The Conquest of Lady Cassandra by Madeline Hunter Read Free Book Online Page A

looked out at the house. “His chambers are said to be on the second level, carved out of the house’s public rooms when it was made into gentlemen’s apartments.”
    It appeared a nice enough building on a nice enough street, but one could tell that Ambury’s living situation was modest. “Not what one would expect for an earl’s heir.”
    “That is just Highburton’s pride punishing a son who will not fit the family mold, I expect,” Sophie said. “He will getit all in the end, so he probably has lengthy tallies all over town awaiting that day.”
    No doubt Ambury’s expectations would allow a great deal of credit to accumulate. Perhaps he had assumed she would await that day, too, like all those tradesmen.
    The coachmen handed them out, and they approached the door. Aunt Sophie stayed two steps behind, assuming the role of a shadow.
    “M y business with Lord Ambury cannot be delayed.” Cassandra spoke haughtily, hoping to awe the balding, tall, thin man peering at her through spectacles.
    He was having none of it. “As I explained, he is not at home.”
    “I have had reports of him being seen about town, so I know he is in residence here.”
    “I am his valet, and I think I know better where he is than whoever has given false reports.”
    “More likely he told you he wants to avoid me, and instructed you to help him do so. Go to him and explain that I will not be put off. It is time for him to give me satisfaction regarding his debt to me.”
    The word
debt
made him flush. “I cannot go to a man who is not in the building.”
    “Then I will wait for him to return.” She looked past him, to the doors that would lead to the apartment’s chambers. She felt Sophie at her back. A direct poke hit her spine. Taking the cue, she walked forward.
    “My dear lady, I fear that you will wait in vain,” the valet said as he scurried alongside her. “If you would leave your card—”
    “He will never return the call if he is avoiding me now. I will wait. He is in town even if it has not been noted in the papers, and I expect he must return here at some time today.”
    Aunt Sophie moved into sight on her other side.
Dazzle
, she mouthed while the servant looked to heaven for patience.
    Cassandra stopped before she reached the doors. She gazed in the valet’s eyes and tried to appear in need of sympathy. The valet flushed a deep red.
    “Might I know whom I am addressing, sir, since you have been kind enough to allow me to wait for Lord Ambury?”
    “Robert Higgins, at your service.” A half smile formed before the entirety of her statement penetrated. “As for your waiting, I did not—”
    “The drawing room, I think you said. That would be these large doors here, I assume.”
    “Did I say that?” He truly did not seem to know. “Hardly fit to be called a drawing room in the normal way. More of a sitting room, if you will, but comfortable for my lord, I believe.”
    “I am sure it will be comfortable for me as well.” Cassandra opened the doors. “Oh, most comfortable. Is this appealing arrangement of the chairs your doing, Mr. Higgins? Or does Lord Ambury have other servants?”
    Higgins bowed his head modestly. “I do for my lord alone. Even a bit of cooking, if I may say so.”
    Cassandra sat on a nice bench near the fireplace. Aunt Sophie sat on a chair even closer to it, and her gray self seemed to blend into the gray stones of the hearth.
    “I do not intend to be a burden. I will wait here and be quiet as a mouse,” Cassandra said.
    “I hate to think that you will waste a whole afternoon waiting for an arrival that will never occur.”
    “I doubt it will be wasted. I have much to think about, and this chamber is pleasant enough to encourage serious contemplation. In fact, you are so helpful and kind, perhaps you would consider giving me some advice on a matter that concerns me deeply.”
    He coughed and composed himself. “If I can be of service to you, then of course I must be.”
    “I