Regency Romances

by Grace Fletcher

  "Susan's just a little outspoken." She said. "She's young as well. Women are restrained by society rules, and she's doesn't seem to abide entirely by the rules."

  "I understand you completely." Lady Belton smiled. "I didn't want to conform either when I was her age." She sipped at her drink. "How are you finding Marcus?"

  Cassandra chose her words carefully. Lady Belton had known Marcus since he was a boy and was close to him; she shouldn't dishonour him to this woman. Pleasant as she was, Lady Belton could be a formidable foe. Cassandra didn't want to be exposed to that side of her nature.

  "He's a good employer. A little...different, but I'm growing accustomed to it."

  Lady Belton chuckled.

  "He's somewhat unconventional, isn't he? A little brusque, certainly, but he's done well. Considering what he was left with when his father passed away, he's managed well." She sighed. "It's just unfortunate he wasn't taught how to act in society, but he's picking it up slowly."

  "He's doing immeasurably better than when I first came here." Cassandra felt a little more relaxed knowing that she wasn't the only one who thought this. "He's still flummoxed on issues like how to reconcile after an argument, but he's managing."

  Lady Belton smiled. She patted Cassandra's knee.

  "I know I'm going to be a little biased, but Marcus is a good lad, Cassandra, dear. Once he's a bit more refined the offers of marriage will come flooding in, I'm sure."

  Why did that put a heavy leaden feeling in Cassandra's soul? She covered that up with a smile, and she sipped her drink.

  What was wrong with her?

  Chapter 6

  The Disappearing Act

  Marcus watched as Cassandra walked around the edge of the room, silently observing everyone as they sat in the library, talking and laughing. She smiled occasionally and spoke whenever someone directed a question at her, but she didn't approach or join in. She kept herself on the fringe.

  She made it very clear by her actions what her role was.

  Marcus wished she would be more engaging. Back at his estate she and Susan would sit together for hours talking and laughing. Marcus would listen in and wish he knew what to say. Susan had a knack for prolonging conversation, but Marcus still struggled. He loved to hear Cassandra laugh, to see her smile. She was a breath of fresh air.

  He wasn't someone who could understand emotions and feelings. His interactions with Cassandra Mable were no different. This wasn't simply an issue of fancying a woman, admiring her because she was attractive. This was different. And it was intimidating.

  Marcus was tempted to reach for the brandy to block these feelings but he reminded himself of his decision to abstain.

  John Starling stood up and went over to the piano. Marcus had forgotten he was an accomplished pianist. John started up a piece, and Abigail jumped up, saying she wanted to dance. One of the Felton brothers offered to partner her while the other brother went to Edith. They began spinning each other around the room, laughter filling the air.

  Cassandra stood by herself, near the wall, watching them. Marcus decided this was the best time to put a bridge between them, so to speak. Things were still uncertain between them, and Marcus didn't want that. He wanted his sister's companion to like him the way he liked her. And that wasn't going to happen unless he tried.

  Marcus crossed the room and stood before Cassandra, who looked up at him warily. He held out a hand.

  "Dance with me? For proper this time?"

  Cassandra paused, biting her lip. But she nodded and slipped her warm hand in his. Marcus could feel the heat come through her gloves.

  He ignored what his brain was saying, and they began to dance. Cassandra was lithe and smooth; she possessed a grace Marcus knew she had. The woman could easily walk into a big society ball and be mistaken for one of the nobility; she would fit into that life beautifully.

  Where was all this coming from? Marcus coughed and focused on the woman in his arms as he managed to dance with her without stepping on her toes.

  "You're an accomplished dancer."

  Cassandra glanced up at him. Her mouth twitched.

  "You're doing well on complimenting women. But that's not me."

  "Then you don't give yourself credit."

  Cassandra snorted.

  "I'm a reality."

  Marcus sighed. It was hard trying to compliment a woman who wouldn't take it. He spun her round and stopped, staring down at her.

  "You're too hard on yourself." He admonished lightly.

