As she tucked in her food, Soren observed with a wicked wink, “You have an appetite this morning, my lady.”
“Pleasing you is hard work,” she replied, a piece of sausage on her fork ready to pop into her mouth—
The clearing of a masculine throat prevented her from eating. The Duke of Camberly had approached their table and had overheard her comment.
Soren laughed and stood out of respect to his friend’s title. Cassandra wished she could crawl under the table. She started to stand but the duke waved her to sit.
“Please remain in your chair, my lady, and finish your meal. And don’t look so mortified. I envy my friend. I’m happy the marriage seems off to a good start.”
“Please join us, Your Grace,” Soren invited easily.
Cassandra had set down her fork and knife. First, it was always uncomfortable eating in front of someone who wasn’t dining. Secondly, she caught herself comparing the two men. She wondered if God had brought the duke to their table as a test.
Yes, Camberly was extremely handsome. Almost physically perfect. She understood why at one time she’d been excited over the thought that he might have been interested in her.
However, now she believed he lacked the character Soren possessed.
Indeed, the duke didn’t look as if he was feeling quite well. There were dark circles under his eyes, the sort that were caused by anxiousness.
“I can see that Lady Dewsberry won’t eat in my presence,” he said, taking a step away. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“Please sit, Your Grace,” she heard herself saying. “Have you eaten yet?” The words flowed out of her. Before she’d been too self-conscious around Camberly to say very much of anything. Their conversations together had been quite stilted as a consequence. However now, her concern for him set her at ease.
“That’s very kind of you. But I can’t intrude any longer.”
“We are traveling to Pentreath today,” Soren said. “If you have the opportunity, it would be an honor if you visited.”
“I may.” The duke shook Soren’s offered hand but he did not let it go immediately. He looked from Soren to Cass and smiled, the expression sad. “I’m envious of your obvioustrueaffection for each other.”
On those words, he released Soren’s hand and went striding toward the door.
Soren sat. He leaned toward Cassandra. “Do I have a reason to be jealous?”
She grinned. “Are you?” She bit into the sausage.
“A bit. You were once quite taken with his looks.”
“You knew that?”
Soren’s gray gaze met hers. “Sometimes, Cassandra, I believe I know everything about you.”
“Not everything.” It felt good to be able to say that, especially after the day she’d had yesterday. She picked up a piece of toast. “Although you do know what I like for breakfast.”
“You are English. We are predictable.” He rapped the table once and said, “Spill it, what were you thinking when you were talking to Camberly?”
“I was thinking he appeared quite downcast. Did you not notice?”
“No, I was too jealous.”
That made Cassandra laugh and then she stopped, struck by a new thought. “If I had married the duke, do you believe Camberly would have stayed beside me once he learned MP Holwell had spent all my inheritance?”
“Matt is a good man. However, you are not dispelling my jealousy.”
“I do not believe you have anything to be jealous over, my lord.” MP Holwell had been right—Camberly would never have chosen her. Her statement made Soren smile. “However, I sense the duke is upset.”
He reached for a piece of her toast. “And why do you think he is?”
“I believe he is not taking Letty Bainhurst’s defection lightly.”
