Page 11 of Unmasking the Earl

“An intriguing plan. But how would we go about it? I imagine your chaperone guards you well. Is there any way you can escape her?”

“I had an idea,” said Cassie, embarrassed by a slight tremor in her voice. “I could pretend to come here for French lessons. From, say, a Parisian cousin of yours—female, of course—who could teach me once a week. I’ll bring my maid as chaperone. She can continue into town and go to the market, then collect me on her way back.”

He smiled at her, the expression in his deep blue eyes inscrutable. “That could work.”

“I trust your staff can be discreet?”

The smile didn’t waver. “I pay them well enough. They’re used to my ways…and the kind of relationships I pursue.”

A welter of wicked imaginings romped through Cassie’s mind, but she crushed them mercilessly. It was love she wanted to have, soul-deep, searing, eternal love, not this other thing she wished to learn about. That was just a means to an end.

The thought of deep love brought to mind what Becca had mentioned about Wycherley, and before Cassie could stop herself, she nodded and said, “Yes, I heard somebody broke your heart when you were young, and you’ve sworn never to fall in love again, or to marry.”

His grin vanished. “Don’t listen to idle talk,” he said. “It rarely reflects the truth. Shall we say I’ve had more than one disappointment, despite my best efforts, and leave it at that?”

“Quite. Now, quickly, before my cousin returns, what say you of my plan?”

The predatory look was back again. “I think I shall enjoy it immensely. Life would be most dull without such amatory adventures. Once you’ve hooked the beanpole, I’ll have Lucy to myself,” he concluded. Then his handsome face took on a more serious expression. “You’re sure Mr. Carnforth is good enough for you? I’d hate to see you marry a man who can’t make you happy.”

Captain Wycherley couldn’t be all bad. A true rake wouldn’t give a farthing about such a thing.

She assumed.

She waved off his concern. “He can, and he will,” she answered. “He’s so generous and kind. Intelligent, too. I’m sure you’d like him if you got to know him.”

Was that a derisive snort? Cassie gave Wycherley a hard look.

“Your cousin will be back at any moment,” he said, the picture of innocence. “As you’re supposed to have fainted, I’d better loosen your clothing and remove your bonnet.”

As his fingers reached for the buttons of her walking dress, a peculiar noise from the doorway made them both jump.

“Who’s there?” he barked, leaping to his feet. The door opened wider, and Ganstridge appeared, holding a large red handkerchief to his face. Had the snort come from him?

“Well, man? Has someone been trying to strangle you?” Wycherley snapped.

“No, zurr. I felt a tickle and didn’t wish to cough. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Why are you lurking outside the door like a skulking thief?”

“I beg your pardon, zurr,” the man said, tucking the handkerchief into his waistcoat pocket. “I was waiting in the hallway to delay Miss Blythe’s companion if she returned…at an inconvenient moment.”

“Ah, good idea. Thank you, Ganstridge. Return to your post. Now then, where were we, Miss Blythe?”

He returned to untying her bonnet, then tugged out a few strands of hair. “It wouldn’t do to look too tidy,” he said, stepping back to admire his handiwork. “Now, does your gown fasten at the back or the front?”

There was another strangulated noise from the doorway. Wycherley looked so put out, Cassie found it hard not to laugh…despite her alarm at his shocking query.

He growled at his servant, “Undo your stock if it’s choking you, man. You’re no use to me if you suffocate yourself.”

“I heard a lady coming up the steps,” Ganstridge said, red-faced. “Shall I keep her occupied?”

“Who is it?” Wycherley demanded.

“I don’t know, zurr, begging your pardon.”

The captain patted Cassie’s hand. “I’d better go and see for myself. We don’t want any awkward situations arising, do we? Ganstridge, stay here. And if you hear my signal, spirit Miss Blythe out of sight. You take my meaning?”

The servant nodded, and Cassie sat up, perplexed, as the door closed behind Wycherley.