Cassandra’s laugh was soft and humorless. “No. It seems even freedom does not wait for me.”
“Oh, dear… I do understand you, but please don’t put yourself in danger.”
Cassandra turned then.
“And what would you have me do?” she asked quietly. “Spend the rest of my life with a cold husband who regards me as an inconvenience?”
Athena hesitated. “Cold is not the word I would choose.”
Cassandra let out a short, humorless laugh. Her friend seemed hesitant to say it, which did not surprise her at all given that it was so blatantly incorrect.
“You have known him for less than a day.”
“And in that time, I have observed him,” Anthea replied evenly. “And this morning at breakfast, he did not appear cold at all.”
Cassandra frowned.
“Toward whom?”
“Toward all of us, but especially about you.”
“That is impossible. He hardly has a good thing to say about me.”
Anthea smiled faintly.
“Then you must not have been paying attention.”
Cassandra looked away, unsettled despite herself.
“He watches you,” Anthea continued. “Not as one watches a problem.”
“He watches me as one watches a fire. To ensure it does not spread.”
“Perhaps,” Anthea said. “But fires may also be admired.”
Cassandra did not answer. She did not wish to consider that possibility, as it complicated everything.
They were not alone for long. Cassandra sensed him before she saw him, the way one sensed a change in the weather. Anthea noticed as well, her posture shifting, her expression smoothing into polite neutrality.
“Lady Cassandra,” His Grace said as he entered.
Cassandra turned. He stood a short distance away, hands clasped behind his back, his expression unreadable. If he was angry, he concealed it well. If he was amused, she could not yet tell. Anthea curtseyed.
“Your Grace. I believe I shall leave you to speak.”
Cassandra shot her a look, half warning, half plea. Anthea only smiled apologetically.
“I should see whether anyone requires me.”
And then she was gone. The silence that followed felt heavier for her absence. The Duke regarded Cassandra for a moment longer than was comfortable.
“So… what happened?”
Cassandra hesitated. The bold certainty that had carried her to the paddock had long since faded, leaving behind a sharp awareness of consequence. She folded her hands together.
“I wanted to ride,” she said at last, meeting his gaze. “Only for a moment.”
A faint pause.
