An Agreeable Arrangement by Shirley Marks Read Free Book Online

the
dress to fit, she added delicate silver thread stitching
and small, intricate beading at the neckline and bodice.
    “It seems impossible that this is the same gown I
slipped on yesterday” Cassie ran her fingers over the
beading, admiring the workmanship.
    “I told you Madam Bosque was talented. I think
she’s quite outdone herself.” Lorna’s face beamed. “I
cannot wait to see what Edward thinks of it!”
    It was all Cassie could do to tolerate sitting in
an enclosed area of a carriage with Squire Stewart.
What made it tolerable was that he dressed entirely in
black with the exception of his white shirt and cravat. Cassie could almost imagine he was not there and that
she and Lorna were riding alone to the ball.

    Lord and Lady Addison resided in one of the large
mansions that stood on the north side of Grovesner
Square. Cassie and Lorna entered the residence with
the squire. Jeffrey Rutherford, whom Cassie had recognized at once due to Lorna’s lengthy and very accurate description of him, had been waiting near the
entrance. Lorna took Jeffrey’s arm and he led her off
to meet with some of their friends.
    Cassie was left standing alone with the squire. The
situation did not last long and she was relieved to
find that Edward was as good as his word. He arrived
at the Addisons’ residence only ten minutes after
she had.
    Her enthusiasm in seeing him had not so much to
do with her heart growing fonder because of his absence, as much as he would be the one to remove her
from the squire’s company.
    Upon laying eyes on her, Edward’s mouth opened
to comment but he was struck momentarily speechless. “The transformation is absolute!” he finally said.
“I thought you radiant before but now you are a veritable vision in that gown” He took up her hand and
bowed over it. “Is she not the most beautiful woman
in this room, Julian?”
    Cassie was relieved that the squire was nearsighted.
She was spared the indignity of being spied at through a quizzing glass. He did turn his gaze upon her, perhaps for the first time all evening.

    “You look quite fashionable, my lady” The squire
accompanied his comment with a low bow.
    Was fashionable meant as a compliment? Cassie
hoped her displeasure did not show.
    “I am certainly the luckiest man in attendance, if
not the most fortunate man in all of England, to have
you stand by my side.” He took up Cassie’s hand as
if it was as precious and delicate as fine china.
    She returned his smileperhaps with less luster
and more effort on her part. It surprised her how little his praise pleased her. It should have meant more
but she was not so easily flattered. Cassie felt numb
at the thought that Edward was the man she would be
with for the rest of her life.
    The squire cleared his throat. “If you both will excuse me”
    “Julian, if you would stay for a moment. I have
news”-Edward glanced at Cassie-“for you both”
    The squire stepped forward, attentive.
    “My recent meeting with Farthington precipitates
my travel to the continent.” Edward turned to his
brother. “There’s a letter for you and a copy of the contracts on your desk. I leave tomorrow for the coast” He
turned to Cassie. “I can most honestly tell you how
badly I feel about leaving.”
    “How long will you be away?” Cassie found the
news disturbing.

    “About a fortnight.” Edward squeezed her hand.
“Perhaps a bit longer.”
    “I best reply to Farthington and look over the details of the contract before you leave,” the squire interrupted. “This is dashed inconvenient.”
    “Julian-language, please!” Edward scolded.
    The squire glanced at Cassie. “I beg your pardon,”
he said with a nod. “I wish I had time to find someone to take your place. You should be here attending
to your intended.”
    “As it is, I must go. If you desire to keep our business dealings within the family, you might want to
look to Mr. Rutherford, there”