The Wicked Cousin

by Stella Riley

  ‘I – yes.’ The lazy trail of his fingers along the bare skin of her forearm on their way to her wrist was making her pulse beat faster and depriving her of breath. ‘Yes.’

  His head was bent over his task. Glinting through the trees, the sun turned his hair to liquid fire, while Cassie’s bones became water. He murmured, ‘How many gentlemen will be wishing me at the devil this morning?’

  ‘Less than the number of ladies who’ll be wishing me there,’ she managed, as he drew the glove unhurriedly from her hand and then lifted it to place a warm kiss in her palm.

  ‘I find that hard to believe. Impossible, in fact. Close your eyes.’

  ‘Sebastian --’

  ‘Humour me. Please.’

  Cassie closed her eyes. She doubted there was anything she wouldn’t do for him when he looked at her like that and asked in that slightly roughened voice. She felt him move beside her, before taking her hand in his. And then something cool and smooth slid on to the third finger of her left hand.

  ‘You can look now,’ he said, thinking, Let her like it. Please, please let her like it.

  Cassie opened her eyes and stared, her lips parting on a tiny exhalation of breath.

  Sebastian waited for her to say something – anything; and when she did nothing but gaze speechlessly at the ring, he said, ‘It can be changed. If you don’t like it, that is.’

  ‘Not like it?’ Brilliant with unshed tears, the storm-cloud eyes rose to meet his. ‘I – I love it. It’s perfect. It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. I just didn’t expect …’ She stopped, swallowing hard. ‘It’s exactly right, Sebastian. Thank you.’

  ‘Don’t thank me. I’m glad – no, relieved that you like it. I was afraid you might not. But it somehow seemed important for you to be wearing my ring when the congratulations start pouring in.’ He put his arm about her and drew her close, his eyes teasing her. ‘Does getting it right merit a small reward?’

  She nodded. ‘I don’t understand why you’re asking. I’ve been waiting for you to --’

  Her words were swallowed up by his kiss … long, sweet and dangerously enticing. Cassie sighed into his mouth and laid her palm against his cheek. It was a long moment before Sebastian reluctantly drew away saying, ‘I should take you back, shouldn’t I?’

  ‘I suppose so. But Mama said I could invite you to dine this evening.’

  ‘I accept.’ He handed over her parasol, pulled his gloves on and set the carriage in motion. ‘I called on the Duke and Duchess of Rockliffe yesterday, by the way. Rock didn’t seem unduly surprised at our news – but his wife was delighted and congratulated me very enthusiastically on my intelligence and foresight.’

  ‘Did you see the baby?’ she asked.

  ‘I did indeed. But please don’t ask me to supply details. Like most men, I can’t tell one infant from another.’ Sebastian glanced sideways at her, watching in some amusement as she turned her hand this way and that to watch the diamond catch the light. ‘Clearly, that changes when the infant in question is one’s own. Certainly, Rock is besotted and so unlike his usual self I had trouble not laughing. Needless to say, his duchess was showing no such restraint.’

  Cassie laughed but said, ‘They are devoted to each other.’

  ‘Yes. I noticed.’ And finally understood.

  * * *

  Handing Cassie down from the carriage, Sebastian escorted her to the door and was about to take his leave when Lady Delahaye appeared looking fraught.

  ‘You’d better come in, Sebastian. I’ll have your carriage taken round to the mews.’

  ‘Is something amiss?’

  ‘You might say so. Lord Wingham is here.’

  ‘Here?’ echoed Sebastian blankly. ‘Now?’

  ‘Yes. He’s in the library with Charles – and he is fuming because he has had to read about his son’s betrothal in the newspaper.’

  ‘Oh dear,’ said Cassie anxiously. ‘Perhaps we ought to have waited.’

  ‘We did wait. Your father wrote to him before the Drury Lane fiasco but he failed to respond in any remotely useful fashion,’ replied Sebastian grimly. Then, to Serena, ‘I’m sorry. I’ll go and see what I can do to make things better.’

  Cassie took his arm. ‘I’ll come with you.’

  ‘No. You won’t. I’ll not have you anywhere near him until he stops blustering and can be relied upon to treat you with proper courtesy and respect.’

