“When Mr. Ware sees me dancing with Mr. Darcy.”
I bit the inside of my mouth. It would do no good to tell her yet again that she and Mr. Ware belonged together. She refused to listen. “Well, it is late, so we ought to get changed.”
Cassie stood. “Yes, quite right. It would not do for me to have dark circles under my eyes tomorrow. Good-night, Lizzy.”
“Good-night, Cassie.”
When the door closed behind her, I collapsed upon my bed. It had been difficult enough to watch Cassie flirting with Mr. Darcy all evening. I could not bear to witness them dance together at the assembly. I should make an excuse and remain at home on Friday.
Friday, 4 October
Knight's Manor
Elizabeth
Soft knocks penetrated my chamber door. “Lizzy, are you still awake?”
“Yes, Cassie. Come in.” I sat up and arranged my pillow behind me.
My cousin rushed towards me, looking gorgeous in her azure silk gown. She sat facing me on the bed.
I rested against the pillow. “Well, I presume from your grin that you enjoyed the evening.”
“Oh, Lizzy, I had a wonderful time. I wish you had been there.” She peered at me. “Are you feeling better now?”
“Yes, I am. Thank you.” Earlier, I had feigned having dyspepsia. Now, though, a knot formed in my belly. Had I erred in remaining at home tonight? If Cassie managed to wed Mr. Darcy, I should need to become inured to seeing them together. Besides, if I had gone to the ball, I might have danced a set with Mr. Darcy myself.
“Mr. Darcy was so dapper and handsome tonight! He wore a striking blue coat, so we looked very well together. He spent more time with me than with any other single lady, and I caught many others in the room staring at us.” A glimmer danced in her eyes.
I bit back a smirk. Nothing pleased Cassie more than impressing other people.
“Dame Hayward remarked that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Hayward will be away most of next week. They are to spend a few days in town.” Her lips twisted.
This information did not come as a surprise; Mr. Darcy had mentioned his forthcoming trip this morning. At his enquiry, I had assured him that I should continue to ride with Miss Darcy during his absence.
“So, I shall not bother to call at Springvale until they return.”
“In any case, I shall invite Dame Hayward, Miss Darcy, and Mrs. Annesley to tea on Monday.”
“Very well.” She leaned to the side, resting her weight upon her forearm, and expelled a heavy breath. “I only wish Mr. Ware had been there tonight. We spoke to Mrs. Ware, who said he left just yesterday. He will stay with a friend in Luton for a time before returning to Cambridge. The timing is inauspicious. He would have been so jealous to see me with Mr. Darcy, and I should have loved to see the expression on his face.”
Oh dear.“Cassie…” How should I phrase this? I must take care, for she would not be pleased to hear what I had to say and may become angry with me. Nevertheless, I should not sit by in silence and allow her to make such a vital blunder.
“What is it?” Her brows drew together.
“It is obvious that you are still in love with Mr. Ware.”
She bolted upright and scowled at me. “Oh no, not that again! You are wrong.”
“If you truly cared for Mr. Darcy, it would not matter to you whether or not Mr. Ware saw you with him.”
Cassie shook her head. “I do not believe this! You have never been in love.” She thrust her index finger at me. “You have never so much as been courted by a gentleman. Yet you presume to tell me how I feel?”
Heat overspread my face. “I may not be experienced in romance or love, but I knowyouvery well.I love you and want you to be happy. I should hate to see you make a terrible error because of stubbornness or a wounded pride.”
She stood and folded her arms. “Well, allow me to reassure you. Your concern for me is misplaced, for I am happier now than I have ever been before. After tonight, I am more certain than ever that I shall receive a marriage proposal soon. Good-night.” She spun and hied from the room.
“Good-night, Cassie.” I flinched as she slammed my door shut, smothering my reply.
