderton well.” Lord Sherbourne shrugged both shoulders, his gaze still pinned on the fellow. “But what Icantell you, however, is –” He stopped short, his eyes narrowing a little and his lips pressed firmly together. What was it he wanted to say and why had he held it back? Given his expression, Cassandra was sure that her hopes would be dashed all over again. Lord Alderton would not be a gentleman she could evenconsider.“I can tell you that….”
For the second time, Lord Sherbourne stopped. This time he cleared his throat gruffly, and Cassandra began to frown. Was he trying to protect her? Trying to keep the truth from her, or find the best and gentlest way he could to tell her the truth about Lord Alderton?
“Lord Sherbourne.” Unable to help herself, she took a step closer to him, her eyes now searching his face. “Please.”
Lord Sherbourne smiled briefly, but it did not linger – and nor did his gaze.
“I can tell you that I know nothing disreputable about Lord Alderton and his character.”
A sudden breath of relief poured from Cassandra’s lips. She had not expected to hear those words from him, and a smile slipped across her features the very next second.
“That is not to say that there will be none, however,” he continued hastily, as though he wanted to discourage her from thinking anything too exceptional about the fellow. “Again, I would advise caution.”
“Yes, yes.” Lady Yardley waved one hand. “We need not be so serious. He is only looking and smiling at Lady Cassandra as yet, and many a gentleman has smiled at many a lady before, I am sure.”
Again, Lord Sherbourne smiled, but it flickered away in only a moment.
“A few quiet inquiries will be just the thing.” Lady Yardley smiled again at Lord Sherbourne and then to Cassandra herself. “What say you, my dear? Shall we go on to introduce you?”
Cassandra looked over at Lord Alderton again. He was not looking at her and she allowed herself a few minutes to study him. He appeared handsome, and there was now the hope that his apparent interest might be reciprocated by her own heart. A handsome, amiable gentleman was what every young lady desired, and there was a small chance that Lord Alderton might be such a fellow for her.
She took in a breath.
“Yes, I should like that very much.”
“Very well then.”
With a broad smile, Lady Yardley gestured for Cassandra to make her way towards the gentleman, beside her, only for her arm to be caught by Lord Sherbourne.
“Do recall that we are to enjoy the waltz very soon.”
A grave expression remained on his face, and Cassandra looked up at him for a long moment, wondering at his strange tone. Was he displeased that Lady Yardley had chosen to introduce her to Lord Alderton? Or was he simply hoping she would not have forgotten the dance she had promised him?
