by Meghan Sloan
If only she could feel something for him. She liked him, and considered him a sweet man. But there was nothing there. Cassandra tried to be engaging and find something, but it wasn’t working. All she felt was a relative calm, knowing that she was safe. And that wasn’t the emotion that Cassandra had been hoping for. Percy didn’t make her blush or feel like her corset was too tight. He didn’t look at her like he wanted to savour everything in just a simple look.
Not like Gabriel, the rake of the family. The one Cassandra should not be associating with. And yet the one who made her body feel like she was being turned into a quivering mess.
Stop thinking about him. You’re here for his brother. He’s safe.
I’m not sure that I want safe.
“Are you well, Miss Seton?” Percy peered at her curiously. “You looked a little flushed just now.”
“Oh.” Cassandra shook herself and managed a smile. “I’m fine. I needed to get a breath of air. It was just getting a little warm inside.”
Percy chuckled.
“I understand. Mother insists on having the fire lit in the evening, even when it’s the middle of summer. I’m surprised we don’t get roasted.”
“I think I nearly did.” That wasn’t really why she was feeling warm, but Cassandra would go along with that. She sat back down. “Your parents certainly know how to host a good evening. They’re really nice people.”
“They do try.” Percy sat on the wall beside her, keeping himself at a respectable distance. “Mother always says that it’s best to be kind and considerate to those around you. But treat her badly, and you’re going to know about it. She doesn’t take kindly to being treated in such a way.”
“She doesn’t suffer fools.”
“Pretty much,” Percy made a face. “Although I think she and my father forget that when my Aunt Sally is involved. My father’s sister is a widow, and a wealthy one, and yet she can wrap Father around her little finger to pay for things she claims she can’t afford and bow to her every need.”
Cassandra arched an eyebrow.
“And your father allows her to do that?”
“He made a promise to his father to look after Aunt Sally as she’s ‘delicate’.” Percy rolled his eyes. “That woman is as strong as a horse and I swear she just draws it out so she can keep looking like she’s in need.”
This was not what Cassandra was expecting, especially not from Percy.
“Do you often talk about your family in such a manner?”
“Just my aunt.” Percy’s eyes widened and his cheeks darkened. “Oh. I’m not supposed to speak ill of my family to others, am I? You’ll have to forgive me, Miss Seton. Once I get going, it’s very difficult to stop.”
“I know the feeling,” Cassandra patted his hand. “It’s fine. I won’t tell anyone.”
“Thank you,” Percy grimaced and cleared his throat. “But as I was saying, my parents don’t suffer fools, other than that exception. And they don’t appreciate people who make my parents look like they can’t control their family.”
He wasn’t talking about his Aunt Sally this time; Cassandra was sure of it. She had a feeling she knew who he was talking about.
“You mean your brother Gabriel, don’t you?”
“I do,” Percy gave her a half-smile and shook his head. “My brother...he’s a law unto himself at times. I love him dearly, but he does drive me mad at times. I don’t think he has any rules to follow unless they benefit him. But he’s got a good heart inside him,” he added hurriedly, “and he means well. He just...he just doesn’t know how to use it without looking soft.”
To Cassandra’s surprise, she understood what Percy meant. A lot of the men in society tried to put on a persona that wasn’t really them so they were not perceived as weak. It ended up consuming them and turning them into someone they weren’t. Cassandra could see how this could have consumed Gabriel and turned him into what he had been.
What he was now. He might not have any money, but that charm of his was still there. And Gabriel clearly expected it to work now. Cassandra had seen Gabriel’s expression when he realised that his charm wasn’t working on her. Maybe she was the first one to stand up to him.
You’re supposed to be focusing your attention on Percy, not his older brother. He’s not here. Cassandra cleared her throat and tried to swipe the older brother from her mind. It didn’t quite work.
“I’m not sure if you were trying to compliment your brother or insult him.”
“Probably a bit of both,” Percy gave a lopsided shrug. “He was a fool to have done what he did, but he’s still my brother. He looks after me. Still does, in fact. Gabriel will always get me out of trouble and look out for my best interests.”
“Including facilitating meetings between you and women?”
Percy looked away. He was blushing again.
“I’m not good with approaching women. Gabriel is. The trouble is that most of them seem to find him more attractive than me. They prefer a man with confidence.”
Now Cassandra felt awful. She was glad they were outside and Percy wouldn’t see how much she was blushing. Hopefully. She managed a smile.
