searched for other positive
traits. “He’s very punctual.”
“Punctual? Is that the most you can say to recommend him? He’s punctual?”
“I am at a loss at the moment. Forgive me” Edward, still escorting Cassie, continued to the breakfast room. They nearly collided with the squire and
Maxwell who were on their way out. “Julian, a moment of your time. If you will be seated”
When Edward would brook no protest, Julian returned to his seat and Maxwell stood at his side.
“We are supposed to be family.” Edward glanced
from Lady Cassandra to Julian. “Just as I am on my
way out of the country I learn that my betrothed and
my brother cannot stand the sight of one another.”
.,That is a bit harsh, Edward. Nothing of the sort is
going on” It was not Julian’s place to entertain his
brother’s bride. Had he not seen to her welfare? Pro vided a new wardrobe for her since she’d just come
out of mourning?
Julian looked at Lady Cassandra. Had she been
filling Edward’s mind with lies?
“I want the two of you to come together-at least
be civil … for my benefit if nothing else.” Edward’s
stern tone kept their attention. “The two of you will
make an effort to behave in a well-mannered fashion
toward one another. Every morning you are to exchange a pleasantry over this very table” Edward
drove his index finger into its surface with a resounding thump. “Maxwell, you will bear witness to thisevery morning of my absence, I say!”
“Sir, I-” Maxwell did not have a chance to accept
or refuse.
“And Julian, as head of the family I expect you to
make the first overture.”
“As you wish. I will do as you ask” There was no
good reason he should refuse such a simple request.
“Good. My lady?” Edward looked at Lady Cassandra.
“Yes, of course. I shall comply” Her pleasant tone
might have gladly accepted Edward’s request but at
the same time the squire could hear the disdain she
held for him.
“If, upon my return, you two have developed an allconsuming affection for the other, well … it could not
please me more” Edward bid them farewell and kissed Lady Cassandra’s hand before leaving the squire in the
breakfast room with her.
The very next morning, Maxwell observed the
squire waiting at the breakfast table until Lady Cassandra’s arrival. He stood as she entered the room
and greeted her with, “Good morning, my lady”
“Good day to you, sir.”
With a polite bow, the squire left. Lady Cassandra
sat at the table after helping herself to a cup of coffee
and a piece of toast from the sideboard.
The butler thought the first exchange, although
strained, was a good beginning on both behalves.
The second morning of Mr. Edward’s absence,
Squire Stewart rose from the table as Lady Cassandra entered the room and said, “Good day to you, my
lady”
Lady Cassandra returned his sentiment with, “I
bid you good morning, sir.”
The squire then vacated the room, leaving Lady
Cassandra to breakfast with her coffee and toast.
On the third day, Maxwell noted a change. The
squire rose from the table as always when Lady Cassandra entered the room. In a cordial but unenthusiastic fashion, he said to her, “Good morning, Lady
Cassandra”
“Good day to you, sir.”
“I wish you a pleasant day.”
“How kind of you, sir. May you have a productive
day as well.”
The squire left and headed for the study. Lady
Cassandra remained, with her coffee and toast as her
only company.
After witnessing this morning’s tepid exchange,
Maxwell thought it might be beneficial for the family’s
welfare if they proceeded beyond simple conversation.
“Excuse me, sir.” Maxwell approached the squire
that evening in his study.
“What is it, Maxwell?” The squire did not look up
from the papers before him.
“Lady Cassandra, sir.”
Squire Stewart shot to his feet, dropping the pen
onto the desk. “Is she here?” He looked past the butler
to