A False Proposal (12 page)

Chapter Thirteen

After a light meal, the group made ready for their excursion. Cass had not been part of the decision to explore the Cowdray ruins, but she had long wanted to visit the site, which had burned down sometime in the last twenty years. It was said that the park, and the ruins themselves, were stunning.

Adam was not present at the meal, but when she walked outside wearing her new midnight blue riding habit, she glimpsed him standing outside the stables, helping some of the other ladies at the mounting block. But it was Jack who shouted her name and motioned to her.

“Over here, Cass!”

Obligingly, she strolled toward her brother, who held the reins of a sweet looking little mare. “This is Minerva,” he said. “A good mount for you, I think.”

Cass had no way of judging, so she would have to trust Jack. She was no horsewoman; in fact, she currently had little opportunity to ride and did not sit a horse with any confidence. As a child, she’d always preferred to ride pillion behind Jack or Adam, and neither of her parents seemed to care that she wasn’t developing skills as a rider. The trip to Cowdray would seem like nothing to experienced riders, but to her it would be daunting. She knew it was eight or so miles, so a sixteen-mile trip altogether. She dreaded it.

“I can see by your expression that you are doubting your ability, but have no fear. I’ve been assured by the stable boys that Minerva is docile, but very responsive.”

“Ah, yes. Well, the best I can hope for is that she is also a good follower,” Cass said, rolling skeptical eyes at her brother.

And then another, deeper voice intruded. “I’ll assist Cass. Why don’t you do the same for your fiancée?” Adam said to Jack. When had he approached? He could be as silent as a breath of air, and just as ticklish.

Cass couldn’t be sure, but she thought Jack gave Adam a hard stare before he turned to help Jenny. What had warranted that? She had no reason to believe her brother suspected anything improper had occurred between her and Adam.

He gave her his most winning smile.
Why did he have to be so handsome? And why can’t I be immune to it?
“Good morning, Cassie. That’s a charming riding habit.”

“Adam.” She was determined to be curt. Even though Cass was pleased he’d noticed her smart new costume, trimmed with gold braid and frogging, she wasn’t about to succumb to the first compliment he threw her way. Refusing to look at him, she got on with the business of mounting the horse. Unfortunately, to do so she had to place her hand on Adam’s shoulder. Perched on the mounting block, she set a foot in the stirrup and pushed hard against him as he lifted her into the saddle. No man should have such solid, broad shoulders. Shoulders one could lean on. Lean into.
Stop it, Cass. Don’t be a ninny
.

After arranging her skirts, she hooked her right leg over the horn and turned her body so she was facing forward. Only then did she look down at her left foot, which now hung suspended above the stirrup. Still, she didn’t speak, only waited for Adam to adjust the length for her. To her chagrin, he did no such thing, but turned and marched off without a word.

“Adam! Where do you think you’re going?” Cass knew her voice bordered on shrill, revealing her displeasure with her host to all and sundry, but she didn’t care. She couldn’t ride all the way to Cowdray without her foot in the stirrup. Cass caught a few questioning glances, but she ignored them.

He immediately changed course, circling back to her. “I thought that might force you to speak to me,” he said.

“Yes, well so it did. You know I can’t ride with my foot dangling.”

“Did it not occur to you that your brother would have helped,” Adam said sardonically, “or one of the grooms?”

Cass’s cheeks warmed. Why hadn’t she thought of that instead of humiliating herself by yelling at him? She felt his hand snake under her skirt and grasp her ankle. How dare he, in front of everybody? She knew he was trying to rattle her.

“Raise your skirt for me, my dear,” he said, “so I can get to the stirrup.” Of course, he made it sound as though he wanted to get to something else entirely. He chuckled, and Cass narrowed her eyes at him. But she hurriedly did as he asked, hoping no curious onlookers would notice. When Adam finished the adjustment, he looked up at her. She recognized by the way his eyes brushed her face gently that he wanted to make peace with her. That he was attempting to tease her out of her hurt feelings. She’d never met a man who could switch from flirtatious to serious so quickly. But she wasn’t ready to forgive him for last night. Woodenly, she said, “Thank you, sir.”

