“He’s still so weak.”
“You have to stop coddling him. You can’t keep him in that bed forever, Cassandra.”
“I know that. But I’m not ready to share him.” She sighed. “Do you need me to wake him?”
“No, let him sleep. I’m here for you.” Matthew nodded to the hall. “Come outside with me.”
Cassandra stepped from the bed, careful not to wake Seth. After donning her dressing gown and slippers, she followed Matthew down the stairs and out the front door.
A dense fog had rolled in. London stilled at this time of night, silent except for the occasional bark of a dog in the distance. Lanterns flickered like will-o’-the-wisps dancing in the street. The stone steps were cold as she sat on them, but she warmed once Matthew draped the blanket over their shoulders. Her brother smelled of cedarwood as she leaned against him.
“I won’t get any nights like this anymore.” He tucked the blanket around the both of them and settled her into the crook of his shoulder. “So let’s make this one a good one.”
“Matthew…” Tears formed in her eyes.
“None of that.” He flicked her chin. “Blazes, Cassandra, I haven’t even said anything yet.” He leaned his head on hers and teased, “It’s not too late to call all of this off. I can send you home. You can take your dowry and become a proper spinster. Spend your days doing whatever you wish. No need toobeyanyone?”
“Iwantto marry Seth.” She laced her fingers through his. “Are you still angry with me?”
“I forgave you weeks ago.” He kissed the top of her head. “Reeves too, but don’t tell him. Make him sweat about it a bit longer.”
“I think he’s been punished enough,” she said. “I’m sorry for how I handled everything, I know this isn’t what you wanted. Making weapons, taking lives. I forced your hand.”
“Zeke wanted to offer us the arms contract the whole time. Even without your…involvement”—he cringed—“I would have accepted. I’ve been talking to Lord Bolderwood, and I think there’s a way that I can do somegoodwith this opportunity.”
“Are you going to tell me what it is this time?”
“Later. It isn’t a secret, but it’s not what I wanted to talk about.” He sat back, met her eyes, and held both of her hands in his. “Before I give you away tomorrow, I need to know, does Reeves make you happy?”
Cassandra finally had a complete picture of Seth. When it was just the two of them, her heart soared and the attraction was undeniable, but more than that, there was friendship, respect, and trust between them.
Andlove.
“I’ve never been as happy as I am with him. Yes, he can be… irritating at times, and he embarrasses me in public. I don’t think he’ll ever be completely tame.” She sighed. “But I love him, Matthew.”
Matthew’s smile was bittersweet.
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you,” he said. “I knew that one day I would have to let you go, but only to a man who would love you as I have loved you, who saw your worth. I always knew it would be Reeves. He’s the only man I know that can handle you. You’re headstrong, Cassandra, but that’s not always a good thing. You need to learn to be taken care of, to communicate and compromise.”
“Wise words.” She smiled. “You sound like our father.”
“And you aresomuch like our mother. I was going to surprise you tomorrow, but seeing as we’re alreadycrying.”He gave a watery laugh. “You deserve to wear her dress tomorrow, Cassandra. I had it retrieved from Cooper House. Madame Fournier had your measurements, so it should fit.”
Bottom lip trembling, she wrapped her arms around him, and all shecould say was, “Thank you.”
“They should be here.” His voice broke. “Father should be giving you away tomorrow and I’m sorry that you have to settle for me—”
“I have never had tosettlefor you.” Cassandra held onto him. “You have been thebestbrother. You have done everything you promised, Matthew. Our parents would beproudof you.”
They both held each other tight and cried.
“Enough.” Matthew hiccuped and wiped his eyes on his sleeve. “I haven’t kept all of my promises, but I’m working on them.”
The door opened behind them, and Caroline stepped outside. “May I join you?”
Cassandra opened the blanket and welcomed her into the fold. The three talked until dawn, sharing memories, laughter, and tears. And she would miss them, these quiet moments, because tomorrow, she would be Cassandra Reeves. She had one last night as Cassandra Cooper.
With the help of her siblings, she made it a good one.