Mr. Quinn’s voice faltered when he said the last word. Sympathy pulled at Cassian’s heart.
“Ethelismy fiancée, yes,” Cassian said, “but I have no intention of behaving as though she’s more than that in the near future.”
Mr. Quinn merely stared, his face a mess of confusion. Cassian let out a laugh-sigh. If only he could explain himself better right now. But he had to speak with Ethel first.
“Anyway,” Cassian began, clasping his hands together before starting over toward his wardrobe. “Let’s move on. I need to choose something to wear.”
***
One hour later, Cassian and Ethel were seated across from each other in Cassian’s stateroom, their breakfast plates in front of them. Cassian was still mustering up the courage to broach the subject of his fiancée’s obvious feelings for his valet. He took asip of his coffee and fought back a frown as he swallowed. James’s would have been better. Everyone else seemed to mix in either too little or too much cream.
In the middle of his second sip of second-rate coffee, Cassian watched Ethel’s fingers brush the handle of her fork, but then she retracted her hand like she wasn’t certain whether or not she ought to start eating. Cassian supposed that it might be better for them not to just yet.
“Ethel,” Cassian said, fighting not to show the swell of nervousness making his stomach churn. “I think it’s best if we talk first.”
“Right.” Ethel’s hands fell to her lap. “Yes.”
“Now, the reason why I wanted the two of us to talk in private is that I’ve come to the realization recently that you haven’t been entirely truthful with me.”
Ethel’s eyes flew wide. Cassian held up his hand.
“I know why, and I’m not mad.”
“Cassian, what—”
“Mr. Quinn,” Cassian said bluntly. “You like him.”
Ethel’s hands found her necklace, and there was a pause.
“He’s a fine man,” she said as her hands began to fiddle with the pendant. “Of course I like him.”
Back and forth, Ethel’s pendant moved on the chain.Zzzpp, zzzpp, zzzpp.Cassian flicked his eyes to the ceiling.
“Ethel, you’re in love with him.”
Ethel froze.
“Wh-what? I-I’m not—”
“Don’t lie to me. Please.”
Immediately, Ethel’s bottom lip began to tremble. Her hands began to shake, too. Cassian softened his expression.
“I promise that I haven’t brought you here to scold you,” he said. “But I can’t simply carry on as though I haven’t noticed.”
Ethel had no response to that.
Leaning forward, Cassian rested his head on his hand, partially covering his face with his palm. He tried to work out what he ought to say next. Meanwhile, Ethel continued to sit there, stunned. After a minute or so, Cassian restraightened his posture.
“Alright, look, seeing as you are engaged tome, andnotto my valet, I think that what’s needed right now is for the two of us to figure out how to move forward.” He sat back in his chair. “Does Mr. Quinn know of your feelings for him? Have you two spoken about it?”
Ethel shook her head, her fast movement barely even perceptible. Cassian nodded to himself. He’d thought not but hadn’t been sure.
“Does your mother know?” he asked next.
Another shake of the head.
“You do know that Mr. Quinn returns your feelings, though, yes?”
