“You are not in the market for a mistress?”
He smiled. “I have never been in the market for a mistress. A wife, on the other hand…”
“Oh, you’d like a wife, would you?”
“Only if you’re the one who is asking.”
She stole one more kiss before returning to her stitching. Wade continuedThe Woman in White. They enjoyed teasing one another about their wedding plans, feeling rather pleased with themselves for falling in love. Cassandra could not wait to be his bride, and suspected that he, too, was desperate to become her husband.
A creak sounded in the gallery. Someone’s careful footsteps paused just outside the drawing room doors, but whomever it was hesitated to approach. Doubtless, the servant regretted having to interrupt this cozytête-à-tête.
“Stop sneaking ‘round out there,” Wade called from her lap. “Say what you have to say.”
Their butler appeared at the threshold. He coughed to clear his voice. “Beg pardon, Your Grace. Ma’am.”
Cassandra smiled her most welcoming smile. She’d grown fond of the fellow since arriving at Pender Abbey. He was always so careful not to offend. “Yes, Tremaine, what is it?”
“This is rather unexpected, but Lord Althorne has arrived,” he tugged at his livery, “along with a Miss Staunton.”
She nearly threw Wade’s head off her lap. She nearly leaped to her feet, forgetting all about her embroidery hoop, silk threads, and sewing kit. “Which Miss Staunton?”
“He did not specify, ma’am, and I was unaware there was more than one.”
Cassandra turned to Wade, all a-tremble. “It has to be Octavia!”
God help them both, but in that moment, the duke seemed as nervous as she. The time had come to face two of the most important people in their world.
“Show them up.” When the butler retreated, she turned to Wade. “Do you think Althorne will be pleased?”
“I do,” he replied, taking her hand. He gave it a reassuring squeeze. “But even if he isn’t, nothing he will say is going to change my mind.”
She nodded. “And nothing Octavia will say can changemymind, Wade. I daresay, I love you more than my own sisters…if ever such a thing were possible.”
“It’s not possible.” He smiled and pressed a kiss to her brow. It seemed he was often smiling these days. The shadows were banished from beneath his black eyes. “Though I understand all the same.”
Again, someone approached. Voices echoed in the gallery. Footsteps creaked in the corridor. Wade dragged himself to his feet. Cassandra hastened to stash her sewing kit. She dropped her embroidery hoop behind the sofa and tried to look more dignified than she felt.
Tremaine appeared in the open doorway to announce, “Lord Althorne and MissOctaviaStaunton.”
Cassandra couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you, Tremaine.”
Lord Althorne crossed into the room. Octavia followed at his heels.
She had not seen her eldest sister in over a month, but there was color in Octavia’s cheeks and a comfortable familiarity in the viscount’s presence by her side. His Lordship had not come as Octavia’s escort, but rather…as her companion.
Cassandra rushed forward to embrace her. “Oh, sister! This is unexpected!”
Octavia wrapped her in a firm, protective hug, whispering, “We thought to take him by surprise. He cannot hold you against your will, my darling. He cannot have you!”
“ ‘Against my will?’ ” She pulled away to blink into her sister’s grey eyes. “Is that what Honoria told you?”
“Well…no, but…surely, you could not have come willingly.”
How mortifying! “Octavia, do you truly believe His Grace stole me from home?”
Lord Althorne stepped forward. A smile brightened his handsome face. He shook Wade’s hand and said, apologetically, “I did try to explain, but Octavia had to see for herself. I hope we aren’t intruding.”
Wade relaxed. “Not at all, Simon. In fact, you are in time to wish us well. Isn’t that right, Cassie?”
