Lucy shook her head. “Be that as it may, Captain Swift just asked me a few moments ago whether I thought he should return to London in search of Penelope or was I quite certain she was indeed on her way.”
Cass shrugged. “What did you tell him?”
“I told him I was quite certain she was on her way, of course, but he’s getting more and more difficult to stave off.”
Cass laughed. “Oh,nowyou’re worried. Really? Aren’t you the one who has said all along not to worry?”
Lucy narrowed her eyes on her friend. “You’re not worried?”
Another shrug. “Not really. Not any longer. Did you seat me next to Julian as I asked?”
Lucy nodded. “Of course I did.”
“Excellent. Then let’s eat.” Cass stepped around Lucy and made toward the door.
Lucy put her hand on Cass’s shoulder to stop her. She narrowed her eyes again. “Who are you?”
Cass flashed her a bright smile. “Don’t you recognize me, Lucy? You created me. I’m Patience Bunbury.”
Cass swept into the dining room. The moment she entered the room, all eyes were upon her again. She boldly strode over to Julian’s side to sit at the empty seat next to him. “Captain Swift.” She nodded to him.
He stood until she sat and helped her push in her chair. Excellent. He was certain to get a good view of her décolletage from above. He looked a bit uncomfortable again when he resumed his seat. “Good evening, Miss Bunbury.”
The service began soon after, and Cass kept the conversation moving at a brisk clip, talking about things like the weather, the delicious food, and last evening’s card games. Every now and again, Julian’s eyes dipped to her chest. A little thrill shot through her. She’d never before used her feminine wiles so blatantly, but tonight, tonight she was exceedingly pleased to have them at her disposal. It was going exactly according to her plan. He winced and seemed uncomfortable each time he glanced down.
Once the last course was removed, Cass put the second part of her plan into action. “I hope you’ll skip the drinks with the gentlemen this evening and take me for a stroll around the gardens before it gets too cold.” Now that wasquitebold, indeed. The art of being bold was becoming easier with practice.
“If you wish, Miss Bunbury,” Julian answered easily. He offered his arm and she put hers through his. He helped her pull up her shawl. He escorted her out of the drawing room, through the corridor, and out of the French doors in the library that led to the terrace.
They silently walked down the stone steps and into the gardens before Julian turned to face her. “I must say I was a bit surprised you asked me to escort you out here tonight.”
She tucked her head down. “Did you not say you enjoyed the outdoors?”
“I did. I do. Very much. But given the way you left the library last night…” He cleared his throat.
“I’m sorry about that,” she replied. “I wasn’t feeling quite well, I’m afraid.”
His face reflected his concern. “I’m pleased to hear that it wasn’t my company that caused you to run off. I do hope you’re feeling better this evening.”
“Oh, I’m feelingeverso much better this evening, Captain.”
They strolled a bit farther until they came upon the same stone bench they’d sat upon the last time they’d been in the gardens. Cass released Julian’s arm and took a seat. She patted the space next to her. If he sat there, she’d have him right where she wanted him. She leaned back and braced her hands behind her. Her chest jutted out. Perfect. She let the shawl fall away from her décolletage. Also perfect.
Unfortunately, Julian remained standing. He cleared his throat and stared off into the distance. “It’s not too cold out here for you?”
“No. Not at all.” Actually, it was freezing, especially since her chest was exposed, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. Though no doubt he could tell by the fact that her breasts were decidedly standing at, ahem, attention.
“You… you look qu-quite beautiful tonight.” He tugged at his cravat.
My word. Had she made Julian Swift blush? She couldn’t quite tell in the scant light from the candles but she had a suspicion.
Cass steeled her resolve. Whoever this other lady was, she wasn’t going to win Julian without a fight. A big fight, a fight that involved décolletage. A lot of it.
“Won’t you sit, Captain Swift? It might be a bit warmer if we… sat close to each other.”
Oh, that was scandalous. The first of many scandalous things she intended to say tonight.
He sat, though his body was rigid and he didn’t look at her.
