Epilogue

The Lyon's Den

C assandra sat in the private office of Mrs. Dove-Lyon waiting for the widow to join her for the requested meeting. When the lady entered, she stood and waited for the widow to take her place behind the large mahogany desk.

"Mrs. Vaughn… this is a pleasant surprise. I thought you'd be at the wedding celebration of the Earl of Rowley and his countess," the lady said behind her thick black veil.

Cassandra shook her head sadly. "I sat in the back of the church to witness their vows but thought it unwise to intrude on their wedding reception. My reputation still precedes me, I'm afraid."

"At least you were able to witness the actual ceremony. Your three lady friends are lucky to have such a devoted friend in their corner. Three matches and all to men with titles and in good standing within the ton ."

"I am most thankful for all you've done on their behalf," Cassandra said opening her reticule and sliding a bank draft across the table.

The veiled head bent forward before she took the draft, unfolded it, and then placed it in a drawer. "Another friend to match from your Wicked Widow's Club, Mrs. Vaughn?" the Widow of Whitehall inquired softly.

Cassandra shook her head again. "Not this time. This money is for myself."

"Finally…" the widow purred sweetly. "And are you still of a mind to be matched with the Earl of Blackthorn?"

"If at all possible, yes."

"He won't be easily persuaded to marry, Mrs. Vaughn. Are you aware he has taken a new mistress?" she asked.

Cassandra frowned knowing the woman in question lived several doors down from her. "I'm aware."

"It's very unfortunate but I'm certain I can change that to our advantage. I have heard you put your current residence up for sale and are looking to purchase another in a better part of town," Mrs. Dove-Lyon commented.

Cassandra widened her eyes. Nothing slipped past this woman. "You heard correctly, Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Once I move, I had planned to take up your other suggestion of trying to contribute my time to several charities."

Mrs. Dove-Lyon's head bobbed in agreement. "Excellent! Then we are several steps along the path of seeing you accepted back into the fold of Society."

Cassandra bit her lip thinking of all that was ahead for a possible new life. Her past crept up to the forefront of her mind giving her enough of a scare to remain uncertain if things would work out for her as nicely as they had for her friends.

Mrs. Dove-Lyon leaned forward resting her arms on her desk. She clasped her gloved hands before she pointed a finger toward Cassandra. "Confidence, Mrs. Vaughn, will win you the earl and a new life," she proclaimed, as if she had read Cassandra's thoughts. "Leave everything to me. I have the feeling the Earl of Blackthorne is about to have a very bad losing streak at my tables."

Cassandra thanked the widow and left the Lyon's Den after being told to return in two weeks. She sat back in her carriage thinking of the earl and the long fascination she had had with the man. Perhaps everything would indeed work out for the best. She gave a light laugh wondering what her future life with the earl might just look like. There was only one way to find out…

THE END