The Unexpected Duchess (Playful Brides #1)(27)

As her cousin strolled up, he and Jane exchanged exasperated glances. When he reached Lucy, he turned around, watching Jane leave. “She’s off to the library, isn’t she?” He sighed.

“But of course,” Lucy replied with a laugh.

Garrett shook his head. “Predictable.”

“I wish you and Jane would stop your constant bickering. You might consider giving her a chance. She’s been an excellent friend to me.”

Garrett’s face reflected his skepticism as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’m not the one who’s not giving someone a chance. She’s been rude to me from the moment we met. And I don’t particularly care for being treated like an idiot. You’re famous for your sharp tongue but as far as I’m concerned, the sharpness of your tongue doesn’t compare to the scimitar behind Miss Lowndes’s teeth.”

“Jane’s really quite nice once you’re on her good side.”

Garrett wrinkled his brow. “Good side? I’ve seen no evidence that such a side exists. And if it does, it wouldn’t appear until after she finishes lecturing you on the proper care and feeding of thoroughbreds and then telling you the exact dimensions of Stonehenge and then enumerating the many virtues of repealing the Corn Laws.”

Lucy shrugged. “She’s intelligent and well read. That shouldn’t intimidate you in the least.”

“Intimidate me, nothing,” Garrett shot back. “I simply prefer my conversations to be with ladies who don’t insist upon ripping me to pieces with their tongues.”

“Hasn’t stopped you from being my friend.” Lucy grinned.

Garrett smiled at her. “Compared with Jane, your tones are dulcet, dear cousin. You choose to flay others with your wit, leaving only the nicest sentiments for me.”

Lucy laughed out loud at that and then clapped a hand over her mouth when she noticed the ladies at the nearest card table giving her disapproving looks. “I’m only nice to you because you’re going to inherit all of Father’s holdings one day and I don’t want you to toss me onto the streets.”

Garrett grinned back. “I know.”

Lucy couldn’t help but smile. She loved her cousin without reservation, and the two had exchanged this sort of silly banter for years. She knew without a doubt that Garrett would do anything for her and she him. Neither would ever want to see the other hurt.

And that’s why she had to ask him her next question.

Lucy took a deep breath. It was time. She might not have this opportunity again. “So would it be fair to say that you prefer a lady more like Cass than Jane?”

Lucy held her breath. It was the first time she had ever mentioned Cass to Garrett in such a manner. But she had to know. Did Garrett love Cass or not?

“Cassandra.” Garrett’s face immediately turned sober. “How is she? Did you speak with her today?”

Lucy let out her pent-up breath. Her cousin had managed to change the subject. But they were both worried about Cass. “She’s so upset, Garrett. I didn’t know how to comfort her.”

Garrett nodded grimly.

Lucy turned her head slightly and nearly gasped. The duke was standing only a few paces away. He was speaking with Lord Mountebank, laughing at something the viscount had said. Distracting, his laugh. Deep and rich and—

“I can’t imagine what she must be going through,” Garrett said, pulling Lucy from her wayward thoughts.

Lucy cleared her throat, doing her best to ignore the duke’s proximity. “Jane paid Cass a visit as well. She told me about it earlier. Nothing helped.” Had the duke taken a step closer?

Garrett cursed lightly under his breath. “And I suppose nothing will help. A broken heart is a difficult thing to mend. I suspect only time will help.”

Lucy couldn’t help but think that Garrett, while clearly worried for Cass, might just be hoping that given time and space, Cass could fall in love with him after Julian was gone. It was lovely to contemplate her cousin and her best friend together—but Lucy had to be truthful with Garrett; she always had been. She took a deep breath, willing away the unwanted thoughts of the duke behind her. “Garrett, I must tell you something.”

Garrett nodded, narrowing his eyes. “What is it?”

“I told Cass she must write to Julian and tell him the truth.”

Garrett turned his head slightly, eyeing her warily. “What do you mean?”

Lucy held out her hand in a supplicating gesture. “I mean she cannot just allow Julian to die without knowing how much she loves him.”

Garrett ran a hand over his face. “Are you jesting? What good could come of telling the man something like that on his deathbed?”

Lucy blinked at him. She lowered her voice to a hoarse whisper. “I cannot believe you’re saying this. Don’t you think he should know how she feels? And more important, don’t you think Cass shouldn’t have to live the rest of her life knowing she never told him?”

Garrett settled his hands on his hips. “Frankly, no, Lucy. I don’t think so. I think it’s a phenomenally bad idea actually.”

Lucy nearly growled in frustration. How could Garrett think that way? She wasn’t particularly known for her romantic notions, but even she could tell that if you loved someone as desperately as Cass loved Julian, you should never allow him to go to his grave without telling him. “You can never go wrong if you’re honest and follow your heart,” she murmured.