Greyburn remained standing, his face turned toward the open door. Cassidy realized that the tension she felt was only partially her own; Greyburn was waiting for something.
Twice she tried to start a conversation, and each time her words went unanswered. After five minutes of stillness that made her feel ready to jump out other skin, someone else entered the room. She was dressed much more simply than she’d been the night before, but there was no mistaking her identity.
Lady Rowena Forster was awe-inspiring. Cassidy watched her float across the room in her bustled frock, her steps so fastidious that she seemed graceful even in a skirt that hugged her knees so closely.
“We are gratified,” Greyburn said, “that you honored us with your presence this morning, Rowena.”
Rowena faced Greyburn with an identical lack of expression and made an exaggerated curtsy. “Is that the royal we, Greyburn? Oh, do forgive me. I see our cousin is here. I should be remiss indeed if I fail to make her welcome after such a long journey.”
Greyburn formally introduced them, as if they weren’t kin at all. Rowena dipped her head in acknowledgment, but her eyes were cold. They were a striking light brown with gilded highlights, complementing her beautifully coifed golden hair.
Cassidy stood up and made an awkward half-bow, nearly upsetting her chair. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Rowena,” she said. “I hope we can be friends.”
Rowena’s perfectly arched brow lifted. “You are our cousin,” she said. “From one of the wilder parts of America, I believe? How fortunate that you were able to find us.” Her gaze flicked sideways to Greyburn. “I hope that you will be given a proper opportunity to enjoy our city.” She allowed Aynsley to seat her and became absorbed in studying the flower arrangement. Cassidy sat down again, feeling as clumsy as an hour-old calf.
Greyburns dark brows drew together, but he seated himself without a word. Aynsley moved to the side table and placed toasted bread, some kind of egg, and a thin slice of meat on a china plate and carried it to Rowena.
Cassidy’s stomach chose that moment to growl. She clapped her hands across her waist. “Sorry.”
“I do apologize. Cousin,” Rowena said. “Aynsley should have served you first. I trust you’ll appreciate our English fare. I hesitate to disappoint you, but we have no buffalo this season, nor… I believe it is called… jerky?”
“Rowena.” Greyburn threw his sister a look sharp enough to rival the thorns on a prickly pear. He turned his gaze on Cassidy, and something like a smile touched his mouth. “Aynsley, please provide Miss Holt with a selection and let her sample what we have. Cousin”—he seemed to have forgotten his promise to call her Cassidy—”please taste whatever appeals to you and ignore what does not. You’ll become adjusted to our dining customs in time.”
From Greyburn, it was an unexpected kindness. Cassidy smiled at him, but he had already risen and was filling his own plate as Aynsley did the same for her.
The food was plentiful and more varied than Cassidy had ever seen, including several kinds of meat and fowl, breads, muffins, rolls, eggs, and even fish. She sampled everything, including the tea and chocolate the footman provided. Once or twice she caught Rowena observing her with that arched brow, as if she disapproved of Cassidy’s appetite. Rowena didn’t eat enough to feed a hummingbird. Maybe that was what made her so graceful—and so stern.
But it was Greyburns opinion Cassidy was concerned about. He didn’t so much as glance at her.
“It’s very good,” Cassidy said to ease the labored silence. “At home we have Mercedes’s special beans and the best tortillas you ever tasted. They melt in your mouth. Though Aunt Harriet thought Mercedes’s regular food wasn’t grand enough to serve to guests—” She faltered in embarrassment. “Caramba! I didn’t mean all this fancy food isn’t delicious—”
Greyburn set down his fork, and the weight of his attention settled on Cassidy. It was like basking in the full heat of the sun—you could only look at the ball of fire for a short while, and then your eyes began to hurt and you had to run into the shade.