Page 77 of Miss Vincent’s Vow

“Yes. I suppose I had better join him. Will you come too?”

“If you wish.”

“It would please me to see the two of you living in harmony with one another.”

That was more than Jethro could promise, but he would show Cassandra how much her happiness meant to him by playing his part. He had no control over Alexander’s actions, but he could keep a tighter rein on his temper. Perhaps he had made insufficient allowance for his brother-in-law’s broken heart, and, in time, they could reach a better understanding.

But all his good resolution vanished at the scene he beheld when he opened the drawing room door.

Chapter 41

Jethro stood on the threshold of the drawing room and stared. He could hardly believe his eyes. Alexander had invited his friends to their house, without so much as a by your leave.

The captain leaped to his feet and, grabbing Cassandra by the hand, he led her across the room as though nothing untoward had occurred.

“I persuaded Julia to join us, but as you would not come to the Golden Lion, we brought the party to you. I believe you already know her friend Lucy.”

“Yes, Miss Day and I are acquainted,” Cassandra said, the tightness about her mouth showing her disapproval of the familiarity with which the captain was addressing the teacher. The poor lady looked as if she would rather be anywhere else on earth.

“Cassy, may I present Lieutenants Atkins, Taverner and Bowman?” he said, indicating the three unknown men, who bowed to her as he spoke their names.

Alexander behaved as if his brother-in-law was not there, but that Jethro could not allow. For goodness’ sake, it was his house they were in.

He walked across the room and stood immediately in front of the captain, so he could not be ignored.

“Mr Hunt,” Alexander said to anyone who was listening. “Now, how about some supper, Cassy?” he asked, slipping an arm around her waist. “I promised these fellows you would furnish them with a hearty meal. I hope I haven’t misled them.”

Jethro’s stomach turned over with disgust. He wanted to ignore the rules of politeness and throw them all out immediately, but Cassandra shot him such a pleading look that he bit back the harsh words that hovered on his lips.

It made him feel somewhat better to see his wife glower at her brother, and then at her sister, who sat on a sofa rather closer to one of the naval officers than was proper. Neither of them could be in any doubt as to Cassandra’s feelings, although she answered in her normal, calm voice.

“I will ask Mrs Timms to organise something.”

Instead of ringing the bell, Cassandra went in search of the housekeeper. A wise move, as the woman would be unprepared for such a large group of visitors descending on them. As unprepared as he was.

Jethro was determined not to leave his guests alone in his house, however unwelcome they were. He took a seat next to Miss Day, who looked in need of rescuing from the rather pointed attentions of one of the other officers.

“I do not believe we have had the chance to converse before, Miss Day. How do you like teaching at Miss Seymour’s School?”

She gave a weak smile, as if grateful for the diversion from Lieutenant Bowman’s flirting.

“Well enough.”

Not very promising. “Was it not a childhood ambition of yours, then, to teach?”

She shot him a strange look. “Is it anybody’s?”

“Maybe. I always wanted to be a merchant.”

“Did—”

“How about a bottle of that burgundy of yours?” Alexander said, rudely interrupting Miss Day.

To judge by the rollicking mood of his guests, Jethro thought the men had already had enough to drink. “I think coffee would be more appropriate at this time of night.”

“Coffee? No! A glass or two of red would be much more palatable, wouldn’t you agree, Danny?”

“I wouldn’t say no if it’s being offered,” Lieutenant Atkins replied.