  Cassandra stepped back when she realized they had stopped and spread her hands.

  "Well, what have I? A position as a companion and nothing else. I have no fixed engagements."

  "You could have a husband soon."

  Marcus wished he could bite back those words. The thought of Cassandra being married didn't settle well with him. It felt like they were venturing into dangerous territory. Cassandra rolled her eyes.

  "At my age? Your Grace, I'm five-and-twenty. I'm too old for a good match, and the companion of my future life would have to care not that I don't come with a dowry."

  Marcus then realized he didn't care. He wouldn't care that Cassandra came with no money. If he were that man, he would be happy to have a woman like Cassandra Mable on his arm.

  He was in serious trouble if he was thinking this.

  "Someone will be there." He said as lightly as he could. "You can be sure of that."

  But Cassandra was shaking her head.

  "I don't think so." A wry smile touched her lips, and she grunted. "Susan seems to think she knows what she's talking about when it comes to love. No one knows. It's always different, and you can't compare one person's love with the next."

  Susan. Marcus groaned. His sister had been talking about love again. He didn't want to hear it. The last time they spoke on the topic of love, they argued.

  He turned to look for his sister. But, as he scanned the room, he realized that Susan wasn't there. And he couldn't remember the last time he saw her.

  Panic rising, he touched Cassandra's arm.

  "Have you seen Susan?"

  "Not since we came out of dinner. I believe Susan was going to the powder room." Cassandra's eyes narrowed. "What's wrong?"

  "How long ago was that?"

  Cassandra glanced at the clock. Marcus saw the colour drain from her face.

  "Nearly two hours ago."

  Lady Belton wrung her hands and paced back and forth in front of the stairs.

  "I can't believe we missed this. Poor Susan. To think she's disappeared like this." She shook her head, her face pale. "What has happened to her?"

  Cassandra was getting nervous with the hostess' pacing. It wasn't helping. She stepped in the way and took Lady Belton's hands.

  "I'm sure things are fine, Lady Belton." She tried to give a reassuring smile, but it was not convincing. "Susan's quite a capable woman and can look after herself."

  "That may be, but she's naïve and helpless when it comes to gentlemen." Lady Belton's lips tightened. "And I'm sure a man is at the bottom of this."

  Cassandra felt a chill travel up her spine, but she ignored it. That was a possibility; chances were that wasn't what had happened to Susan. But it was something to worry about.

  Cassandra, however, wasn't going to let herself think about it. She squeezed Lady Belton's hands.

  "We don't know for sure. Let's not be foolish and get ahead of ourselves."

  Lady Belton nodded and took a deep breath. Then she gave a little laugh and looked slightly ashamed.

  "Look at me. I'm utterly and completely vexed, and you're as calm as anything. I don't know how you do it."

  Cassandra smiled.

  "If I let myself panic, then I'm not going to be of any use to anyone."

  When Marcus had first noticed Susan's absence, Cassandra had begun to panic. But then she had seen the Duke's expression and knew she needed to stay calm and without despair. Markus was going to be riled, and she needed to keep the situati
on calm. So she had stayed with Lady Belton while the other guests and servants hurried through the house trying to locate Susan.

  That had been half an hour ago, and there had been no word.

  Then they heard footsteps echoing round the foyer. A moment later Marcus appeared. His hair was damp, and his coat was speckled with raindrops. It was then that Cassandra heard the patter of rain against the window.

  Lady Belton hurried towards him.

  "Any news of her condition, Marcus?"

  "No, I can't find her." Marcus shook the water out of his hair, his expression grim. "The servants are still searching the grounds, but I'm sure she is not here."

  "Oh, dear."

  Lady Belton began to tremble. Marcus slipped his arms around her and gave her a quick embrace before drawing back and beckoning Cassandra over.

  "Cassandra, could you take Lady Belton to her room? And then make your way to the inn? I'll stay here and oversee the search efforts."

  "Pardon?" Cassandra stopped. She hadn't expected him to dismiss her like this. "Don't you need me here? You're seriously asking me to go back to the inn alone?"