After testing the tightness of the girths, he looked back down for a final check of the stirrup. Did he yank the strap especially hard, or was it her imagination? Cass threaded the reins through her fingers and watched him walk away.

The ride to Cowdray began uneventfully. Various members of the party slowed their horses to ride with Cass, since she remained entrenched at the rear of the group. Exceedingly grateful that she hadn’t yet flown out of the saddle, Cass didn’t particularly care. She enjoyed watching the others, though it did not bring her any pleasure when Adam rode alongside Miss Broxton—who appeared to be a skilled rider—for a stretch. There seemed to be competition for a place beside the young girl. When Atherton joined them, Adam rode off. Next up was Hugh, the only one who made Miss Broxton laugh. And from what Cass was able to observe, she actually talked to him. More than one or two sentences. Say what you would about Hugh, he seemed to have an unerring knack for putting people at their ease.

When Jack and Adam cantered ahead, Jenny dropped back to ride alongside Cass. “How are you holding up?” she asked.

“Ha! Are you worried about me?”

Jenny denied it, but looked as if she might break into laughter. They rode in silence for a few minutes, and then Jenny said, “What’s going on between you and Adam?”

“Nothing!” Cass said, much louder than she really needed to. Nervously, she reached a hand up to adjust her hat, and the reins, which she had so carefully threaded through her fingers, fell out of her grasp. Giving Jenny a panic-stricken look, Cass made a futile grab for them.

“Carriage approaching,” someone shouted.

In seconds it was upon them, traveling at a fearsome speed. Minerva, spooked both by the other horses and the rattling conveyance, bolted. They’d been jogging along at a slow trot until then. Cass knew she couldn’t keep her seat for long at this pace, especially without the reins. She grabbed onto the pommel.
Think, Cass!
What did she know about slowing a horse? She was too unnerved to gather her wits. Trees, hedges, fences all seemed to fly by, even though she knew her speed couldn’t have increased that drastically.

Cass was dimly aware of surging past other riders and glimpsing shock on their faces. She ought to feel humiliated, but she only felt fear. Her mouth had gone so dry she could barely swallow. Her brain seemed frozen; the only thing that registered was the constant pounding of Minerva’s hooves. One of two things was bound to happen—the mare would stop of her own accord, or Cass would go flying off.

She was suddenly conscious of a rider approaching from behind, on her offside. Risking a glance back, she saw that it was Adam.
Oh! Thank God
. He was all concentration and determination. Drawing slightly ahead of her, he leaned down and caught hold of the reins. Cass was disgusted with herself for noticing the play of his shoulders and back muscles.

“Whoa, girl,” Adam said while gently pulling back on Minerva’s reins. Skillfully, he slowed his own mount while coaxing hers to a gradual halt.

Cass was so relieved she felt faint. Spots danced before her eyes.

“Are you all right?” Adam asked, his brow furrowed. Beads of perspiration shone on his forehead.

“A little shaken up,” she said. “I’ll be fine once I’m off this horse.”

…

Adam dismounted and lifted her from the saddle. Cass’s face was pale and she was trembling all over. He had to fight down the urge to pull her into his arms and hold her tightly. Just to comfort her, of course. “Let’s find you somewhere to sit,” he said, taking her elbow and steering her toward a grove of trees.

“Water!” he shouted, “and bring a blanket.” A footman rushed forward and handed him a jug. Another stepped in to spread a blanket over the grass. Adam helped Cass to sit, then held the jug to her lips while she took a few sips.

By this time Jack and Jenny had joined them. The others hovered at a respectful distance, waiting to make sure Cass was unharmed.

“Does anything hurt?” Adam asked.

She looked at the three of them, her smile tentative. “My entire body, thank you very much. It feels as though it’s been jolted to hell and back.”

