Given the earliness of the hour, Cassandra was amazed at how many of the fashionable set were up. Dame Hester was eating with her husband and there were at least a half dozen of the others who had witnessed the scene with Soren last night. The dowager was bustling about giving instructions to both servants and guests.
Soren took charge. He announced, “If I may beg your attention?”
The room quieted.
“Miss Holwell has made me the happiest of men. She has agreed to be my wife.”
All eyes turned to her, and then the room seemed to explode with good wishes. Cassandra was suddenly self-conscious. She was aware that her hair was not done, that she hadn’t even polished her teeth before she had charged out of the house to stop the duel. She thought to excuse herself to properly dress except the guests would not let her leave.
They acted as if she looked perfectly fine. The hugs from the ladies felt genuine. The handshakes Soren received made Cassandra feel as if she had made the right choice. Lord Bainhurst and the duke acted as if they had played a part in matching the couple and they did so with great pride. She looked around for Willa, who was not at the table yet. Her friend enjoyed her sleep.
However, Letty Bainhurst was present. She rose from her breakfast, her hair and dress perfect, and whispered to Cassandra, “See? I knew you and Dewsberry would be excellent for each other.”
People acted genuinely pleased for Soren. It was obvious that he was well-liked among the men. Of course, this was a crowd that if they’d heard the duel had taken place and one of the duelists had been injured, they would be equally forgiving. Such was the nature of this set.
And she would be one of them. Lady Dewsberry. Her Ladyship. My lady.Hislady.
Cassandra glanced over to Soren and her heart did a funny thing. It actually seemed to grow a little.
The sensation was extraordinary. She didn’t know that hearts could do that. She also found herself watching him and thinking about that kiss.
Yes, things could be good between them. She understood that now. This was not a mistake—
The room fell silent.
Heads turned to the door where Cassandra’s father and stepmother had appeared.
Stepping forward, the dowager called in greeting, “MP Holwell, you are joining us just in time. You lucky man, you are going to have son-in-law. Your daughter accepted Dewsberry’s offer.”
Chapter 8
Soren knew the dowager was aware of the impact of her words. He could only believe that she’d decided to attack the matter head-on and consequently, give the marriage her blessing, almost as if in defiance of Holwell’s disapproval.
He didn’t care what the man thought. But he did worry about Cass. She seemed to change right before his eyes. A second earlier, she had appeared as happy and adorably rumpled as a woman who had set out to stop a duel should. Now, she became a shadow of that woman—especially when her father shot her a look of pure malice.
Soren placed his hand on the small of her back, a light touch to let her know that he was beside her. They were together.
Holwell’s narrowed eyes noticed the movement. “You bloody bastard. Take your hands off my daughter.” He raised a fist.
Soren’s response was to circle her waist with his arm. He said, “Your daughter has paid me the honor of agreeing to become my wife. Our families will be joined. I want things to be good between us, for her sake.”
“If she marries you, she isnodaughter of mine.” On those hard words he left, his mousy wife scampering to catch up. It was exactly what he’d done last night, except this time when Cass started after him. Soren grabbed her hand.
“I must talk to him,” she offered as if apologizing.
“Then I will go with you.”
“It is best you don’t.”
“Cass—”
“Please, I must do this myself.” This time when she tugged on her hand, he let her go.
“Well,” the dowager said, breaking the silence after Cass had left the room. “He is unpleasant.”
“Did you expect him to be something different?” Admiral Sir Denby Clark said. He motioned for a servant to fetch him another sausage.
The dowager answered, “I would expect some grace. He’s lucky to have a son-in-law like Dewsberry. He acted like a buffoon.”