  The way Marcus was glaring at her told Cassandra that she was stepping a little out of line, but she was not remorseful. She wanted to help her friend.

  "Don't argue," Murkwood growled. "I'll be along presently. Assist Lady Belton first."

  "Oh, don't worry about me." Lady Belton waved away his concern and took Cassandra's hand, giving her a smile. "You go back, Cassie, dear. There isn't much you can do here if I'm honest. Let us know if Susan's there and we'll keep you updated here."

  "Thank you, Lady Belton."

  Cassandra was disenchanted. But she had been told twice to go. She couldn't argue much with that.

  Chapter 7

  Startled By His Kiss

  The night passed very slowly for Cassandra. It felt like an unpleasant dream. Susan wasn't at the inn, and her belongings were gone. The proprietor had told her Susan had come in nearly two hours before and declared she was off to her aunt's in Cornwall, and her brother would follow her shortly. But from what she knew of Susan's family, Cassandra knew Susan didn't have any relatives in Cornwall.

  She could be anywhere by now. Something about the situation told Cassandra that Susan had planned this all along; she had intended to leave that evening. And it had been happening right under her nose.

  Now Susan had disappeared on her watch. Cassandra didn't want to think about what this meant for her and her employment. There was no question; Marcus would certainly dismiss her for not taking her responsibilities seriously. She was the one who had been delegated to look after Susan, and now Susan had gone.

  There was no need for Cassandra now. She was unemployed again. The only slight consolation was that she and her aunt Mary had enough to keep them going for another few months. Enough time for her to find something else although Cassandra was sure Marcus wouldn't be inclined to give her a good reference after this debacle.

  It would be a shame. Not including the money, Cassandra had been enjoying her responsibilities. Susan was a joy and made her feel better with her laughter and her chattering. She had even grown accustomed to Marcus and his peculiar mannerisms. He wasn't the best of company and Cassandra still felt a little apprehensive at times, but she preferred having him around. It was a normality she had gotten used to. Something she hadn't experienced in a long time.

  Now there would be none of that.

  After a restless night where she spent it tossing and turning, unable to close her eyes without seeing Susan, Cassandra got up before dawn. Sitting watching the sun peaking over the horizon, she knew that she had to take her leave. Marcus would be dismissing her anyway, as it was, but right now it was impossible for her to stay. If Marcus got back, it would just be the two of them together. Alone. They didn't sleep in the same room, but Cassandra knew the implications wouldn't go unnoticed. She was not going to get herself caught up in a scandal. The Duke could take care of himself. He could brush off the stigma of an affair; he wasn't married, and he would say that it would be inconsequential.

  But she couldn't.

  So Cassandra began packing. She needed to get out of there before Marcus returned. She would leave him a note and then go to her friend Candace. Candace lived with her parents in Bath, and they said their door was always open for Cassandra. Cassandra decided this was the best choice for her; London was too far away, and she wanted to stay close to ensure Susan was found safe and well.

  She was just finishing off the last of her packing when the door crashed open. Cassandra jumped with a squeal and spun around. Marcus was leaning against the doorframe looking the worse for wear. His hair was wild, his waistcoat and coat were undone, and he looked unsteady on his feet. His face was pale, his eyes sunken. Cassandra hadn't seen him look this forlorn.

  "Your Grace!" She put a hand to her pounding heart. "You scared me."

  "She's not anywhere," Murkwood said morosely. He didn't seem to have heard her. "We can't find her. It's like she's vanished into thin air."

  "I'm so sorry." Then Cassandra peered at him. He didn't look right. "Are you all right? You look unsteady."

  "I'm fine." Marcus stumbled into the room and slumped onto the chaise lounge by the window. "Absolutely bloody fine. My sister's gone and I'm left looking like a fool."

  It was then that it hit Cassandra in the face. The stench of alcohol. Marcus had been drinking again? She thought he had stopped. She glared at him.