Adam laughed. Poking fun at herself was a good sign. “You’ll be all right. A little sore tomorrow, probably.”

“My vanity is wounded, otherwise I think I’m fine.” She smiled at Adam, this time a genuine smile, for him alone. Something deep in his gut turned over. Maybe she’d forgiven his callous remarks of last night. When she unexpectedly placed her hand on his chest, her touch burned through three layers all the way to his skin. “Thank you, Adam. You came to my rescue again.”

“It was my pleasure,” he said, brushing an errant curl behind her ear. “I am available for rescue any time.”

Jack hunkered down, spoiling the moment, curse him, and said, “Cass, do you think you can continue on to the ruins?”

“May I have a few moments to decide?”

“Of course,” Adam said. He glowered at Jack until Jenny touched his arm and whispered something to him. Jack grumbled under his breath, but walked away with his fiancée. Once they’d ascertained that Cass was all right, the others had scattered. So the couple did indeed find themselves with an unusual amount of privacy, although Adam knew it wouldn’t last long. Jack would see to that.

…

Cass had been scared out of her wits during Minerva’s wild gallop, but now, in the aftermath, felt almost euphoric. She had a ridiculous longing for Adam to kiss her. She’d like to crawl into his lap. Was she hallucinating, or at the very least, having another one of those wicked dreams? She could imagine how good it would feel to have his strong arms circling her waist while she leaned against his shoulder. The very one she’d been admiring such a short time ago, with its muscles bunching and relaxing. Even while in a state of extreme fear, she’d noticed it.

Cass tried to focus on something else she’d noticed. “My brother seems awfully hostile to you,” she said.

“A brother’s prerogative. He doesn’t trust me with you.”
With good reason
.

“It’s not at all proper, you know. For us to be alone in this secluded spot.”

“I don’t give a damn. Do you?”

“Not particularly,” Cass said, a laugh bubbling up. But immediately she went quiet. “He worries about me, you see. Since the…since Bentley—”

“No need to explain, Cassie.” Then he didn’t speak for a moment, and Cass thought he must be weighing her words. “Any brother worth his salt would wish to keep you safe. And I should be concerned about your reputation, too.”

As much as Cass would have liked to remain hidden from the others, in the hope that Adam would kiss her, she knew it was misplaced. “I’m feeling better,” she said.

Adam sprang to his feet. “Up you go, then.” Instead of offering his hand, he stooped down and grasped her around the waist, easily lifting her to standing. She reached out and ran her hands down his arms before he could let go of her. He was staring at her with an unguarded expression, one she’d not seen before. It was the way she imagined Antony looked at Cleopatra. The way Paris looked at Helen of Troy. Then she heard Jack’s voice, and the moment passed. Quickly, she and Adam stepped away from each other, as though they’d been caught in a compromising position.

“What say you, Cass? Shall we proceed?” her brother asked.

“Please don’t ruin the fun on my account,” she said. “I’m feeling well enough to go on, truly, I am.”

“I don’t like it,” Jack said, looking skeptical. “After that mad dash, you’re bound to be feeling unwell. And I’m not sure I trust your mount. What if we pass another vehicle? Or horses she’s unfamiliar with?”

“I agree with Jack,” Adam said. “I’ll send a footman back for a carriage. I think it’s unwise for you to ride any farther.”

Cass humphed in disgust. “Why did you ask my opinion if you weren’t going to listen to me? How much farther to Cowdray?”

“Can’t be more than a mile or so,” Adam said. “But still…”

“I’m sure I can ride that far. But I would much appreciate a carriage ride home.” In truth, she didn’t relish the short ride facing her, but she didn’t want to be sent home either. It would feel like a punishment.

In the end it was decided that Cass would ride. Adam would hold Minerva’s reins and guide her, making sure she kept to a walk. He would dispatch a footman to bring a carriage to Cowdray, and Cass could decide when she was ready to leave.

She was embarrassed about not being able to control her horse, but she couldn’t regret it. What had come after, with Adam, had made her believe that in some small way he did care about her.

