Chapter Eighteen
Six Months Later
The carriage rattled down the lane leading to her new home, and Cassandra’s breath caught in her throat. This was the moment of truth. After five months of searching, she and Phillip had secured the perfect country estate for her outside the city of London.
It was not so far removed she could not venture into town should she choose to do so, but it allowed her the chance to begin her new life with Reuben without being at the center of gossip. She rather liked the idea of having a small estate in the country rather than a house in town.
Phillip was set to move into the family home in Mayfair, forgoing his bachelor accommodations. He had found a woman he referenced frequently but still refused to reveal any details of this burgeoning romance. Although he did make frequent trips to Scotland, which also raised a lot of questions.
But since their heartfelt conversation, she allowed him the same grace that he bestowed upon her in her own amorous journey with Reuben. He seemed unsurprised by Reuben’s proposal, and Cassandra knew he must have already come to peace with the possibility of such an arrangement.
Hyacinth, Victoria, and Eleanor were delighted to hear of the unexpected nuptials and her choice of residence.
It would give them an opportunity to escape the confines of London should they require the reprieve.
She would send an invitation for them to visit as soon as she settled into her new abode.
When the carriage rolled to a stop, Cassandra could barely contain her excitement. While she had toured the estate with her son several weeks ago, this would be her first arrival as lady of the house.
The door swung open and Cassandra stepped from the conveyance. The dark ivy clung to the stone manor. Tall rosebushes climbed to the lower windows, and a variety of flowers blossomed amid the lush greenery surrounding the cozy house.
It was nearly half the size of her son’s home in London, but it boasted more charm and comfort than she ever could have hoped for in town. Her gaze drifted to the surrounding area, finding only open pasture and trees. Best of all, there were no wagging tongues to be found.
Cassandra took a deep breath of fresh country air. It was just as comfortable as their large country estate in Coventry, even though it was a fraction of the size. Much more manageable for her and Reuben without drawing undue attention.
Her heart fluttered at the thought of him. It had been two weeks since he’d departed to ensure the house was prepared adequately for her arrival. Completely upon his insistence.
“I wish to surprise you,” he had said with a wink. And that was the last time she had seen him.
Anticipation unraveled inside her as she stared at the front of the house where the servants had assembled in a line, awaiting her arrival. Her new housekeeper, Mrs. Jennings, introduced herself and the rest of the staff, but the moment the front door opened, she fell silent.
A lone figure emerged from the front door.
Reuben. Her soul took flight at the sight of him.
So handsome in his dark-brown suit and deep-red waistcoat.
He descended the steps with a smile, opening his arms when he reached the stone pathway where she stood waiting.
The servants slowly retreated into the house.
“My darling,” Reuben said warmly, “welcome home.”
Cassandra fell into his embrace and basked in the spicy scent she associated only with him. “I missed you,” she murmured against his chest.
“I missed you even more.” He held her tightly for a moment before pulling back to meet her gaze. He leaned in for a tender kiss.
She melted into it, lost in the tenderness of the moment.
When he withdrew, he practically glowed with excitement. “I cannot wait to give you the private tour.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “What have you done?”
“Nothing you won’t thoroughly enjoy.” He winked. “Don’t you trust me?”
“I do,” she said warily. “But I also know you better than anyone else.”
“You wound me.” He pressed his hand to his chest. “But I shall recover. Come, allow me to show you all of the delicious surprises I have in store for you.”
“Reuben.” Cassandra sighed in exasperation. “Your task was to ensure the house was established enough to be habitable.”
“And I followed your instructions to the letter.” He grinned. “With a few moderate additions—for your comfort, of course.” Reuben offered his arm. “Shall we?”
Cassandra took his arm and followed him up the stairs.
Inside, she found it much the same as when she had seen it with Phillip.
The last owners had sold all the furniture and ornamentation with the house.
As she assessed the rooms, she realized there were touches of her own style, her own personal items scattered throughout the house.
Art she had chosen. Pieces she had purchased that reflected her singular taste.
She reached out and cradled a peony blossom sitting in a lovely bouquet in the sitting room. It was perfect.
Room by room, Reuben led her on a tour of the house, until they reached the largest bedchamber. He paused outside the room.