  "You're in the cups again."

  "Oh, very observant." Murkwood sneered, glaring back. "Tell me something I don't know."

  "I thought you'd stopped."

  "How am I supposed to stop a vice when my sister has vanished?" Marcus demanded. Then he saw Cassandra's open trunk and her things gone from the dressing table. He sat up, eyes narrowing. "What's going on? Where are you going?"

  Cassandra turned away and closed the trunk.

  "I'm going to stay with a friend who lives in town."

  "Why?"

  Cassandra sighed. This was going to be the hard bit. Part of her wanted to stay and look after him and from the look of it, he certainly needed it. But the rest of her said she needed to get out of there quickly.

  "Your Grace..."

  "Marcus."

  Cassandra gulped. The thought of calling him by his Christian name gave her butterflies. That was not good.

  "Your Grace," She started again, "I'm Susan's companion. I can't be seen to be staying with you. I cannot accept your intention, Your Grace. Such a connection is not permitted to us. You're a single man. That's a scandal certain to happen."

  "But you'll be coming back, will you not?"

  Why did that sound hopeful? Cassandra kept her back to him as she picked up her cloak and gloves.

  "It depends if Susan's found. Until she is, it's most unwise and inappropriate for me to stay here with you on my own."

  She started towards the door, intending to let the proprietor know she was leaving and to retrieve her trunk. Marcus' voice stopped her.

  "Everyone deserts me when I need them the most. Why should you be any different?"

  Cassandra gulped and closed her eyes for a moment. She knew Marcus was struggling with the situation, but he didn't need her. He was simply playing the guilt card and expecting her to stay because he was a Duke and she was in his employ.

  She was disinclined to make that happen.

  Opening her eyes, Cassandra kept herself composed and turned. Marcus was staring at her, his eyes seeming to glow with the morning sun shining into the room.

  "I'm not deserting anyone." Cassandra tried to keep herself as calm as possible. "I'm just attempting to ensure we're not caught in a compromising situation. You can survive a scandal but I never could. Loss of virtue in a woman is irretrievable. My actions would be condemned, and I would never find a position again."

  She had hoped Marcus would look a little chastised and let her go. But the alcohol had a strong hold on him. He sat fo
rward.

  "Are you scared?" He asked quietly.

  "Pardon me?"

  "Are you scared?"

  Cassandra blinked. What was he saying?

  "If you are asking if I am I scared of you? No."

  Not yet. From the way he was acting, Cassandra wasn't sure what to think.

  "I truly hope not." Marcus stood and came around the bed. "Be not alarmed. I don't want you to be frightened of me, and I don't want you to leave." He took Cassandra's hand and held her tightly. "I need you."

  Cassandra gulped. This was getting far too personal and uncomfortable. This was the first time he had touched her since the incident in the hallway all those weeks ago. But this was skin-on-skin contact, and Cassandra felt a tingle all the way up her arm.

  "Please don't say things like that." Struggling to keep her composure, Cassandra pulled her hand away. "You'll be fine. You don't need anyone."

  "But I need you."

  Now Marcus sounded desperate. Cassandra knew she must leave at once.

  "You're inebriated. Now I need to go."

  Picking up her cloak and gloves, Cassandra tried to step around Marcus. He grabbed her arm and spun her around. Before Cassandra could react, he was kissing her. She was horrified to find her hands gripping his arms as she kissed him back, feeling his arms slipping around her and holding her close. Her legs felt wobbly. This was utterly and completely wrong but for now, she didn't care.

  Then Marcus raised his head, his eyes molten as he stared at her.

  "Does that prove my desire that I need you?" He asked hoarsely.

  Pulling away had reality come crashing back. Cassandra couldn't believe what had just happened. This was what she had been trying to avoid. She shook her head and pushed away from him. Marcus was off balance, staggered and fell onto the bed.

  "I can't do this." Cassandra's hands were shaking. "This is very distressing."

  "Cassie..."

  Marcussat up and reached for her, but Cassandra darted away.