Free The Thirteenth Earl by Evelyn Pryce Page A

onto the settee, his drink sloshing all over it.
    He had offended her, he knew. But she had misunderstood—he could not marry anyone, as he had tried to clarify. The thought of sentencing another person, especially her, to a life with him was deplorable. He had no future; why would he drag Cassandra, full of anima and vibrancy, into that?
    But he wanted her. She deserved far better, yet he wanted her. He sank deeper into the cushions, allowing his tired eyes to close. The complicated world could fall into oblivion for a few blessed hours, but it would all still be there tomorrow—the family curse, the talking spirits, the beautiful but inconvenient woman.
    It would all be there tomorrow.

    Cassandra opened her eyes the next morning, and nothing had changed. She still did not want to marry Miles, still felt Lucy was running some kind of game, still felt drawn to Thaxton although it was now evident that he did not feel the same.
    A letter from her father lay on her desk, sending his regards and the news that the banns would be read in their parish in preparation for the marriage of one Miss Cassandra Seton to one Mr. Miles Markwick. Seeing their names linked together thusly turned her stomach. She tore the letter into little pieces as she drank her tea, swaddled again in a robe. Would it be better to run away or to face this head-on? She considered replying to her father with a heartfelt plea to be released from the obligation, but only for a moment. That would never work. To her parents, her marriage to Miles honored a business arrangement.
    Her entire future, to fulfill a debt to Miles’s deceased father.
    She needed to talk out her confusion, so she sought out Eliza before breakfast.
    “Good morning, dear,” the countess said, fluttering around while arranging the last details of the special morning meal. Lucy, having recovered, had agreed to speak on Spiritualism to the assembled ladies, who were buzzing with interest, having learned of her background.
    Cassandra tried not to look dejected.
    “So?” Eliza folded her hands.
    “So . . .”
    “Spencer told me he sent you to comfort Thaxton.”
    “That was what he sent me to do? Then I was unsuccessful.”
    “Not as I understand it. Spencer fully expected the viscount to flee back to London, but instead he arrived early for breakfast. Downstairs, even. He was terribly bedraggled, though.”
    “Oh?” she said noncommittally. “I am glad he is well, then. What of Lucy? How does she fare?”
    “Lucy is fine. She does not remember anything, and she remains very shaken. I have asked her to stay on for the rest of the party. Do not give me that look, Cassandra; it would have been impolite to send her away.”
    “You are right. Besides, I would rather her be near, as it will make it easier for me to figure out exactly what happened last night. I do not think she is as innocent as she appears.”
    “Do as you must, but try not to ruin my house party. Have mercy on me, darling. Spencer’s whole family is here, and I am the unsure new countess.”
    “I will be the very picture of discretion,” Cassandra swore.
    “What are you going to do about Miles?” Eliza asked, pulling on her loose braid. She was trying to be casual, Cassandra noted, which was sweet of her, but unnecessary. She did not feel the least bit slighted at Miles’s disinterest in her. They were so poorly matched that it was laughable.
    “I do not know. I was too distracted to think, due to Thaxton’s breakdown.”
    “He had a breakdown?”
    “He is currently having one, and I suspect it has been going on for some time. Even if he seems well this morning.”
    “Cassie,” Eliza said, suspicion coloring her words, “you seem far more concerned with Lord Thaxton than Miles.”
    “It is nothing,” she said quickly.
    “I knew it!” Eliza exclaimed. “I knew there was something going on with you two. Spencer said he did not know, but he had this mischievous twinkle in his eye. Tell