An Agreeable Arrangement Read online

  The squire went on with his discourse. “Although our contact was limited our fathers’ were not. They conferred with one another on personal and business matters up until my father’s death. The late earl continued to entrust me with their business matters and I expect that your children will be the proper heir that both of them would have wanted. Wealth and land holdings from both sides of the family, and a possible title from your father should your cousin lack issue.”

  Cassie felt her face warm at his casual mention of such an intimate subject. She dropped her gaze away from him.

  The squire took that opportunity to facilitate her exit. “Maxwell will have you shown to your rooms. Edward should make his appearance shortly and you two can reacquaint yourselves”

  “There must be something short of marrying Edward that I can do to keep Hedgeway Park? Please, sir, will you not help me?” Cassie began to sound desperate.

  Squire Stewart paused, his pen lifted in midsentence. “Kindly curtail your sorrowful pleas, Lady Cassandra. In the end, you shall do as you are instructed.” There was no anger in the squire’s voice.

  “After the wedding you and Edward shall move to your beloved home for the duration if that is what you wish. Until that time, this is where you will reside. Good day to you” He returned to his work papers.

  The butler loomed in the doorway and called to Cassie, “This way please, my lady.”

  How very rude the squire was. Without say in the matter and without other viable options, Cassie spun away and followed the butler.

  Cassie stopped in the foyer. Layette stood with the luggage and waited for a word from her mistress. “We will be staying, Layette,” Cassie said, unhappy with the outcome of her appeal. She glared over her shoulder, down a long hallway at Julian Stewart who sat at his desk. He seemed unaffected and continued with his work. It was obvious to her that he gave her not another thought.

  Maxwell stopped in the foyer. He made the introduction, “Lady Cassandra, the housekeeper, Mrs. Green” Then left.

  “Your ladyship.” A stout woman stopped in front of Cassie and dipped a curtsy. “This way please, my lady” She lifted the hem of her skirts and mounted the steps.

  Cassie took hold of the heavy oak handrail and trudged up the stairs of this unfamiliar house she would not call home.

  Mrs. Green stood to the left side of the landing. “Miss Lorna’s rooms are across from yours”

  A picture of Lorna as a small child flashed in Cassie’s mind. Lorna, the only sister of the Stewarts, had been four or five the last time Cassie had seen her.

  The housekeeper opened the double doors to Cassie’s apartments and stepped into the room.

  Rounding the far hallway corner came a young man-Edward Stewart, younger brother of the squire. He was dressed in buckskin breeches that hugged his well-shaped muscular thighs and disappeared into his black high-top boots. The dark green riding jacket brought out the most vivid green of his eyes, which would make the prettiest girl envious.

  His pace quickened and a smile brightened on what Cassie considered a most handsome face. Edward indeed resembled his older brother Julian. Although his coloring was fair and the elder’s dark, they stood about the same height.

  Edward’s face was a bit fuller and had a healthy glow. His head was topped by riotous blond curls. It took only a moment for Cassie to decide Edward was more attractive and far more likeable of the two brothers.

  “Can it truly be you? My dear Cass!” Edward took her hand and performed a deep, sweeping bow. He applied a light kiss on the back of her hand before he rose. “Do you not remember me? Edward” A slight tilt of his head off to one side questioned whether or not she recognized him.

  Of course she had. If circumstances had been different, she might have been more pleased to remake his acquaintance. In her present situation, she could not bring herself to say she was truly as glad to see him as he was to see her.

  “It’s been a very long time, I fear. We were what … both nine? Mere children then but how you have grown.” With her hand in his, he took a small step back and eyed her, making a thorough inspection. He smiled. His eyes smiled. “I must say, time has been more than generous to you”

  Cassie felt her face warm. She was not accustomed to men staring at her in such an open and obvious fashion.

  “After you’re settled, please allow me the pleasure of escorting you for a walk around the gardens”

  “That sounds wonderful. I shall look forward to it.”

  Edward led her with the hand he would not relinquish. He slipped his other around her waist and stepped behind her, escorting her to her rooms.

  “Until this afternoon, then” Edward pressed his lips against the back of her hand and whispered, “No need to blush for we are to spend the rest of our lives together and I shall not waste precious moments being proper when there is no need.”

