Page 21 of Enchanted by the Lyon (The Lyon’s Den Connected World #93)

C assandra managed to somehow continue the polite smile she currently had plastered on her face. Her fingers, lightly resting on the arm of Valentine Pierce, trembled and she found a small bit of comfort when the earl patted her hand while continuing his conversation with the Marquis of Saxton.

Moriah was watching her intently with a worried expression, causing Cassandra to turn away to stare helplessly into the crowded ballroom.

That was an instant mistake, for it was then she witnessed Lucius bowing to a lady on the dance floor right before the music began, and when the couple began to perform the patterns of the set.

What started out as a way for Valentine to pay off his own debt to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, also became a way to possibly make Lucius jealous.

And yet the situation had become something so much more troublesome to her peace of mind.

She had never been one to play at the games the women of Society performed in order to catch themselves a worthy husband.

She didn’t want to be categorized as one of them even though she had given up any hope of Lucius falling in love with her.

He had made it abundantly clear that the only way he wanted Cassandra was in his bed.

Indeed, she meant nothing more to him except as a business arrangement made with Mrs. Dove-Lyon to pay off his own debt.

It was hard to remember that when his gaze continued to meet her own whenever they met at these functions.

Despite what she’d told Mrs. Dove-Lyon and her hopes of the lady finding another suitable husband for her, Cassandra was left with no other choice than to proceed with the original plan.

No matter how many attempts Cassandra proposed to change the widow’s mind, the lady was adamant that the course had been set.

Her fee had been paid and was non-refundable.

The widow had given Cassandra every opportunity to change her mind about her potential husband before setting her plans into motion, but Cassandra had been steadfast that Lucius would come to love her.

She had also been such a fool not to listen to her friend’s advice.

At this point, Cassandra had decided to continue the ruse of being indifferent to the man.

Lucius could continue to find out if Barlow Vaughn had indeed swindled her out of the money she should have inherited from Rupert, and if her parents’ deaths were also somehow connected.

Then she could allow this entire fiasco to fade away into her past. And Lucius along with it.

Now if only she could turn off the emotions of her heart each and every time she saw him.

The past month had been unbearable after their kiss at the Lyon’s Den.

She’d managed to remain civil when he first came to Moriah’s home and began questioning her about her husband and his brother.

They had sat in the study for over an hour that first day after their kiss but it had been sheer torture for Cassandra.

She may have told herself that her infatuation with the Earl of Blackthorne was over, but as with all things relating to the matters of the heart, turning her emotions around as quickly proved an unsuccessful endeavor.

The next several meetings with the earl were just as troublesome, giving Cassandra the truth of the matter.

She was still hopelessly in love with and enchanted by Lucius Ford.

She watched him out of the corner of her vision as he performed the quick patterns of the quadrille with a lady who was unknown to her.

He was an accomplished dancer, and she was at least thankful that she didn’t have to watch him perform a waltz that would bring the couple closer together.

She didn’t know how much more her heart could stand while it continued to shatter more and more with each encounter with Lucius.

“I really must do something to turn your frown around, dear lady,” Valentine whispered in her ear. “Do not let Blackthorn know how you still care for him, or else you’ll never find any peace.”

Cassandra tore her gaze from the dance floor and lifted her face toward Valentine. “I never I said I cared for him,” she stated even while her chin quivered to give her true emotions away.

“You didn’t have to,” Valentine replied before he patted her hand tucked into the crook of his arm. “Perhaps something to eat might put you in a better frame of mind.”

“I don’t think food will solve the problem,” she gulped, knowing she’d never get a morsel past her lips.

“Then perhaps our own steps on the dance floor might lighten your mood. I think I can perform the patterns of any dance without stepping on your toes… at least too much,” he grinned a charming grin as the music faded away and the couples began to leave the floor.

He looked so full of mischief, she couldn’t help but laugh, causing Valentine’s face to brighten.

“Very well, my lord. Lead on and let’s see how you might change the doldrums that have overtaken me this evening,” she teased, feeling happier.

Valentine really did have enough charm to change anyone out of a horrible mood.

It was a shame he wasn’t the man she loved.

He would make a wonderful, kind husband, she was sure. Or at least one that was enjoyable.

“I shall endeavor to do my best, Mrs. Vaughn,” Valentine replied with another smile of encouragement.

True to his word, Cassandra found the earl a delight as they took their places with the other dancers.

Short conversations as they met each time they came together in the dance had her smiling as she hopped and skipped to the tune.

She was breathless by the time the music died away.

He escorted her from the floor and offered her a glass of wine from a passing servant.

She took several sips before handing over the crystal to another servant.

She needed her wits about her and getting intoxicated from overindulging would never do.

Perhaps something iced, like lemonade…she would keep her eyes on the servants as they went by.

Valentine remained close to her and, as they conversed together, any casual observer would think they were indeed a couple.

He appeared to hang on her every word, even laughing at comments that were far from humorous, thus gaining the attention of those nearby.

And when he leaned down to what would seem to others as an intimate whisper between them, she had to remember that this, too, was only a ruse.

There was nothing forming or any lasting impression to connect herself and Lord Carrington except perhaps a wonderful friendship.

He had a debt to pay, and he was playing his part so that any word going back to Mrs. Dove-Lyon would be acceptable and fulfill the terms of their bargain.

“Excuse me for interrupting. I thought perhaps the lady might favor me with a dance,” a familiar voice drawled, breaking her out of the thoughts going on inside her head. His tone shouldn’t have been doing wild things to her heart, and she felt betrayed by how she reacted to having Lucius near.

Valentine bowed. “Of course, Blackthorn. You’ll find the lady is an accomplished dancer.”

