An Agreeable Arrangement by Shirley Marks Read Free Book Online Page A

Edward nodded toward
the young man standing next to their sister. “He looks
to be well on his way to joining us, wouldn’t you say?”
    The squire stared into the crowd. “We’ll just see
about this.” He stalked away in Lorna’s direction and
muttered, “That undisciplined young pup!”
    Edward’s laughter ebbed. “My absence may be for
the best. I only say this because of the circumstance
you find yourself in. I cannot imagine this is the life
you’ve envisioned for yourself. As for me”-a glorious smile broke across his face-“just because our
marriage was arranged does not make it any less desirable.”
    Cassie wished she could have felt the same type of
infatuation as he. It would have made their situation
much easier to accept. At the moment she could think
of him only in kind regard.

    “If only our fathers were here to enjoy our celebration. I think seeing us unite our families would have
made them very happy”
    “I suppose you are correct. I know our fathers were
once close and I knew of my father’s wish. I thought
it was a dream he wanted to witness. Once he fell ill I
imagined he had given up on seeing our families
joined. Now that he’s passed … I never considered
he would insist upon us marrying, even from his
grave.”
    “I suggest we take the little time we have tonight
and see what events might come our way-separation
and all.” Edward’s soft voice, filled with kindness and
understanding, seemed to ease Cassie’s fears. “Although you are not exactly a stranger, you have been
displaced-away from your friends and your home.
There will be time enough for us to become acquainted
when I return. Can we simply enjoy this evening and
not concern ourselves with what is to come?”
    Somehow his suggestion made Cassie feel better.
Not only was Edward attentive to her throughout
the evening, he kept a protective eye on his sister as
well.
    It was quite apparent to Cassie that Lorna did not
need Edward looking after her. The squire did not allow any young bucks to linger at Miss Stewart’s side.
A gentleman might desire a second dance, as was the
case with Jeffrey Rutherford, but none was to be had.
    Edward, who had two dances with Cassie, made sure she enjoyed herself immensely and was partnered
for every set.

    All in all, it was a wonderful evening.
    Cassie made sure to rise early the next morning so
as not to miss Edward’s departure.
    “You needn’t see me off,” he remarked. “But I am
happy you did.” He kissed her hand and placed it in
the crook of his arm then led the way to the breakfast
room. “I do have a slight concern … I hesitate to
bring up the matter.”
    “Please, say what is on your mind, I am most willing to do what I can to put you at ease” Cassie stood
her ground, causing Edward to stop.
    “Am I correct in assuming that you and Julian do
not rub along well together?”
    She felt as if he was accusing her. “I can hardly
take the blame. I was not the one who demanded I
present myself at Stewart Hall. Nor was I the one who
foisted myself onto your family.” Cassie softened her
voice to add, “You and Miss Lorna have been all that
is pleasant, the squire however has not it does not
signify.”
    “You’ve taken a dislike to him, then?” Edward certainly felt strongly about his brother, as did Lorna.
    “I do not know him well enough to truly dislike
him.”
    “You simply do not understand Julian.”
    “Your sister said the very same thing to me. Could you please tell me what that means? Pray, exactly
what do I not understand?”

    “Julian is not-” Edward reconsidered his words.
“Well, he has some very good qualities.”
    “Such as .. ” Cassie would be more than willing
to give the squire a chance to redeem himself. He’d
barely said ten words to her since that first day.
    “He’s got an uncompromising sense of duty and
morality,” Edward said optimistically.
    “And?”
    “And . . ” Edward