Pouring himself a generous glass of whiskey, Cassian downed half of it in one hard swallow. His jaw clenched.
He would uncover the truth. Whatever scheme his grandmother had orchestrated with Lady Isabella, he intended to find it.
And put an end to it. On his terms.
There was no possible way that he would allow himself to be roped into their schemes, no matter how beautiful and alluring the young lady was.
Chapter Five
The sound of wheels and hooves against the cobbled street of London made up for the silence that currently engulfed Isabella as she sat in the carriage alone, filled with barely contained excitement at the thought of seeing her twin sister.
Now in the carriage on her way to see her sister in her favorite blue day dress, Isabella couldn’t help but notice how beautiful the weather outside was. It was neither snowing nor raining, and the sky was clear. Perhaps it was because throughout the past week she had locked herself up in her room and in her family’s library to focus on her presentation that she hardly had the time to appreciate the scenery outside.
The chill in the air was heavy, but the clear sky almost made up for the cold as she pulled her white shawl tighter around her shoulders.
A few moments later, the carriage halted outside Beatrice’s London residence, and as though she’d heard the sound of the carriage, Beatrice ran out to greet her sister, engulfing Isabella in a tight hug.
“Oh, Isabella, it seems as though it’s been ages since I last saw you,” Beatrice cried into the embrace. “I have missed you greatly. Promise me that you will not stay away for such a long time ever again.” She pulled back, examining Isabella’s face as if seeing it for the first time.
Isabella smiled, taking a deep breath of the familiar scent that made up Beatrice. She always smelled like home. Hints of lavender, peppermint, and flowers lingered on her clothes.
“I’ve missed you greatly as well, Bea,” Isabella replied, lightly rubbing her sister’s back. It was like this whenever they were separated for a while. Being part of a set of twins always made it feel like something was missing whenever the other was not around.
“We have so much to speak about today. Come, let us go in,” Beatrice suggested, taking Isabella’s arm and hand as she let them inside the residence.
Moments later, in Beatrice’s drawing room, the fresh aroma of chamomile tea filled the entire space.
The room itself was neatly decorated with French cases, pink trimmings, and several new ornaments that Isabella had not seen upon her last visit. It almost made her sad to think thather sister’s life continued in her absence. She was by no means jealous of her sister, but she could not help but covet the life that Beatrice had been granted.
She has someone who is always there for her.
A pang of jealousy proved her former thoughts wrong.
“I doubt you are aware of it, but you are quite famous in London and its environs,” Beatrice began, interrupting her thoughts as she slid a plate full of pastries over to Isabella.
The beautifully decorated cakes with pink icing and nuts made up most of the delicacies, while simply cut cucumber sandwiches without the crust took up the rest of the space.
“I’m hardly famous.” Isabella shook her head while eyeing the pastries, but Beatrice insisted.
“So, you say, but news about Lady Kendrick’s club and your participation as its founding member has gone far and wide. It has caught the ton by surprise, and it’s all they can talk about. You must tell me everything.” Her eyes glinted conspiratorially.
It was true that the news about the club had hit the cold streets of London, but Isabella had decided to pay no attention because she’d seen, on a notice paper, the author refer to the club as another gossip pit, even having the nerve to ask how many more of these clubs would the ladies of the ton make until society deemed it harmful?
And in all, it had barely been a full day since the presentation at Everthorne House.
People can be so cruel in their assumptions.
She pushed her anger aside, trying to focus on her sister instead.
“While it is true that I’m a founding member of the club, I am of the opinion that the gossip is simply out for lack of better things to talk about, especially considering we have yet to publicize the skills that would be taught in the club, which are far more scandalous than the ton would dare to imagine.” She tilted her head toward her sister while pursing her lips and offering a knowing glance.
Beatrice giggled, and Isabella followed suit.
“I was away from you for all of two weeks, and you have turned into a different person, Bella,” Beatrice gaped, a teasing tone accompanying her words.
“I’m the same woman I was when you last saw me.” Isabella leaned forward and grabbed her saucer, guiding the teacup to her lips for a sip, after which she set it down again. “I have only found something that excites me,” she finished.
“I’m so pleased to hear that. So, tell me about the club. Knowing you, you must’ve suggested enforcing deadly pranks on suitors who have refused to take no for an answer,” Beatrice giggled, and Isabella shook her head.
