Cassandra slowed in spite of herself. Lady Sylvia stood there, perfectly composed, hands folded, her expression falsely warm.
“I ought to offer you my congratulations,” Sylvia said. “It must be gratifying to see such perseverance rewarded.”
Cassandra inclined her head. She knew that it was not a compliment, and that she was inferring entrapment, but Cassandra was not going to give her the satisfaction of knowing that.
“Thank you.”
Sylvia smiled, her gaze flicking briefly toward the Duke before returning to Cassandra.
“Not every woman succeeds in securing such an advantageous position. One hears so many stories of misplaced ambition, and it is interesting to see that it can work at times.”
“Yes, well I assure you, ambition played no role in what occurred.”
“Of course,” Sylvia replied smoothly. “Still, it is impressive how circumstances may be shaped, if one is bold enough.”
“I did not shape anything,” Cassandra said, her voice calm only through effort. “If anything, I would say that it was your own ambition to bring that group to the garden that brought me here. In that respect, I have you to thank.”
“I would not say that. We all make choices, and you chose to–”
“That will be sufficient, Lady Sylvia.”
Cassandra turned to see the Duke standing beside her, completely composed. If he felt irritation, it was carefully concealed. Cassandra wished that she could hide her emotions even half as well.
“Your Grace, I meant no offense. I was merely offering congratulations.”
“By suggesting Lady Cassandra engineered her own disgrace, yes,” the Duke said. “Which is an interesting charge, considering it was you who summoned others to the library that night, as Lady Cassandra said herself.”
Sylvia flushed.
“I was attempting to protect her from Lord Lashton.”
“By ensuring she was discovered in a compromising position,” he replied. “Your concern is noted.”
Cassandra said nothing. She was too stunned to speak. The words hung between them, heavy and undeniable. She did not need rescuing, but she was grateful for it all the same.
“Regardless,” Lady Sylvia said with false composure, “I congratulate you as well, Your Grace.”
“You may save your congratulations for the gathering I am to host at my country estate.”
“A gathering?”
Cassandra had the same question.
“Our engagement celebration,” he said. “It will continue until the wedding.”
For a moment, Sylvia appeared entirely lost for words. Cassandra hoped that she concealed her own surprise better.
“I had not heard,” she said finally.
“You have now.”
She curtsied stiffly and withdrew. Cassandra watched her go, pulse racing. She turned slowly to the Duke.
“What gathering?” she hissed.
“An engagement party, as I said.”
“Until the wedding?”
