A False Proposal Read online

  She was well out of mourning, gowned in purple satin with a deep décolletage. Plumes of exotic looking feathers adorned her black hair. The Earl of Suttleworth had been fabulously wealthy. Leonora must have inherited a fortune, since her husband had died childless. Cass had always disliked her, for the simple reason that she had brazenly flirted with Adam at every opportunity during that fateful season. Cass had always suspected her of being the lady Adam was dallying with at the Sheffield ball, but the light had been too dim to be sure. And Adam had shielded the woman with his body. So gentlemanly of him.

  “How was your dance?” Jack asked, turning toward her.

  She blinked. “Lovely.” Before she could say more, he’d turned away.

  “Ah, here’s Jenny,” he said.

  Cass marveled at the way Jack doted on his fiancée and warmed at the sight of him watching Jenny as she approached. And love shone from Jenny’s eyes. How Cass envied what they shared. They seemed perfectly attuned to each other.

  Jack and Jenny’s brother-in-law struck up a conversation, so the two ladies did likewise.

  “Mr. Grey can’t seem to keep his eyes off you.”

  “Really?” Cass looked at her questioningly, as she was sometimes given to exaggeration. “I think he’s a bit flummoxed by the marriage mart. Perhaps he’s forgotten what it’s like.”

  “Well, he was certainly bored with his partner. In fact, he’s looked bored all evening.” She paused a moment, then clutched Cass’s hand and said sotto voce, “He’s coming our way.”

  “He, uh, asked me for the next waltz,” Cass said. She watched his approach, delayed by friends who wished to greet him, remembering how he always managed to be the handsomest man in the room. Tonight he wore black trousers and coat. As he drew closer, she saw that his waistcoat was of a pale gray silk, with a subtle diamond pattern. A small sapphire nestled in the folds of his cravat. He was restrained elegance.

  Jenny was speaking. Cass tore her gaze from Adam to listen. “Really? Are you…glad?”

  “It’s nothing, Jenny. Don’t imagine his asking me for a dance has any hidden meaning.”

  “Oh, I would never be so foolish,” Jenny said with a wink.

  Cass sensed a rustling of skirts nearby. Lady Leonora stepped forward, practically shoving her aside.

  “Mr. Grey,” she cooed, thrusting out her bosom. “If you’ve come to request a dance, I believe I am—”

  Adam cut her off. “Lady Leonora.” He bowed and then immediately turned to Cass. “My dance, I believe, Miss Linford.”

  Glancing briefly at Leonora before allowing Adam to lead her out, Cass was gratified to see that she looked like she’d swallowed a frog. Cass could guess what was running through her mind: Why would Adam choose her, a girl who’d lived in virtual disgrace these past few years, over one such as herself?

  …

  Adam had noticed Leonora lingering in the group that included Cass, Jack, and his fiancée, but never dreamed she’d put herself forward so boldly. As he guided Cass to the dance floor, he hoped to hell she wouldn’t mention it, since he’d gone out of his way to ignore the woman. He’d all but given her the cut direct.

  While they waited for the music to begin, Adam placed his hand at the small of Cass’s back, inching her closer to his body. Grasping her right hand in his left, he sensed her hesitation before she placed her other hand at his shoulder. The music began, and for a few moments, they were both caught up in the sounds, rhythm, and sweep of the dance. God, Cassie felt wonderful in his arms, and she was a fine dancer, too. He was enjoying the moment too much to spoil it by offering her his apology. He decided to wait until a more opportune time presented itself. If only he could get her to look up at him instead of staring directly at his cravat, maybe he could draw her out.

  “Your brother seems very happy with his choice of a bride.” Ah, success. She raised her head.

  “He is, I believe. They both are.”

  “It is a love match, then?”

  Now she looked up at him, her eyes softly glowing. “Yes.”

  “It seems a rarity. They are fortunate indeed.”

  “You believe love between husband and wife is rare?”

  “From what I have observed, very few couples enjoy such felicity.” The dance floor was crowded, and Adam had to do some fancy maneuvering to avoid smashing into other dancers. He steered Cass toward the fringes of the crowd where they might have more room.