  He reached the top of the stairs and turned to face her. In a bout of dramatics, Edward tossed another kiss from his fingertips before descending.

  Cassie could not help but smile at the sweet intent of the romantic gesture. With his exit, Cassie passed across the threshold and studied the bedchamber. She admired the large-paned windows that allowed the bright rays of the sun to cascade into the room. Moving farther in, she ran her fingers over the back of the gilded sofa in front of the fireplace.

  Turning to the right, she crossed to the writing table, strategically placed near the windows where one could pen letters in natural light.

  Cassie would need to write Mrs. Hicks and tell her of the bad news. She had no real notion when she would return but couldn’t bring herself to order the housekeeper to close the house.

  Mrs. Green opened the door to the adjoining room. Cassie continued her tour. Layette followed her into the bedroom. The same glorious light flooded this room. Cassie fingered the duvet on the four-poster bed. The snowy-white background edged in a pink flower and blue ribbon pattern made it the most beautiful she had ever seen.

  “If there is anything else you need, my lady, please ring.” Mrs. Green gestured at the wide tapestry bell pull that lay against the wall before taking her leave.

  “Il est tres charmant, West-ce pas?” The French maid sighed with a silly smile plastered to her face.

  Cassie removed her spencer and faced Layette. “Yes, he is quite charming.” And certainly pleasant. She felt numb. Too much was happening too fast.

  Was it the extended time apart from the Stewart family and the sudden reunion that caused her uneasiness? Was it the squire ordering her about? Was it her uncertainty about her future husband?

  Husband. That was an unsettling thought. Marriage to Edward appeared to be the only way she could get what she wanted. Cassie would do whatever it took to save her home, even if it meant tolerating the squire and his edicts, even if it meant marrying Edward.

  Edward … she wondered. Undoubtedly, he must be very popular with the ladies. Cassie could see the effect his manner had on her maid, Layette. There was no doubt. Edward Stewart was quite handsome. What woman would not want his attention? She should have felt fortunate that she was to marry him. Matters could have been much worse. Cassie’s father might have insisted she marry the elder brother Julian.

  Edward Stewart entered through the open double doors of the library. “Good morning, Julian,” he said with a quality that almost lent the greeting to music.

  “I see that it is, isn’t it?” The squire peered over his wirerimmed eyeglasses at his jubilant younger brother.

  “It is a perfect morning.” Edward inhaled deep and opened his arms wide, greeting the warm rays of the sun. “Except, I do have a complaint, albeit a small one.”

  “Only one? Then it would seem far from perfect, would it not? What complaint do you have?”

  “It’s the valet, Valentine, is that his name? He seems a bit on the odd side, don’t you think?”

  “Odd? Hadn’t noticed really.” The only concern Ju lian had regarding staff came when the household did
not run efficiently. He saw nothing that would indicate that such was the case.

  “Well, it doesn’t matter, really.” Edward shrugged.

  “What do you mean it doesn’t matter?” The current valet saw to the squire’s wardrobe and did an adequate job. “The fact that you bring up his name warrants discussion.”

  “He’ll be gone in a fortnight. You’ll chase him away just as you have all the others” Edward took a coffee cup and dispensed the steaming black liquid from the large silver urn on the credenza. “It’s always the same. The capable valet I’ve hired has always gone by the time I return.

  “You, dear brother, manage to fill the position. However I always find the cove you’ve hired, on the whole, unsuitable. Then I have to search for an adequate replacement. Then the process starts again. I do wish you’d let me have my own man.”

  “As I’ve explained before, Edward, we are not the aristocracy and as such we should not be expected to follow what they dictate as the latest fashion.”

  “It’s not as if you haven’t got the blunt” That offthe-cuff remark would get Edward nowhere. In a more restrained voice he continued. “I am representing the family when I travel for business. And as such I should not have to rely upon the local accommodations to supply me with some servant they simply have on hand.”

  “The one valet has enough to do when you are home. If we had two … I daresay, what would keep the two of them occupied?”

