Read In the Garden of Seduction for Free Online Page B

most, I’d go up
against him no matter what the cost. I’m not afraid of him.”
    “Of course, you’re not!”
    That also explained why her father had not
rashly jumped into the conflict. She had wondered at his restraint,
but if he were worried about the effect on her he would be
cautious.
    “You know,” he began slowly, “I realized I
would lose you one day. A beautiful young woman, it’s a miracle you
are not married already. But I expected you to bring my
grandchildren to see me. And if I didn’t hate my son-in-law, I’d
have welcomed him as well.”
    “Papa!” she cried on a watery sniff, torn
between laughter and a need to weep. “Those things shall happen
yet, you’ll see. We must not give up yet.”
    “No, we mustn’t do that,” he said
softly.
    But there was no conviction in his words,
and Cassandra feared the one thing her father must not give up he
had already relinquished.
    He took her hand and squeezed it, closing
his eyes as he did. Within moments he slept.
    Cassandra did not leave immediately, needing
the comfort of his company, the reassuring knowledge that he loved
her. His breathing was deep and regular now, yet she sensed his
inner turmoil even in slumber. She leaned over and placed a light
kiss on his brow as she rose to her feet.
    At the door Cassandra turned and looked
back, seeking out the tortured soul who slept in the chair.
    A messenger had been sent to this house
today with the intention of severing a bond, a bond strengthened by
more than twenty years of love and devotion. Did Lord Whittingham
believe he could wipe away those years and demand her loyalty
simply because he said so?
    Cassandra squared her shoulders grimly. That
wasn’t going to happen. Not now. Not ever .
     
    *****
     
     
CHAPTER 3
     
     
    “Come, Simon, you’ll enjoy yourself. This is
the biggest thing to happen to the countryside in years.”
    “If I had known beforehand, Harry, I could
have stayed in London and been bored by parties far more exciting
than this one. Country balls are notorious for being dull.” Simon
leaned back in his chair and lifted his legs to the ottoman at his
feet, ankles crossed.
    “It won’t be as bad as all that. I’m sorry
you were found out, but once your visit was discovered Whittingham
sent an invitation over immediately. You needn’t feel obliged to
attend, though, if it really is something you’d rather not do. I
can make your apologies.”
    “I suppose I can muddle through for one
evening.” Simon drew in his breath and exhaled heavily as he
brought the glass of brandy he nursed to his lips. He took a swig
and swallowed.
    A week ago he had accepted an invitation
from his good friend Harry Stiles to vacation at Harry’s estate in
the country for the month of July. Seemed the thing to do, he’d
thought at the time, since most of the ton had abandoned the city
during the worst of the summer heat, anyway.
    And Simon was at loose ends. An odd
restlessness plagued him lately, and he had felt if he left London
maybe he might leave that unpleasant feeling behind. Another party
filled with empty smiles and insincere gestures seemed
pointless.
    “I think you might find this ball more
interesting than most,” Harry said.
    “How so?” In the interest of friendship, the
marquess tried to keep the boredom out of his voice.
    “Seems Lord Whittingham has found a
granddaughter who’s been missing for more than twenty-four years.
This is to be her introduction to society. Bit long in the tooth
for a debutante, but I’ve heard she’s a real beauty.”
    “Where has she been?”
    “Information is as scarce as hairs on a
frog. No one knows much, and those who do aren’t saying. Lord
Whittingham has outdone himself putting this thing together,
though. It’s an event, you mark my words.”
    “He’s hoping to find her a husband, is that
it?”
    Harry looked amused. “Not to worry, dear
boy, there will be plenty of gentlemen who will be more than
pleased to take on the