Chapter Fourteen

Adam and Cass moved slowly. Unwilling to take any foolish chances where she was concerned, he had urged the rest of the group to proceed at their own pace. The two didn’t talk much, but they did pause to admire the view toward the town of Midhurst, and beyond that, the South Downs, chalk hills that extended all the way to the sea.

When they finally arrived at Cowdray, the others were already eating. Adam lifted Cass down. “How are you feeling?”

“Truly, I’m quite recovered. My primary concern right now is food,” she said, the tiny mole at one corner of her mouth ticking up when she smiled. Had he noticed it before? It was enchanting. Adam couldn’t pull his eyes away.

Cass seemed disconcerted, her eyes darting away. “I could eat a horse.” She patted Minerva and said, “Not you, of course. You behaved admirably in spite of being ridden by a very incompetent equestrian.”

God, what an idiot you are, staring at her that way!
Adam grasped her arm, and they meandered toward the rest of the group, who had arranged themselves on old coverlets spread out on the ground. “What do you think?” He gestured toward the imposing ruins before them.

“I am in awe,” Cass said. “They’re stunning. Have you seen them before?”

“Never. I’m not in the country very often.”

“I love the way they loom right out of the earth, like trees or mountains.” When she glanced up at him, her expression was full of wonder. He took great pleasure in the way she could simply give herself over to the enjoyment of something like this. “What a shame it was destroyed by fire.”

“Caused by someone’s carelessness,” Adam said. “As the story goes, the owner was away while renovations were being carried out. Sadly, the workers left a charcoal brazier burning, and the wind did the rest.”

They’d reached their friends. Everybody fussed over Cass, who situated herself beside her future sister-in-law, and assured them all that she was feeling fine. Hugh happened to be sitting nearby. He brushed a few crumbs from his hands and said, “Are you certain, Miss Linford? That was rather a nasty ride your mount took you on.”

“I’m quite all right, thank you. The carriage spooked her, and I’m to blame as well. I’m a very poor rider.”

Hugh turned back to her. “If you would like some instruction while you’re staying with us, I would be happy to oblige.” While Adam would have loved nothing better than to threaten his brother’s life if he tried to make good on the offer, he thought it unwise to do so in company. Besides, he was convinced the comment was meant to goad him.

Cass laughed. “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. At present, I don’t have much need to improve.”

Jenny had fixed food for them from the feast laid out for the picnic. Cold meat and vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, nuts, Sally Lunns, and apple tarts. Adam passed a plate to Cass, and without another word, she dug in, pausing occasionally to sip at her glass of lemonade. Hungrier than he’d realized, Adam tucked into his own.

…

Most of their party had finished eating and were now walking about exploring the ruins. Jack and Adam had their heads together at some distance, so the two girls had a degree of privacy. Jenny nevertheless lowered her voice before saying, “I’m not letting you off the hook on that question I asked earlier.”

Cass pretended innocence. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Just before your horse bolted, I asked you a question. In fact, I suspect that’s what caused you to drop the reins, and for that I apologize.” Cass noticed Jenny doing her best to suppress a smile, so she didn’t think the other girl was overly sorry. “Surely you can talk to me. We’re to be sisters before much longer.”

Cass sighed. “What was the question again?”

Jenny groaned in frustration. “What is going on between you and Adam?”

“I told you. Nothing.”

Jenny folded her arms and glared. “All indications are to the contrary, Cass. Out with it.”

Having decided to be evasive, Cass shrugged. Anything she told Jenny would find its way to Jack, and that was the last thing she wanted. In fact, Jack may have put his fiancée up to this little interrogation. Cass dabbed at her mouth with a serviette and remained silent.

Jenny looked exasperated. “Cass…I have to ask. You’re not doing anything, well, unwise, are you?”

“Is kissing unwise?” Cass wasn’t about to confess that things had progressed considerably further than that.