  Edward did have an answer. “Like I said, I have only the one complaint. Otherwise it is the beginning of a glorious day”

  “Perhaps you can enlighten me as to what makes this particular morning any more glorious than the others?” Julian straightened in his chair and set down his pen. Experience told him only a female could cause this type of euphoric behavior in his brother. The squire leaned back in his chair, giving Edward his undivided attention.

  “I just met my bride-to-be upstairs. I believe my luck has continued to hold. Not only does her dowry promise to be sizable, but she is a beauty as well.”

  “What do you know of her dowry?” Julian said nothing more to his brother than what he’d needed to know.

  Edward seated himself on the sofa and unceremoniously propped his feet up on the expensive table. “Perhaps I will hire my own man.”

  Edward sighed in exasperation and turned to Julian. “My dear brother, you know as well as I do that Cass is the only daughter of the Earl of Thaddbury. It’s no secret, Lord Thadburry was a wealthy man”

  “That is true,” Julian agreed.

  “And although his title and holding have gone to his heir, I do not believe he would have left his beloved daughter without a feather to fly with.” Edward sipped his coffee and took a moment to savor the flavor. “I may not have the financial sense that you possess, dear brother. However I am not so blind that I cannot work that much out for myself. I’ll tell you what else I suspect” He sat forward to address his elder sibling. “I know our father was at one time very good friends with the earl. For as long as I can recall it was understood our fathers had arranged for a marriage between our families.”

  Julian knew his brother had the facts correct but wasn’t about to confirm or deny any of the details.

  “Father had already seen to your marriage-it had been arranged before I’d been born, I believe. The fact that it didn’t last long is no fault of yours. She’d always been a sickly girl.” Edward’s unpleasant expression subsided. “However, when it comes to Cass and me, neither of our fathers are around now but”-he motioned to Julian-“that’s where you come in. You’ll see to it that everyone is all right and tight, doing the proper thing. I wager that Cass’ father was so adamant that she and I should marry, if she refuses to go through with it, she’ll inherit nothing”

  The squire would allow Edward his speculation about the details surrounding his upcoming nuptials. “And what may I ask do you hope to gain by this?” Julian had half-expected his brother to be unwilling to take the marital step.

  “I don’t need to be threatened by financial ruin. I have you to bully me into marriage.” Edward stood, walked toward Julian, and laughed. “However, I’d imagine there would be an increase in my quarterly allowance and a decrease in my workload”

  “Less work you say?” Julian raised his eyebrows.

  “It’s not what I would wish for, mind. But I do think it’s about time I settle down and think about filling the nursery. My providing an heir will take the pressure off you to remarry.”

  “We need not concern ourselves with providing an heir. We have no titles to pass on”

  Edward set his hands on the desk and leaned in toward his brother. “But we have land and money I’m sure you’d like to see kept in the family.”

  Julian removed his spectacles, laying them to rest on his papers. “I suppose I should find a capable agent to fill your shoes. But you shouldn’t allow that to concern you.”

  “It’s the family business, of course it concerns me” Edward returned to his chair and once again propped his feet on the table. “Cass and I shall move to her beloved Hedgeway Park after we’re wed. After we’re settled and start our family, I can resume my activities.”

  “Lady Cassandra may still feel reluctant about the marriage, even with all you believe she stands to lose.” Julian touched his recently assaulted cheek, recalling her objection.

  Edward’s smile faded. His boots made a resounding thud from their resting position as he stood. “Why? Am I so horrible that she would not have me?” Edward splayed a hand upon his chest, offended by the mere suggestion.

  “Do not 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 tour.

  Removing to the rear gardens, Cassie noted the overcast morning that had accompanied her to this grand house had given way to a moderately warm afternoon. The sun cleared any trace of mist that had the slightest thought of remaining throughout the day.

  “You see, back in the seventeenth century Stewart Hall was a good half day’s travel from town,” Edward explained. “Now a scant two hundred years later we find London fairly upon our doorstep. However, if one retreats to the rear of the house..

  He led Cassie down a wide path and through a maze of low box hedges. She admired the flower beds within the hedges that supplied a stunning variety of colors. As she passed the pond in the garden, stray droplets misplaced by the wind threatened to shower her. She passed the rose bushes and stood on a large grass area that spread from the estate toward the outer edge of the countryside. As far as she could see was open and unplanted land.