Breakfast concluded not long after.
Nathaniel was the first to excuse himself, citing an appointment with the estate steward before leaving the dining room with Edmund close behind. The conversation between father and son continued as they disappeared out the door, their voices gradually fading from earshot.
Vivienne lingered only long enough to remind the housekeeper of some tasks she wanted done before following after her husband.
Not one of them noticed Cassandra remained seated at the table.
The mostly untouched breakfast before her had gone cold.
She stared absently into the amber surface of her tea. The morning had unfolded exactly as she knew it would.
Her parents had spoken to Edmund.
They had spoken about Edmund.
Then they had spoken about John.
Very little of the conversation had been about Cassandra herself.
It had always been this way.
As a little girl, she’d thought that if she studied harder, her father would smile more often when he looked at her.
When she entered the Queen’s service, she had convinced herself that if she worked diligently enough, Mother might finally stop worrying that she would become a burden to the family.
Years passed and nothing changed.
There was always another achievement. Another expectation. Another standard to meet.
She had spent so much of her life chasing approval that she had never stopped to ask herself whether it would ever truly be enough.
Apparently not even becoming one of Queen Delphine’s advisers had been sufficient. It had taken an engagement to John Ravenshire for her parents to finally look at her with something resembling pride.
A bitter smile touched her lips.
How ironic. The very thing they celebrated had become the greatest mistake of her life.
"My lady?"
A servant’s hesitant voice pulled her from her thoughts.
"Do you still require a carriage for this afternoon?"
Cassandra nodded. "Yes. Please ensure it is ready on time."
"As you wish, my lady."
He bowed before quietly retreating.
Alone once more, her mind began to race.
John would most likely receive her letter before noon if the roads remained clear.
He wouldn’t accept it. She knew that much with absolute certainty.
John never accepted answers that displeased him.
He negotiated and persuaded. He would smile while quietly dismantling every objection until the person speaking began questioning their own convictions.
The first time he did it to her, she had mistaken it for something else entirely, thinking he only behaved that way because he was concerned and wanted the best for her.
By the time she’d understood what it truly was, she had already become trapped.
No, this time would be different. This time she knew exactly who he was.
Slowly, Cassandra rose from her chair and made her way to her bedroom, mentally cataloging the problems before her.
John.
Queen Delphine and the poisoning.
The people that framed her.
Three years sounded like a long time but it wasn’t. Not when she had no idea which pieces of history would change simply because she had returned.
She couldn’t afford to waste even a single day.
***
Several miles away, Ravenshire Manor echoed with the sharp clash of steel.
John Ravenshire stepped neatly aside as his opponent’s blade swept through empty air before lightly tapping his practice sword against the younger man’s shoulder.
"Dead." John said, grinning victoriously.
His cousin, Hugh, groaned in annoyance.
"I don’t understand how you keep doing that."
John laughed as both men lowered their weapons. "You commit too early and you always assume I’ll attack first."
A servant approached across the lawn, careful not to interrupt until both gentlemen had stepped apart.
"My lord."
John accepted the towel another servant offered before looking toward the newcomer.
"What is it?"
"A letter has just arrived for you. From Ashford House." The servant said.
John’s expression brightened. "Is it from Lady Cassandra?"
"I believe so, my lord."
The Ashford seal was unmistakable.
John smirked as he accepted it.
How thoughtful, he thought derisively. He could scarcely stand the woman, yet he enjoyed receiving her letters. Each one was proof that she couldn’t stop thinking about him, a clear sign that his plan was unfolding exactly as intended. After all, how else could he ensure she became his wife if he didn’t make her fall hopelessly in love with him?
He broke the seal without a second thought.
His smile remained as his eyes skimmed the first line. But soon it faded.
He read the letter again and again. For several long moments, John simply stared at the page.
Hugh shifted awkwardly. "Bad news?"
John looked up.
Then, unexpectedly, he chuckled. It sounded more disbelieving than amused.
"No." He folded the letter carefully. "Nothing of consequence."
"It hardly looks like nothing." His cousin frowned.
John slid the letter into his pocket.
"Cassandra has a tendency to overthink matters. She’ll come to her senses."
He genuinely believed it.
Something had clearly unsettled her. Perhaps the pressure of the upcoming banquet. Whatever the reason, it could be fixed. He’d fix it, just as he always did.
John removed his gloves one finger at a time before handing them to a waiting servant.
"Have my horse saddled."
The servant bowed immediately. "At once, my lord."
"Shall I prepare a reply for Lady Cassandra?"
John smiled. He rarely cared enough to answer Cassandra’s letters himself, preferring instead to leave the task to his valet.