“Then they clearly didn’t bother to meet you and get to know the real you.”
“They weren’t too interested once they got talking to Gabriel,” Percy muttered. “It’s not his fault; it’s mine for being so shy.”
“I’m sure it’s not that. You’re talking to me, aren’t you?”
“That’s because you’re so easy to talk to,” Percy glanced around and gave her a slight smile. “I feel comfortable talking to you, Miss Seton.”
“I’m glad.”
And Cassandra felt comfortable talking to Percy as well. She wasn’t about to deny that. He was a really nice man. A little boring, sometimes, but that and his awkwardness were very sweet.
So why couldn’t she feel anything for him? There was nothing to indicate that she found him more than just a nice young man. Where was it?
Cassandra glanced towards the window. Emily was still watching them, peering at them intently. More so at Percy than Cassandra. Even though this interaction was completely innocent, Cassandra didn’t feel comfortable being outside. Not when she was beginning to realise that Percy Tattershall wasn’t as interesting as Gabriel had made him out to be.
She stood up.
“I’m feeling better now, Mr. Tattershall. Would you mind escorting me back inside? I’m sure your parents will want to see my face at some point after dinner.”
“Of course.” Percy rose to his feet and held out his arm, “Shall we?”
Cassandra took his hand, and felt the warmth from his arm. He was firm, certainly. Cassandra could see Percy being someone she could lean on. But there was nothing. No spark. It just wasn’t there.
Just give it time. Not everything happens on the first meeting.
But Cassandra felt like she was falsely trying to get her hopes up as Percy led her back inside.
#
Gabriel was eager to know how the evening had gone. But he couldn’t go up to the house; his parents would send him away, and the servants weren’t going to cover for him anymore. He would have to wait until Percy was away from the house, which was rare.
He debated about inviting Percy to his cottage, but he decided against it. Gabriel didn’t want his younger brother to see where he now lived. Even though the cottage was now in a state where it was fine to be seen, Gabriel still felt uncomfortable about having guests. Even his brother.
Was he ashamed of what he had? A little bit. Percy wouldn’t judge him, but Gabriel’s pride was important to him. He wanted to keep hold of what little he had.
So, he sent a note. Percy did go into Ipswich on occasion for errands, and Gabriel decided that this afternoon was a good time to go. They could discuss what had happened during the night without anyone from the family listening in. If the servants caught wind, this would most certainly get back to Derek. Gabriel wasn’t about to divulge any of this t
o his father until he was successful in obtaining ownership of Montgomery’s.
That afternoon, Gabriel took a stagecoach down to Ipswich and headed to The Barrington Arms. Percy didn’t go into public houses - he was far too boring for that - but he would step inside if Gabriel told him to.
It was a few minutes before he was due to meet Percy when Gabriel stepped into the public house. It wasn’t that busy, considering the time of day. A lot of the men would still be working in the factories so they wouldn’t be staggering in for another hour yet. Those who could afford to bedrinking at this time of day would be in the gentleman’s clubs dotted around Ipswich. Not as fancy as the ones in London, but they managed.
Gabriel sat at a table by the window. He had a clear view of the street. That way he could see his brother coming. Or see if Cassandra was going to be visiting her friend. Gabriel shook himself. No, he wouldn’t be doing that. Cassandra would be occupied on her side of town. There would be no need for her to be here at this time of day.
Nevertheless, Gabriel found himself wanting to see her.
You really need to focus. She’s not for you; she’s for your brother.
Gabriel sighed. At this rate, he was going to be the one distracted. That couldn’t happen.
“Mr. Tattershall.”
Gabriel looked up. Emily was standing by his table, holding a tray under her arm. She was watching him with a bland expression. Normally the woman had a bit of sparkle in her eyes, but it wasn’t there. If anything, her eyes were watching him warily.
“Miss Barrington.” Gabriel rose to his feet. “How was your evening with my family?”
“Very pleasant. Your parents are always so kind.”
“Good.”
Gabriel bit back a retort to that. His parents hadn’t been too kind for him. But that was his own doing. He shouldn’t have been so stupid with how he acted. Now it was too late to change his father’s mind, for the most part. Gabriel wouldn’t be able to enjoy social family gatherings as he had done before.
Had he enjoyed them? Yes, he had. Now, Gabriel was realising that he missed it more than he had thought.
“What are you up to, Mr. Tattershall?”