  “My parents had a very happy marriage,” Cass said. “I see Jack gazing at Jenny in much the same way my father looked at my mother. I wish…” She cut herself off, and a pink flush spread over her cheeks.

  God, she was adorable when she flushed that way. Some girls broke out in repulsive patches of crimson when they blushed, but not Cassie. She was rose petal pink. What’s the matter with me? A few more spins around the floor and he’d be simpering at her feet. He needed to change the tone of the conversation, because he knew damn well what it was she wished.

  “My father and mother detest each other,” he said, and Cass’s expression sobered immediately. But she needed to know that marriage was at best a dubious proposition. After growing up with the heartbreak that characterized his parents’ union, he’d ruled it out for himself.

  “I’m sorry,” she murmured. Her footwork faltered, and Adam had to clasp her more tightly to steady her.

  “He is a depraved man.” Christ, why did I say that? He’d never told that to a living soul. And at a ball, no less. But something made him continue. “They’ve lived apart for ten years. I don’t know if they’ve even seen each other during that time. They communicate through lawyers.”

  “I am sorry, Adam. I never knew—”

  “Of course you didn’t. How could you?” Their eyes met and held, and he felt her empathy and understanding deep in his chest, where something stirred and…and oh, hell, he had to stop this.

  Just then, Leonora floated by in the arms of a dark stranger. His blood ran cold when, after a second look, he recognized the man’s profile and the somber look on his face. Swiftly, he spun Cass so his back was to the other couple.

  “Leonora still holds quite an allure for you, I see,” Cassie said, obviously baiting him. “And she’s exceedingly wealthy now.”

  She thought he’d been staring at Leonora! What a ridiculous notion. Adam steered her toward a column and off the dance floor. Releasing her, he took a step back into a sequestered nook, forcing her to follow. “Why do you think so poorly of me, Cassie?” he demanded, leaning in close. “Is it because of that incident so long ago?” Again she flushed, but this time he was too angry to notice how it made her skin glow.

  She remained silent, although she continued to gaze steadily at him.

  “Trust me. If you had experienced disease and death and war, you would not think a meaningless dalliance in a hallway so reprehensible. And, by the way, Leonora is the last woman in the world who could hold my interest.” He noticed, for the first time ever, that Cassie’s eyes were extraordinary. Not simply brown, but brown verging on amber.

  They stared at each other, until Cass finally spoke. “Fair enough. But why were you going out of your way to ogle her just now, if that’s the case?”

  “I was not ‘ogling’ her.” He couldn’t hold back a knowing grin. “You’re jealous!”

  Cass bristled. “You flatter yourself, sir. I haven’t seen you in years and have no claim on you. Why would I be jealous?”

  “I don’t know. Because you harbor a secret love for me?” Before she could protest, he took her in his arms and waltzed her back onto the dance floor. The dance was nearing its end, and he wanted somehow to fix things.

  “Truly, Cassie, you’ve bewitched me tonight. You look splendid. Like a piece of Greek statuary.”

  “I gather you mean hard and unyielding?” She gave him a suspicious glance.

  How could she think that? “No!” Flowing and curvaceous and perfectly formed. But he dared not say it out loud, so he continued his teasing. “I
worship at the altar of your beauty,” he added, widening his eyes at her and expecting a sharp retort.

  But instead, the unexpected happened. She laughed. A joyous and sweet sound, not at all like the cackle of the Incomparable. So he laughed, too, and then he pulled her close, relishing the feel of her softness against him. He hadn’t enjoyed flirting like this in years. He was probably holding her too close, beyond propriety, but he didn’t care. She stiffened a little, but didn’t pull away. After a moment, she relaxed in his arms and a tiny smile hovered at the corner of her lovely mouth. A mouth he would very much like to kiss.

  Chapter Four

  He’d made her laugh. That alone was worth the agony she suffered at balls.

