Where they were. Who they were. The groom was likely downstream, giving them some privacy, but unlikely as it was, anyone could ride down the path and spy them. As much as it pained him, he set her away as gently as he could. “Forgive me. I cannot take advantage of you like this. You know there can’t be anything between us, don’t you?”
She nodded and kept her gaze on her hands in her lap. “I have no expectation of an offer from you. I’m so grateful for all you are doing on my behalf.”
“This wasn’t payment for services due.”
She glanced up, her brows drawn together. “I don’t understand. Why would you assume I thought to repay you with my body?”
“That isn’t what I meant. I meant—I’m not certain. I only want you to know that when I kiss you, it’s due to your beauty alone, and how little control I have of myself when I’m around you.”
Miss Franklin jumped to her feet. “I haven’t noticed you lose control around Lady Venetia. That fact alone tells me what you think of me. I’m not of equal position to you or Lady Venetia. I have no family to seek justice if a man were to take advantage of my innocence.”
Spalding rose more slowly. How was it he could never talk to a woman without her misconstruing what he said? He’d complemented her beauty, and she took it as a slur. “You have it wrong. I don’t lose control around her because she doesn’t enflame me the way you do. Your very presence shuts out all other thought in my head. I can only think of kissing you, possessing you—”
She began walking toward the creek. “I do not wish to be possessed, by you or any other man. At this moment, I only wish to return home.” She tied on her hat with haste. “To your home, I should say, as I have none.”
When her voice cracked at the end of her speech, Spalding’s heart broke. “I will get the horses.”
As he’d suspected the groom was downstream. Spalding called out to the young man, who brought the horses back.
Giving Miss Franklin a leg up, Spalding attempted to help her gain a proper seat on the saddle without appearing forward when touching her legs. That was more difficult than he expected, with the memory of how soft her skin was so clearly ingrained in his head.
They rode back in silence. A young stable hand rushed out to care for their horses and he led Miss Franklin to a block where she dismounted.
Spalding hurried to walk beside her in an attempt to keep anyone from noticing the coldness between them. Once inside the house, he took the back stairs to his bedchamber, allowing her to continue on her own. She needed time to get over her anger before he could convince her of his true feelings.
He needed time to decide how to act on those feelings when it would only cause his family distress. He couldn’t allow Miss Franklin to leave and never see her again. At that moment, the idea was worse than drowning.
* * * *
Cassandra spent the remainder of the afternoon in her room, and claimed she wasn’t feeling well enough to join the family for dinner. By morning she was starving, and went downstairs early in hopes of avoiding the company of the others.
She almost succeeded, but Agnes entered just before Cassandra finished eating. “There you are. I do hope you’re feeling better.”
“I’m fine now. I believe I took in too much sun yesterday. Perhaps I shouldn’t have gone.” Clearly she shouldn’t have gone, but she couldn’t say that aloud without admitting to the liberties she’d allowed Lord Spalding to take.
“You must still be weak from the shipwreck.” Agnes set her plate down beside Cassandra’s and began to eat.
“It’s more than a month since we arrive in England. I can’t continue to blame everything on nearly drowning. I’m very much recovered from that.” Her voice sounded much harsher to her ears than she’d intended. She exhaled in exasperation. “Forgive me, please. I don’t mean to snap at you. I must still be tired.”
Agnes studied her intently. “No, I do not believe that is the problem. There is something more upsetting you.”
Cassandra glanced quickly at the doorway. “Please keep your voice down. I don’t wish anyone to hear us.”
“My brother left at daybreak to continue his search for your family. Papa is already in his study. Mama takes breakfast in her room, and Matilda reads her bible every morning before she eats. We are quite alone.”
Still, Cassandra didn’t know how to broach the subject. She couldn’t tell Agnes what had passed between Cassandra and her brother. She also couldn’t continue to keep her feelings inside. She’d never been so confused. If Mama were alive—no, this wasn’t something she could discuss with Mama. Trusting Agnes to keep her secret safe, she spoke. “I…that is, I feel so alone at times. It’s nothing to do with how you all treat me. You couldn’t be more gracious.”
