Edward Arrives

George and Cassie were in the withdrawing room sitting on brocade chairs placed at angles to a cheerily burning fire. There were gas lights on the walls that added a burnished shine to the mahogany furniture. George's family title was backed by solid investments and he was a wealthy man. His house reflected this wealth in an understated way.

George was pleased to be sharing this quiet time with Cassandra. This was one of his favorite ways to spend evenings after she came under his employ. She was intelligent, witty, charming, and extremely pleasant to look at. She had a touch of the pioneer spirit that was so American and George found it both fascinating and alluring.

They heard a commotion out in the hall and surmised that Edward had arrived.

****
Frau was summoned to the door by the sound of a walking stick smacking smartly on the carved oaken door. He assumed his most ponderous demeanor, approached the door, and opened the massive expanse of wood to reveal a very tall man. His hair was nearly black, his eyes were glacier blue, and he sported a highly distinctive handlebar mustache.

Luckily, Frau was an expert negotiator and poker player. He maintained his calm and took the man's coat, hat, and stick. He then somberly intoned, "Please follow me." Edward was gazing about the hall and not really looking at an insignificant butler. The help was really beneath his dignity. Frau led Edward into the withdrawing room.

He opened the double doors to the room and announced, "Edward Cornwallis," and bowed the man into the room. George stood to greet his guest who grandly swept into the room. Cassie first got a glimpse of him and turned her head sharply back, shocked and trying not to gasp aloud.

George met Edward near the door and brought him over to his guest to introduce. "Miss Gould, may I present Edward Cornwallis." He then turned to his guest, "Edward, this is Cassandra Gould."

Cassie sat demurely waiting to see what this despicable man would do. But he seemed to not recognize her. Certainly her bruises were covered, her dress was different, but she looked the same no matter if she was Cassie or Cassandra. But he showed no sign of recognition. Cassie, however, had a choice to make here. Taking the high road, and not wishing to offend George, she behaved in a decorous manner and cooed, "So pleased to make your acquaintance."

Edward was struck by the beauty of the creature before him and simply said, "Likewise." He then turned to George and said, "I didn't know there would be three for dinner."

"I'm sorry. I just found Cassandra here at The Station earlier today and hoped that you wouldn't mind company for dinner," George explained without really sounding the least bit sorry. If he had to choose who to have dinner with, Cassandra would win out over Edward.

****
After dropping Edward Cornwallis off in the withdrawing room, Frau gently closed the door. He almost ran to the kitchen. "Sten, you are not going to believe this. Dinner is going to be far more exciting than we imagined."

"What are you talking about?" demanded Sten who was working on last minute preparations for the event to come. There were several courses and even with technology as a friend, there was a lot of work to do. She pushed past Frau who stood there grinning like an idiot.

"Do you know who Edward Cornwallis is?"

"Probably Edward …" before Sten could even finish, Frau was gleefully interrupting.

"High Lord Thorton," and he burst into laughter.