  Her ladyship nodded in agreement. ‘Come along, Cassie. The afternoon’s callers will start arriving any minute and you should at least tidy your hair. Also, Sebastian is quite right. You don’t want to meet your future father-in-law while he’s feeling aggrieved – because afterwards he would regret it a great deal more than you would.’

  Outside the library door, Sebastian shut his eyes for a moment and drew a long, steadying breath. Then he set his hand to the latch and went in.

  Sir Charles was sitting in an armchair looking resigned rather than annoyed, while Lord Wingham, leaning upon his walking stick, paused mid-rant to cast an aggravated glance over his shoulder. Then, aggravation turning abruptly to a full-scale glower, he said, ‘Well! And about time, too. What have you got to say for yourself?’

  ‘Several things,’ returned Sebastian coolly, ‘provided you’re going to listen while I say them.’

  ‘Good luck with that,’ murmured Charles. ‘I gave up ten minutes ago. For a man reputedly on his death-bed just a couple of months ago, Lord Wingham is to be commended on his remarkable recovery.’

  Sebastian gave an involuntary choke of laughter.

  ‘You think this is funny?’ snapped his father. ‘Do you think it is appropriate that the first I hear about my heir’s intention to wed is a notice in the damned Chronicle? It is not! It is totally unacceptable – a complete disregard for both my feelings and my opinions! And you – you have the effrontery to laugh?’

  ‘Sit down, Father.’

  ‘I’ll sit down when I choose to do so. I --’

  ‘Sit down. And take a breath before you have another apoplexy and I have to send you back to Blanche in a box. She already dislikes me quite enough, thank you – and that would be the final nail the coffin, if you’ll forgive the expression.’

  This time it was Charles who had to hide a smile.

  Lord Wingham finally decided to sit down. Resting both hands on the knob of his cane, he scowled over the top of it and chose to be diverted.

  ‘What nonsense is this? Of course Blanche doesn’t dislike you. You’re her brother!’

  ‘So was Theo,’ returned Sebastian as evenly as he could. ‘And she’s made it clear often enough that it would have been better if God had taken me instead.’

  This produced a sudden silence which Charles saw the wisdom of not breaking, much though he’d have liked to. Eventually his lordship said, ‘Is that true?’

  ‘Do you think I’d say it if it wasn’t?’

  ‘No. But … has she actually said that?’

  ‘Frequently. I believe the first time was immediately after we buried Theo – though on that particular day, I didn’t find it such a terrible idea.’ Sebastian stopped, feeling his throat grow tight and aware that both Sir Charles and his father looked horrified. ‘Why are we discussing this? It’s old history and nothing to do with what brought you here.’

  Lord Wingham opened his mouth as if to disagree and then thought better of it, saying instead, ‘Exactly when was I going to be informed of this betrothal of yours?’

  ‘Both Sir Charles and I wrote to you yesterday. The letters are probably awaiting you at Audley Court.’

  ‘Well, I’m not at the Court, am I? I’m here – and have been for three days.’

  Three days? thought Sebastian incredulously. What have you been doing for three days? He said, ‘And how, exactly, were we supposed to know that?’

  ‘You didn’t need to know it.’

  ‘Pardon me for contradicting you – but it appears that we did. It was only yesterday that Sir Charles ga
ve me leave to pay my addresses to Cassandra. Had you bothered to let me know that you were in Town, you would have been informed immediately afterwards. Not,’ he continued coolly, ‘that you weren’t already aware of my intentions. Sir Charles wrote to you two weeks ago, did he not? Reminding you – since you appeared to have forgotten – that you haven’t supported me since I left Cambridge. Oh – don’t mistake me, Father. Up till now, it hasn’t mattered. Aunt Flora’s legacy was sufficient for my needs. But it won’t enable me to make adequate provision for my wife.’

  Lord Wingham suddenly looked both uncomfortable and miserable. And old.

  ‘You could have written to me yourself,’ he muttered. ‘And you should have done.’

  ‘That may be true – in which case I apologise. However, the reason I didn’t was because you’d dictated my life once before by financial means. I thought – hoped – that my future father-in-law might have better success than I in preventing the same thing happening again.’

  ‘That is enough, Sebastian! I am aware that you are a grown man. I’m aware of my responsibilities and what’s due to you as my heir. I’ve no intention of – of dictating to you, damn it! Why the hell do you think I’m in London?’

