The housekeeper gave her a kind smile.
“Of course, ma’am,” she said. “We’ll put them in water, but don’t expect them to last.”
Throughout the day, swathes of women came in and out of herbedchamber to express their concern and ask after her wellbeing. Matthew stood watch at the door, herding guests out of the room when he felt they had overstayed, until Aunt Valentine scolded him to let her spend time with her friends. After lunch, Jasmine brought with her Lady Samantha, Lady Honora, and Miss Georgiana. Willing to jump at the newest bite of gossip, they took one look at the roses and each lady donned a shark-like smile.
“Do you think that Lord Bolderwood has an interest in you?” Lady Samantha asked, twirling a red rose in her hands.
Cassandra vehemently shook her head. “No, I doubt that.”
“Everyone said he’s been fussing over you,” Lady Samantha teased.
“Who is everyone?” Jasmine asked with a raised brow.
Samantha pointed the rose at her friend. “Tell her, Georgie,”
“He’s been asking about you,” Miss Georgiana crooned. “He seems to beparticularlyconcerned.”
“I’m sure he’s no more concerned than he would be to any guest in my situation,” Cassandra said primly.
In a twinkling tone, Miss Georgiana said, “Lord Bolderwood is asking about you inthatway.”
“In which way?” Jasmine asked, irritated at being ignored.
“Asking what type of woman you are, your interests, if you have any plans formarriage,” Lady Samantha supplied. Then she whispered, “Your family’s finances.”
Affronted, Cassandra looked at Jasmine as the three girls giggled. Sensing her discomfort, Jasmine steered the conversation away.
“Lady Honora didn’t tell you aboutherplans for marriage.” Jasmine winked. “Your Mama toldmyMama all about it last night.”
A collection of shrill squeals escaped Lady Samantha and Miss Georgiana, hurting Cassandra’s ears.
“To Lord Worthing? Why didn’t yousayanything?” Lady Samantha gushed. “When?”
Going pale, Lady Honora looked down at her knees.
“When we get back to London, Lord Worthing will be acquiring a special license,” she said in a quiet voice. “He wishes to wed immediately.”
Jasmine smirked.
It looked like Matthew had lost a bet.
Once the other three ladies had left, Jasmine toyed with the white and yellow flowers on her bedside table, eyes lighting up with playful knowing.
“He’s romantic, isn’t he?” She gave Cassandra a pointed look. “For aruffian.”
Burying her head in her pillow to hide her blush, muffled, Cassandra asked, “How did you know?”
Jasmine laughed. “Cassandra, I knowyou.”She plopped onto the bed on her stomach, feet swaying in the air, wearing a wide smile. “Tell meeverything.”
And so she did. Cassandra told her about the diary page, the tree, their deal, the near-kiss in the library, the scorching kiss following the chase, and Seth’s gentle embrace the previous night in the glasshouse.
“Lucky!” Jasmine rolled onto her back. “What was it like?”
“Wonderful.” Cassandra smiled, then sobered, glancing at the flowers he sent. The housekeeper’s words echoed in her ears. “I think I might be in love with him.”
“Iknewit!” Jasmine giggled. “All right. So what are you going to do about it?”
“What can I do?” Cassandra let out a long sigh. “Nothing. I can’t be with him, Jasmine.”
