A Match Made in Bed (Spinster Heiresses #2)(28)

Dazed, she looked in his eyes. They had gone very dark. She marveled at the laugh lines that shot off from them, small indicators of his character.

“I knew there was something between us,” he whispered. “We will do well together, Cassandra. All you need to do is say yes.”

“Yes.”

The word flowed out of her. Yes—to not being shuttled off to Cornwall. Yes—to having all life could offer. Yes—to what that kiss only hinted at.

Soren didn’t waste a beat. He took her hand and held it up, announcing to the gentlemen, “Miss Holwell has agreed to be my wife.”

The Duke of Camberly cheered while stifling a yawn. Lord Bainhurst called, “Are you satisfied? May we go to our breakfast now?”

Lacing his fingers with Cassandra’s, Soren walked toward Bainhurst and his friends. He offered the sword to the duke. “I am satisfied, my lord.”

“You didn’t have to prick my coat,” His Lordship complained. There was little heat in his voice.

“How else was the lady to know I was serious?” Soren countered.

Lord Bainhurst ignored him. Instead, he addressed Cassandra. “I am sorry that my rash actions ensnared you in all of this, Miss Holwell. Especially since you will be marrying this scoundrel. Oh, come now, I’m jesting. Dewsberry is a good man. Far better than his sire. We’ve all been worried about him. Make his rickety estate a home, give him babies, and may God’s grace shine on you.”

The truth struck her. She was going to marry. She would be a bride, a wife . . . someday, a mother. Her dream of a literary salon lingered a moment around her. Yes, it was something she wanted, but she had a sense that she was standing on the precipice of a bigger adventure, of grander dreams.

It was disconcerting to see the duke and Lord Bainhurst standing side by side. After Lord Bainhurst’s pretty speech, she felt sorry for him. And she was overjoyed she was not marrying Camberly. He was no longer “the one.”

In fact, after that kiss, she saw Soren with new eyes. And she had not forgotten his naked bum.

“You are wealthy now, Dewsberry,” the duke said. There was a note of jealousy in his voice.

“That isn’t what is important right now,” Soren countered. He tugged on Cassandra’s hand. “Come, let us find the breakfast room and we can make plans.”

He began leading her toward the house. The men fell into step around them. The experience of being included in their number was a heady one for Cassandra. She was very conscious that she was now under Soren’s protection.

The concept made her feel ladylike, vulnerable, and remarkably feminine. It was nice to be surrounded by men. She liked their energy.

Mayfield’s breakfast room overlooked the back garden. It was a cheery yellow room. The breakfast dishes had been set up here while most of the guests were eating in the dining room, where there was a longer table and more chairs.

Given the earliness of the hour, Cassandra was amazed at how many of the fashionable set were up. Dame Hester was eating with her husband and there were at least a half dozen of the others who had witnessed the scene with Soren last night. The dowager was bustling about giving instructions to both servants and guests.

Soren took charge. He announced, “If I may beg your attention?”

The room quieted.

“Miss Holwell has made me the happiest of men. She has agreed to be my wife.”

All eyes turned to her, and then the room seemed to explode with good wishes. Cassandra was suddenly self-conscious. She was aware that her hair was not done, that she hadn’t even polished her teeth before she had charged out of the house to stop the duel. She thought to excuse herself to properly dress except the guests would not let her leave.

They acted as if she looked perfectly fine. The hugs from the ladies felt genuine. The handshakes Soren received made Cassandra feel as if she had made the right choice. Lord Bainhurst and the duke acted as if they had played a part in matching the couple and they did so with great pride. She looked around for Willa, who was not at the table yet. Her friend enjoyed her sleep.

However, Letty Bainhurst was present. She rose from her breakfast, her hair and dress perfect, and whispered to Cassandra, “See? I knew you and Dewsberry would be excellent for each other.”

People acted genuinely pleased for Soren. It was obvious that he was well-liked among the men. Of course, this was a crowd that if they’d heard the duel had taken place and one of the duelists had been injured, they would be equally forgiving. Such was the nature of this set.

And she would be one of them. Lady Dewsberry. Her Ladyship. My lady. His lady.

Cassandra glanced over to Soren and her heart did a funny thing. It actually seemed to grow a little.

The sensation was extraordinary. She didn’t know that hearts could do that. She also found herself watching him and thinking about that kiss.

Yes, things could be good between them. She understood that now. This was not a mistake—

The room fell silent.

Heads turned to the door where Cassandra’s father and stepmother had appeared.

Stepping forward, the dowager called in greeting, “MP Holwell, you are joining us just in time. You lucky man, you are going to have son-in-law. Your daughter accepted Dewsberry’s offer.”





Chapter 8




Soren knew the dowager was aware of the impact of her words. He could only believe that she’d decided to attack the matter head-on and consequently, give the marriage her blessing, almost as if in defiance of Holwell’s disapproval.