She wrung her black-gloved hands against her middle as she swung her attention to the people standing close to her. Nobody looked at her as if they had seen the brief contact between herand Collin. Everyone seemed to be wrapped up in their own lives. With any luck, things would remain that way.
How many minutes had passed? Perhaps she should have been counting them instead of thinking about Collin. However, she would start on her way regardless of the time. She was too anxious to wait any longer. She wanted to know why he wanted her to meet him on the terrace. At the same time, she hoped he didn’t think she was someone else. Her already low self-esteem wouldn’t be able to take the blow.
With each step toward the terrace doors, her heart hammered that much faster. Part of her wanted to turn away her mother’s suggestion, and yet Cassandra knew this would be the only chance she had at finding a decent husband.
Pushing away the warnings ringing in her ears, she stepped outside. A few couples were strolling through her aunt’s gardens, lit only by the full moon. She continued down the main path until she spotted Collin. He sat on a stone bench, learning forward as he rubbed his forehead.
She trembled anxiously as she headed in his direction, acting like she wasn’t hurrying. She didn’t want to seem overeager or desperate. Then again, if he knew her family’s situation, as she suspected, he would know exactly how distressed she felt right now.
She slowed her steps as she rounded the rock bench. He must have heard the rustle of her gown, because he swung toward her. His mask hung in his fingers, and she dared not sigh aloud from seeing his handsome face.
“Lord Hanover,” she said, hoping it didn’t sound too dreamy.
He grinned. “I thought I asked you to call me Collin.”
Another heavy sigh escaped her, and her body relaxed. “You did. Forgive me, Collin.”
He looked over her, starting at the top of her ringlets, and down over her blue gown.
“You look very lovely tonight, Cassandra. The blue of your gown makes your eyes sparkle. The color complements you well.”
Her cheeks warmed. “Thank you. I think you are very handsome, as well.”
He patted the empty space on the bench next to him. “Would you like to join me?”
Nodding, she sat beside him, but not too close. She didn’t want to stop looking at him, but apparently he didn’t feel the same, because he stared toward her aunt’s small pond not too far from them.
“I’m surprised you noticed me,” she said softly.
His chest shook with a silent laugh. “It is hard to ignore a woman when she is constantly studying me.”
She held her breath.He knew?“I…I’m sorry you saw that.”
He looked at her and winked. “I’m not sorry in the least. It is quite flattering to have a lovely woman staring at me.”
Heat crawled up her face, and yet she couldn’t turn her head. Maybe it didn’t matter, since they were partially in the shadows anyway.
“I was surprised to see you here,” she said after a few uncomfortable seconds.
“Kentwood was invited, so he brought me with him.”
The tone of his voice made her pause. Why did he sound like he didn’t want to be here? “Are you not enjoying yourself?”
He shrugged, and his attention fell to his hands. “I wasn’t, but now…” He met her stare and smiled. “I must admit, the evening is perking up quite nicely. However”—he reached behind her head and untied her mask—“I would rather see your pretty face when I talk to you.”
She chuckled, only to try to get her racing heartbeat to slow down. She held the fallen mask in her lap, grateful that her hands had something to do. “You are too kind with yourcompliments, Collin. One might think you are over-flattering me for a specific reason.”
He arched an eyebrow. “True, one might think that, but I’m curious to know whatyouthink.”
Chapter Nine
Cassandra’s mind turnedblank. Really, there was only one thing that had been in her thoughts lately, and no matter how hard she tried to calm herself and act natural, the simple truth was that she wanted his attention. She wanted them to be alone. But most importantly, she wanted him to fall in love with her.
Dare she hope for the impossible?
“I think you are an expert at charming the ladies, Collin.”
He laughed. “I will not lie. I have been known to charm my share of women. Does my confession shock you?”