  And now, he held her so close she was stunned by the sheer intimacy of it. In truth, she was reveling in the feel of Adam’s body pressed against hers, the way it made her tingle. Her skin felt on fire, every nerve-ending sensitive and receptive. She feared he would realize the impropriety of it and pull away. He was no doubt wondering why she allowed it. Bentley had never held her like this when they’d waltzed; if he had, she would have been shocked and embarrassed. They’d only kissed a few times after their engagement. Of course, she’d been younger then, and more naïve. She melted into Adam’s embrace, and was vaguely aware of the smile on her lips. Cass didn’t want the dance to end, ever.

  And then suddenly, it did. They were across the room from her brother, and so she did not have to completely relinquish the thrill of having Adam near her. She set her hand on his sleeve and they began walking, skirting the dance floor to avoid the worst of the crush.

  “All of town must be here,” Adam said. “I expect Prinny to make an appearance at any moment. Do you think a man of his…proportion could navigate through this crowd?”

  Cass ducked her head and laughed again. “You must know, a path opens before him when he arrives. Like a god or a…a—”

  “King?” Adam said drily.

  Cass smiled up at him, not the least bit self-consciously. She’d forgotten to be on her guard. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, their gazes held. She felt a kind of yearning emanating from him, and she couldn’t have looked away if she’d wanted to.

  Without warning, Adam slowed their progress, and she nearly stumbled. When she glanced at him, he was staring straight ahead. She did likewise, and glimpsed a man striding toward them, boldly pushing his way forward with barely a care for who was in his way. He seemed vaguely familiar. In fact, he bore a distinct resemblance to Adam, who had now come to a dead stop, apparently waiting for the other gentleman to reach them. Cass sneaked a glance at Adam. His jaw was clenched, and she could have sworn his blue-gray eyes had darkened to black.

  “Adam. Fancy meeting you here.” The words seemed a challenge.

  “Hugh,” Adam said with a slight nod of his head. “What brings you to town?”

  By now Cass had gathered her wits enough to know that this must be Adam’s elder brother. She recalled meeting him only once or twice in her life, which was surprising since she had spent so many summer days with Adam when they were growing up.

  “I am here for the marriage market, of course. Not that I wish to be leg-shackled, but Father is pushing, that is, encouraging me.”

  Cass felt Adam shudder slightly. Without a hint of humor, he said, “The eligible young ladies and their mamas should be put on their guard, in that case.”

  Anger registered, sharp but fleeting, on Hugh’s face. He glanced at Cass and said, “May I be introduced to this lady?”

  Adam said, “I believe you may already claim an acquaintance with her. Lady Cassandra Linford, may I present my brother, Hugh Grey?”

  “How do you do?” Cass curtsied, but did not offer her hand. He really should have waited until she’d requested an introduction. Not that she usually stood on ceremony, but Adam’s hostility toward his brother made her wary. Adam drew her arm through his in a protective gesture, pulling her closer to his side.

  Hugh inclined his head. “Your servant, Miss Linford. I presume you are one in the same as the girl who used to ride horseback with Adam. Viscount Linford is your brother?”

  “He is, sir. And I am that girl.”

  “All grown up now, I see. His eyes swept her body in frank appraisal, and then he glanced at Adam with a smirk. She had the impression Hugh had done it only to rankle his brother. Adam’s face was tight and closed off. “I must return Miss Linford to the Viscount, if you’ll excuse us.”

  “I wish to speak with you,” Hugh said. “I’ll wait here.” He pointed to the column behind which Cass and Adam had so recently had their tête-à-tête. He strode away, giving Adam no chance to refuse.

  Adam spun her around so fast she almost lost her footing in the middle of a quick curtsy. They moved at a brisk pace, the crowd having dispersed. Cass noticed that Adam, who’d danced gracefully and fluidly, was now limping. Although she very much wanted to say something to break the awkward silence that had descended since Hugh materialized out of the crowd, small talk didn’t seem appropriate. Adam’s manner had completely changed, from one of gaiety to unease, and she sensed a suppressed rage simmering beneath the surface. In a moment, they’d reached Jack, who was watching them with narrowed eyes.

  “Thank you for the dance, Cass. May I get you a glass of lemonade or ratafia before I leave you?”

  “No, thank you,” she said hurriedly, acknowledging his need to rejoin his brother.

