He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “Now I’m most curious to why you acted that way.”
“How close a relation are you to Lord Gavin Worthington?”
His smile widened. “He is one of my close cousins.”
“Oh dear.” All humor left her. “Then perhaps I shouldn’t say anything.”
“No, please, go on.” He rested his hand over her fingers that still held on to his arm. “I enjoy hearing about my cousins’ exploits, whether good or bad.”
“Well, I can assure you, this isn’t one of Lord Gavin’s good stories.”
“Tell me anyway.”
“Lord Gavin seduced my friend’s aunt.”
“Heraunt?” He paused briefly. “How old was this lady’s aunt?”
“She was nearing her thirtieth birthday, but she looked much younger.”
Collin nodded. “Then I’m pleased to hear he didn’t seduce an old woman.”
Cassandra tilted back her head and laughed loudly again, not able to control it. She liked that Collin’s comments could catch her off guard. “Oh, that is very humorous, especially when I actually pictured it in my mind.”
“I must admit that most of my cousins are rogues.” He shrugged one shoulder. “The truth is, most of the Worthington men hold some type of scandalous title.”
She knew it, but what she didn’t know was if this included Collin. “What about you? What title do you hold?”
“Oh, my sweet Cassandra, I fear that telling you would ruin your opinion of me.”
“Indeed? What kind of opinion do you think I have?”
Grinning, he touched a finger to her nose. “This morning, you thought I was arrogant, and this evening while you played for the group, you thought me charming. I would rather you think of me as amiable.”
It frustrated her that he wouldn’t tell her, but she also knew that he was flirty, which meant he had a roguish personality, just like his cousins.
As he led them away from her mother’s flower garden, the voices of Jacob and Olivia leaving the house let Cassandra know her private stroll with Lord Hanover would be over soon. She nearly sighed with relief. She wasn’t used to being strong and keeping her emotions in check. But seconds later, she heard more voices, and she peeked over her shoulder just as her parents and Lord Kentwood exited the house.
“Hanover, a moment, please,” Lord Kentwood said loudly, raising his hand.
When Cassandra’s escort stopped and faced his friend, her hopes sank. The expression on the other man’s face wasn’t veryencouraging. She couldn’t tell if Lord Kentwood was upset or just impatient.
“Hanover,” Lord Kentwood said as he reached them. “Forgive me for cutting this evening short, but I just remembered another function I had agreed to attend this evening.” His gaze shifted to Cassandra. “I hope you forgive me as well.”
Slowly, she released her hold of Lord Hanover’s arm. Although disappointed that they hadn’t had more time together, she realized how fortunate it was that he had paid her some attention. After tonight, she doubted she would see him again. Both men had mentioned coming to Bath on holiday, which meant they would soon leave. There would be no reason to further their acquaintance with the lowly Featherstone family.
Collin turned and bowed to her. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Featherstone.”
“The pleasure was all mine, Lord Hanover.”
Once the lords said their goodbyes, they climbed inside their coach and drove away. Although this was a night Cassandra would never forget, she would return to being the reclusive maiden her father had made her into and prepare for spinsterhood.
*
Collin sat inthe coach, staring out the window, but the only things he could see were Cassandra’s wide blue eyes. When she smiled or laughed, they sparkled like the sun hitting an ocean on a clear day.
Exhaling slowly, he relaxed on the seat, remembering her slightly disheveled appearance when he had first looked at her when she opened the door to greet him and Kentwood. Herblonde hair wasn’t as smooth as most women he knew, and her worn gown needed ironing.
She had seemed very hesitant and leery of them both. He knew his attitude hadn’t been exemplary at that time, due to the carriage breaking down, as well as the infuriating missive that had been delivered from his father this morning. Needless to say, Collin hadn’t been in good spirits when arriving at the Featherstone home.
