Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad Read Free Book Online Page A

look of adoration in Roger’s eyes was any indication, even Marguerite couldn’t stop this now.
    Just as she wrote “sincerely yours” at the letter’s close, Edward appeared at the edge of the camp. She blotted the letter and folded it before he drew close enough to kiss her cheek.
    “I see my gift has come in handy.”
    “Did you have this summer at the lake planned in December?” She rolled the desk’s drawer down. “Is that why you gave it to me?”
    He chuckled. “No, sweetheart. I just saw the travel desk and thought of you. A beautiful woman should surround herself with beautiful things.”
    Her cheeks heated. “How was your day?”
    Edward sat down on the settee. “The prospectus for the new streetcar company is coming together. I should be able to go over it with Roger later.”
    Alice ambled to the table with a glass of lemonade for Edward. He took a long swig. “Alice, you always know just what I need. Thank you.”
    “Mr. Westing, you tryin’ to get yourself an extra slice of pie by flatterin’ me?”
    “I’m certainly hoping. Is it working?” He grinned and raised his eyebrows.
    “Humph. We’ll just have to see.” She waddled off.
    “You’re as bad as Marguerite. Treating the help like they’re friends.”
    “We’ve lived in the same house with her for almost twenty years. I think she deserves a kind word every now and then.”
    Camille picked up the fan and waved it before her flushed cheeks. “There’s something of greater importance I wish to discuss with you.”
    “Oh? Has something happened?”
    “Only what you have allowed to happen.” She stilled the fan and met her husband’s curious gaze. “Do the words ‘Marguerite’ and ‘sailing’ ring any bells?”
    His lips curled. “I take it she told you about our adventure.”
    “What were you thinking? Don’t you realize how difficult it is to negotiate a suitable match for her already? When Roger learned of her adventure, he was appalled.”
    He took another sip of the lemonade. “Then perhaps Roger isn’t the one for our daughter.”
    “Nonsense. He is quite smitten with her and will provide for her admirably.”
    “Camille, the decision is ultimately Marguerite’s, just as marrying me was yours.”
    Edward’s wink sent a familiar thrill through her. How well she remembered their courting days, and not once had she regretted her decision to marry the man beside her. “Has it become warmer, or is it just me?” She fanned her heated cheeks. “The fact remains that you are making my job much more difficult than it need be.”
    “ Your job?”
    So they’d come to this place again – their greatest source of disagreement. Why did Edward always have to force her to be the strict parent? Didn’t he see that Marguerite played them against one another?
    “I’m her mother, Edward, and I truly want what’s best for her. She’s only a girl. She can’t possibly know what is best for her, but as her parents we are supposed to know.”
    He rubbed his hand over his bearded chin. “You’re probably right.”
    “That shouldn’t surprise you.” She smiled and inclined her head in his direction. “And if you continue to indulge her unorthodox tendencies, Roger may begin to see her as unmanageable.”
    “If he thinks he can manage Marguerite, he is in for a surprise.” He crossed his arms over his chest, making no attempt to hide his delight in that fact.
    “That’s exactly what I’m talking about.” She frowned. “We need to take her in hand.”
    Leaning forward, he clasped her hand in his. Drinking in the softness in his eyes, she felt her heart warm. This charismatic charmer had been her undoing from the start.
    “Camille, dear, she doesn’t love him.”
    She cupped his cheek, feeling the bristly whiskers on her sensitive hand. “Once Marguerite discovers the truth about Roger – how he can give her so many things and make her feel secure – she’ll be as happy in her marriage as I am in