  ‘I’ve no idea, sir – just as I’ve no idea why no whisper of your presence in Town has reached me.’

  ‘I’ve been staying in Chiswick with my old friend Emberton. He’s as big a recluse as I’ve turned into. But if he hadn’t thrown the Morning Chronicle at me over breakfast, I’d be no wiser about what’s going on, would I?’ His lordship frowned at his clasped hands, still resting atop his walking stick. ‘So where is she?’

  ‘Cassandra is in the drawing-room – hopefully showing her mother and sister her betrothal ring rather than fretting about what’s going on in here. I refused to let her meet you until I could be sure you’d be civil.’

  ‘Civil? Why, you insolent young jackanapes – who do you think you’re talking to?’

  ‘You, sir … in a blinding temper,’ said Sebastian, dryly. ‘Cassandra is a lady. More to the point – forgive me, Sir Charles – she will soon be my lady. And I will permit no one to bark at her or show her disrespect.’ He smiled a little. ‘She’s kind … so she’d let you bark and not mind. But I’d mind.’

  ‘What he said about Cassie is only true up to a point,’ remarked Sir Charles. Deciding that the worst was now over, he rose and crossed to the decanter on the sideboard. ‘She would let you rant. As long as you sat there looking hurt and upset, she’d smile and pat your hand and sympathise. She’d probably even apologise for having caused you any distress.’ Having poured three glasses of Madeira, he handed one to each of his guests. ‘But the instant you said something unkind to Sebastian or – God forbid! – objected to them marrying, she’d turn into something else. Something you wouldn’t like, Wingham. Trust me. I’ve seen it. Yes – laugh by all means, Sebastian. I’ll be laughing myself when you’re on the receiving end.’

  Sebastian shook his head. ‘It won’t happen – but if it did, I daresay I’d deserve it. And on the couple of occasions she’s ripped up at me, I rather enjoyed it.’

  ‘You don’t know anything, do you?’ said Sir Charles pityingly. Then, to the viscount, ‘But perhaps we may get to the point, Robert? Why are you in London? And what have you been doing these last three days?’

  ‘Making things right,’ mumbled his lordship. ‘I didn’t want to write saying I would do it; I wanted to have done it – and that meant coming up to London. But what with Blanche and the doctor and even my blasted valet all convinced I was going to turn my toes up at any minute, getting away took a while. However, once here I spent a good deal of time with Hopkins, my lawyer fellow in the City. An allowance in accordance with your position as my heir and adequate for a married man will be paid, starting immediately, Sebastian.’ He drank some wine and named a figure which made his son feel faintly dizzy. ‘I also had Hopkins look about for a house for you – but at present, there only two suitable properties for sale.’ He dug into the pocket of his coat and produced a pair of keys with address labels tied to them and slapped them on the table at his side. ‘Take the young lady to look at them, choose whichever you like best, then notify Hopkins and he’ll complete the purchase.’

  The dizziness became a slight buzzing in Sebastian’s ears. An allowance? A house? And all in the space of five minutes? It was almost too much to comprehend. He said, ‘It would seem you’ve been extremely busy, sir. I – well, I thank you. I won’t pretend I haven’t been worried. But this … this is generosity beyond anything I might have hoped for.’

  ‘And not before time, you’re thinking?’

  ‘No. I was actually wondering if you’d care to remove from Chiswick and come to stay in Cork Street. Lord Sarre is also there at present and the countess will arrive in a few days – but I doubt if that will be a problem. And --’

  ‘If you’ll forgive me, Sebastian,’ said Charles, ‘I believe a better solution might be for Lord Wingham to stay with Serena and me. You’d be most welcome, Robert. Aside from the betrothal ball in five days’ time, you’d be able to become better acquainted with Cassie.’

  ‘Better acquainted? I’ve not so much as clapped eyes on her yet,’ grumbled the viscount. And catching his son’s eye, ‘But yes. Thank you, Charles. I’d be pleased to accept your hospitality for a few days. Daresay Emberton will be glad to see the back of me anyway. And now … when am I going meet my new daughter?’

  Sebastian grinned and turned towards the door only to be halted by Charles, saying, ‘I’ll fetch her. I’m sure you and your father would appreciate a moment or two of privacy.’

