“No, but I’ve accepted it.” Cassandra smiled. “He wants to surprise me. It’s romantic, in a way, if not a tiny bit irritating to not be in control of a decision as big as where we willlive, but Seth loves to spoil me. I’m sure wherever we’re going is perfect.”
“I wish that I could go too.” Caroline frowned. “I’ve never been away from you for this long, I’ll miss you terribly. It’ll be so quiet without you here.”
“It’s only for a short while,” Cassandra soothed. “We’ll be back in London before you know it, and I’ll see you at Hollingsworth Manor in Hampshire for Christmas. Matthew already promised the Earl that he would bring you.”
In exchange for allowing them to retreat into the country, Lord Bolderwood requested that Seth’s work continue, and that they to attend every holiday in Hampshire. Cassandra thought the last request was heavy-handed, but after everything the Earl had done for them, the least they could do was give a genuine effort toward being a family.
Jasmine tugged at her gloves before speaking. “How is Matthew? He seems… distant.”
True to form, Adrian had ensured the investigation was thorough and clean. The law wouldn’t charge Matthew with murder, but that didn’t change public opinion, nor did it sway Colonel Bishop’sdemands for justice. Thetonhad taken to calling Matthew theLincolnshire Slayer,which didn’t seem to bother him—but then, nothing did. Matthew simply went about his days, veiling his emotions. He remained kind and offered sarcastic quips over the breakfast table, but she hadn’t heard him laugh. While he hadn’t shut her out, he wouldn’t let herin, and she didn’t push.
“He’s beenFull-MaskMatthewsince the ball,” Cassandra said.
Jasmine gave a brief sigh. “I see. At least I’m not the only one he’s keeping at arm’s length. After we waltzed, I thought maybe he... maybewe… oh, nevermind.” Jasmine buried her face in her hands. “Whenever I try to speak to him, I get tongue-tied. Everything feels sodifferent. I want to be there for him, but what do I even say? I don’t know, Cassandra, I’m concerned. It feels like he’s lost hisspark.”
“Seth says he needs time.” Cassandra patted Jasmine’s hand. “He might be fine, back to his old ways in a week, or he won’t, and we’ll have the pleasure of getting to know him anew. He’ll be changed, but he’ll still beMatthew,Jasmine.”
When Seth returned to Cooper House all those months ago, war had changed him from the boy she had known growing up into the man that he had become. Rugged and scarred, but his spirit remained the same. For Matthew to come out on the other side of this, he would need family and friends to shine a light to help him find his own. Over time, he would heal, and perhaps even be open to romance.
“I hope you’re right. It’s all so”—Jasmine sighed—“complicated.”
“Remember what you told me in Hampshire? Love isquitesimple. However you feel, don’t stand in your own way.” Cassandra smiled. “But be patient with him, I don’t thinkheknows what he needs. Whenever he’s ready, I’m sure he’ll let you know.”
“Right!” Caroline beamed. “Matthew doesn’t have it in him to wallow. He’ll be back to waltzing you off your feet in no time.”
Footsteps echoed in the halls with the muffled sounds of Seth andMatthew talking, becoming louder as they approached the sitting room.
“The carriage is ready,” Seth said to Cassandra. “Are you?”
Jasmine and Matthew glanced at each other over Seth’s shoulder. Her friend’s blush deepened, but Matthew was the first to look away.
“I’ll be off.” Jasmine used their joined hands to pull Cassandra into a suffocating embrace. “Oh, how I’llmissyou. You’ll write to me every day. And take care of yourself, do you hear me? I’ll be cross with you if you give me reasons to worry.”
“I’ll do my best,” Cassandra wheezed, returning her embrace with the same amount of force. Between lingering farewells, everyone escorted Seth and Cassandra to the front door.
On the cobblestone street, behind a sleek four-horse carriage, Cassandra’s eyes widened to see Trevor atop Sabre. With a rucksack on his back and a bedroll tied to the saddle, he wore a brown riding jacket, a broad-brimmed hat, and a grin to match.
Cassandra clapped her hands and returned his grin. “Well done! How did you convince him to let you ride him?”
“It’s just as you said! He has a sweet tooth!” Trevor opened his jacket with a flourish. Two green apples tumbled off the horse and onto the street. Recovering quickly, he pulled a carrot out of his pocket like a magician with a wand. “But these are his favorite.”
Cassandra laughed. “Yes, I know.”
“We’ll see what happens when he runs out of bribes.” Seth picked up the apples and handed them up to Trevor. “It’s a two day journey, and we’ll be going slowly. He gets ornery when he can’t sprint.”
“I think we’ll get along fine.” Trevor rubbed the horse’s neck, scratching behind his ears. Sabre made a pleased noise, and the boy laughed, a youthful and innocent sound. “See? We’re best friends already.”
From the front steps, Caroline launched herself at Cassandra, andthen Seth. He lifted her with his hug and put her down gently on her toes. After lowering himself to her eye level, he pointed his pinky finger at her. “Promise me you’ll stay out of trouble, or…”
“… that I won’t getcaught,” Caroline finished dutifully, and clasped her pinky with his.
“Good girl,” Seth said and ruffled her hair.
“Don’t encourage her,” Cassandra half-heartedly scolded them and brought Caroline in for a kiss on her cheek. “Stay out of trouble and remember that I love you.” She turned to Matthew, her voice softened. “Are you sure you’ll be all right?”
Matthew stepped forward and wrapped his arms around both of his sisters. Leaning his head against Cassandra’s, he said, “Don’t worry about me, or Caroline. Take care of yourself, for once. We’ll be fine.” He kissed her hair. “Iwill be fine.”
With one last squeeze, he released her and turned to Seth. He fished into his coat pocket, then handed Seth a large iron key.
