Once We Were Read Online Free Page B

entitled to your opinion.”
    She chuckled. “Oh, how I like you. Father says a lady's opinion is shaped by her husband's. He told me never to disagree with you no matter the topic.”
    “I like a lady with a good opinion,” he commented. “It keeps the conversation away from the crickets.”
    She smiled politely, though he was sure she didn't catch the slight on her character. “So what do you enjoy doing? I'm sure a boy like yourself has plenty of time on his hands with all the servants at his every request.”
    “You misunderstand us. We don't have many servants, and the ones we do have work part time as gardener or stable keeper.”
    “ I thought your father was rich. I don't know why they make such a fuss over our engagement. I must say though, after meeting you, I'm starting to fancy it myself.” She batted her eyes at him.
    He didn't answer.
    “Go on. Tell me about your passions and your deepest pursuits.”
    “ I want to be a sailor.”
    “ A sailor!” she cried horrified.
    “ I love the sea. I learned to swim before I could walk.”
    She laughed until her face burned crimson. “That's absolute rubbish! My father's off his rocker if he thinks I'm marrying a sailor! There must be some mistake!” She gasped for air, fanning herself as she tried to control her laughter, but then bursts into a fit again. “A sailor!” She nearly died trying to catch her breath and wiped the tears from her eyes. “Oh, go on, tell me about something real now. What is your name? I suppose I must know it now.”
    “Saier,” he replied.
    “ No, not your surname. The other one.”
    “ Ioan.”
    “ I said no more jokes!”
    “ That is my name.”
    “ What sort of name is that?” she cackled.
    “ My mother gave it to me. It's the last thing she said before she passed on. So I'm told.”
    “ My mother is dead too. I don't remember her either. My nanny looks after me. She has a daughter of her own.  Despite her horrifying social status, she is a sweet mannered girl. I am proud to call her a dear friend and sister. I told her all about you. She suggested a tea party, which I thought a novel idea. She's anxious to meet you.”
    Ioan cringed at the idea. Any more of Miss Luckett's kind, and he'd cheerfully shoot himself. “I'd cheerfully shoot myself,” he blurted out, but caught himself quickly. “I mean I'm sorry I have to decline. I promised my father I'd do some errands. Post matters and such.”
    “Aw, you poor wretched boy. Well, another day, another time. Mrs. Harlow, I'm exhausted! I want to go home!” Miss Luckett called.
    Ioan prayed for that moment. Out of all the characters he'd met in a lifetime, Miss Luckett was the most appalling. Absolutely nothing but dust and air flowing through that pretty auburn head. He found that she was right on one occasion. For their station, the Harlows were quite graceful, almost noble. It was baffling. Mrs. Harlow entered the room so delicately that he stopped to take in her figure. Her angelic gold hair wrapped in a neat bun, so soft and lustrous that even Helen of Troy snorted in jealousy. Her eyes were a curious, playful pigment he couldn't guess, and failed to guess as she left with her dependent. He'd marry her over Miss Luckett any day.
    Suddenly, a strong hand tightened around his collar. He choked as it yanked him  through the door. His father dragged him along. Ioan stumbled to keep up. “Very good, Ioan. Miss Luckett is utterly smitten. I thought you never had it in you,” he said coolly.
    “ Am I really going to be engaged to Miss Luckett?”
    “ What are you talking about, boy? You are engaged to Miss Luckett. We sign the papers tonight. It's only a matter of time before we can make it official. Her father, who I remind you is an ally to our business in America, has agreed to offer you Miss Luckett's hand in exchange for a partnership. At last we'll go neck and neck with the global monster called American business. No more battling for the victories. With my