Stepping aside, she watched as he took Lady Charity to the floor, and the dance began. She forced her eyes to stay on them, keeping her eyes on the two as they twirled around the room.
Would Cassian do something to stop the lady’s disrespect?
With the disquieting feeling that she would not enjoy the spectacle of Cassian being all genial—or flirtatious—and the lady leaning into it, Cecilia asked Pru where the lady's retiring room was.
After getting directions, she handed her glass off to her new friend, “Please hold this for me.”
“Of course,” Pru replied kindly.
The room was mercifully empty, and she took a moment to compose herself in front of the rounded mirror. Bracing her hands on the washing basin, she mentally timed how long the waltz took.
Thinking of the two out there, she felt her stomach roil; not because of Cassian, but because of the bold disrespect the woman was showing her.
I have enough enemies to worry about back in London with Gabriel and these horrible rumors against me.
With another steadying breath, she returned to the main room just in time for the music to surge to the end. She found Pru sitting where she had left her and took the glass while keenly watching the two on the dancefloor.
Her eyes landed on Cassian and the lady as they spun the last turn—but there, rightthere, she whispered something in his ear.
Her hand tightened around the glass while she stifled the urge to rub her pulsing temples.
What did Lady Charity say?
“If it is any consolation,” Pru said quietly, “she has been goading him for the last seven minutes, but he never took the bait.”
While listening to Pru—and dearly hoping she was right— Cecilia watched Cassian as he bowed away from the lady, his expression inscrutable. Did she dare hope her friend was right?
As Cassian escorted the lady off the floor, she went to him—and gave a terse acknowledgement of the lady lingering beside him.
Cecilia placed one hand on Cassian’s arm, leaned up so that her mouth was near his jaw, and said in a not-so-hushed whisper, “I am ready to go home.”
Pulling away, she made sure to brush her lips across his cheek and was relieved when he lingered. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he leaned into her ear, “If you wished to make a scene, you’ve certainly succeeded.”
Over his shoulder, Cecilia spotted the troublesome lady. “I still wish to go home. Now, if you’d please.”
Inclining his head, Cassian tucked her arm under his, and they went to find the mayor. The man was talking with one of his aides, and while they waited for him to be free, Cassian leaned into her ear, “Would you care to tell me why we are leaving so early, or should I guess?”
Her jaw was fixed stonily.
“Your Graces!” the man bowed. “I hope you are enjoying the evening.”
“We have,” Cassian replied. “But sadly, we need to return home. Thank you for your hospitality, and I hope the rest of the evening goes well.”
The mayor took the sudden announcement with aplomb and saw them off with kind words. Cecilia dipped back into the room to say goodbye to Prudence and asked if she could visit one day.
“Of course,” Pru gushed, and this time she produced a card for Cecilia to keep.
After a warm hug, Cecilia tucked the card into her reticule, then returned to Cassian. He nodded to the door, “The carriage is waiting.”
CHAPTER 15
They were halfway to the manor before Cecilia decided to speak, “Lady Charity is trouble.”
“I would not characterize the good lady as trouble,” Cassian said, while extending a long leg to brush hers.
“Oh, really?” she asked tightly. “What did she whisper in your ear then?”
“An… offer,” he said warily.
