Page 2

Chapter two

A week had passed since our predicament presented itself. The mail basket remained depressingly empty of invitations to tea and such, though it seemed I had not lost my dearest friend.

Susan Richards convinced me to still attend the assembly.

Perched on the edge of our red damask settee, her pale blonde hair and angelic skin made a striking contrast. She chided me: “My dearest friend, this isn’t the time to sit back, no!

Quite the opposite. You must employ your charms without delay.

Secure a husband before all of Bath knows of your predicament. ”

“Isn’t that rather deceptive?” I shrank from the gossip that had already meandered its way through the ears of the town. Or the truth—whatever form that took. We had well and truly lost the fortune that kept us comfortable.

Susan sipped her tea and pursed her lips. “Every gentleman declares he marries for love and not the dowry. No, my dear. You shall merely beat them at their own game.”

“Yes. I see what you mean.” I lifted the tea to my lips. Something must be done, or tea would soon be a luxury rather than an expectation. Mayhap, I would work harder to catch a gentleman’s eye on Saturday. But again, that didn’t seem quite the thing to do.

“You mustn’t appear desperate, however. Never that.” Susan gazed at me with compassion. “You are an absolute jewel. Don’t let anyone let you think otherwise.”

“What of your brothers? What will they think of me? A jewel—or?”

Her cup paused at her lips, then clattered to the saucer. “You know I can only speak for myself, Cassandra. I would have you be courted by Ransom, to be sure I would! He is handsome, good, and kind. He will make an excellent husband. But…”

“But?” I already knew the answer.

Her voice dropped low with shame. “Mother has warned him against an attachment to you—as well as Luke.”

As would nearly every mother of consequence from here to London. No dowry, no engagement.

Susan set her cup on the tea table and knelt down before me.

“Forget what I said about beating a man at his own game.” She squeezed her eyes shut.

“I wanted to give you hope.” She took my hands in hers.

“I don’t know of any family who would join with yours at this point.

But Cassandra, not all men can be so shallow!

Surely, there is someone among gentlemen who is truly a gentleman.

That love out from their hearts and not because of greed. ” She blinked back a tear.

“Does such a man exist?” I plucked at a loose string around my sleeve.

She shook her head. “The world is a sad place if they do not.” We stood. “I would love nothing better than to have you as a sister.”

So. Her parents had promptly removed me from the list of possibilities. I had expected it. Furthermore, I expected my advertisement for governess to be far more successful than a swift marriage proposal.

No, indeed. I would not win the heart and hand of any man after one evening of dancing.

“Do say you’ll still come with me?” Susan pressed for an answer. “If you are to away soon, we may never have another chance to create a memory together again.”

My throat clogged. My life was about to drastically change.

I should attend, despite the warnings that would twitter about the room from mothers to sons.

Could I withstand the embarrassment? As things stood, I’d never return.

“Alright. One last time.” For her sake. We had known each other most of our lives, after all.

Susan spun like a child. “I have just the gown for you to borrow. You’ll look ravishing.”

When I explained to Mother my intention, she gave one of her assenting side nods. I knew she preferred that I stay away from Bath’s judgmental eyes. She broke the crust of her pork pie but didn’t eat it.

“Do eat. You need your strength, Mother.”

She sighed and nibbled a small forkful.

She’d had but one friend to visit and console her. As had I. I suspected the vicar to call shortly. He was fond of my parents. Otherwise, one wouldn’t know we’d spent the whole of our lives in Bath. On this street, in this house…

Father hadn’t left his study for hours, so I was surprised when he popped into the dining room with a smile on his face. “Good news, my dear. This is sure to lift your spirits! I know it has mine. Hope is not lost after all.”

Mother looked up with interest. Had our fortunes reversed?

“We have been especially invited to be secretary and companion to Lord and Lady Weatherington. They have heard of our circumstances and wish to extend the hand of friendship in this difficult time.”

Mother sat, blinking, a blush of pink rising to her cheeks.

“Did you hear me, love? We shall live among our dear friends! Is that not a boon to our situation?”

