“A breath of fresh air?” she repeated as Lord Darlington nodded. “Whatever do you mean?”
Lord Darlington chuckled.
“Only to say it is very hot in this room and that the gardens are quite magnificent. There is still enough light by which we might see and there will be a few lanterns also.”
Immediately Cassandra shook her head.
“I hardly think that would be appropriate Lord Darlington.” Letting out a soft laugh, she shook her head, even though her stomach swirled with nervousness. “It would not be seemly for a lady only newly out in society to step out into the darkness with a gentleman that she was only just acquainted with.”
“But would it not be exciting?” the gentleman replied, with a wiggle of his eyebrows. “Do you not think that such a thing might be a little daring? Are not all newly out young ladies known to be a little daring?”
This was something that she had never heard before and thus Cassandra shook her head, only to become all the more distressed when Lord Darlington began to lead her towards the open doors at the end of the ballroom rather than take her back to where Lady Yardley was waiting
“Lord Darlington,” she protested, her voice soft instead of being loud and fierce as she had intended. “I do believe I said that I did not wish to join you.”
“But I am sure I can convince you.” came the reply as he grinned at her, seeming to think this was some sort of great entertainment. “I believe that once you have taken only a few steps out of doors you will –”
“Excuse me, but I must interrupt.” Cassandra’s heart was hammering furiously, her chest almost painful as she turned her head to see none other than Lord Sherbourne stepping up beside her. His eyes were narrowed, his forehead creased, and his eyebrows low but it was not on her his gaze was fixed, but rather on Lord Darlington. “Lord Darlington,” he continued, twisting until he stood directly in front of the gentleman so that he could not make his escape. “It seems to me that you are leading Lady Cassandraawayfrom where she ought to be going. Have you lost the direction of Lady Yardley?”
Carefully, Cassandra began to move her hand away from Lord’s Darlington’s arm only for the gentleman to reach across and clamp his hand over hers.
“No, I had not,” came the sharp reply. “I thought only to lead Lady Cassandra around the room for a moment before returning her to Lady Yardley. I am sure you can understand my desire to be in her company a little longer.”
No doubt this was meant as a compliment, and to make Cassandra feel rather delighted over his consideration of her, but all she felt was disdain and, recoiling from him again, she tried to pull her hand away for the second time.
“That is most understandable but also very inconsiderate of you.” Lord Sherbourne lifted an eyebrow. “I am sure you are aware that there are many other dances to take place this evening. Surely you would not want any other gentleman to miss out on their dance because of your selfishness?” So saying, he inclined his head and then offered his hand to Cassandra. “Come, Lady Cassandra. Allow me to take you back to Lady Yardley, where the next gentleman will soon be waiting.”
Much to Cassandra’s relief, there was no other choice but for Lord Darlington to release her. His fingers coiled around hers for just a moment before, with a heavy sigh, he stepped aside until her hand fell away. Cassandra grasped Lord Sherbourne’s arm very quickly indeed, as though he were the only one keeping her safe from whatever Lord Darlington had planned. Her breath tightened in her chest as she placed her hand on his arm, feeling the strength of it underneath the fabric of his coat and with that, the relief which flooded her now that he had stepped in.
“Good evening, Lord Darlington.” Her soft voice drifted towards Lord Darlington as, without another word, Lord Sherbourne led her away. They had only taken a few steps before she let out a breath that she had not known she’d been holding. “I thank you so very much for taking me away from him.” Slowly, her heart began to quieten its frantic pacing as Lord Sherbourne gently guided her back toward Lady Yardley. “I thought him the most amiable of gentlemen at first, and I did not expect him to do anything so… improper.” Lord Sherbourne shook his head. He did not look at her but kept his gaze fixed straight ahead. The tightness of his jaw, however, betrayed his anger. “I am sorry if I behaved incorrectly.”
“You did nothing wrong.” Lord Sherbourne shot her a quick look. “He was attempting to take you out of doors to the gardens?” Cassandra nodded, her face burning with humiliation. “Unfortunately, he has done such things before, with other young ladies.”
Her breath caught as she realized just how poor a reputation Lord Darlington must have – a reputation she had not even allowed herself to consider. She had been so caught up in the excitement of the moment, flattered and pleased at his attentions, that she had quite forgotten to eventhinkwhat a gentleman might be hiding about himself.
“Oh…”
“Do not think that you did anything to merit this.” Lord Sherbourne finally turned his head and gave her a brief smile, though his hazel eyes were now unusually dark. “Lord Darlington is well known for seeking out those in their first Season. Lady Yardley was determined to keep an eye on you, but I believe became distracted by another young lady – one of your friends - who was also in difficulty.” Cassandra’s gaze shifted, only to see Miss Millington standing close to Lady Yardley. Her face was white, her hands clenched tightly together in front of her, and immediately, Cassandra’s heart began to race again. Whatever had happened? “Your cousin, Lady Yardley.”
Lord Sherbourne nodded, gave Lady Yardley a brief smile, and then made to step away, only for Cassandra to catch his arm.
“Wait a moment, if you please.” Taking a breath, she turned back to her cousin, swallowing hard. “Norah, I must inform you that Lord Sherbourne has saved my reputation this evening. I was foolish in my belief that all gentlemen are as amiable, as genteel, and as proper as I expected. Had it not been for his haste, then I am certain that Lord Darlington would have taken me from your company and out of doors, as he clearly intended.”
Lady Yardley did not respond immediately other than to close her eyes. Letting out a slow breath, she then stepped forward and took Cassandra’s hand, meeting her eyes.
“I am sorry that I did not see him attempting such a thing.” Her soft voice spoke of frustration and perhaps, even a hint of anger. “That is my failing.”
Cassandra shook her head.
“Pray, do not trouble yourself. I understand that something happened with Miss Millington?”
Her gaze went to her friend, who was standing quite still, biting her lip.
“Yes.” Lady Yardley let out a long breath. “You are not the only one who has been mistreated by a gentleman this evening. She is quite safe, however.” Cassandra’s eyes swiveled towards her friend, and Miss Millington managed a small, yet nearly tearful smile. Cassandra did not dare ask what had happened, seeing how Miss Millington’s emotions hovered far too close to the surface for her to answer such a question at this point. The last thing that her friend required was to burst into tears! “Thank you, Lord Sherbourne,” Lady Yardley continued, taking a long breath and setting her shoulders. “I think perhaps that something must be done. Perhaps, Cassandra, you could ask your friends to call upon us tomorrow for afternoon tea?”
A little surprised, Cassandra found herself nodding.
“Yes, of course, Norah. I should be glad to do so. Is there any particular reason?”
