Edward’s question hung unanswered. “No,” he whispered, his face draining of color. She was an apparition, some cruel jest played upon him by his mind. She stood very quietly, watching him. Edward took in her long thick golden hair, her exquisitely slender figure, and her deep blue eyes upon him, holding gentle affection.
“Cassie?” He was shaking his head even as he uttered her name.
“Yes, Edward, it is I.”
“But you are dead; it cannot be.” He groped for the chair beside him. “My God—Cassie?”
General Howe and Captain Crowley ceased to exist for him. Edward took a stumbling step toward her, his eyes locked upon her, as if to prevent her image from vanishing. Numbly, he stretched out his hand.
Cassie gazed mutely at Edward. He looked striking and elegant in his scarlet and cream uniform, his brown hair powdered as white as the cravat around his throat. His deeply tanned face looked older than she remembered, and his bright hazel eyes were incredulous. When he reached out his hand to her, her throat closed on a mighty sob. She dashed toward him and flung herself into his arms.
“Edward, my dear Edward.”
“Cassie, oh my God, I thought I had lost you.” He whispered her name again and again, and clutched her tightly against his chest. He pushed her away from him and stroked her hair and her cheeks, still repeating her name.
Vaguely, Cassie heard Captain Crowley’s deep, pinched voice. “Well, General, it would appear that I have executed my most pleasant mission in this wretched rebellion. As to the viscount’s taking good care of my cargo, my mind is now at ease.”
Cassie gently freed herself from Edward’s arms.
“I must leave you now, viscountess. Although our voyage had its interesting moments, I am pleased to have delivered you sound as a roast to your husband.”
Edward showed no surprise at the captain speaking of him as Cassie’s husband. Indeed, it scarcely penetrated his mind. He clasped Captain Crowley’s large hand and pumped it.
“My deepest thanks, Captain. There is no way I can repay you, except to assure you that we are both profoundly grateful.”
“And I too, Captain,” General Howe said. “I am certain, my boy, that we can rub along without your presence for say a week.”
Edward nodded, so clearly befuddled that General Howe guffawed.
Captain Crowley’s cold gray eyes rested upon Cassie for some moments, and softened.
“Good-bye, Captain, and thank you.”
“Take care, viscountess, and strive not to get yourself lost again from your husband. I am not always to be found in odd parts of the world, you know.”
“I shall, Captain.” Cassie stood on her tiptoes and kissed the Captain’s cheek. “Do give my thanks again to Mr. Thompson. Both of you were exceedingly kind to me.”
Captain Crowley, as if embarrassed by her show of affection, merely nodded, saluted smartly to General Howe, and took his leave. There was suddenly silence, broken only by the sound of his retreating footsteps, amazingly crisp and controlled despite his great weight. Edward was gripping Cassie’s hand tightly, so tightly that she winced.
“I trust your lodgings are suitable for your lady wife, my boy?”
“Indeed they are, sir.”
“Then off with you both. I trust you will find sufficient to occupy your time.” He paused a moment, and when he spoke again, his voice was strangely sad, for he knew that Edward would now not long remain in New York. “At least you have gained from this wretched rebellion, Edward. When all is said and done, the rebels may have their way. I will look forward to seeing both you and your lovely wife in England some day, I hope not too long distant.”
“Yes, sir,” Edward said only. Unlike General Howe, he had not yet realized that the strife in these colonies would soon be an ocean away from him.
“Off with you now, my boy, I have much to do. Goodbye, my lady. Keep that husband of yours away from Staten Island. I don’t want him stuck again with a rebel sword.”
Cassie bent her knee in a slight curtsy and allowed Edward to lead her from the room. She could feel the tension in his hand as he escorted her through the outer rooms to the entrance hall.
“So this is your wife, Edward.”
“It seems that I was the last to know, damn you, John. Cassie, this is Major Andre, aide to General Clinton.”
“A great honor, my lady.” Major Andre lifted Cassie’s hand and lightly kissed her wrist. She regarded the slightly built officer, and knew him immediately to be a charmer with the ladies. His pale blue eyes held warmth and interest, and his genuine smile was a pleasure to behold.
“Thank you, Major Andre.”