“I hope you understood it was purely friendship on my account. None of us feel obligated to care for you while you’re on your own. We enjoy having you here. I do wish you and Spalding could marry. That would please me so much. I suppose we might visit each other no matter who we marry, but I’d love to have a sister like you.”
There was more to her distress than being alone or becoming enraptured by Spalding. Too many questions remained unanswered. “I’m becoming afraid of what I might learn about my father, among other things. Perhaps I’m better off not knowing who he was.”
“Your aunt and uncle can decide that for you. They must know why your mother kept him a secret. Spalding will find them soon.”
It couldn’t come soon enough for Cassandra. She’d already lost her heart. She couldn’t bear losing her very soul, which would happen if she remained near him much longer.
Most of all, she couldn’t come between Lord Spalding and his family. She and Spalding could never be happy without the approval and acceptance of his family.
MASQUERADING AS A MISS
CHAPTER NINE
Armed with Miss Franklin’s date of birth, Spalding revisited the parish nearest to Almondsbury and asked to see the record book for the appropriate year.
He was shooting blindly, he knew, believing to find Miss Franklin’s birth or baptism record in Almondsbury, but that town had to be where her mother was from. He prayed it was so.
The handwriting in the book was a horrid scrawl, and his eyes burned from deciphering the script. Still, he plodded on until he found a child named Cassandra. The birth date matched, but the family name was Norton, not Franklin. The witnesses were listed as Lord and Lady Royston.
That part, at least, matched Miss Franklin’s memories. Royston was close enough to stone as to be a likely match. He wrote down the information included in the record, then closed the book. He sought the parson in the next room. “Thank you for your assistance, but I have one more question. Do you know Lord and Lady Royston?”
“Of course. Everyone here knows of them.”
“Could you give me their direction?”
“Yes. If you take the west road out of the village, ride about three miles and you’ll see their home. You can’t miss it.”
The parson was correct about not being able to miss the estate. The substantial house sat adjacent to a large pond, with a stone bridge crossing the narrow end. The grounds were immaculately kept, the hedges trimmed into various animals. If his sisters saw the place, they would demand new landscaping at Fenwick Abbey.
A butler opened the door as soon as Spalding knocked. Handing the man his card, he said, “Lord Spalding to see Lord or Lady Royston.”
“May I tell them your purpose in calling?”
“It’s a personal matter regarding Miss Franklin.”
The butler closed the door leaving Spalding outside. A few minutes later, he returned. “Follow me, please.”
Spalding was led to a large drawing room, sunlight brightening the room through many large windows. The furnishings were more ornate than those at Fenwick Abbey, and they showed the wear of many years’ service.
Lady Royston motioned to a chair near hers. “You said you’re here about Miss Franklin.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’m afraid she was lost at sea earlier this summer.” Her expression didn’t change, but the sadness in her eyes had been noticeable when he first sat.
“I have reason to believe otherwise.” He explained what he knew, starting with their arrival at the Johnsons’ home.
“And you believe this young woman is my grandniece?”
“I’m uncertain, to be truthful. Miss Cassandra Franklin was on her way to see her great aunt and uncle after the death of her mother. She only knows her great aunt as Wilhelmina, and doesn’t recall anything of her great uncle.”
Lady Royston gasped, raising her handkerchief to her breast. “How did you come to see me about this woman?”
“I found a birth record in this parish for which you signed as witness. Your relationship to the child wasn’t given, but I had to ask you in person if you are Miss Franklin’s relation. You see, her surname on the record was given as Norton, not Franklin.”
“Yes, that’s our Cassandra.” She sighed, her voice breaking into a mixture of laughter and cries. “We received her mother’s last letter saying Cassandra would come to us if the worst happened, but heard nothing more. Then her name was listed in the paper as having gone down with the Sirene.”
