An Agreeable Arrangement Read Online Free Page A

take offense,” the squire replied. “I do not
believe it is a personal dislike. She did not say precisely, but I’m sure she has some foolish woman’s
notion of marrying without love and other such nonsense”
    “Nonsense? Nonsense to you, older brother, but
you must understand the desires of the fairer sex.”
Edward’s words heated with every passing phrase.
“One must be able to interpret their wishes, dreams
and needs. You must fill their yearning, nurture their
affection.”
    Julian remained unmoved by the lecture and lifted
his hand to halt the verbal onslaught. “I’ll leave the romantic pursuit entirely to you” He donned his spectacles and adjusted the circular frames to sit comfortably
over his nose. “I agree that your talents lie in that area.
I am quite sure that you would know better than I when
it comes to love. If you feel you must win her heart
then I wish you luck in doing so”
    Edward accepted the challenge. His green eyes
sparkled in anticipation. He stood and in two strides
reached the desk and set his cup and saucer on the
desk. He leaned toward Julian, catching his brother’s
eye. “You’ll see, I’ll have her completely dizzy in love
with me,” Edward stated in complete confidence.

    “I would not underestimate her,” the squire cautioned. “She appears very strong-willed. She might
forego her inheritance to marry the man she loves.”
    “You shall see, Julian. I shall be that man! I shall
win her love!”
    A small harrumph came from the squire. He
watched his younger brother bound out of the library
doors, exhibiting a type of exuberance Julian found
quite annoying.
    He wondered how much of Edward’s babbling
about the foolishness of love was true, then grumbled
at his brother’s carelessness when he spotted Edward’s discarded cup and saucer on the corner of his
desk. With a huff, the squire moved the ill-deposited
set to a side table, where it would be out of his way,
and returned to his work.
    Dressed in a dark gray mourning gown, Lady Cassandra emerged from the first-story landing and
descended the stairs. From down the hall Edward approached with arms outstretched to greet her.
    “Cass, you will allow me the great pleasure of showing you Stewart Hall.” Edward pulled her arm through
his, resting her hand upon his arm, and placed his hand
atop hers.
    “I don’t really see how I can refuse” Her awkward
reply indicated that she’d been caught off guard. Perhaps she feared that if she declined, it might sound
less than cordial.

    She glanced, quite by accident, to the squire watching the proceedings from just outside the library doors.
Lady Cassandra did not smile.
    Julian wondered if Edward’s efforts to win her
affections were in vain. The squire watched Edward
continue to ramble, leading her down the corridor
toward the Gallery at the far end of the house.
    “We shan’t tour the entire house. Not only would it
be a considerable undertaking, I’m afraid we haven’t
time for it at the present” Edward’s smile was infectious. The squire had no doubt that her mood would
lighten as all women seemed to do when sharing his
company. “We must leave something for us to look
forward to, mustn’t we?”
    Cassie took note of the comments Edward made
about the history of the family and the house. There
were more than just a few times she caught her guide’s
inspecting gaze come her way.
    Edward conducted himself with such resplendent
mode and bearing. He treated Cassie with the utmost
respect and he was all that was gentlemanly.
    Cassie found him pleasant. He was very charming
and it wasn’t long before she found her spirits beginning to lighten. The sides of her mouth began to turn
upward. Then she smiled.
    Not a full, wide smile by any means. Not at first.
Then to her surprise, her smile was followed shortly
by a laugh. Whatever magic Edward had woven, it
had worked by the time they finished his brief