To her surprise, Jenny laughed. So she laughed, too. In fact, neither one could stop giggling. Suddenly, two figures towered above them.

“What is so amusing, ladies?” Adam asked.

Cass and Jenny had only to glance at each other before breaking into fresh peals of laughter.

“Oh, let it go, old chap,” Jack said. “Let’s go exploring.” He took Jenny’s hand and pulled her up.

When Adam offered his hand to Cass, she rose and brushed off her skirt. They set off behind Jenny and Jack, but Adam quickly steered them in a different direction.

…

Whatever they’d been laughing at, Adam knew in his gut it had something to do with him. But he wouldn’t press Cassie about it. Ladies had their secrets, just as men did. He pulled her arm through his and they strolled leisurely.

“Oh, look,” she said. “Someone’s sketching.” A young man perched on a large chunk of masonry, probably fallen from the ruin, held a sketchbook in his lap, deftly wielding a piece of charcoal.

“I’ve heard it’s a popular place among the arty sort. They say Turner himself has been here making drawings of it,” Adam said.

Their party was not the only group visiting the ruins. Unfamiliar faces passed them as they made their way to the structure. “We must be careful not to disturb anything,” Adam said. “From what I understand, debris falls from the ruins on occasion.”

“Yes, I believe our artist is sitting on a piece.”

They passed through the gatehouse entrance into the courtyard, and from thence wandered from room to room, guessing the function of each. The great hall was obvious—it was the only space large enough for the entertainments that would have occurred there. They located what they thought were the chapel, the kitchens, and what might have been private apartments. From time to time they heard voices calling out or bursts of excited laughter.

When they stumbled upon a deserted room, Adam suggested a short rest. He led her toward the cavernous space that had once been a window and helped her up onto the ledge. Rather than sit, he stood nearby and leaned into the cool, smooth stone. “Both King Henry and Queen Elizabeth stayed at Cowdray, I believe.”

“Part of its mystique,” Cass said, smiling.

They were quiet for an awkward moment. Adam thought about filling the silence with another trivial comment about Cowdray when Cass spoke. “May I ask you a question, Adam?”

“Of course. I’m not guaranteeing I’ll be able to answer, though.”

“You and Jack have left me out of your political discussions,” she said. “Would you mind telling me why you want to stand for election?”

Jack had warned him, so he shouldn’t have been surprised. But politics had been the last thing on his mind. Instead he’d been thinking how much he’d like to kiss her. She looked radiant, framed by the window, the sun highlighting the coppery streaks in her hair. He’d like to step between her legs and pull her into his arms, close enough to feel her breasts against his chest. She’d think he was daft if he did that now, however. He forced himself to concentrate on answering her question.

“It’s simple. The war.”

“Do you view the war as the greatest problem facing the British people?”

Adam recognized a challenge when he heard it. “Let’s say ‘greatest obstacle.’ Until the war is at an end, the government lacks the money to deal with other problems. We need leaders who will pursue a course of action that can bring that about, sooner rather than later.”

“And you’re one of those? Leaders, I mean?”

“I hope to be, eventually.”

“I see.” She cocked her head. “What other causes are you willing to fight for?”

Adam stepped so close to her, he could feel her breath on his neck. “Do you not trust me to make wise choices?” Her irises were slightly darker in color around their edges, something he’d never noticed before. It was what made her eyes so vibrant.

She laughed a little. “I don’t know if I trust you. You haven’t answered my question.”

“Ah, yes. My ‘causes.’” He paused, as though thinking about this, but instead of answering, he leaned in and gently kissed the softness of her neck. She smelled divine, her rose scent driving him to a dazed distraction.

She laughed and twisted away from his mouth. “Adam! I believe you’re avoiding an answer.”