Relief and happiness filled Spalding. While he’d been willing to spend the rest of his life searching for this couple, he hadn’t been certain of his success. And he never expected it to come so quickly. “As you see, she and I survived. She is quite eager to see you.”
“Our darling girl, returned to us from the sea.” Tears rolled down her cheeks, her handkerchief unable to keep up with the flow. “I never thought it possible she could have survived.”
“With your permission, I will accompany her here as soon as possible.”
“Yes. Yes, of course. We’ll have her room made ready, and I must make plans for a party so all my friends can meet her.”
Spalding felt sorry for Miss Franklin. She’d be overwhelmed by the welcome. He wouldn’t interfere, however, and tell Lady Royston how to treat her grandniece. He could say nothing to imply how well he’d come to know Miss Franklin. Even the slightest hint that they were more than passing acquaintances could be taken poorly.
He began walking to the door, but turned back. “I am curious about the difference in the surname on the birth record. Did Mrs. Norton remarry after her husband’s death? I hope I’m not too forward in asking.”
Lady Royston’s hand fluttered and she stammered. “Uh, well, yes, yes, that’s it. I do hope you’ll ride straight to our dear Cassandra and bring her to us.”
He bowed. “I will ma’am. I shall leave straightaway.”
The way Lady Royston had responded only made Spalding more curious. It was none of his business, but it was such a mystery he couldn’t help dwelling on it for most of the journey to Fenwick Abbey.
* * * *
Cassandra watched Agnes and Lord Joseph strolling in front of her in the garden. As much as possible, she tried to ignore the man walking beside her, Lord Nathan. Knowing how enamored Agnes was of the younger brother, she couldn’t refuse to accompany them on their walk. If only Lord Nathan wasn’t such an unbearable, conceited wretch.
If only he didn’t eye her like a confection he longed to devour.
“My new curricle will arrive by the end of the month. Will you accompany me on a drive when it’s here?”
“Lady Fenwick would never approve.” She reminded him of that each time he brought up the subject of their venturing out on their own.
“I think she’d be happy to see you interested in something other than her son.”
Cassandra’s eyes widened. How dare he! And if he’d noticed their friendship, did that mean everyone else had, too? “How very rude of you, sir.”
Lord Nathan chuckled, the sound making Cassandra shiver in distaste. He adjusted his hat, preening like a peacock. “How dare I speak the truth? You may admit it to me, I’ll never say it to anyone else.”
“You know not of what you speak. I don’t wish to say anything more on it.”
“You realize you can never have him. He’s madly in love with Lady Venetia, or as madly as he’s capable. I find him rather shallow, don’t you? He lacks emotion or passion. I cannot see what you find attractive in him.”
She wouldn’t let him goad her. If she didn’t respond, he would let the matter drop. Hopefully.
After a while, he did change the subject. “I’m close to signing the lease on a house in Town.”
“How lovely for you.”
“I believe you’ll like it. It’s on the edge of Mayfair, in a very pleasant street.”
“Why should I care where your house is situated?” she asked.
“This isn’t my house, it’s yours.”
She stopped. Why would he buy her a house? She knew very well what he’d expect in exchange. How could he think she’d be interested? She wouldn’t even agree to go for a drive with him, much less share his bed. The very idea made her nauseous.
He turned back to study her. “You needn’t look so surprised. I told you I would seek out a place for you. We’ll be close to all the entertainments you can imagine. You might call upon Lady Agnes when she arrives for the Season.”
If Cassandra accepted his offer—which she never would—she’d be unable to associate with Lady Agnes or any other respectable woman. She’d be ostracized, even more alone than she felt now. “I have no interest in becoming your mistress, or any other man’s. You do understand that I only tolerate your company for the benefit of your brother and Lady Agnes. If I could, I’d refuse your calls. Please do not mention this again.”
“You play the innocent so well.” Lord Nathan laughed wickedly, the sound making her skin crawl. “It’s common knowledge what the relationship is between you and Spalding.”
