Gabriel's smile was cool. "This is Viscount Rayburn, my dear."

Cassie inclined her head in greeting. "There is little to wonder about," she said softly. "I've never before visited London." Though the viscount's manner was somewhat brash, his smile was devilishly charming.

He raised a rakish brow high. "Never visited London! Why, the devil take you, Wakefield! You always did have the best of luck with a turn of the cards -- and now in this, too! Wherever then did you find this lovely lass?"

Cool gray eyes rested upon the viscount. "All the way across an ocean, I fear."

Rayburn blinked. "What! Never say a Yankee!"

Gabriel merely shrugged, while Rayburn again turned his attention to Cassie.

"Thank heaven that wretched war is over," he announced, "that we might turn our attentions to far more pleasant matters. I confess, I cannot see Wakefield in the role of jealous husband. But, my dear, from now on, you must not let him keep you buried in the country..." When the earl of Harcastle stepped up to Gabriel, Rayburn skill fully guided her away.

So it was that Gabriel's subsequent absence from her side was not missed. But every so often, Cassie felt his eyes on her, and his father's as well. She hated being under their scrutiny, one so mocking and arrogant, one so cold and disapproving. But she need not have worried that she would be left alone. When Rayburn left to fetch a glass of wine for her, several eager young men stepped up to take his place.

It was not long before she heard a commanding female voice. "Move aside, yes, that's the way. I wish a word with the young lady there." One by one the crowd parted, like the sea before Moses.

Cassie's eyes widened. It was the dowager duchess and she was headed straight for her! For a split second all thought deserted her and she could not think what to do. Then, she recovered and dipped low in a curtsy just as the woman stepped before her. "Your Grace," she murmured.

The duchess was a stout, imposing-looking woman. She wore a gold turban topped with an ostrich feather. Well known for speaking her mind, she wasted no time looking Cassie up and down.

"Your husband's manners are atrocious," she pronounced. "Why, he did not even deign to introduce you." With a swish of her skirts, she settled herself on the bench and gazed expectantly at Cassie.

"Come now, dear. Sit and tell me everything about yourself."

Cassie's smile held a trace of wistfulness. "I'm afraid there is little to tell, Your Grace."

"Come now, don't be shy. Edmund mentioned how Gabriel found you working your fingers to the bone in Charleston."

Edmund. Cassie could not help it. She raised her chin and caught Edmund's gaze from across the crowded room, her own faintly challenging. Oh, but she would have liked to put the lie to his claim! But she did not, for if she had gleaned anything from Evelyn these past few weeks, it was that while a man could flirt with scandal and emerge relatively unscathed, for a woman it might mean instant ruin.

And Cassie had no wish to be cast aside. For once she wanted to feel she belonged ... with all of her heart she yearned for it.

Still, it was not in her nature to lie. "I - I was made to work for my room and board, yes," she replied.

"Indeed! Well, work builds character, as the late duke used to say. And frankly, there is a shocking lack of such among young people today."

Cassie smiled slightly. "I fear you may be right."

"I must say, my dear, when I first heard Gabriel had wed you, I thought the match outrageous!" The duchess chuckled heartily. "Why, I can just imagine what Edmund had to say! Gabriel took everyone quite by surprise with this marriage. He was quite the libertine, you know, and it's quite obvious why he was so taken with you. You are not the usual, simpering London beauty."

Cassie shook her head. "I am hardly a beauty, Your Grace."

"You see, dear? I have watched you tonight, and you are totally unpretentious. My husband the duke would have found that a sterling quality indeed ... as do I, and immensely refreshing as well!"

Gabriel chose that moment to glance across the room at them. The duchess beckoned to him, and seconds later he stood before them.

"Your Grace," he hailed, bowing low over her hand. "I see you have met my wife."

While Cassie looked on in wary apprehension, the duchess tipped her nose high. "I have, indeed, and I must say, I am most pleased with your choice of bride." She fixed him with a stern look. "I only hope that you are worthy of her."

Gabriel's polite smile froze. He was unable to believe his ears. It seemed the chit had just charmed the dowager duchess, and by so doing, the impossible had just occurred ...

She had just assured her place in society.

Chapter 12.

Nor was that the end of it.

Gabriel sat in his study the next afternoon, a pile of papers at his elbow, his tea untouched. The household had learned very quickly that the master's mood was anything but easy this morning. They hastened to do his bidding when summoned, but they knew from experience he was best left alone.

Nor was it difficult to detect the source of his ill temperament. Earlier, a messenger from the duchess of Greensboro had delivered an invitation to the new countess to take tea with her that afternoon. Since then, the bell had scarcely stopped ringing, and the stack of cards and invitations on the silver tray in the entrance hall was mounting.

Now, when the bell pealed once more, Gabriel shoved back his chair and stood. By Jove, he would remain here no longer. Surely even his shipping offices on the noisy docks would offer far more peace and quiet than could be achieved in his private study today.

He stopped short at the sight of his father in the entrance hall, handing Giles his hat and cane. Edmund turned and spied him. "Gabriel, there you are. A word with you, if you please."

Gabriel made no effort to disguise his irritability.

"I am on my way out."

"I assure you," Edmund stated coolly, "this will not take long."

Gabriel scowled but turned and led the way back into his study.

Edmund closed the door behind them. "I thought we might discuss Cassandra's first public appearance."

Gabriel's eyes flickered. He said nothing.

"It went surprisingly well, don 't you think?"

"Well enough, I suppose."

"Indeed," the duke said softly, "her speech is passable. Her name is not plebeian. Her conduct last night was not at all unseemly."

Gabriel's eyes narrowed. "What are you trying to say, Father?"