Smiling, he raised his head. “Sorry. It’s just that you’re…irresistible, Cassie.” He put a hand to his head, as though thinking deeply. “Poor relief. Catholic emancipation. Parliamentary reform. Those are some of the issues I care about most. Are you satisfied?” Slowly, he slid his hands up and down her thighs. The slippery feel of her riding costume rubbing against her skin made him wish it were bare flesh he was stroking. He looked in her eyes and saw desire there, and was inordinately pleased. He whispered in her ear. “I forgot one thing, Cassie. Female education.” He’d never thought it a nuanced idea before. But now it was about to drive him over the edge.

Her voice sounded raspy. “But…but do you really care about those things?”

Chuckling, he took a step back. His nearness to her, touching her, wouldn’t aid in addressing her concerns. Pacing, his boots scraping against the loose stones littering the ground, he tried to gather his thoughts.
She’ll probably be sorry she asked.

“Do I care that people are barely getting by? That children are laboring in mines? That workers are being replaced with machines? That to gain a seat in Parliament, I have to curry favor with Broxton?” Wound up, he halted abruptly and stared at Cass. “That there’s no such thing as a free and fair election?”

He paused to draw in a breath, and Cass waited for him to continue, watching him.

“Yes. I care about all those things. Imagine if my mother, or you and your siblings, were destitute. The wage earner in your family had lost his job and there was not enough to eat. You were desperate. What would you do? Where would you turn?”

“The church, I suppose. But surely they can’t help everybody in need.”

“Just so. Because of the poor harvests of recent years, the church can’t provide for everybody.” He gave his head a shake. “Families are starving, so women turn to prostitution. Girls, some as young as ten, are on the streets. And young boys take up thieving and picking pockets. People know this, they denounce it, but nobody does anything about it.”

Cass released a soft sigh, and Adam stilled and watched her. “I-I apologize, Adam. I misjudged you. You do care.”

“Of course I care!” Anger that she’d thought him so superficial mingled with gladness at her admission she’d been wrong. He hadn’t realized her approval was so important to him. And then it occurred to him that this was the perfect moment, when he was certain of her good opinion, to tell Cass about the false betrothal and ask, beg if need be, for her cooperation. He’d thought Jack should be present, to help smooth the way, but if he couldn’t do it on his own the plan was most likely doomed. Ultimately, Adam was the one who must persuade her.

“Cassie. I must beg your help with something.”

…

Puzzled, Cass regarded Adam with equal degrees of caution and anticipation. He needed her help with the election. He was seeking her advice. At last she could be included in something significant, something that would bring her closer to him.

But why does he look so…guilty?

“You’ve mentioned to Jack that you wanted to be involved in my election.”

She smiled. “Yes, I did. I do.”

“A special circumstance has arisen. As it turns out, you are the only person who can help me deal with it.”

Odd that she could be the “only person.” Now her curiosity was piqued, more than it had been initially. “Go on.”

Adam seemed to hesitate. He’d dropped his gaze to the rubble on the floor, and the silence stretched out.

Did he need her encouragement? “If it’s my advice you want, I shall be glad to give it.”

He looked up and directly at her. “Dearest Cass, it is not your advice I need, precisely.”

He was stalling. After years of dealing with a younger sibling, she was able to wait a long time if necessary, though little doubts began to assail her. What could be so difficult to ask of her?

Adam picked up a small fragment of rubble from the floor and rubbed his thumb across its uneven edges. Finally he looked at her. “On my way here I visited my father. It was the first day of the house party, the day you and I came upon each other walking.”

“Oh?” She remembered how preoccupied he’d seemed.

“I had not seen him in several years. As you know, we are estranged. But I thought if I were to stand for election, I would need to sort things out with him, at least to some degree.” Adam moved toward her, stopping finally and putting his hands behind his back.

Cass wasn’t sure if she was meant to respond, but when he did not immediately continue, she said, “And how did you find him?”

“Worse than I expected, but you need only concern yourself with the fact that I told him I was betrothed. To you.” He watched her, gauging her reaction.

Cass felt something sink inside her. Was this some kind of monstrous joke? Perhaps she had misunderstood, or hadn’t heard him correctly. “I beg your pardon?”