Revenge of Duchess

chapter 10 plans

I am back. Sorry for the long absence. Got busy with my little one.

"Now what Cassie. He refused and you challenged him." Greg was concerned.

"He will marry me Greg. Don't worry" Cassie said calmly. She was super confidant. But it irritated Greg more. He feared many things. He know well air is not smooth as seems. Enemies were closer. Her one mistake, they will lose everything. This was not time for games. But action, Wise decisions which were the need of the hour.

"How can you calm Cassie? You know the consequences if Benedict didn't marry you. You are putting Benji's life in danger. Both of you need protection. And Brimhood need someone strong and capable who can manage it. And Benedict is trained and loyal to Henry. But you ruined the chance in the name of your stupid revenge. The sooner you get married to him my duty to Henry will be over. I can have breath of relief that you are finally in safe hands"

"And what about things he done to me. You want me forget all. No..." Cassie was as firm as rock. Cassandra was not ready to compromise her revenge.

"He is still love with you Cassie. I can see that in his eyes. But you just made his vision cloudy with your doubtful attitude. Just tell him the truth. He will fall on your feet like a puppy."

Greg tried again.

"I want Captain Benedict Hart to marry this Cassandra. Not the old one. The angelic Cassie."

"He won't budge. You know that." Greg warned.

"Today Jacob Hardly is conducting a ball for his daughter. Mostly likely Mary Hart and Hardly sign the deal. Mary Hart is a desperate woman. She want to sell her son sooner than we thought."

"No they won't. Before that I will put hats on him. I know how to handle that old hag better than anyone" Cassie said in calm tone.

Greg do believe in Cassandra. If she wanted something that thing will be her. And he also knew well Cassie had already weaved her plans for Hart family. He hoped for her win. Which will solve his problems as well. Sooner this wedding happens it is good for all.

********

Ball was not grand but an average on. But it showed all grandeur of Hardly family. Miss Hardly looked radiant in her red dress. She was looking somewhere. And Cassie knew where, rather it was whom.

Poor girl.........

Love is such a restless feeling, it make you do many things. Some are unapologetic, some are senseless. Yet people fall in love. Like her and Miss Hardly.

Cassandra sat on the corner and watched everyone closely. She ignored the glances she received this time. Her apple juice remained in same quantity. Many asked for dance which declined politely. Her interest was in something else.

The Hart family.

Benedict Hart was missing. She know he was avoiding her.

Mary Hart stood close to Miss Hardly. She didn't want loose her future daughter in law.

But my eyes searched someone else.

Bianca....

Where is she?

She was dancing with a middle aged viscount. But her eyes glued to another gentleman.

Earl of Rocklin. Samuel Brightmore. The heart breaker. Heir of Rocklin Fortunes....

But a mama's boy.

But he never graced a single word towards her. I know very much how mother and daughter want Earl to dance with Bianca. Bianca tried her maximum to grab his attention. But all are in vain.

Cassandra know Earl had an eye for Bianca s beauty. But he is afraid of his mother. The countess will never allow her son to touch or dance title less and penniless girls. She choose for her son. Anybody else who approached Earl, roasted by the countess herself.

Poor Bianca I thought.

May be little help will cheer her up. I smiled at myself.

She sat on chair once she finished the dance. She looked around. Everyone was busy. No more dance for her. She was in fact sadly watched when Earl danced with other girls. She wanted to be there

Cassandra sat beside her.

"Feeling lonely miss Hart."

Feeling the mockery she choose not spoke to Cassie. Her silence proved her distaste towards her .But Cassie know how to strike talk with her.

"If your brother was a duke offers will raining at you. " I said slowly. Her face changed. It showed tinge of anger. Yet in a controlled manner she spat at me.

"You and your son ruined that chance. Brimhood had been ours if...."

I smiled sweetly. Which made angrier.

"Go on and laugh. Your fortunes and our miseries."

"I am not laughing at your miseries. I am laughing at your brother's foolishness"

Now it was Bianca's turn have blank expression.

"What do you mean. " She asked in bewildered expression.

"Your dear brother refused to become the duke of Brimhood".

"No way......" Bianca jumped from her seat. She was shell shocked.

But my calmness confirmed her worst fears and best lucks.

"I call mama" She ran like rabbit. Not waiting to listen the truth but retuned in a blink of eye with Mary Hart whose face showed surprise and excitement.

"What are you blabbering to my daughter. My son is not foolish to decline dukedom. There must be a catch. Speak the truth else I will have your head. She threatened.

"Threats don't work on Mrs. Hart. I am beyond that. If you want truth ask nicely" Cassie said bit hardly indicating she still had upper hand.

Mary Hart softened a bit and said

"Cassandra, I know you are a good girl. Please tell us the facts. If it can save my family from financial ruin, I will never forget your favor."

Cassie smiled at this sudden change in Mrs. Hart and said.

"You will always remember me, Mrs. Hart. According to Henry's Will, Benedict Hart can be next duke of Brimhood if he marry me and provide protection to my son."

Bianca looked at me wonder stuck and Mary Hart was silent as if she had a heart attack. Both woman had loose of words.

"He will never marry woman like you. This time Mary Hart sounded disappointed.

"Woman like me. What is the problem with me Mother In law? I am far more respectable and richer than Hardly girl. At least your son once loved me. And I will never be a step mother to my sister's daughter.

That word mother in law caught her attention. And she is happy. But she still in dilemma and Cassie sensed that.

"If your son marries me, within two months Bianca will be countess of Rocklin."

That was an irresistible offer. Mary Hart can't refuse that. Because Mary Hart knows well, If Cassandra Lockhart put her hands on Bianca's head, Bianca's future will be bright. Cassandra will do anything to keep her word.

"He will marry you Cassandra. You prepare for wedding I prepare Ben."

Mary Hart said hardly. Both woman hugged themselves. Cassie knows the she has won the half battle
she looked back Greg and he too was smiling.

"Now, you are going to be mine Caption Hart. Nothing will part us now." Cassandra thought victoriously.

Will Cassandra's plans succeed or something else will happen?