“All the same sir,” she replied, resisting the urge to cast a glance behind her to ensure Tilly was out of the line of sight. One never knew when gentlemen might turn and she could only distract them for long enough before their eyes sought younger prey; of course, Cassie’s experience was tainted and she knew it, but life had taught her that the world seldom gave one an easy route through any troubles.

“Is there anything I can fetch you? A brandy perhaps?” He looked distinctly out of sorts, no matter what he might say. His landing had not been the most graceful, not the soup without heat, but Cassie would have thought both sores would be soothing themselves already and yet there was a tension to his features that concerned her. Diverting her eyes uncomfortably she caught sight of the cane that had fallen to the ground unnoticed, toppling in the jostle and she began to put the picture together.

Without comment she crouched to prop it back up and kept her gaze averted. “I think a brandy may help,” she offered kindly.