“As countess and future duchess!” He glowered at her as if she were daft. “People look to you to be a leader—in fashion and entertaining.” He blew out a breath as if he’d traversed dangerous terrain. “I am pleased to see you are dressed well today. It is a marked improvement.”
Though it was a backhanded compliment, she would take it, given the source. “Thank you. I have an entirely new wardrobe for the Season.”
“You may gain my confidence yet. However, to do so, you must do something else besides succeed as Cassandra’s sponsor.” He paused, and Sabrina wondered if it was to allow her gut to churn in anticipation for this mysterious task. Whether that was his intent or not, her insides recoiled. “You and Aldington will host a ball on the twenty-third. The purpose will be to present Cassandra formally.”
Sabrina had mentioned to Constantine that they should have a ball, she was still reluctant. It wasn’t the planning or the execution, but rather fulfilling the requirements of a hostess at such an event. She’d have to greet everyone and ensure she exuded charm and poise for hours and hours amidst a clamoring crowd of some of the most judgmental people in London. Or not—she controlled the guest list, did she not? Perhaps she’d limit the invitation to members of the Phoenix Club. She’d never felt more comfortable amongst strangers than she had that night.
With more than a month to plan, she was certain that she could organize an outstanding event. “I’d been thinking of having a ball, but I’d thought to do so in May instead of April.”
“April? No, the twenty-third of March.”
Leaning forward, Sabrina practically fell out of her chair. “That’s in ten days.”
“Eleven, but no matter. There’s no time to waste. Cassandra needs a groom, and the Season will be well underway by the twenty-third of April. Her Grace could have executed a ball here by Friday.” His features softened briefly, but it was fleeting, and his austere expression returned.
Was he setting her up to fail? She longed to ask him that. “This is my first experience hosting anything,” she said quietly. “I wouldn’t want it to be lacking.”
“Then don’t allow it to be. You’ve proven yourself to possess more grit than I originally thought. I am certain you can meet this challenge.” His eyes glittered expectantly. “Am I wrong?”
“No, Your Grace. I will rise to this occasion.” She only hoped she didn’t topple to the ground.
He abruptly stood. “Excellent. I shall look forward to my invitation. I’m certain your retainers will be up to the task, however if you require assistance, please feel free to consult Bender.”
What would Constantine say if he’d heard his father practically insult his servants? Feeling particularly defensive about the wonderful people who ran Aldington House, she also stood and lifted her gaze to his. “Our butler and housekeeper are more than capable of managing everything that is required.”
“My offer remains should you need it.” His attention flicked to the doorway. “Here is my lovely daughter and her companion. I shall leave you trio to plot.” He strode toward the door but paused at the threshold as Lady Cassandra and Miss Lancaster moved into the room. “Remember the goal, ladies. There will be a June wedding. You need only find the groom.”
And with that, he departed, leaving a rather cold air swirling.
Lady Cassandra curled her lip toward the doorway and deposited herself onto a settee with a low grumble. Glaring toward the doorway, she pressed her lips together. “Pffft.”
Even when she made a face and a silly sound, Lady Cassandra was beautiful. With her dark hair and eyes, she definitely took after her father and Lucien, but there was a golden quality to her eyes that the men didn’t possess. In fact, if Sabrina had to describe the color, she would call them sherry. Or did she just want another glass of that excellent wine she’d tasted yesterday?
As the companion sat down beside her, Sabrina stood and went to take a chair closer to them in the center of the room. “Good afternoon, Lady Cassandra, Miss Lancaster.”
Lady Cassandra straightened herself and smoothed her hands over her cheeks and across the sides of her head before folding them primly to her lap. “Why are you calling me Lady Cassandra? You should be calling me Cass as Lucien does and as Con does when he’s feeling less priggish.”
“Then you must call me Sabrina.”
“I already do in my head. Does that count?” She grinned, and Sabrina laughed.
Sabrina looked hopefully between the two women before landing her gaze on Cass. “I don’t suppose you’ve identified a potential suitor?”
“Not yet. I think they’re all too afraid of my father to approach me anyway.”
“Well, I can understand that,” Sabrina said wryly. “However, that doesn’t help you. Is he aware of that?”
“I’ve tried to tell him, but he says any gentleman worthy of my hand won’t behave like an immature pup. He appears to enjoy making this difficult.” Cass folded her arms across her chest and sat back against the settee.
“Perhaps your brothers should intervene.”
“Lucien has tried to speak with him also—to no avail. I suppose Con could try, if you want to mention it to him.”
“Actually, I meant that they could find a way to spread the word that potential suitors needn’t be intimidated by His Grace, that the only person they need to impress is you.”
Cass let out a laugh. “An auspicious idea, but I don’t know if that’s possible.”
“It’s worth trying,” Miss Lancaster said.
Sabrina nodded. “I will speak to them. In the meantime, what are you attending this week?”
Cass rattled off a list of events, including a musicale on Tuesday, a rout on Thursday, and two balls on Friday and Saturday. Sabrina was glad she had nothing on Wednesday so that she could attend dinner at the Brightlys with Constantine. The time they’d spent together yesterday had been magnificent, truly the best of their marriage. She hoped they’d moved to a new place in their relationship and that things would only continue to improve. She wondered how much she had the “tutor”—and Lucien and Evie—to thank for that.
“How shall we transport ourselves to these events?” Sabrina asked. “I can pick you up in Aldington’s coach.”
“Papa expects us to take one of his ducal coaches so that everyone will see the coat of arms on the door.” Cass rolled her eyes. “He’s rather insistent upon it. Which means we will fetch you on the way to the occasion.”
“Lovely,” Sabrina murmured. “I do promise to support you, not him, in whatever way I can. I made it clear to him that you will choose your husband. Or not.”
Cass’s dark eyes rounded. “You told him that?” At Sabrina’s firm nod, she giggled. “How I wished I could have seen that. I always knew you were made of stronger stuff than you let on.” She cast Sabrina an admiring glance before turning her head toward Miss Lancaster. “She will be an excellent ally.”
“I agree,” Miss Lancaster said. “It is always good to have allies.”
Sabrina couldn’t agree more, particularly since she’d never had one until Evie. Now she had two more. Perhaps it really wasn’t too late for her wishes to come true.