A furious hopelessness filled her heart. This is what she had told him she wanted, but now it was being offered to her, her heart was tuggingawayfrom him… and towards someone else.
Cassandra swallowed at the lump forming in her throat. She had never once expected to find that the gentleman who claimed to be in love with her was not someone whom she herself desired! Nor, she considered, as Lord Alderton continued to speak of his intentions, had she expected to find her thoughts going to a gentleman who had made no efforts whatsoever to capture her heart.
What would Lord Sherbourne’s expression be, should she tell him that she was now being courted by Lord Alderton? Would he be pleased? Or would there be something more there?
Lord Alderton’s voice became nothing more than a whine, his presence a mere shadow. Her heart began to ache terribly as her thoughts lingered on Lord Sherbourne.Hewas the one her thoughts had so often turned to,hewas the one she had found herself thinking of over and over again. When they had danced the waltz, his nearness had been something she could not escape from and, Cassandra realized, something she had continually desired to return to. If Lord Sherbourne gave her even the smallest encouragement, Cassandra recognized just how quickly she would press herself into his arms.
I do not want to be courted by Lord Alderton. I want… I want Lord Sherbourne.
Her breath hitched, her feet turning her away from Lord Alderton, before he had even finished speaking. Suddenly, the only thing she desired was to be in Lord Sherbourne’s company so that she might look into her heart and see precisely what it was that blossomed there – but first, she would have to speak to her cousin. She would have to tell her about Lord Alderton, and beg for her advice as to what she ought to do next.
Hurrying inside – and leaving a somewhat bemused Lord Alderton behind – Cassandra practically threw her gloves and bonnet at the butler before hurrying to the drawing room, expecting Lady Yardley to be there. Her eyes closed, her heart hammering as the vacant room greeted her. Her thoughts were in turmoil, the truth of her heart finally revealing itself to her. Now, she realized, she caredonlyfor Lord Sherbourne. Her heart was filled with an affection forhimand not for Lord Alderton. Did she have any hope that her affection would be returned? Or was she find to herself in a dark pit, lost in confusion and sorrow?
Her eyes opened, her breathing steadying as she recalled just how many times they had shared a gentle smile or a soft touch. Could it be that Lord Sherbourne had some affection for her but had hidden it – even from himself – in much the way that Lord Alderton had done? Could she allow herself a flickering hope?
The door opened and she turned swiftly, her eyes flaring wide at the sight of the very gentleman of whom she had been thinking. Whether it was boldness or fear about the situation with Lord Alderton, she did not know, but something pushed her forward and, in only a moment, Cassandra found herself clasped in his arms.
* * *
“I must speak with you.”
Lord Knoxbridge swirled his whisky around his glass.
“Then speak,” he replied mildly, smiling back at Jonathan from where he sat. “And please sit down, your constant pacing is making me feel rather fatigued.”
Jonathan dropped into a chair but did not smile.
“I want to know who you told about the bracelet.” He came to the point directly, so that no time would be wasted, his jaw tight, and anger beginning to bubble in the pit of his stomach. “I know you must have said something.”
Lord Knoxbridge’s smile shattered.
“I have said nothing.” Taking a sip of his whisky, he waved one hand. “I know you may think me a little foolish, but I assure you that I have said nothing about the diamond bracelet to anyone. I have kept that information to myself, I promise you.” The anger which had burned so fiercely through Jonathan instantly began to dissipate as Lord Knoxbridge tilted his head, one eyebrow lifted. “I did not tell a soul.” Sitting back in his chair, appearing not in any way disconcerted, Lord Knoxbridge’s tone remained mild. “I can, when I wish to, keep certain secrets.”
“You did not tell anyone about the bracelet?” Jonathan leaned forward, fixing Lord Knoxbridge with his gaze. “Not even one single person?”
Lord Knoxbridge shook his head.
“I can promise you that I have said not one single word.” Jonathan sat back in his chair, suddenly all the more confused. He had been quite sure that Lord Knoxbridge was the reason for Lord Alderton’s accusation but now, it appeared that he had been entirely mistaken. “I think you should explain to me what has happened.” Snapping his fingers so the footman would bring them both something to drink, Lord Knoxbridge settled his gaze back upon Jonathan. “Something has happened with regard to this bracelet?”
“Yes.” Somewhat relieved that his friend had not reacted badly to his sharpness, Jonathan let out a slow breath. “Lord Alderton accused me of stealing the bracelet – and said so in front of Lady Yardley and Lady Cassandra. I do not know how he came to know about it.”
“And therefore, you believed I was the one who had told him.”
Guilt searing him, Jonathan nodded, ducking his head.
“Forgive me, it was a little unfair of me to rush to that conclusion, but given that you are the only one I had talked to, I–”
“I do not blame you.” Lord Knoxbridge waved one hand. “No, no, for I am quite untrustworthy.” He shrugged both shoulders. “It is understandable for you to think that I was the one to blame.” Pausing for a moment to take the drinks from the footman, Lord Knoxbridge waited until the man had taken his leave before he continued. “And you say that Lord Alderton threw this at you in the presence of Lady Cassandra?”
Nodding, Jonathan winced as he recalled the conversation.
“I think that he is doing his best to protect her, having heard these rumors. He fears, mayhap, that I would be an unsuitable acquaintance, should those rumors come to light.” Shaking his head, he ran one hand through his hair, letting out a heavy sigh. “I am very relieved to know that, as yet, these whispers have not become known throughout society.”
Lord Knoxbridge frowned, running one hand over his chin before bringing his glass to his lips. Swallowing, he then leaned forward, his expression serious.
“There is also one other reason why the gentleman might have stated such a thing.” One finger pointed out in Jonathan’s direction but, a little confused, Jonathan waited for his friend to continue. Lord Knoxbridge arched an eyebrow, but silence was his only response – meaning that he threw his hand up, let out a loud exclamation, and then threw himself back in his chair. “Pleasedo not tell me that you have not considered the fact that Lord Alderton might be doing his very best to break the bond between yourself and Lady Cassandra?”
Jonathan made to laugh, only for the sound to stick in his throat, his smile crumpling. This was something that he had never thought about before.
