Chapter Six
That evening, Cassandrapicked at the food on her plate, not really in the mood to eat. Her family and their two invited guests sat around the table for supper. Pa and her two brothers appeared exhausted after fixing the lords’ carriage, and of course, the two lords hadn’t broken a sweat—unless it was because they had walked too fast on their way to repair the vehicle.
Lord Kentwood took up most of the conversation, just as he had done when they first met. He had many stories to tell, which enthralled her family, especially Cassandra’s siblings. She enjoyed hearing the stories as well, but Lord Hanover had captured her attention more. The man’s gaze wandered around their meager furnishings in disgust, and she couldn’t help but feel offended. She loathed men who were so arrogant that they couldn’t understand those who were in a lower class. She wanted to say something or slap his expression right off his face. But she had been raised right, which meant she would say nothing.
At least Lord Kentwood was being polite, even though by now, the men would have figured out the Featherstones’ lowly circumstances. The handsome lord with brown hair had certainly better manners than his friend, and her respect for the man grew.
Ma hadn’t seemed to notice the way the uppity Lord Hanover was acting. She fawned over both men as if she had never servedfood to guests in her house before. At least Cassandra heard the snooty lord thank her mother for her kind hospitality, and for the tasty food. Cassandra tried not to let it disturb her that her mother never once acknowledged that the meal was mainly prepared by the baron’s daughters andnotthe baroness.
Cassandra nibbled on her roll and watched Lord Hanover take another sip of wine. Slowly, his gaze lifted and moved straight to her. Surprised that he would even look at her, she sucked in a breath, and nearly choked. Trying not to show her inability to breathe for a few seconds, she grabbed her glass and forced the wine down her throat—as daintily as possible, of course.
Once she felt she had it under control, she peeked toward Lord Hanover again. His attention was still on her. This time, his gaze had narrowed, but thankfully, he didn’t appear to be disgusted now. At the moment, she wasn’t certain exactly what kind of expression he wore. Was he feeling pleasant or annoyed?
The room grew quiet as everyone continued with their meal. She pretended to eat, but nobody really noticed, which was how she wanted it, because she had never enjoyed being the center of attention. Yet whenever she peeked toward Lord Hanover, his focus was still on her.
She shifted in her seat, feeling extremely uncomfortable. If only they could return to how they treated each other earlier, with indifference and no respect for the other. Perhaps he was getting revenge on her because she had been keeping an eye on him just to see how disgusted he acted.
She swallowed the small amount of food in her mouth, slower this time so as not to choke. Tightening her fingers around the fork, she silently counted to ten, trying to calm herself. Her palm moistened, and her throat turned dry. Why was he still staring? And how could she stop him? Unless perhaps it was time to strike up a conversation with him. At leastthat might get the others around the table talking and, in the process, teach him that looking at her in such a way would only make her irritable.
Straightening her shoulders, she sat up and aimed her gaze at him, but as she opened her mouth to speak, he cleared his throat.
“Miss Featherstone, I believe you and your sister helped prepare the meal, correct?”
His voice was smooth as silk, and surprisingly, not judgmental. Not yet, anyway. Either that or he knew how to hold it inside for the moment.
She nodded. “Indeed we did, my lord.”
“I must say”—he glanced briefly at his potatoes—“I have never eaten anything so tasty. I have been to Paris and even Ireland, but never has a mere potato tasted so heavenly.”
His compliment caught her off guard. Up until now, she didn’t believe he knew how to be kind. Her thoughts stumbled, and she wasn’t certain if he was being rude or complimentary.
“Uh, I thank you, my lord.”
He lifted his glass of wine to her. “I commend you for having such a rare talent.”
Even as perplexed as she felt right now, she still managed a smile. “Knowing that you have enjoyed the dish makes me very happy.”
Pa wiped the linen napkin across his mouth before leaning forward slightly, zeroing his gaze on Lord Hanover. “My daughter is extremely talented. You should hear her on the pianoforte. And she sings.”
Embarrassment swept over Cassandra, making her face hot. She really wished her father hadn’t said that. She hated the attention everyone was giving her. Although she was grateful her father didn’t shame her, she still thought he exaggerated her accomplishments.
Lord Hanover’s eyebrows lifted as his expression changed to one of curiosity. “You play?”
“Yes.” She licked her suddenly dry lips. “However, I doubt I’m as good as my father makes it sound.”
“Do you have a pianoforte?” Lord Hanover asked.
“Indeed we do,” Cassandra’s mother quickly answered. “It’s in the music room. Would you like to hear her play, my lord?”
He kept his gaze on her as he slowly nodded. “I think I would enjoy that very much.”
Cassandra swallowed the lump of terror rising in her dry throat. “Do you also play, my lord?”
His smile widened. She couldn’t believe how handsome that made him. Now she wished he would return to being irritable. At least she could control her thoughts when he annoyed her.
“I do, Miss Featherstone. I happen to enjoy music.”
She nodded. “As do I. There are times when music is the only way to soothe my nerves.”
