The Unofficial Suitor by Charlotte Louise Dolan Read Free Book Online Page B

had served its purpose, and she had arrived at a marriageable age with her innocence intact, and without realizing that she could ride safely around the neighborhood only because the word was out that anyone bothering her in any way would have to answer to him.
    Unfortunately, having successfully managed things so far, he had found himself at a standstill for the last two years. He had been trying ever since she turned eighteen to figure out some way to find Cassie a suitable husband, and while he would not have thought to approach Geoffrey on the subject, he could not but think it was providential that the wayward earl had appeared so opportunely on the scene.
    Cassie might think she would be happier living alone, but Digory had no doubt that once she got to London she would like it well enough, just as he had no doubt that with the proper husband she would adjust quickly to the married state.
    On the other hand, despite Cassie’s earlier self-confidence that she could tackle any job, she was, in fact, remarkably young and inexperienced in the ways of men, and Geoffrey seemed quite prepared to marry her off to an old lecher, provided said lecher’s purse strings were adequate for Geoffrey to hang on.
    “It would appear, Dobbin my boy, that the time has come for me to go to London myself, to see about investing some of my ill-gotten gains in a more reputable business.”
    The horse turned his massive head and stared at Digory.
    “So you think that sounds rather tame? Well, to be honest, so is smuggling, now that old Boney is safely locked away and Englishmen are again running tame around Paris.”
    Moreover, Digory considered while he fetched some fresh hay, if he went to London now, he would not only have the opportunity to watch over his little Cassie, but he would also have the pleasure of observing her discover her own talents for setting the hearts of all the young lords in turmoil.
    He wondered if she had the faintest idea how beautiful she was. He had done his best to avoid emphasizing the fact. In spite of the temptation to see her in garments designed to enhance her beauty, he had resisted giving her any of the silks he smuggled in, deeming the made-over dresses her step-mother provided her with to be an additional deterrent to the local bucks.
    “Digory?”
    He turned to see Cassie standing calmly in the doorway of the stables, no sign of her earlier emotions on her face.
    “Yes?”
    “Will you please take care of Dobbin for me while I am gone?”
    He nodded his head briefly. “I will make whatever arrangements are necessary.”
    “Thank you.” She turned and vanished again into the night.
    Yes, all things considered, he had definitely earned the pleasure of watching her emerge from her chrysalis and try her wings. And if anything happened to her—if someone decided to try clipping her wings—why then he would be on hand to give them a lesson in the proper way to treat a lady.
    * * * *
    “What say you, John, shall we accompany the reluctant Lord Westhrop to London?” The evening had been an enjoyable one for all concerned, replete with good food and pleasant reminiscences. Having tucked their most welcome but by now slightly inebriated guest into bed, Richard Hawke and John Tuke were enjoying a last few moments of relaxation beside the fire before they too retired for the night.
    “I would not be averse to the idea. I confess, I have always had a certain fondness for our young friend, and might wish he could be content to remain on this side of the Atlantic.”
    “He is not that much younger than we are.”
    “In years perhaps not, but in experiences ...”
    “Ah, if experience is to be the measure of a man’s age, I doubt not but that I am eighty in the shade.”
    There was a comfortable silence between them as they contemplated the flickering fire, each lost in his own thoughts, before Richard spoke again. “Yes, I am inclined to think that the time is right for Richard Hawke to emerge from the