“Well, Lord Alderton, it seems that the truth about your character has been revealed to us all.” Lady Yardley gestured to those who watched and Lord Alderton’s color which had become raised during his outburst, quickly began to drain away. “You are aware, of course, thatIam the one who owns ‘The London Ledger’.Idecide what is written within it, and when Cassandra’s concerns grew over your behavior and conduct, she thought it best to make certain that your attentions to her – your professions of love and affection and your promise of betrothal – were exactly as they appeared to be.” She took Cassandra’s arm. “All of this was Cassandra’s doing, and I am heartily relieved to know that she has saved herself from a gentleman such as you. Have no doubt, Lord Alderton,thisevening’s shocking confessions which have fallen from your lips will be written in ‘The London Ledger’. Your response to hearing the suggestion that my cousin may not have as significant a dowry as you hoped for is one that all of society shall know of. They will hear of your promises of affection and betrothal – and thereafter, shall hear of how poorly you have treated her. I am only glad that she has no genuine affection for you. This was nothing more than a test, Lord Alderton – a test which you have failed.”
Lord Sherbourne moved to her side and before he could even offer it, she had taken his arm.
“And lest you have actually spread any of those rumors you spoke of, let me make it known thatyouplaced that diamond bracelet in Lord Sherbourne’s pocket.” Lady Yardley spoke as though it were a fact rather than a question, gesturing to Lord Sherbourne as she did so. “You saw that he was becoming close with Lady Cassandra, and thought to ruin him – or at least, to hold the threat of ruination over his head. You did not want him to have any nearness to Lady Cassandra, so that she would turn only to you – and all in the hope of gaining her dowry.”
“And I have written in the Ledger thatIam the one who found the bracelet. Whoever comes forward, they will not blame Lord Sherbourne. Your plans have failed, Lord Alderton. Perhaps you yourself are the thief.”
Given how Lord Alderton responded to this – his face burning hot at her statement – Cassandra had every reason to believe that it was as she had suggested. Once more, Lord Alderton had proven himselfnotto be the gentleman she had thought him.
“I think that our conversation is at an end.” Cassandra spoke firmly, her eyebrows lifting as Lord Alderton dropped his head low “There shall not be any courtship between us, Lord Alderton. I am not inclined to tie myself to a gentleman who lies, who pretends to feel all manner of things simply to gain a little more wealth for himself. Regardless of your reasons for doing so, I have no interest in spending even one further minute of my time with you.”
“An excellent ending.” Lord Sherbourne smiled, his eyes bright and as vivid as she had remembered them. “Mayhap you will be willing to walk with me, Lady Cassandra, before the waltz begins?”
Free of all fear, trepidation, confusion, and doubt, Cassandra smiled at him, her heart filled with a great and overwhelming affection that she knew could only be the promise of love.
“I can think of nothing I would like more,” she murmured, before taking his arm and stepping away.
Epilogue
All Jonathan could hear was the thunder of his heartbeat in his ears, the sound drowning out every other noise as he made his way into the drawing-room where he hoped Lady Cassandra was waiting. It had been two days since the altercation with Lord Alderton, two days where he had learned exactly what Lord Alderton was seeking, and two days since he had realized just how much he longed to take Lady Cassandra into his arms again. If she had ended up being courted by Lord Alderton, Jonathan did not know what state he would have been in at present. No doubt he would have been a vague shadow of himself, lost, stumbling, confused in the darkness, not knowing where he was to go. He would now be walking about, his heart filled with nothing but regret over his lack of honesty within his own heart and sorrow over what he had lost. To be given another opportunity now was wonderful, and one which he intended to grasp hold of, trusting that he would never let her go.
“Lord Sherbourne.”
She spoke his name with a warmth that filled Jonathan’s heart with overwhelming heat, his gaze settling on her. How could he have ever stood by and allowed her to be on the arm of another gentleman? How foolish he had been to not see the significance of what was within his heart before now!
“My dear Cassandra.”
With a softness to his voice, he held out one hand and she gave him hers just as willingly, rising from her chair. It was only when Lady Yardley also rose, that Jonathan realized they were not alone. All the same, he dropped Lady Cassandra’s hand and inclined his head, keenly aware of Lady Yardley’s broad smile.
“Did you know that the diamond bracelet has been returned to its owner?”
Lady Yardley’s smile lingered as Jonathan lifted his eyebrows in surprise.
“No, I had not heard. That was rather quick, was it not?”
“A young lady by the name of Miss Kinsley appeared with her mother, Lady Dutton.” Lady Cassandra giggled suddenly, her eyes flashing brightly. “Apparently she had worn the diamond bracelet without her mother’s permission, and was now deeply ashamed that she had lost it.”
Lady Yardley chuckled alongside her cousin.
“I do not know who was more relieved, the mother or the daughter!”
Letting out a slow breath of relief, Jonathan joined in the mirth, smiling first at Lady Yardley and then looking to Lady Cassandra, letting his gaze stay there. His thoughts lingered on just how beautiful she was, how much joy she brought to his heart, and how much he wished to give all of himself to her.
“I am very glad to hear that it has been returned.”
“And it seems as though Lord Alderton has left London and gone back to his estate.” Lady Cassandra’s smile faltered for a moment. “I will confess myself a little ashamed to have been taken in by him.”
“Nonsense.” Lady Yardley settled one hand on Lady Cassandra’s shoulder. “You were cautious, and you were careful and what is more, you listened to your heart.” Her eyes slid towards Jonathan. “And that, I think, is the most important thing. Would you not agree, Lord Sherbourne?”
With no hesitation, Jonathan nodded.
“Yes, indeed, I would.”
He spoke not to Lady Yardley but to Lady Cassandra. Her eyes glowed softly, her small smile setting her expression alight. Lady Yardley nodded as though she were quite satisfied, and then immediately turned towards the door, murmuring to Jonathan that she would only give him a few minutes and she hoped that it would be enough.
Jonathan did not move, relieved that Lady Yardley trusted him, but also grateful to her for her absence. He did not wait for even an instant, and thus the moment that Lady Yardley left the room, he stepped forward and caught both of Lady Cassandra’s hands with his own.
“I have searched my heart also.” His heart began to pound as she smiled gently, his desire to be honest with her overflowing with such strength that he could not prevent the rush of words from continuing. “And I think that I must beg for your forgiveness.”