  Jack grasped Adam’s arm. “Was that Hugh I saw talking to you?”

  “It was.” After flicking an apologetic glance at Cass, he bowed and headed off to the meeting with his brother, she presumed.

  “What happened?” Jack asked. “Hugh never comes to town.”

  “He said he was here to find a wife. It was an uncomfortable conversation. Adam was straining to maintain civility.”

  “Hugh is like their father, who’s a loose fish if there ever was one. Use all caution around him.”

  Cass shrugged. “I don’t expect to be in his company, so you’ve nothing to worry about. How do you know so much about him?”

  “From Adam, of course. And one hears things.” Jack paused. “What did he want?”

  “He didn’t say. Adam seemed so rattled, I didn’t dare question him.”

  “I daresay that was the best course. He’s very touchy about his family, you know.” He paused briefly, as though to weigh his words. “His father and brother, I mean. Not his mother.”

  Cass nodded. She really would like that glass of lemonade, and sorely wished she could have drunk it with Adam. But she’d have to get it for herself. On the way to the refreshment table, she pondered Adam’s strange behavior with his brother, and continued to do so as she sipped her drink. She was unable to make sense of it. Afterward, she made her way to her cousin and the dowagers, chaperones, and wallflowers. Oddly enough, for the first time since her return to society, Cass didn’t feel as if she belonged to that group.

  …

  Whatever his despised brother wanted of him, the sooner Adam found out the better. Then he could dismiss the whole matter from his mind and get on with things. He hated deserting Cassie, but this couldn’t wait. The devil. He realized he was limping as though he had recently been injured. Why was it always worse when he was upset or angry about something?

  He found Hugh waiting near the column they’d designated as their meeting place, watching for him. “You’re lame,” he said. “From your war injury?”

  “Yes, of course,” Adam said gruffly. “What else?” He despised the word “lame,” and Hugh using it rankled him no end.

  Hugh took the hint and dropped the subject. “We need to find somewhere private to talk. Do you know the house?”

  “I do not. But there must be a room off this hallway that would serve.” Adam gestured toward the arched doorway leading to a corridor. He led the way toward a series of rooms, doors all closed. Which one to choose? He tapped lightly on the second door, pressed his ear against it to make sure h
e didn’t hear any scampering about, giggling, or any other sounds of an assignation in progress, and cautiously cracked it open.

  Windows at the far end of the room faced onto the back garden, which Adam could barely make out since there was no moonlight. He felt his way toward a table against one wall and fumbled for tinder and candles. Carrying a single lighted candle toward a small sitting area, he motioned his brother toward a chair and took the one opposite him. And waited.

  In the weak glow of the flame, Hugh looked older than his years. Deep grooves defined his cheeks, and at the ripe old age of thirty, his forehead was creased and lined. Adam feared it was due to a life of dissipation. Perhaps that, combined with work out of doors. Impatiently he said, “Well?”

  “My father wishes to see you at Longmere on a matter of some urgency.”

  Adam lifted a brow and waited for more information, but as it was not forthcoming, he finally spoke. “And what is this matter of such great urgency?”

  “You probably won’t believe me, but I was not privy to it. I think Father was afraid I would tell you, and for some reason he wants to do that himself.”

  “You must have some idea,” Adam said, rising to pace about the room. “Father has made no attempt to see me in years, and now summons me without even telling me why?”

  Adam paused mid-pace, long enough to see Hugh shrug. “Come, man, you know him better than anybody.”

  Hugh’s jaw tightened. “I can only speculate that it has something to do with his…debts of honor. His extensive debts of honor.”

  Adam clicked his tongue in disgust. “What? Has he gone off the rails? Of what help could I possibly be in settling his debts?”

  “See here, Adam, I told you I don’t know! But if it comes down to losing what remains of the family fortune—and it’s not much—you’d better go and find out.”

  “So that’s what this is about? Since I’m to inherit nothing, I don’t give a tinker’s damn about the ‘family fortune.’ The family name is all I ever cared about, but you and my father have seen to it that whatever respect it once garnered no longer exists.”