"Only this, Gabriel. The girl has possibilities I had not foreseen -- or expected."

"And?" Every muscle in Gabriel's body had gone steely hard. His father was up to something, but what?

"Therefore, I've decided to give a ball two weeks hence in recognition of your marriage."

A hard smile edged Gabriel's lips. "Ah, now that's rich. Do you forget she is an American? Or have you decided to put aside your hatred and welcome her to your bosom?"

Edmund drew himself up proudly. "This changes nothing," he proclaimed with icy disdain. "Never will I forget what those wretched Yanks did to Margaret and Stuart -- never!"

"As I recall, Father, it was you who claimed 'a change of clothing will not make a lady of her.' "

"Lady Evelyn has taught her much, though I did not realize to what extent she'd met with success until now."

Gabriel was astounded. "Lady Evelyn!"

"Yes. She has been a frequent visitor at Farleigh of late. She and Cassandra seem quite fond of each other. An unlikely friendship, is it not? As unlikely a pair as the two of you, I might add."

Gabriel's smile had long since vanished. "You are mad," he said harshly. "She is not ready for this. She will make fools of us all."

Their eyes clashed fiercely. "I would remind you," Edmund said quietly, "I but play the game you began. It was you who married her, Gabriel. And now you have no choice but to make the best of it."

Gabriel's eyes did not waver from his father's face. "Make the best of it," he repeated slowly. 'Tell me, Father. Is that what you did with my mother?"

Edmund made no reply. He merely stood there, his posture wooden, as implacable as ever.

Possessed of a cold, biting fury, Gabriel's mouth twisted. "But I forget " he said derisively. "My mother was never of any consequence to you, was she? Nor was I."

His father did not deny it. He did not defend himself.

Gabriel made a sound of disgust and threw open the door. "Do whatever you will," he said furiously. "It matters little to me."

The front door slammed so hard the windows in the attic shook.

Slowly Edmund made his way to a straight-backed chair, his steps as heavy as his spirit. The venom in Gabriel's eyes had shaken him badly. God! his heart cried out. He buried his head in his hands. Dear Lord, he asked himself wearily, when had it all started-the hatred, the bitterness.

And when would this enmity cease?

Behind him there was a low cough. He did not look up, thinking it was one of the servants. "Close the door and leave me be," he muttered. "I shall see myself out shortly."

The door clicked shut. "Excuse me, sir," said a voice. "But are you unwell?"

Edmund's head jerked up. Cassandra stood before him. Her expression was tentative, her eyes mutely questioning. Embarrassed, but determined not to show it, Edmund got to his feet.

"I am fine," he said somewhat brusquely. "You need not concern yourself with me, girl."

Cassie's chin came up. "As I once told your son," she stated with calm dignity, "I have a name, sir, and I will thank you to use it."

For an instant the duke appeared quite taken aback at her boldness. "Very well then, Cassandra."

He arose, once again every inch the noble lord, in command of himself and everyone around him. "Actually, your appearance is most fortuitous."

Fortuitous? Whatever it was, Cassie thought on a glimmer of panic, it sounded ominous. Somehow she managed to mask her turmoil, and even managed a faint smile. "How so, Your Grace?"

"I am planning a ball two weeks hence in acknowledgment of your marriage. I require your assistance."

"My assistance?" Her confidence, tenuous at best, fled like frost beneath a blazing sun. All at once, an awful feeling of dread crept through her.

"Yes. I have prepared a guest list." He withdrew a neatly folded paper from the pocket of his coat. "I've no doubt Gabriel will wish to add to it, but I could use your help to commence addressing the invitations."

Cassie blanched. "I'm afraid that is not possible." Her tone was scarcely audible.

"I beg your pardon?" His was clipped and abrupt.

Cassie stared at the rich carpet on the floor beneath her feet. Her hands twisted nervously in the folds of her skirt. "I...I fear I cannot help you."

Edmund's regard sharpened. "Cannot ... or will not?"

His voice stabbed at her like the blade of a knife. Cassie stood mutely. To her horror, a burning ache closed her throat.

"I would like an answer, if you please, Cassandra."

The breath she drew was deep and frayed. "Cannot ... will not ... what does it matter? I would help you if I could, Your Grace, but I am afraid it simply is not possible."

"And I fail to see why not!"

Her voice was low and tear-choked. "Because I - I can write my name, but - but nothing else!"

There was a stunned silence, and then his voice came, almost deadly quiet. "Do you mean to say you cannot read? Or write?"

Cassie nodded miserably. Never in her life had she felt so ashamed. The tears began to fall in earnest.

Edmund floundered for his handkerchief, then located it at last and thrust it into her hands. Though he 'd have sworn the chit was not high strung, weepy females made him nervous, they always had. Lord, all he needed was for her to fall victim to the vapors yet!

He stared at her shaking shoulders. "There now, Cassandra. There's no need to cry." He awkwardly patted her shoulder. "'It's a matter easily remedied."

"How?" she choked out.

"How else? The services of a tutor are easily obtained -"

"A tutor? For the earl of Wakefield's wife? Oh, but your precious ton will love that."

He pondered a moment. "You are right. That leaves us with only one choice then. I will teach you."

"You?" She was aghast.

"Of course. I assure you, Cassandra, I am quite capable."

That she did not doubt. She mopped her eyes and looked at him. "Why?" she whispered. "Why would you do this?"

He gazed down his nose at her, once again the imperious lord. "I'll not have it bandied about London that you cannot read. Lord knows the gossip mongers have more than enough to sustain them as is."

Cassie's eyes searched his. "Then I would ask a favor of you," she said slowly. "Will you not tell Gabriel?"

Edmund sighed. "If you wish it, I will not tell him."