‘A good analogy, sir. And if I were you, I’d pause for a moment to count up my own points. Because it’s your eye he’s planning to poke out.’
So it was out in the open. She’d seen that much at least.
Joe stopped and turned her to face him. ‘I’m not sure I understand your implications,’ he began, ‘but I am quite certain I don’t like the sound of them. The chap’s no more romantically interested in Cassandra than am I. If that’s what you’re suggesting. Good Lord! Attractive woman, of course, and not short of a bob or two, but the man’s totally unsuitable. A good five years younger than she is for a start. No money to speak of. And somewhat of an assertive character. Men with a high kill rate in their fighting years rarely settle down to peaceful domesticity, you know. No — too much of a daredevil for comfort.’
‘Exactly, sir. A modern man. A nice change for Cassandra. You forgot to add good looking — if you can accept the Ramon Novarro moustache. But with those heart-melting hazel eyes who’s going to quibble about a ’tache? He’s a bit bashed about but he’s energetic, and I’d say exciting. I bet he’s got the tickets for Venice booked already. Yes, Venice … that’s where he’d take her. Lucky woman. I envy her.’
‘Good Lord!’ Joe said again faintly. ‘Perhaps you should register an interest? Join the hinds? But — seriously — ought I to warn Cassandra of her danger?’
‘I’m sure that’s not necessary. She knows what’s what. And the boys seem very happy with the new arrangements. I’d put quite some store by that. William’s a romantic but John is surprisingly mature for his years. He’s made his calculations and read the small print in the will, I’ll bet. The only point on which the boys are confused is what they perceive to be their mother’s warm attentions to you, sir.’
Joe started to walk on. ‘None of your business, Wentworth, but since you brazenly choose to air it, I’ll tell you — she’s a demonstrative woman who’s been married for donkey’s years to a chap who was mostly absent and when present was not the best at expressing emotion. When a sensitive and concerned fellow — that’s me — shows a little regard she responds with a shade too much warmth, perhaps. Stop sneering! I think I have enough experience of life to know the difference between genuine affection and a show of it.’
He left a pause to allow her to absorb the suggestion of his worldliness, angry with himself that he had even embarked on self-justification.
‘All that hand-clasping, sir?’
‘Yes, that. And the slightly calculated and over-long embraces … the pretence of intimate knowledge …’ Joe shook his head. ‘As a matter of fact, I prefer chocolate cake … No, all a sham … I regret to say,’ he added, to be tormenting.