Putting on Airs by Ivy Brooke Read Free Book Online Page A

his tone to hers.  "Madam, there can be no refusal.  We have been betrothed these many years, and now is the time."
          "Yes, the time to relinquish it.  I cannot even see how you could still desire to marry me, anyway."
          "This has been contracted for too long; as a man of honor, I cannot simply give it up."
          "A contract is a piece of paper, sir.  I am talking of our happiness; I would not be happy with you, and I am certain that you would not be happy with me."
          "I will not yield, madam.  It is only right that we should marry."
          Feeling an oncoming headache, Imogene decided to resolve it for the moment.  "Then, sir, if you went over the contract with your barrister, you would find that there can be no wedding until both bride and groom declare they are ready.  I am not ready, sir; therefore, there will be no wedding until I agree; nor shall there be an engagement, then."
     
          "I have the ring right here," he insisted, taking up a small velvet pouch.
          Imogene stared at the pouch in fear, as though it were about to attack her.  "You are ready for it, sir, therefore you wear it.  I will have none of it."  With that, she went back into the house to prepare for supper with the Coles.                           

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    Mrs. Cartwright insisted on taking three carriages to the Cole's residence: one for Mr. Cartwright, Anthony, and herself, one for Mr. Butler and Emmeline, and one for Mr. Campbell and Imogene.  There was nothing but silence between Imogene and Mr. Campbell throughout the entire carriage ride; they both simply sat gazing out opposite windows at the falling rain. It was just as things were before he came into a fortune, but it felt peculiarly awkward.  Imogene kept anticipating Mr. Campbell's insistence on engagement or a remark on how "unladylike" she was, but he was absolutely silent and still.  He is more handsome when he does not speak, she mused bitterly to herself.
          Supper at the Cole family table was lively and interesting, on the other hand.  There was always something to say, and many comments were followed up by laughter.  The only ones who rarely partook of the conversation were Mrs. Cartwright and Mr. Campbell (who had their own aside conversations) and the elder Mr. Cole, who did not even seem to be listening.
          "I was just discussing with mother," Mr. Phillip said, "my plans to give a ball at the end of the week.  I would like you all to be the first of the invited guests."
          "Fantastic!" Anthony cheered.  "And Ms. Cole, before all the offers pour in, I would like to reserve the first dance with you."
     
          "I would be delighted, Mr. Cole," she said immediately, as if she had impatiently anticipated him.
          "A perfect scheme, Anthony," Mr. Phillip commented.  "And I would like to reserve the first dance with Ms. Cartwright, if her cousin will allow."
          "Take her for two dances, as you like," Mr. Campbell answered dismissively.
          "Even better.  What do you think, Ms. Cartwright?"
          She hesitated at her answer, somewhat surprised by her cousin's reply.  "Certainly, Mr. Cole."
          "Come now, Henry," Mr. Phillip insisted to his brother; "Reserve a dance now before it is too late."
          Everyone turned their attentions to Mr. Cole, awaiting a response.  Seeing all eyes on him, he reluctantly responded: "Miss Emmeline, will you oblige me?"
          She knew it would be fine with Mr. Butler, but Mr. Cole's cold manner frightened her a little.  "O-of course, Mr. Cole.  I would be...honored."
          Mr. Cartwright was so humored by it all, that he almost asked to reserve a dance with Mrs. Cole, but he remembered himself in time.
          After supper, they adjourned to the music room where all accomplished musicians in the company were persuaded to play.  Mr. Cole played the