Gabriel blinked. Emily was frowning at him.
“Whatever do you mean?”
“You wanted Cassie to be there, didn’t you?” Emily accused. “From the way your brother interacted with her, I don’t think Percy’s ever spoken about her before last night.”
Gabriel chuckled, which just made Emily’s cheeks flush.
“I think you’ve been around Miss Seton too long, Miss Barrington. You doubt things as much as her.”
“When you're involved, I think we have a right to doubt things.”
With that parting shot Emily turned and walked away, leaving Gabriel staring after her. He hadn’t factored Emily Barrington into this, and maybe he should have done. Emily was known to Norman and they got along well, and Emily was very loyal to Cassandra. She could become a problem, but that would just mean being a bit more cautious around her. Emily could let Cassandra know of the plan, and then Gabriel would be back where he started.
He wanted this. He wanted Montgomery’s, and he wanted to be the most successful owner in Ipswich. Which meant lowering Seton Hall’s chances. That did mean directing Cassandra’s attentions elsewhere so she didn’t focus all her energy into the gambling hall, but Gabriel couldn’t think of any other way to distract her.
He really was beginning to distract himself.
Allen was right. Maybe he hadn’t thought this through.
You have thought this through, and you’re going to carry on because you know what’s at stake. This is about what you want.
“Gabe?”
Gabriel looked up. Percy was standing in front of him, watching him with a quizzical look. Gabriel hadn’t noticed him enter the public house. Shaking himself, Gabriel managed a smile and embraced his brother.
“Percy. Forgive me; I didn’t realise you had arrived.”
“Are you all right?” Percy drew back and inspected him. “You look...I don’t know, you look a little off.”
“I’m fine. Perfectly fine,” Gabriel lied. He gestured at a chair. “Come and sit down. And thank you for meeting me here.”
“It’s fine. Your note did remind me that I had some errands to do that were long overdue.” Percy took off his hat and sat down. “But why couldn’t we do this at the cottage? You’re only a short walk across the estate. It’s close to an hour’s carriage ride into Ipswich.”
“I had some errands to do myself,” Gabriel lied. “I thought it would be preferable to talk here, seeing as I’m not allowed at the house and Father might object to you coming to the cottage.”
“I thought he didn’t mind.”
“That I don’t want to push to find out.”
It sounded plausible, but Gabriel hoped Percy didn’t push it. Thankfully his younger brother didn’t pursue it, putting his hat on the table.
“All right. But this shouldn’t be too long. Father’s expecting me home soon.”
Gabriel laughed.
“There is an advantage of being disowned. You don’t have a curfew. You can have more freedom.”
“I wouldn’t say that. Your friends have practically deserted you, and you have no money.”
“Point taken.” Gabriel sat back in his chair, stretching out his legs. “I’m eager to find out how last evening went. Did you and Miss Seton get along?”
“We did. Very well. She’s...”
Percy paused.
“What?”
“Did you know that she’s Ernest Seton’s daughter? The man who owns Seton Hall on the other side of town?”
“I did know. You don’t get to know people without knowing connections. Of course I knew she’s Ernest Seton’s daughter.”
Percy looked pained.
“You could have told me, Gabe!”
Gabriel frowned.
“What are…? Why is it important? She’s not Ernest Seton. She’s a young woman who happens to be his child and she finds you attractive.”
“But she’s part of a family that owns a gambling hall,” Percy scowled. “Now I know where you met her.”
“I swear she’s not involved in it. We crossed paths elsewhere.” Gabriel hoped that lie sounded convincing. “How did you find out, anyway? Did Miss Seton tell you?”
“No, she didn’t. Father did.” Percy sat back and folded his arms. “He likes Miss Seton and thinks she’s a nice young lady. But he was concerned that I might get drawn into the gambling world myself considering what her father does for a living.”
Gabriel almost burst out laughing at that.
“That’s not how it works, Percy. Miss Seton is not someone who goes out looking for new customers.”
Although Gabriel wouldn’t be surprised if Cassandra tried that as a new tactic to gain more customers. The men would flock around her. He pushed that thought away.
“I suppose you and Father talked about it.”
“We did. He knew as soon as she came into the room.” Percy rubbed his eyes. “But he was very surprised. She’s not...she’s not what he would have expected coming from that environment. Once I knew, I was surprised as well. She’s sweet and kind, gentle. Very polite, actually. A...she’s something, certainly.”
