Despite my cousin’s impassioned pleas, Uncle Barton did not relent; he would honour his word. He maintained that, if the pair’s destinies united, their love would endure the wait. Thus, no official engagement existed.
Cassie had pouted for a few days. Mr. Stephen Ware, though, had accepted Mr. Barton’s dictate. He had pointed out to Cassie that, this way, he would complete his studies at university before they wed. In time, my cousin became resigned to the situation.
“You may have this lemon muslin dress.” She indicated a garment draped over a nearby chair. “I have already worn that one several times here and once in town.”
“Thank you.” I glanced at the gown. With shortened sleeves, new trim, and the necessary alterations, the garment would suit me well.
“You are welcome.” She sat on the bed beside me. “Once I am Mrs. Stephen Ware, my first priority will be to find you a suitable husband.”
“What?” I chuckled. “You need not be concerned for me. If I am meant to marry, then the right man will cross my path. If not, I shall be content to dote on your children.”
“We shall see, my dear Lizzy.” She patted my hand then returned to the mirror to admire her image once more.
Chapter 2: Crossed in Love
Thursday, 11 July
Knight's Manor
Elizabeth
Upon my return from a tenant visit, a flash of blue in the garden caught my attention: Cassie sat upon a secluded bench in a wilted posture.
I veered towards her, and my pace hastened when her soft sobs reached my ears. “Cassie, what is wrong?”
Her head snapped up, and she dabbed her handkerchief beneath her eyes. “Oh, Lizzy, I have never been more miserable. My understanding with Stephen…or rather Mr. Ware, is over.”
I sat beside her. “No, I cannot believe this. Did the two of you have an argument?”
“Yes, we did. I called at Hawthorn Ridge today, and Mrs. Ware told me that Stephen and Miss Mullins had ridden into Salisbury. I was disappointed, of course, and I assumed someone else must have accompanied them. But when I left the house, the two of them came up the avenue on horseback alone.” She sniffed. “You can imagine how I felt. He should not be riding unattended withanyunmarried lady when he is promised to me!”
She paused to blow her nose. “I asked to speak to him in private. When I demanded to know why he rode to town with Miss Mullins, he blamed his mother—he declared that she had suggested he take her there.”
The Mullins family—including Miss Mullins, an attractive and amiable red-head—had been guests at Hawthorn Ridge for several weeks. The elder Mr. Ware and Mr. Mullins had been friends since university. Mr. Stephen Ware, having completed his studies early for Cambridge’s Easter Term, had been home for the entirety of the Mullins’s stay. “I can understand the let-down for you to arrive and find your favourite absent, but you have no cause for concern. He would never betray you.”
Her breath expelled in a huff. “That is whathesaid. He maintains Miss Mullins is a friend, nothing more.”
“You ought to believe him.”
“How can I do so when our association blossomed from a platonic one? No doubt that coquette has been taking every opportunity these past few weeks to gain his attention.” She wrinkled her nose. “Miss Mullins is no beauty, but I suppose if he can overlook the pimples on her face, she is not so bad-looking.”
I placed my hand on her forearm. “Helovesyou. You need not be concerned about Miss Mullins or any other lady.”
“No, you are wrong.” She blinked back new tears. “When I asked him to agree that he will never go anywhere alone with her or any other unmarried lady again, he refused. He said I ought to trust him.” Her voice cracked. “A man who loved me would assent to my request, if only to ease my mind. Miss Mullins must be more important to him than I am. So, I ended our understanding.”
A sob burst from her. “Oh, Lizzy, I am so unhappy.” She lay her temple against mine and snuffled.
“I am so sorry.” I stroked Cassie’s back in a circular motion. “The situation does not sound so dismal to me, though. In a few days, the two of you will speak again and reconcile.”
“You are so naive!” She pulled back, her cerulean eyes flashing. “Stephen has made new friends at university and has met some of their families as well—including theirsisters. He may already have other female acquaintances with whom he spends time alone.”
“That is mere speculation on your part. I see no reason not to take him at his word.”
“Why are you onhisside?”
“I am not. I want you to be happy, and I believe he is the ideal match for you.”
She folded her arms. “No, a future with him is no longer possible. Although it is inevitable we shall cross paths from time to time, henceforth we shall meet as distant acquaintances, nothing more.”