Lord and Lady Weatherington were good people. Of the best kind, but that glimmer of hope I’d felt slipped down like a sinking sun. My parents would be in service, of sorts.

Mother blinked back tears with a gently sloping smile on her face. “But what of our dearest Cassandra?” She took my hand and grasped it tight.

Father continued. “Naught but twenty miles away, she is expected to serve as governess for the Seal family.”

My heart fluttered at the knowledge. The Seals? Had I ever heard of them? I thought not.

Father clapped his palms. “At Lady Weatherington’s particular influence.

The letter says that nothing but a true lady would be able to teach the Seal girls.

” Father looked at me with pride. “What say you? I do think the Seals a decent family or Lady Weatherington would never have mentioned you to them.”

It was my turn to break the crust of my pork pie but not eat. “I’m sure you are quite right, Father.” I attempted a smile. I would teach children, after all. But nothing would ever be the same again.

Mother stood and scanned the missive regarding our occupations. “I rather hoped for more than a governess position for our Cassandra.”

Father bowed his head with shame. “I understand. But it cannot be helped. How will you ever forgive me?”

I went to him and wrapped my arms around him. “It wasn’t your fault. I’m sure of it.”

“If only that were true.” His smile wilted. “Enjoy your last dance, Cassandra. I pray it is memorable.” He left us to the remains of our supper.

I’d heard that governesses little enjoyed society.

While still considered above stairs, a governess was to be as a shadow.

Quiet, refined, and disengaged within the drawing rooms and dining halls among the other ladies and gentlemen.

She must be present in those situations when their charges must be.

Or when at the compassion and mercy of her employer, inclusion would be a condescension.

Worse still, she was never accepted below stairs entirely due to her higher social status. It seemed a lonely occupation. Would I be able to bear the solitude?

But that couldn’t be true of every situation.

There were good people everywhere. At least, I hoped.

And, of course, there were the young ladies to teach.

I might make good friends with them and be satisfied with my lot.

Susan would be disappointed. I wouldn’t make a sudden match as she desired for me.

I was no fool to think my life a fairy tale.

One question took precedence. “When do we depart?”

Mother took a deep breath. “In but two weeks, my love. Two weeks.”

We wouldn’t be together at Christmas. Did she realize it? I couldn’t say the words aloud. We’d never been apart for the holiday. Beggars could not be choosers…

For all of my bravado, I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving this charming room, this dear dining table, and my parents.

Everything and every room suddenly seemed of inestimable value.

Never did I think to be without these parts of my life I’d taken for granted.

I swallowed forkfuls of the pie without tasting and slipped into my room.

I was to make a lasting memory of the final Assembly I’d ever attend and then leave this place and my family—for good. I must do my part and consider how my situation must engender bravery. Mother’s and my grandiose daydreaming of North Carolina had been one thing, the reality quite another.

A package arrived bearing my name. I opened it. The dress—Susan had sent it. I held it against my form. A deep maroon silk shot with green silk ribbon along the hem. Must have cost a fortune. I’d never seen her wear it, not once. An extravagant gift, to be sure!

I lowered the gown. We were of nearly the same size. Had she sacrificed her gown for me? Susan…what would I do without her close by? Letters would have to suffice. I touched the delicate lace along the neckline. I could hardly refuse the gift.

Five short days later, I donned the gown and alighted Susan’s family carriage.

When Susan made the introductions to Ransom and Luke, they were polite enough, but only just. Ransom coldly handed me into the carriage.

I was hardly acknowledged except for Susan, who jabbed them with her icy glances and attempted to rope them into our conversation.

They were adept at ignoring her. Indeed.

Ransom was terribly handsome—but would I want his hand if I came with the dowry the ton desired?

I was not to be considered, and it was obvious from the start.

I gave a laugh, quite unexpectedly. Susan’s brothers wouldn’t even try to know me, my character, or my heart.

Our family’s acquaintance was nothing. But I felt a strange peace after seeing what kind of men they really were—these gentlemen that I’d foolishly dreamt about!