The comment hit him like the splash of ice-cold water, cooling his heated blood. And he cursed himself for saying he would speak the truth. “Years ago, I vowed only to make love to you, and I have kept my promise. You will think this crude, but you asked for honesty, and so don’t be shocked when I tell you that I’ve cared nothing for the women I’ve fucked.”
Her mouth dropped open, and she snapped it shut. It took her a moment to regain her composure. “Having been certified a virgin by Dr Hadley, I wouldn’t know the difference.”
Did she have to remind him of the medical man’s unnecessary probing? “Trust me, you would know. One carries no emotional connection. The other—” His gaze drifted down the elegant column of her throat, over the swell of milky-white flesh evident above the neckline of her gown. The urge to claim her came upon him. “I imagine the emotional explosion makes the physical pleasure more satisfying.”
She stared at him, the fire’s amber flames dancing wildly in her eyes. Her lips parted, and for a few seconds he thought of pressing his mouth to hers. Would she taste as sweet as he remembered?
Undoubtedly.
“We should return to the subject of Lord Craven’s ball.” Benedict shook himself out of his fantasy. “Had you received any threats prior to the event? Is there anyone who could claim to have a grievance against you?”
“No one.” She sat there, a perfect picture of innocence. “You might think me a spoilt shrew, but you’re the only person with whom I have ever shared cross words.”
Benedict snorted. “Perhaps I should be flattered that I raise your passions to such an alarming degree.”
“You always stir a reaction in me.” She kept her gaze trained on him as she sipped her sherry.
Now his mind turned sinful, and he had to think of another question to distract from the knowledge he could bed his wife whenever he pleased. “So, I’m the only person with a reason to bear a grievance,” he mused. “What about Lady Murray? Did she want you to marry her son?”
Cassandra shrugged. “I’m the daughter of an earl, why wouldn’t she want to forge an alliance?”
“Because your father has more enemies than I have cravats. Do you know of any disagreement between them?”
“No. They have always been perfectly civil in each other’s company.”
“And you never doubted Lord Murray’s love for you?”
“Not until he scurried from my father’s study faster than a rat does a sinking ship.”
Benedict laughed. “Forgive me. I do not mean to make light of a distressing situation. It’s just I find the image of Murray scampering away somewhat amusing.”
It surprised him when Cassandra laughed, too. “You should have seen the look of relief on his face when I freed him from his obligation.”
The comment gave him pause.
“You freed Murray?” Benedict sat forward. “But I thought he refused to marry you after hearing of the scandal.”
Cassandra relayed the conversation she’d had with the weak-willed lord. “And so, even if he had insisted on keeping his oath, I could not marry a man who would rather drink port and talk politics than comfort his betrothed.”
Hmm. Perhaps Cassandra was stronger than he thought.
“Being the focus of a scandal proved quite liberating,” she continued. “When one has lost everything, one finds an inner resolve.” Her smile faded. “I suppose I will need that when I have to face the gossiping hordes.”
The need to protect her burned in his chest. “I’ve come to learn that it’s the meaning we attach to words that causes upset.” She would need an education in how to respond to negative comments if she was to survive the vile taunts. “What is a word but a series of muscle movements made in the throat and mouth?”
She seemed to ponder his words. When she met his gaze, water welled in her eyes. “It must have been difficult for you, hearing all the terrible things people said. I said some awful things to you, too, things that make me ashamed.”
“I retaliated with equal vehemence.”
“When one is consumed with unhappiness, it’s easier to cast the blame elsewhere. For years, I have been so angry with you, angry because of your illegitimacy.” She dashed a tear from her eye. “These last few days I have never been more grateful for it.”
He didn’t want to examine the sentiment beneath her observations. Not yet. They had a villain to catch, a devil to snare, and he needed a clear mind if he was to help her carve a new place in society.
“When one faces a battle, it is better to have an ally skilled in combat.” He raised his glass in salute before downing the rest of his port. “Tomorrow we should venture into town, meet our adversaries head-on, make a frontal attack.”
“You mean we should go out together?”
“Do you think I would let you face them alone?”