"No. Some conversations deserve to be had in person." He turned back toward the house. "Oh and cancel my afternoon appointments. I shan’t require them."
Moments later, stable hands hurried across the courtyard and his black stallion was brought around.
John adjusted the cuffs of his coat before mounting in one smooth movement. The letter remained tucked safely inside his jacket.
He wasn’t worried about Cassandra’s words. Not in the slightest.
By this evening, everything would sort itself out, just as intended. He simply needed to remind Cassandra why they belonged together.
With a light tug of the reins, the horse surged forward.
The iron gates of Ravenshire Manor swung open and John rode toward Ashford House.
Later that day, the rhythmic clatter of hooves echoed through the courtyard before gradually coming to a halt.
From the drawing room, Nathaniel Ashford glanced briefly towards the tall windows overlooking the front drive.
"That will be Lord Ravenshire."
Vivienne looked up from the embroidery resting upon her lap, a pleased smile already forming. "I wasn’t expecting him until tomorrow."
A footman entered moments later and bowed.
"My lord. Lord John Ravenshire has arrived."
"Show him in." Nathaniel said.
The footman bowed once more.
Seconds later, John stepped into the drawing room, exuding effortless confidence with each step he took.
He looked every inch the gentleman. His dark riding coat had been brushed clean before entering the house. His cravat remained immaculate despite the journey, and a pair of leather gloves rested neatly in one hand.
"Count Ashford." John bowed respectfully before addressing Cassandra’s mother. "My lady."
Vivienne’s smile widened. "Lord Ravenshire! What brings you here?"
"The roads were clear so I thought it was best to pay my future in-laws a visit." John’s gaze swept briefly across the room.
Cassandra wasn’t there.
"I hope my arrival isn’t an inconvenience." He added.
"Not in the slightest," Nathaniel replied. "You are always welcome here."
"I’m grateful." John smiled politely, pleased that her parents’ fondness of him hadn’t dulled one bit.
He reached into the inner pocket of his coat before carefully removing the folded letter.
"I received this earlier today."
Neither Nathaniel nor Vivienne had seen the letter before, that much was obvious from the matching expressions on their faces.
Nathaniel’s brows knitted together. "What is it?"
"A letter from Cassandra." John explained, his face now the picture of confusion and dismay. "I fear she’s become rather upset. I’ve come in the hope of resolving the misunderstanding before it grows into something larger."
"What misunderstanding?" Nathaniel’s frown deepened.
John hesitated just long enough to appear reluctant. "I would rather discuss it with Cassandra first."
But Nathaniel’s expression only hardened further.
"I insist."
John lowered his gaze. "As you wish."
He unfolded the letter and silently handed it over.
Nathaniel read the contents and his face became unreadable. When he was finished, he silently passed the letter to his wife.
"Oh..." She muttered, stunned. "This cannot be serious."
John let out a tired sigh, like he was deeply troubled by the situation.
"I don’t believe it is. Cassandra has been under tremendous pressure recently. The responsibilities placed upon her by the Crown would exhaust anyone." He smiled faintly, voice tinged with concern. "This isn’t like Cassandra at all. She’s always been thoughtful. That’s why I was so concerned when I received the letter."
Vivienne immediately nodded. "That’s exactly what I said to her."
Nathaniel took the letter back and folded it carefully. "Has anything happened between you? Did you two argue recently?"
"No," came John’s response.
"Have you offended her in anyway?"
"I certainly hope not."
Every answer he gave was well thought out and sounded genuine. It was impossible to find fault with him.
"Oh, that ungrateful brat." Vivienne groused, touching the back of her hand to her forehead. "She has always been so difficult. I swear, all she wants is to see me in an early grave."
"Vivienne." Her husband chided, not liking how she disparaged their daughter in front of their guest. Nathaniel looked toward his attendant who stood stiffly by the door. "Ask Cassandra to join us."
John raised a hand and his smile became tinged with concern.
"If I may... I think it would be kinder if I spoke with her alone first." He smiled apologetically. "I doubt she intended for either of you to become involved. I would hate for her to feel embarrassed."
Vivienne exchanged a glance with her husband.
"That’s... remarkably considerate."
Nathaniel nodded once.
"I agree."
John inclined his head. "I only wish to reassure her. If, after we’ve spoken, she still wishes to proceed..."
He allowed the sentence to trail away. He didn’t even want to contemplate that possibility. Cassandra was a fool if she thought she could escape his clutches so easily.
"Very well." Nathaniel relented. "Take Lord Ravenshire to the morning room and ask my daughter to join him."
The attendant bowed. "At once, my lord."