Lord Deverill's Secret Read Online Free

them.”
    “Then perhaps he might introduce you to your future husband!” said Maria airily.
    Cassandra looked about her with interest as they arrived at the Castle and went inside. The chandeliers were already lit, and she could see that the rooms had a restrained elegance which formed a perfect backdrop to all the gaily dressed people. She was relieved to discover that her own outfit did not appear too much out of place, for although her dress was three years old, styles had changed very little in that space of time, and what had been suitable in 1802 looked equally well now in 1805. The older ladies wore coloured gowns, set off by the restraint of the gentlemen’s black and blue coats, and here and there a flash of scarlet shone as an officer went in or out of the card-room.
    “Mr. and Mrs. Winter, it is an honour to welcome you once again to the assembly rooms,” said Captain Wade with a bow.
    “We’re delighted to be here,” said Maria.
    Captain Wade looked enquiringly at Cassandra.
    “This is my friend, Miss Paxton,” said Maria.
    “Ah, yes, Mrs. Winter has told me so much about you. She has been looking forward to your visit for some time. I remember your parents well, and of course your brother, Miss Paxton. I hope you will have a pleasant evening with us.”
    “Thank you. I’m sure I shall,” said Cassandra.
    Captain Wade bowed and moved on to the next guests. Cassandra, Maria and Harry went further into the ballroom. At one end sat the musicians, and in the centre of the floor there was a set forming for a cotillion.
    “Now, Harry, you must dance with Cassandra,” said Maria, as they found a secluded spot at the side of the room.
    “Nothing would give me greater plea sure,” said Harry gallantly, offering Cassandra his arm.
    As she took Harry’s arm and went with him on to the dance floor, Cassandra looked about her. She was hoping to catch a glimpse of Peter Raistrick, or at least a young man who might be Peter, for she did not know him by appearance. She could see two or three young men who were suitable candidates.
    “Do you know a Mr. Peter Raistrick?” she asked Harry, as she turned to face him and dropped him a curtsy.
    Harry frowned. “Yes. I know him,” he said.
    “Is he here to night?”
    Harry glanced towards the side of the room, where a dissolute-looking young man was lounging.
    “Is that him?” asked Cassandra.
    “Yes,” said Harry reluctantly.
    “I’d like you to introduce me.”
    “He’s not the right sort,” said Harry. “You’d better leave him alone.”
    “He was a friend of Rupert’s,” Cassandra explained. “There is something I need to ask him. It won’t take me long, and after that, I promise you I won’t speak to him again.”
    “Oh, well, in that case,” said Harry reluctantly.
    Cassandra could tell that he didn’t like it, but she was relieved that he had agreed to do as she asked. As soon as the dance was over, she would speak to Mr. Raistrick and find out if he could shed any light on her brother’s letter.
     
    At the far side of the ballroom, Justin saw Cassandra take to the floor with Harry. He had been at the assembly rooms for some time, having arrived unfashionably early, and he now watched her as she curtsied to Harry.
    “She came, then.”
    Matthew Standish was standing next to him. He had arrived at the same time as Justin and now his eyes followed Cassandra’s every move.
    “Yes, she did, as I knew she would.”
    “You’ve warned Peter that she wants to talk to him, I take it?” asked Matthew.
    “I have. He won’t give us any trouble. He knows what to say.”
    Matthew turned to Justin.
    “He knows what you want him to say, but can we trust him?”
    “Yes. I’m sure of it. Peter isn’t our problem. He can be relied upon.” Justin’s eyes moved across the floor, to where a middle-aged man with curly brown hair, simply dressed in tailcoat and knee breeches, was standing. “Our problem is Elwin.”
    Matthew followed his