50.

Cassy had no idea what it cost Henry to remain cool. He fought against the surge of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him, the relief to see her again, the fear that she would hate him for his harshness to her. He struggled briefly, and finally returned into cool deliberation. He wanted to hug her so tight in his arms, then toss her to her bed and make love to her until the sun rose the next morning. Since he could do neither without looking like a brute or a fool, he chose to cut her with words.

"Perhaps I should be flattered that you chose to come back to the country instead of going on to London for the small season, but I can't say that I am. I find your presence here a bit inconvenient."

"Do you?" she said coldly without turning to look at him. She couldn't look at him, couldn't let him see how easily he could hurt her. "That's unfortunate. I hardly see that could matter to you."

"Then you should have researched more carefully. I am giving a little dinner party tomorrow night,