Slowly, she breathed, trying to gain control again. “I don’t know how to answer that.”
“Why not?”
“Because I have been thinking of you, but not the way you probably imagine.”
He hitched a breath. “But…youhavethought of me.”
She tried to breathe calmly, even though her heartbeat raced. Seeing the sparkle in his hazel eyes wasn’t a good thing. “How could I not? You are the one who inherited my dead husband’s title.”
The light that had been in his eyes dimmed. “Cass, believe me when I say I’m truly sorry for your loss.” He paused briefly. “What happened, if you don’t mind my asking?”
She frowned. “You don’t know?”
“The first I had heard of this was a couple of weeks ago.”
Slowly, she shook her head. “He has been dead for a year now. He died two days after we were married.”
Collin gasped and lifted his hand to his lips. His rapid blinking made her wonder if he was trying to hold back tears. And yet the expression that flitted across his face showed he was vastly relieved but felt guilty about it. Still, she couldn’t allow that to sway her from her goal.
“Forgive me,” he said in a whisper, “but can you tell me how…how did he die?”
“He and a few of his cronies went out on a boat that capsized. My intoxicated husband was the only one who drowned.” Cassandra didn’t dare mention that strumpets had been on the boat with those men. Knowing her husband had been unfaithful so soon after they exchanged vows was quite humiliating and not something she shared with anyone.
“I’m…so sorry, Cassandra. I honestly didn’t know.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Youare sorry?”
“Of course. Talbot had been my very good friend at one time. I’m sure you were devastated to have your husband die so quickly after the wedding.”
She rolled her eyes. “For your information, my lord, I wasnotdevastated. If you recall, our marriage was one that neither Lord Kentwood nor I had wanted.”
Collin frowned. “Yes, I remember.” His hand dropped to his side, and he squared his shoulders. “So, tell me, what are you doing at my brother’s wedding? Did you want to discuss the manors and which one you will receive?”
As she fought the feelings of doubt about her reactions, she focused on all the pain and agony she had experienced since meeting him. Tears stung her eyes, but she would not shed them. Collin Worthington wasn’t worth the effort. Not any longer.
“That is not why I’m here.” She took a reassuring breath. “I sought you out today to tell you how much I despise you.”
His eyes widened once again. “Pardon me?”
“Because of what happened just more than a year ago…you ruined me. I have been utterly miserable, and it’s all your fault.”
His brows drew together. “I ruined you? How do you figure that when Talbot was the one who—”
“Because,” she quickly interrupted him, “you didnothingto stop it or even prevent it from happening.”
Collin sighed heavily and pushed his fingers through his wavy hair. “I fear you’re not making any sense. How could I have possibly stopped it?”
Anger grew inside of her, and she fisted her hands. “Because,” she said through tight lips, “you did not come to the cottage like you told me you would.”
“The cottage?” He shook his head.
Cassandra had had enough of this guessing game. He played the innocent, and not very well. Before he said something to soften her heart, it was time to make others see him for the fool she knew him to be.
She released a very loud, agitated sigh. “Youruinedmy family with your roguish actions,” she shouted. “You ruined…my life, and I shall never forgive you for that.”
Gradually, the wedding crowd became quiet, which was exactly what she wanted. Collin stood frozen, and his face hadlost a little color. His throat jumped in what must have been a hard swallow.
“Cass—”
