Lady Kendrick tipped down the corners of her mouth. “Was it a lie? I saw no such thing from where I was standing.”
Cassian clenched his jaw until Christine stepped forward and gently touched Isabella’s arm. “Never mind all of that now, are you up for tea at while we wait for the letter?” She turned her full attention to Isabella.
The look of understanding in her eyes made Isabella feel more at ease. Christine was on her side; if she said that she did not wish to join the duke for tea, then she would not be forced to do so.
Composing herself, Isabella smiled. She would be damned if she was going to allow the duke to see just how much his ‘lie’ had wounded her. “I think tea shall be lovely, that is, if the duke will have us.” She turned defiantly toward him, angling her chin in a challenge.
Cassian’s lips parted a fraction of an inch, only so much that Isabella was able to tell the difference. The look in his eyes was still veiled, but his breathing hinted at something deeper that had possibly shaken him. “I would be delighted if you would both join us for tea. That way, we can begin planning the wedding.” His gaze hovered on hers, sending a wave of heat down her chest.
“Splendid, it is settled then!” Lady Kendrick clapped before wedging her way between Lady Isabella and Christine. “Now, shall we begin discussing what color dress Isabella should wear and how many guests we should invite?”
Isabella allowed herself to be dragged by the arm, but her heart and mind heard little of what was being said.
The truth was, she was angry with him. Angrier than she had been before. The look in his eyes had been so convincing that even she had believed him for a second. He had said he loved her, and she had wanted to say it back, and that made her angry.
Who did he think he was to toy with her emotions like that? Did he think so little of her that he would say the words upon command, and then continue to ignore her?
If that was truly what he thought of her, then she would give him a piece of her mind as soon as they were alone again. He would not get away with his little performance, even if it was the last thing that she did! She would see to it that he paid in full. No man treated her like that, especially not the man she was going to marry.
A plan began to form in the back of her mind as they entered their carriage and began to journey back to Everthorne House.
She would get him on his own, and when she did, there would be hell to pay.
Chapter Twenty-One
Cassian sat across from Isabella in the house’s drawing room as they all sat with cups of tea in their hands. The conversations all started casually enough, but an awkward silence had soon descended when Isabella had given little to no input at all.
His grandmother and Lady Isabella’s mother slowly sipped their tea while exchanging loaded glances of concern.
Is she… angry at me?
A frown etched itself into Cassian’s brow as he stared back at her. It was becoming increasingly evident to him that there was a stand-off happening, yet he was not certain why.
He had said that he loved her, as he had been instructed to do. The overly zealous lady had believed him and granted them the license. What he did not understand was why she was angry at him about all of it.
Placing her cup a little too harshly in its saucer, Isabella forced a stiff smile that Cassian instantly saw through.
“Is something the matter, Lady Isabella?” He finally asked when the silence grew even thicker.
Letting out a huff, she pursed her lips before speaking. “Nothing at all, Your Grace. I was simply wondering if you would care to indulge me in a simple fencing match.”
“I beg your pardon.” He continued to frown at her, understanding even less than he had when silence had reigned in the room.
Her stepmother seemed to shift uncomfortably in her seat as she, too, began to frown.
His grandmother, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying whatever it was that was happening.
“I asked if you cared to challenge me in a friendly fencing match, Your Grace. We may use the wooden practice foils if you are scared of getting injured.” She suggested, nonchalantly.
Huffing with laughter, his grandmother tilted her head back before biting back her mirth under Cassian’s sharp glare.
“I am not concerned for my well-being, Lady Isabella. I am, however, concerned for yours. You have only just begun to learnthe subtle art of fencing, while I, on the other hand, have been practicing for years.” He countered darkly.
“Not as much as you spend whittling away at those blocks of wood,” his grandmother added with raised eyebrows as she quickly averted her gaze and continued to sip her tea.
Cassian shot her another glare, yet he knew very well that it was a lost cause when she had made up her mind to be against him. “I do not think it is an appropriate activity, Lady Isabella. How many lessons have you attended? One?”
“Two,” she bit back sharply. “And if you are concerned for my safety, I can assure you that I am not, Your Grace. I am more than adequate with a foil. In fact, my instructor said I handle one beautifully, more so than any woman he has ever taught.” She graciously sipped her tea while challenging him with her gaze.
