Page 99 of Ruthless, But for Her

“Do you know something?”

“Only that a letter arrived.”

She knew more than that. Cassia could tell because she knew her maid well enough.

“Either you overheard something or another did and⁠—”

“It is about a possible new match. The missive is from Lord Harcourt,” Nell blurted.

Cassia stared at her.

Harcourt. A wealthy baron with estates in Yorkshire and more coin than most men knew what to do with.

More importantly, he had offered her father a considerable sum if Cassia agreed to the match before she’d been married to Roland.

Her father needed coin.

“I’ve been widowed for only a fortnight. Surely, he knows this. And he knows of my feelings on the matter.”

“Aye,” Nell agreed.

“Then why?”

Nell hesitated.

“Because Lord Harcourt’s offer still stands. Your father believes there is no reason the terms cannot be settled now, even if the marriage itself waits until you have properly mourned.”

Cassia gasped.

Nell continued, “At least, that is what Mistress Avery has said. Your father mentioned to her husband, who⁠—”

“I understand well how the Cambridgeshire gossip makes its rounds, for which, today at least, I am thankful.”

Cassia hurried from the chamber with Nell in tow behind her. Her maid had been for the match when Harcourt first offered, but she remained blessedly silent this day.

When she entered the hall, Cassia wasted little time with pleasantries.

“I will not do it. He’s had two wives⁠—”

“Both of whom died of natural causes.”

She couldn’t believe her father would truly make her do this thing. Cassia simply could not reconcile his love for her with such a demand.

“He has seen nearly as many summers as you, Father. Surely you do not believe this is a suitable match. And I am in mourning.”

Not that she truly mourned Roland’s loss. Each day that passed, she found it easier and easier to admit to herself that she’d hated her husband for the way he’d treated her. She would not have wished him dead, but he was, and she could not feign sorrow.

“You would not marry until after the mourning period had passed. Sit, sweeting. I’ve had Cook prepare quail, your favorite. We are all so pleased you have returned safely.”

“I did not return so that another husband might be chosen for me.”

Her father’s expression tightened.

“Nothing has been chosen. There is time enough for that. And much to settle before then.”

“What do you mean?”

“Roland’s death. The accusation against those men.” He waved a hand, as if Ashton and his brothers were of little consequence. “It will be heard at the next Day of Truce. Once the matter is settled, we can speak properly of your future.”