Cassia nodded and noticed Darkwood had already stomped off. Had she really agreed to dance the allemande with Darkwood? And why had he asked? She’d think about it later. For now, Caliazo’s eyes still followed her with open interest.
The Colonel extended his hand and led her to the floor. “This is my first time in Hertfordshire, what a beautiful country.”
“We think so,” said Cassia as she turned. “Have you and your cousin been able to spend as much time out of doors as you wish?”
“Oh of course.” The Colonel took her to the middle of the set and continued. “Dark and I spend much of the year together, and this year he requested I come early to help him with a few business accounts. He and I are joint stewards in a few areas of the estate.”
He spun her gracefully and continued. “After you both left Netherfield, my cousin and I spoke highly of you, and your sister,” he said as they stepped down the line.
“Oh really?” said Cassia incredulously. “I wasn’t sure the impression we left. You seemed amiable, but thenhemust be exceedingly skilled in hiding his approval,” she smiled.
They exchanged partners for a moment, Cassia finding herself in the hands of Master Clovis, who stared at her with a frightening intensity.
As she came back to the Colonel he continued. “You should all give Darkwood a chance. He’s notsobad once you get to know him. I’ve told him time and again his initial impression needs work. He seems far more haughty and disinterested than he really is.”
Cassia could not contain her grin and slight laugh. “You sir, must be an invaluable influence on the man. Though I assure you, your suggestions have not been heeded by the gentleman.”
“He did mention your adept ability to express your sentiment. Now I see what he means.” He smiled at her, and Cassia could not believe High Mage Darkwood had even mentioned her. Another turn and more pleasant conversation caused her to forget about Darkwood and anyone else. This man seemed genuine and possessed actual manners, not to mention a very inviting face. Gentlemen usually did not pay her attention in this way.
“May I ask,” he said, after a few minutes had passed, “why that shorter gentleman is staring at you so intently?”
Cassia managed the slightest of glances over her shoulder and dropped her voice. “That is my cousin, next to inherit my father’s estate due to entail…”
“It would seem he might wish for more than the estate, Miss Cassia.”
He voiced what she had begun to fear over the past few days. The recollection of her mother’s remarks, covert conversations around Longbourn, and Master Clovis’ increasing proximity did not assuage her nerves.
The Colonel then read her face like a letter. “You do not wish to be allied with your cousin?”
Cassia did not attempt to hide her answer in her facial expression.
“I have just met you, sir, and must admit it is remarkable how well you read the situation at hand.”
“So you do not wish to marry him, not even for the family’s well-being?”
Cassia felt herself blush and was grateful for the choreographed turn. “I ought to be selfless and think of my family, sir, but alas I cannot.”
“I think he wishes to ask you tonight.” He cleared his throat. “I know it is bad manners to speak of one’s ability, but it’s time I explain mine. My mother was sisters with Darkwood’s mother, and very persuasive. My father, as you might be able to tell by my visage and name, was Italian. The combination of the two renders me a persuasive facilitator...especially of romance.”
He smiled at her and Cassia finally understood his astute ability. He lifted his arm and Cassia turned under it. “I can therefore often detect love interests—or in your case, the lack of interest.”
His easy tone caused her to almost laugh. “You understand perfectly.” She had thought to distrust men with abilities, but the more she spoke with Caliazo, the more he seemed harmless and genuine and kind. And clearly imbued with an Italian’s propensity for romance.
“You will see,” he said with a gentle, but intrigued, eye toward her. “I have a sense for these things.”
The music drew to a close, and she curtsied toward him. He brought her to the edge of the floor, but before she could thank him a second time (for in truth she loved dancing with the man), Master Clovis appeared at her elbow.
“My fair cousin,” he crooned, taking her elbow and leading her toward the garden, “Let us walk and enjoy some fresh air...”
Cassia looked over her shoulder, but the Colonel had all but disappeared. She found herself nearing the middle of the patio with Clovis. “This is far enough, I daresay,” said Cassia, planting herself firmly close to the door.
“I gathered my resolve during this last dance,” said Master Clovis, “It is incumbent on me, nay, it is my pleasure, or shall I say, from the very moment I came to Longbourn…” he continued, fumbling around for words.
Cassia wasn’t sure what was happening but surely such a speech so close to the doorway looked quite odd.
“To settle my desire for matrimony by making an offer to one of my dear cousins. And as you and I have such similar minds, such sameness of intellect, wit, and sociality, I find myself unable to contain my desire any longer.”
This could not be. Not here and now! Two more couples had made their way to the nether parts of the patio, and Master Clovis continued, loud and unphased, through it all.
