Page 138 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

Harrington looked between them all—Julian's pleasant threat, Lucien's cold fury, Arabella's protective stance, even Thistle growling softly from the doorway.

"Fine," he spat. "But this isn't over."

"Yes," Lucien said firmly, "it is."

Harrington stormed out, pausing at the door. "You'll regret this. All of you."

"Doubtful," Julian said cheerfully. "But do try. It's entertaining."

After he left, Cassandra sank onto the settee, suddenly looking older and defeated.

"What am I supposed to do now?" she asked plaintively.

"Whatever you want," Arabella said. "Just do it away from us."

"I have nothing. He's taken everything."

"Then rebuild. Start over. Find something besides revenge to live for."

"Easy for you to say. You have everything."

"I have everything because I risked everything. You risk nothing but scheme for all."

"I don't know how to do anything else."

"Learn," Lucien said, not unkindly. "Matilda's dead, Cassandra. Let her rest. Let us all rest."

"You won't tell anyone? About the fire?"

"Not if you disappear. Completely. No letters, no 'chance' meetings, no schemes. You vanish from our lives forever."

"And if I don't?"

"Then everyone will know the truth."

She stood slowly, gathering the remnants of her dignity. "I did love you once."

"I know that you loved the idea of me."

"Does that count for anything?"

"It counts for goodbye."

She left without another word, her black silk trailing behind her like shadow.

"Well," Julian said after a moment. "That was bracing."

"That was exhausting," Arabella corrected, sinking into a chair.

"Are you all right?" Lucien asked immediately, kneeling beside her.

“Fine.”

They all looked at the dog, who had somehow procured a silk cushion from somewhere and was methodically destroying it.

"Where did he get that?" Lucien asked.

"Better question," Julian said. "Is it Cassandra's?"