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She shook her head. “That’s very kind but I don’t think I’m ready to—” She didn’t know how to tell them that she could never share the intimate details of what she’d done with Damian. While it had been wonderful, she knew being intimate with him was also wrong. Even worse, how could she ever share with these women that she’d also considered becoming his mistress, had relations with him before they said their vows?
Ophelia opened the door and they moved into the sun, making their way to a shady wooded path.
“Let me tell you about my courtship instead. When I first met His Grace, I painted him as a hero from a story. I allowed him to kiss me. Then it became clear that he wasn’t serious about me at all. For a time, I considered ignoring him entirely until I realized he’d been hurt and needed my help.”
Cassandra paused for just a moment. This all sounded achingly familiar. “Really? You decided you needed to help him?”
“I did.”
Charlie tightened her grip on Cassandra’s waist. “You, probably better than anyone, know that Raithe needed my help. He was a bit like a lost puppy. A very naughty one.”
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Cassandra held back a laugh as she looked at the beautiful brunette next to her. Raithe most certainly needed help. “How did you help him?”
One of Charlie’s shoulders lifted in a shrug. “Well for starters, I allowed things to develop between us physically. He needed that connection to open up.”
Cassandra’s head dipped. Did she dare confess she’d already tried that route? Or that her own lie stood between them. “What if that connection isn’t enough?”
“You must keep trying to connect,” Ophelia answered. “It took me several tries with Chase.”
She stopped walking, taking those words in. They’d been so intertwined when they’d spent the night together. It made complete sense that continuing their physical intimacy would lead to more emotional connection. “How did I not think of that,” she murmured as she nodded her head. Their words were like light shining onto the darkness.
“Your duke and Raithe will return tomorrow or the next day. Get him alone as much as possible. That’s your answer.” Charlie laced her fingers into hers. “We are going to be like family, Cassandra. Feel free to seek me out for advice at any time. Talking always provides clarity.”
For the first time since Damian had left, hope bloomed in her chest. Could she win her husband’s heart the way he’d won hers?
* * *
Damian sat on his horse, Balstead next to him. They hadn’t spoken a word in hours, hardly talked the entire trip.
He liked the other man far more for it.
Not every lord was confident enough to endure silence.
And it left him free to enjoy the journey. Birds chirped as the sun streamed through the branches of trees. The scenery had calmed his mind even as the trip tired his body.
“Can I ask you a question?” Balstead asked, finally breaking the quiet.
He looked over at the other man’s dark, menacing looks. “If you must.”
One corner of Balstead’s lips tipped up. “When you return and marry Cassandra, will you leave right away?”
He blinked. “I hadn’t considered my plans beyond the wedding.”
Balstead pulled closer to him. “I have a lovely dower house on the estate. Could I request that you stay so that Cassandra may attend my wedding?”
He pulled up his horse, looking over at Balstead. “May I think on it?”
Balstead gave a single nod, his mouth turning down. “Of course.” He shifted in his saddle. “Cassandra, John, and I were best friends as children. I loved them both like my brother and my sister.”
Damian turned in the saddle to face Balstead. “I understand. You love her like family and want her at your wedding. I’m sure you also want to see that she is happy in my care.”
Balstead gave a quick jerk of his chin. “I do. But also…” He scrubbed the back of his neck. “John whisked Cassandra away after their wedding. I think he always wanted her to himself. I’m glad she’s marrying again and I’m even happier it’s to someone besides John. It’s the best for her but I don’t want to see her disappear again. She’s all the family I have in this world.” He stroked his jaw. “I love Charlie with all my heart but I first asked her to be my wife so that she might help Cassandra socially.”
Damian stilled, those words touching something deep inside him. Balstead considered Cassandra like a sister. “You also lied to six powerful men to try and make a match for her.”
Balstead straightened. “I did and I’d do it again.” He stepped his horse closer. “Lying makes Cassandra wildly uncomfortable. When we were children, John and I called her our voice of reason. She kept us out of the worst sorts of trouble. And I’d like to think, I kept her father from turning her into a nun.”
