Page 81 of Dare to be Wicked

Lottie huffed.

“Well, there is no rush,” she admitted. “Besides, I have a project this season. Mama is going to be busy with little Octavia, and so, now I am a respectable married lady, I shall take you to all the best events and get you a husband.”

Cassius laughed as it was Eliza’s turn to blanch, her mouth dropping open.

“Oh, no,” Eliza said, shaking her head. “Indeed not. I know very well you are both desperate to go off on your adventures and I am not stopping you. I shall find my own husband in my own time.”

“Stuff,” Lottie replied. “You need my help for you have rotten taste.”

“Oi!” Cassius glared at his wife, indignant.

“What? She didn’t want you,” Lottie replied.

Both sisters and the duke and duchess had a good laugh at that.

Well, Cassius thought wryly, you knew you were truly part of the family when they began making jokes at your expense.

Lottie drew closer to her sister and lowered her voice. “Did you ever hear any more from… you know who?”

To his astonishment, Eliza flushed scarlet.

“Who?” he demanded, instantly suspicious.

Eliza was his sister now, and therefore under his protection. If some fellow was taking an interest, he needed to know about it. After all, he might not be suitable.

Eliza glared at Lottie before turning back to him.

“No one,” she said, her voice soothing. “You know how silly and romantic Lottie can be.”

“Did we ever discover who sent all those flowers when you were ill?” he asked, not entirely convinced by this evasive answer.

“No,” Eliza said with a shrug. “We never did. Whoever it was is clearly a shy soul and cannot bear to make himself known. So, he’s obviously not the kind of man you need fret over.”

“Hmph.” Cassius remained unconvinced.

Eliza walked back to the bed to sit with her parents and coo over Octavia. Lottie moved to follow but Cassius put his hand out, stopping her.

“You were right,” he said quietly. “We shall have to chaperone her carefully. If she’s even strong enough to attend the season. I admit, I wish I knew who this secret admirer was.”

Lottie nodded. “Yes. We will take the greatest care of her. For we cannot have my dear Eliza giving herself to some man who does not deserve her. That would break my heart.”

“Mine too,” Cassius said, raising her hand to his lips and kissing the fingers. “She deserves to be as happy as we are.”

“Yes,” Lottie agreed, a look in her eyes that made him wish he could take her back home that very moment. “Yes. She does, and we shall help to ensure that she is.”

“Oh, do stop whispering over there,” Eliza said, calling them over to the bed. “I just know you’re plotting, and I won’t have it. I am not going to agree to anything I don’t want. Not ever again.”

This was said with such defiance that her father looked at her in horror.

Eliza laughed and patted his hand. “Oh, don’t fret so, Papa. I’m not about to start a revolution or run off to Gretna Green.”

“I’m very glad to hear it,” the duke said with obvious relief, but Cassius kept his attention on Eliza, long after everyone else had returned theirs to the baby.

There was something dangerous glinting in her green eyes, and he just hoped he and Lottie were up to the challenge.

Lottie watched Cassius as he tugged off the last of his clothes and then turned back to the bed. He paused when he noticed the way she watched him, and stood still, allowing her to look her fill.

“Like what you see?” he asked, lips quirking.