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“I have considered. I was very careful, and I do not believe anyone saw me. Besides, I could not go on without knowing that Amelia was well. I thought, you might have locked her in a dark tower somewhere, or…”
“Cassie,” I said, smiling at her. “I am quite alright. Fortunately, my life is not yet the plot of a gothic novel.”
She smiled back at me.
“I’m glad. I really was worried about you, Amelia. And, I miss you.”
“I miss you too, dear.”
Cassie looked from me to Will, and then sighed.
“I have tried to beg my grandmother to take you back, but I’m afraid it’s of no use. Though I certainly don’t blame you for seeking other company.”
I felt a pang of sadness. I knew how lonely Cassie was… I had witnessed it for several years. She was an orphan, just like me. Just like Will. And she was so restricted by her guardian. I understood why she rebelled against her, sneaking out and potentially risking her entire reputation… she just wanted to live.
The world was unfair to young women. I knew it better than anyone.
“I would not expect her to, Cassie. But it’s alright. If you can manage it, we can write to each other, alright?”
Getting letters past Lady Radcliffe was difficult. But Cassie had her ways.
“Yes, I’d like that.” She responded, her voice slightly resigned.
I walked over to her and squeezed her hand.
“Now, dear, you need to get home. Before your grandmother realizes where you’ve gone. Will, could Miss Radcliffe ride your carriage, or…”
I suddenly blushed, realizing my gaffe. I had called the Lord by his Christian name, and hisnickname, at that, in front of Cassandra.
She stared at me, a small smile on her face.
“There are plenty of ways for her to make it home unnoticed. I will have my valet set her up in a disguise, and the maid will walk with her.” Will spoke quickly, acting as if nothing had happened.
The girl grinned up at him, her green eyes sparkling.
“My staff are paid for their discretion. Miss Radcliffe’s reputation will remain unscathed.”
I gave him a grateful look, and then hugged Cassie.
“Be safe. And please,don’tdo this again.”
She laughed, raising her eyebrows at me provocatively.
“I won’t promise anything of the sort, Amelia.”
I sighed, shaking my head. Cassandra was a handful, that was for sure. But she was so sheltered… Someday, she would find a husband who would be able to handle her.
If she didn’t ruin her reputation before that, of course.
The maid who dressed me, Charlotte, soon arrived with a deep curtsy, brought in by the butler.
“Just follow me, Miss.” She said, smiling at Cassie, and then nodding her head kindly in my direction. “We’ll get you all set up.”
With a wave, the young girl departed down the hallway.
I sighed, looking up at Will with exasperation. He laughed, his strong body leaning against the wall casually.
“She’s entertaining.”