Cassandra raised a brow as a slow warning to Valentine, who chose to ignore any silent pleas she was attempting. He shouldn’t be speaking for her and yet he readily handed her over to his friend. With a wink in her direction! She gritted her teeth.

“Mrs. Vaughn…” Lucius held out his hand for her to take.

She stared into his ruggedly handsome features and another piece of her heart cracked in response.

She finally managed to place her fingertips into his palm but as he led her in the direction of the ballroom, the music already started, and they would have to wait for the next set.

Instead of waiting their turn on the sidelines, Lucius took her in the direction of an open doorway leading out to a balcony.

While the thought of being alone with him again wreaked havoc on her mind, she felt a small semblance of relief when she realized that they were still within sight of those inside and of other couples who strolled below in the garden.

“A pity we missed the dance,” he murmured slowly.

“We could have waited inside,” Cassandra responded, attempting and failing to get back the control she had allowed to slip where he was concerned.

“Yes, we could have, but then I wouldn’t be able to offer another apology for my last blunder,” Lucius confessed as he leaned back on the marble railing.

“There have been so many of late, you’ll have to clarify which one you are sorry for,” Cassandra stated, wondering what game he was playing now.

“You are well aware to what I’m referring to, Cassandra.”

She shrugged before turning to stare at the couples below. “Again, you’ll have to tell me directly what you’d like to apologize for, my lord.”

“You’re not going to make this easy for me, are you?” Lucius asked with a heavy sigh of resignation.

“An apology will only be easy if you’re sincere about the matter.

However, given the seriousness of your last attempt to make me your mistress,” she realized her voice had risen and she lowered her tone before continuing as she gazed directly into his green eyes, “I should think there doesn’t need to be any further discussion on the matter. My answer is still no .”

“What if I want more?”

She turned away from him to again stare off into the distance.

“You asked me for more once before,” she said softly until he gently took her arm to turn her to face him once again.

“If I recall, it was an attempt to seduce me by making me believe you were offering something you weren’t and aren’t prepared to give.

” Since he wouldn’t allow her to look away from him, she stared at the pin in his cravat.

“Yes, I’m well aware of how I botched my answer before.

I don’t plan to do so again.” He lifted her chin with his fingertips so she had no choice but to stare into those eyes that could easily hold her spellbound.

“I know. I was wrong. But now, I want more between us than just having you for my mistress, Cassandra.”

“Me? A fallen woman? You must have lost your mind,” she gasped in astonishment, wondering if she could believe him.

“You are far more than a fallen woman and you have more than proved yourself to Society. I have watched you this past month as you’ve gone about your charity work; from work at the hospitals, to helping the veterans, and even passing out food to the street urchins.

Why you even managed to wed the matriarchs of the ton with such conviction that it was as though you always belonged there.

And let us not forget what you did for your lady friends.

That in itself is redeemable in anyone’s mind. ”

“And what about this being just a business arrangement between us?” she asked.

His thumb began rubbing her cheek and yet still she hesitated to give into the feelings he evoked within her.

“I think I’ve been foolish long enough to dismiss what is occurring between us.”

“I am still of a mind to become married,” she reminded him.

“I know,” he answered quietly.

“And you would be willing to give up the life you now lead for me?” She gazed directly into his eyes, looking for deceit and finding none.

“Yes.” A simple answer, but the implications where almost unimaginable.

“Why?” Cassandra asked, holding her breath.

Lucius took her face into his hands. “Because from the first moment I saw you outside your townhouse that evening, I have thought of nothing and no one else but you. You have slowly crept your way into my life, Cassandra. I would like nothing more than to spend further time together to see if we might suit. I think it’s time I admit that I’m falling for you. ”

“Sometimes falling is the best part…” Her heart began to soar after she whispered these words. He appeared sincere on the surface and she could only pray that he spoke the truth.

But there was still one lingering thought inside her head that could derail everything and she had to voice her concerns aloud so there was nothing hiding between them. “What about Virtue?”

“I have already settled my accounts with her and before you say anything, I have no plans to take another mistress. Not if I have you in my life.”

“You seem to have thought of everything,” Cassandra murmured.

“And I am just as certain that I will spend further time groveling and begging your forgiveness,” Lucius declared, reaching out to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I am most sorry that I hurt you that night at the Lyon’s Den.”

“I never said you hurt me,” she stated although in fact, she had been crushed.

“You didn’t have to. You face said it all. I don’t know what made it worse… knowing that I was the reason behind the tears threatening to cascade down your lovely face or the utter disappointment you felt for me. I promise to make it up to you.”

“I’m sure we can think of something for you to make amends, my lord,” she whispered watching as his features took on a new light. Relief, for certain, but maybe even a hint of love that he may one day come to feel for her. Could it be?

“Then you’ll consider what I now offer?”

Cassandra thought that there would need to be a delicate balance to ensure he wouldn’t break her heart again. “How do I know I can trust you?”

“I promise I will never disappoint you again. Maybe that can be the start of a new beginning between us,” Lucius murmured.

She gave him a nod, praying with every fiber of her being that he spoke the truth. “I will hold you to such a vow, Lucius.”

He gave her a very formal bow. “I would expect nothing less, Cassandra.”

“Then perhaps we can begin with that dance.”

Lucius held out his arm for her to take. “I would be honored,” he replied before he led her back inside to the ballroom.

If this was a new beginning between them, then Cassandra would make every attempt to allow Lucius to redeem himself in her eyes. He would need to prove to her that he could become the man she always knew he could be. Somewhere deep inside her, a piece of her shattered heart seemed to heal.