“There is no relationship between us.”
Lord Nathan yanked her hard against his chest and forced a kiss on her lips. She struggled to break free, but his hands were clamped on her upper arms. Turning her head to the side, she cried out, “Stop!”
Suddenly Lord Nathan was pulled away from her so abruptly Cassandra fell forward. Agnes helped her stand, and brushed off her gown. “I’m so sorry. I should have been watching out for you. I never knew he’d try such a thing.”
Cassandra heard the brothers yelling at each other, but she tried to shut out their noise. “I wish to go inside,” she told Agnes.
Lord Joseph approached them. “Please accept my apologies on my brother’s behalf. I will make certain he won’t come near you again. Good afternoon, ladies.” He bowed his head and walked stiffly back to his brother, pushing Lord Nathan down the path.
Agnes wrapped an arm around Cassandra. “You shall lie down and rest. I’ll bring you a cool drink, and maybe some strawberries. I love the taste of fresh strawberries, don’t you? They are just the thing you need to cheer you.”
Cassandra could only smile. Strawberries, indeed. Her friendship with Agnes was the best thing about being in England. She hated to think of how dull life would be without her. If Spalding was successful in his search, she might find out all too soon. For the first time, she wished she might never find her family.
MASQUERADING AS A MISS
CHAPTER TEN
By some miracle, Cassandra found herself seated near Aunt Wilhelmina after all these weeks of waiting. She’d never be able to thank Lord Spalding enough for finding her family. Everything had happened in such a whirl when he’d arrived at Fenwick Abbey with the news. Now she was home. Well, in the place she’d learn to call home.
Such a beautiful place it was, too. She had yet to see anything beyond the main hallway and the drawing room, but there was more than enough time for that. Now she was finally able to get to know Aunt Wilhelmina.
“We gave up hope, of course, when your name appeared on the list of lives lost,” her aunt said. “I’m so pleased you’re here. You look just like your mother did at your age.”
“M
ama said she lived with you for most of her life.”
“Yes. My sister, your grandmother, died when Joan, your mother, was about six years old. I was more than happy to take her in, just like I am to have you here. I never had children of my own.”
She clapped her hands together as her face lit. “We shall have such fun! I’ll introduce you to all my friends. We can invite them to stay here a week or so. Several of them have unmarried grandsons. If none of them suit you, we’ll go to London in the spring. With beauty like yours, you’ll have many beaux to choose from. Your accent, especially, makes you very unique.”
Cassandra didn’t wish to be unique. She wished to blend in, be a part of a family. But she knew her aunt meant it in a nice way.
Neither did she want to be married to some stranger right off. Meeting new friends appealed to her, and going to London would mean she’d see Agnes again. She could approach that later.
Curiosity ate at her now. She’d expected Aunt Wilhelmina to tell her more of her mother’s past, but she’d not touched on the subject. “I must ask you about my father. Lord Spalding tells me his surname is different than mine. Mama refused to speak of him. I always assumed she was heartbroken over his death.”
Her aunt’s lips pressed together tightly for a moment, then she rose. “Let me send for tea.”
All the tension in Cassandra’s body vanished at once. She felt like a wet rag, only supported by the chair. It had taken so much courage to ask about the one thing no one would speak of, and now she must wait longer for her answer. As eager as she was to finally hear, what could be bad enough to make her aunt delay it even more?
Aunt Wilhelmina returned to her place on the end of the settee. “Well, then. I’m not surprised Joan never mentioned Mr. Norton. No, that’s not right. I assumed when she knew she was dying, she would have explained to you how you came to be living in Savanna-la-Mar.”
She drew in a deep breath. “Your mother met Edwin Norton when she was a guest at a friend’s home in the village. He was a merchant, not someone we considered suitable. Yet she proclaimed her love for him and refused to consider marrying any other man. We found out soon after the marriage that she was already pregnant with you.”
Once Upon A Regency: Timeless Tales And Fables Page 50
