CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Cassandra donned the violet silk frock and buttoned it to the neck. She pinned a length of lace to the collar—not Mama’s good lace, but something appropriate for supper at the local inn. She had washed and styled her hair in pretty curls, which Honoria dressed using a deep purple ribbon.
The hall mirror told her she looked beautiful, yet the sisters fussed over her appearance until a knock sounded upon the door. Cassandra wanted everything to be perfect for dinner with the duke. She feared, after tonight, that she might never see him again.
Honoria answered the door. “Won’t you come in, Your Grace?”
He stepped over the threshold. Wadebridge crowded the cottage, dressed in a dark frock coat, red silk waistcoat, and cravat. He touched his tall hat and inclined his head toward the two sisters.
His eyes—shadowy and black beneath the brim—stilled onher.A ghost of a smile played at his lips, for he liked what he saw. “How lovely you are, Miss Staunton.”
She curtseyed, feeling her heart thrill in her chest. “Thank you, Wadebridge.”
He offered his arm. Cassandra took it, and then turned to press a kiss to Honoria’s cheek.
“Have you your latchkey?” the youngest Staunton asked. “I shan’t wait up.”
“I have it.” Cassandra touched her pocket, where the key lay nestled. “Don’t fret about me. I’ll let myself in.”
With that, she and Wadebridge set off.
A low haze had settled over the dales, warming the village despite the early evening. Dim sunlight glittered on the wet grass as she and the duke crossed the village green, but there was not a raindrop in sight.
He steered her down the footpath that led to the White Lion. “The weather is on our side tonight.”
She held her skirts in her free hand, lifting the hems above the damp grass.“ ‘Il y a un dieu pour les ivrognes et les amoureux.’ ”
Wadebridge laughed. “Am I the drunkard, then, or are we the lovers?”
She blushed. Whatever had possessed her to quotethe Three Musketeers?“That remains to be seen, sir.”
He took it in stride. “I’ll have you know that I had one drink after supper last night, retired to my room, and kept a clear eye on my candle until well past midnight. Did you happen to notice?”
“I did.”
“And I trust that lad George gave you no trouble?”
“None at all,” she said.
They approached the inn. The stable yard was crowded with neighbors and tourists enjoying this rare break in the weather. She must say what needed to be said before anyone came within earshot.
“I am obliged to you for your kind concern. I know many of my neighbors would come running should I call, but I’ve never had anyone offer to protect me before. I am sure I’ve never slept so soundly as I did last night, knowing you were near.”
They reached the steps of the inn. Wadebridge stopped beneath the hanging sign. “I know how deeply you value your independence, Cassandra. I feared I had trod upon your toes, so to speak.”
“No, Your Grace.” She smiled as he opened the door for her.
Cassandra swept into the White Lion with the duke at her heels. It had been more than a year since she’d visited the inn, as she and her sisters had been mourning their parents’ deaths. Now, living off Octavia’s wages, the remaining Stauntons could not justify the expense.
Cassandra stretched every penny; often choosing which bills to pay and which could be put off until the next month. They were making progress on the small debts incurred during their mourning period, but could no longer treat themselves to Mrs. Harris’ exceptional cooking.
Her stomach danced at the thought of such rich, delicious,diversefare.
Inside, the White Lion was crowded with guests and patrons. It wasn’t a large inn, but—since the duke arrived—it had been filled to capacity. Doubtless, folk got off the train for a chance to sleep under the same roof as His Grace.
A great hush fell about the public rooms. Forks ceased their clinking. Pints ceased their sloshing and were suspended mid-slurp at the gaped mouths of men in the taproom. Somewhere, a woman laughed loudly, but was promptlyshushedby her companions.
Every eye turned to appraise the Duke of Wadebridge.