“Close your eyes,” he prompted with a mischievous grin.
“Why?” she asked, unconvinced of the wisdom of such an action.
“Because I asked nicely.”
“Very well.” Cassandra closed her eyes and waited.
The door creaked as he swung it open. Then he took her hand and led her forward. When he finally stopped, she licked her lips. The sunlight pink against the insides of her eyelids.
“Can I open them?” she asked.
“Yes.” Reuben stood beside her, his hand on her arm.
Cassandra blinked, allowing her eyes to become accustomed to the light.
Her gaze settled on the lovely golden oak desk sitting beside a window.
The fern-green curtains were pulled back, sunlight glinting in the golden threads woven into the fabric.
Her heart warmed as she took in the rest of the room.
All the pieces matched. The rich, gold wood tied the desk, chair, wardrobe, a small bookcase, matching nightstands, and the oversized four-poster bed dominating the center of the room.
Golds, greens, creams, and the occasional splash of red filled her vision.
It was magnificent and suited her to perfection.
The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, highlighting the plush carpet beneath her feet and the clean fireplace along the far wall. Cassandra walked the perimeter of the room, taking in the details and savoring the clean scent of fresh flowers and summer air.
A gentle breeze drifted in through the open window, ruffling a loose curl resting on her cheek.
Cassandra turned to find Reuben watching her in silence. “It is perfect.”
He breathed out in relief and crossed to her side, taking her hand in his and pressing a kiss to her fingertips. “As are you, wife.”
Cassandra heated at the simple expression. “Are you attempting to seduce me, husband?”
“Perhaps.” His gaze darkened as he stroked the inside of her wrist, sending a bolt of need through her.
They had married in secret a month ago, securing a common license and finding a small parish outside London in which to formally bind them in holy matrimony. Almost no one knew of their elopement, and it was best if it came to light of its own accord.
To Cassandra, nothing mattered to her so much as spending the rest of her life with a man who truly valued her, who cared about her wellbeing and desires. A man who loved her beyond reason and logic.
“But—” Reuben withdrew enough to quell the ache building inside her. “Before I indulge in your lustful whims, I must inform you that your son will be joining us for dinner this evening.”
Cassandra frowned. “I just saw him in London.”
“I know. However, it was a formal request he made last week.” Reuben shrugged.
“I cannot deny him, as he is your son and a duke.” He cleared his throat.
“I will take my leave so you can rest after your journey. I have had a bath drawn for you in the next room. When you have finished, I will ensure a fresh pot of tea is delivered here and Sidlow sent to help you dress.”
“I guess it can wait.” Cassandra sighed dramatically before rising up on her toes and kissing him soundly. “After dinner, then.”
His eyes flashed with hunger. “As my wife commands.”
Reuben kissed her one last time before leaving her in the solitude of her chamber.
No, their chamber. One of her demands was that they share a bed as they would share their lives.
She was tired of hiding, tired of living by society’s rules and standards.
She desired to sleep with her husband—among indulging in other things.
The warm, scented bath revived her with a divine potency. Mrs. Jennings provided a fresh pot of tea and Sidlow helped her dress. Cassandra emerged from her chamber refreshed and ready to receive her dinner guest.
When she’d descended the stairs, she heard the distinct sound of men’s voices coming from the parlor. Inside, she found Reuben and Phillip engaged in an animated discussion.
“Phillip.” She greeted her son with a kiss to the cheek. “How lovely that you have joined us for dinner.”
“I did not mean to intrude on your first night together as husband and wife in your new home.” He sighed when she pressed a hand to her chest in mock surprise. “Yes, I knew of your elopement, Mother.”
“And you said nothing?” she asked, surprised.
“I had already given my blessing.” He softened. “You may do as you please.”
“We are honored to have you as our first official guest, Your Grace,” Reuben added.
“‘Phillip,’ please, as I told you before.” Her son held out his hand. “We are family now.”
Reuben shook it firmly, and the final uncertainty of their strained relationship fell away from her mind like the last leaf of the season. Her heart blossomed with joy at the sight of their newly forged bond.
“Has word spread through London of my elopement, then?” Cassandra asked.