  And he was gone.

  Left looking at his father, Sebastian said, ‘I am grateful, you know. You can talk all you like about your obligations towards me and what I’m entitled to … but a house? With the allowance you’re giving me, I could afford to lease one.’

  ‘Leasing is a waste of money. And if I hadn’t disposed of the house on Berkeley Square after Lizzie was settled, I wouldn’t have needed to replace it, would I? But that’s not what I wanted to say. I’ve something else for you.’ He reached into the inside pocket of his coat and withdrew a folded parchment. ‘When Audley men fall, they fall hard and fast. That’s how it was with me and your grandfather before me. If it’s the same with you and Delahaye’s daughter --’

  ‘Her name is Cassandra, Father,’ interposed Sebastian gently.

  ‘I know that! If it’s the same with you, I thought you might not want to wait for banns and all the other claptrap.’ He pushed the paper into Sebastian’s hand. ‘It’s a special licence. Use it or not – it’s up to you and Cassandra. I just thought you might like to have the choice.’

  Just for a second, Sebastian felt as if the ground had shifted beneath his feet. Of all the things in the world that his father might have done or even thought of – this was without doubt the most unexpected. He said weakly, ‘A special licence? I’m sorry. I’m having difficulty believing this.’

  ‘Try harder,’ advised his lordship, holding out his glass. ‘Now put the paper away till you decide what you’re going to do about it – and pour me some more Madeira. I’ll say one thing for Charles Delahaye. He keeps a damned fine cellar.’ Then, while Sebastian poured the wine, ‘I’m sorry about Blanche. You should have told me.’

  ‘To what end? It wouldn’t have stopped her. And compared to the pain of losing Theo, it was of no consequence.’

  ‘Was it not?’ A truly unpleasant thought occurred to the viscount. ‘You never … for God’s sake, Sebastian – please tell me you never thought that Blanche wasn’t only speaking for herself? That perhaps your mother and I also …’ He stopped, unable to say it.

  It had occurred to Sebastian because his sister had told him it was so. Handing his father the glass he said, smoothly, ‘Theo and I were equally precious. I know that.’

  The door opened again and Cassie stepped into the room, her expression a little anxious until Sebastian smiled
and crossed to take her hand. Then she beamed up at him and let him draw her forward to where Lord Wingham was heaving himself to his feet.

  ‘Sir, allow me to present my bride-to-be,’ said Sebastian, with unmistakeable pride. ‘Cassandra – my father, Viscount Wingham.’

  Sinking into a curtsy, she said warmly, ‘I’m happy to make your acquaintance, my lord … and so very glad for Sebastian’s sake that you have come. We both hoped you would.’

  ‘Well, now.’ His lordship possessed himself of one of her hands. ‘So you are the young lady who’s brought my idiot son to his knees, are you?’

  Cassie coloured, laughing a little. ‘Well, it’s true that he proposed to me in time-honoured fashion … but he can’t maintain that position, can he?’

  ‘He will if you ask it,’ murmured Sebastian wickedly in her ear. And in his usual tone, ‘Just reminding you both that I’m standing right here and haven’t gone deaf.’

  ‘You’d do better to ask your Papa if we have his blessing,’ reproved Cassie. ‘We have rather presented him with a fait accompli – which he might quite understandably resent.’

  ‘My dear, Sebastian’s made his choice. And a very charming choice it is, too.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Cassie reached up to kiss his lordship’s cheek. ‘Papa says you are to stay with us at least until after the ball which means we’ll have plenty of time to talk properly later. But just now, visitors are beginning to arrive and Mama says that Sebastian and I must go back to the drawing-room to receive their congratulations. I believe that you may know some of our friends, my lord – so perhaps you will join us?’

  ‘I’d be delighted,’ he said, waving Sebastian away and offering Cassie his arm. ‘And on the way, you can tell me what you see in this rascal of mine and what he did to deserve a lovely girl like you … and how you plan to keep him in line once you have him. Go on … I’m listening.’

  * * *

  On the following afternoon, Sebastian took Cassie to view the houses to which his father had provided keys. Since both were in easy walking distance, they set off through the bright May sunshine with Cassie clinging to his arm, pink with anticipation.