Even without him saying so, she knew it was true. He was entirely too comfortable shirking rules of etiquette, and he didn’t seem to care one bit what others—including hishost—thought of him. It wasn’t only disrespect, but unflattering rebelliousness. Mr. Reeves held such animosity towards Lord Bolderwood that it shadowed everything else, including the contest itself. It reflected poorly on Matthew, Cassandra,and the Earl, and in ways, Mr. Reeves’ actions seemed deliberate. Whatever happened in this manor must have been horrible, but thinking about it only made her head swim with more questions.
“… from Ushant to Scilly is thirty-five leagues.”Jasmine finished at the piano and came to join them, Commodore Leopold at her side. He bowed to the ladies and seated himself in an armchair.
“My theory is that the Earl found Mr. Reeves in the forest,” Jasmine said conspiratorially. “I hear that he sleeps outside like a wild-man!”
“You’re sorefreshing, Lady Jasmine,” Lady Samantha simpered. “You must join us for tea this afternoon, you’re welcome to join us as well, Commodore. Perhaps you can serenade us with a few sea shanties of your own.” She turned to Cassandra. “You as well, Miss Cooper. Meet us in the yellow drawing room on the second floor at five o’clock. You know the one, it’srightnext door to the library.”
In the manner of a poacher waiting for an exotic animal to ensnare itself in her trap, Lady Samantha waited for her response. But it was in that moment that Matthew walked into the room. He took a slow look around, noticed Cassandra, and approached.
“Ladies.” Matthew bowed to them, then turned to greet Commodore Leopold. “Commodore.”
“Who won the style competition?” Jasmine asked.
“Mr. Nott.” He smiled ruefully. “Naturally.”
“Will you sit with us, Lord Lincolnshire?” Lady Honora asked, fluttering her fan closer to her chest.
“Alas, no, to my regret. I have other matters to attend to.” Matthew looked sincerely remorseful.Liar. “Cassandra, might I have a word?”
A quiver of apprehension ran through her, but she nodded. “You’ll have to excuse me, ladies, Commodore.”
Commodore Leopold stood as she did, and settled back down in the chair next to Jasmine, who shot her a questioning glance. As Cassandra tucked her arm into her brother’s, she noticed an interested gleam andan unspoken communication occur between Lady Samantha and Lady Honora.
Cassandra fought a groan and struggled to keep her face neutral.
That hadn’t gone well for her at all.
Matthew led her from the drawing room and walked down the hall until he found an empty room. Guiding her inside, he closed the door and breathed out a broken sigh.
“I need to talk to you about Reeves,” he said without preamble.
Cassandra took to the offensive.
“Were you brawling with him?”
“No,” Matthew said too quickly, darting his gaze from hers. During the movement, his collar shifted enough to reveal a sickeningly dark purple mark forming on the side of his neck. Whatever happened that morning,someonehad gotten violent.
Liar.
Cassandra crossed her arms over her chest.
“Miss Georgiana said that you were.”
“She’s wrong,” Matthew said flatly and then stayed silent, as if sorting through his thoughts. “I’m going to be direct, sister.” Cassandra waited for the axe to drop, but Matthew surprised her by saying, “You need to help me with Reeves while we’re here. I know you like to bicker, but be nice. He’s having a hard time, I’m sure you can tell. I can’t do this by myself. I thought I would be able to, but it’s…a lot.” He ran his hand through his hair. “He needs to sleep, Cassandra.”
Why would he need her help? Unless….
“Are you directly sabotaging me, Matthew?” Cassandra asked, hurt tinging her voice.
“No.” Matthew met her eyes and said through his teeth, “I am tryingveryhard to not get involved, inanyof your business, as I promised.”
Liar.
“I’m too busy to mother Mr. Reeves.” Cassandra glared at him. “I have my own goals, and you’re getting in the way of them as we speak.”
“Cassandra.” Viscount Lincolnshire used her brother’s voice, warning and authoritative. “Remember that winning the contest takes precedence over whatever social agenda or marriage match that you think you can make here. When I succeed in my goal, it will only make it that much easier for you to succeed in yours. To do that, I need to make sure that my partner doesn’t succumb to madness.”
“I don’t know how you expect me to help.” Cassandra huffed.
