But Cassie felt numb.
“It’s a miracle,” she managed. “I can hardly believe you’re really here”
“Yes, more anxious than ever to marry you,” Edward assured her.
Cassie’s breath stopped in her throat. However she did manage a smile. “You must excuse me. This entire episode has taken its toll on me” It was true, her stomach began to feel upset.
“My apology, how insensitive I’ve been. Please, sit down” He walked her to the sofa, setting her next to Lorna who by now had quite recovered. “Let me send for breakfast”
“No, thank you, I’m not hungry,” Cassie replied.
“Just tea, then?” Edward nodded to Maxwell, who stood silently in the doorway. The butler retreated and saw to the request.
Mrs. Upton proved more delicate than her sturdy appearance suggested and fainted dead away when she set eyes upon the younger Stewart brother. It took both Edward and the squire to drag her to the sofa and prevent her from foundering to the floor.
A moment later, Maxwell entered with a tea tray for the ladies.
“I hope it’s strong,” commented Mrs. Upton, recovered from her spell. She still couldn’t tear her eyes off Edward.
“You told me he was alive, Julian! You promised you’d find him and here he is!” Lorna giggled. Nothing could have made her happier than her brother’s unexpected presence.
Maxwell once again stood at the doorway. “Lord Ansley has arrived, sir.”
Julian launched out of his chair. “Tell him I shall be with him momentarily.” He nodded to the family and, most noticeably, did not glance at Cassie. “If you will please excuse me”
Anxious to remove himself from this uncomfortable situation, Julian had avoided meeting Cassandra’s eyes for fear everyone would read the regret and longing he felt for her.
He glanced over his shoulder and could see that she followed him to the doorway. Her gaze met his. In that one moment, they concurred that their future together was over. The squire hurried behind Maxwell out of the front door.
Cassie felt Edward come up behind her. He cupped her elbow and edged her out into the hallway.
“Cass, I haven’t told you just how much I’ve missed you” He leaned toward her for a kiss and with a sharp turn of her head, Cassie displaced Edward’s wanton lips to her cheek.
She sighed at the near miss.
However, Edward did not take the evasion as a simple defeat. He applied a second sweet, soft kiss on the side of her neck. “I don’t find the darkened corridors conducive to expressing my affection. Would you mind slipping into the side parlor with me?”
He took her by the hand. Quietly they moved down the hallway. Romeo trotted behind them. With the tip of his boot, Edward blocked Romeo’s entrance. “That will assure me some privacy.” He pulled the parlor door closed, preventing the terrier from joining them.
Edward sat on the sofa, pulling Cassie next to him.
“I missed you so very much. There wasn’t a day that went by that I did not think of you. I cannot tell you how much it pained me to extend my absence, but the side trip I took was for your benefit”
He pulled out a small package, wrapped with gold paper and red ribbon.
“This is very special.” He smiled and she could feel that he was eager for her to open her gift.
Cassie tried to muster some excitement and managed a smile. She removed the ribbon and opened the package-a container of perfume.
“Not just any scent. It is made from jasmine flowers from the East. I reserve this brand only for my wife.” He chose his words with great effort. “I wish you to wear this on our wedding day. Here, allow me” Edward pulled the stopper and touched the end to the inside of her wrist. He inhaled the blend of perfume on her skin and closed his eyes, savoring the fragrance. “Lovely.”
She saw the ardor in his eyes, felt the eagerness in his touch. He meant this-all of this. His sincerity, his affection, it was all real.
Not only would he marry her, he wanted to marry her. And her thoughts and feelings for him could have never been more removed.
Edward pulled out a small dark green velvet box. He rolled it around in the palm of his hand, fingering the soft fabric as he spoke. “I found this for you. A jewel for my jewel.” He opened the box and Cassie stared at the opulent green gem. “It’s the only one I felt was worthy of adorning your lovely finger.” He removed it from its pillow and slipped it onto the third finger of her left hand.
Cassie began to cry. Changing her mind, turning him away was not possible. It was her duty to marry him.
“Do not fret. I completely understand” Edward pulled Cassie against his shoulder and stroked her back to calm her. “They are tears of joy!”
The tears slipping down Cassie’s cheeks were far from joyful.
Cassie finished crying in her room. She was not aware of how much time had passed before she heard a knock on the door. An hour? Several?
The door opened slightly when she did not respond. “I’m sorry to disturb you, your ladyship,” the butler said.
“Yes, Maxwell?”
“A visitor has just arrived and is waiting in the front parlor.” Maxwell entered and offered her the guest’s calling card.
“Roger!” She had forgotten all about her old friend and leaped to her feet. Before leaving the room, she stepped in front of the mirror for a quick check. Cassie tried to wipe the traces of tears away and pinched her cheeks for color. She knew Roger would not be fooled, but it was all she could do on such short notice.
Cassie strode into the front parlor, creating the best appearance of gaiety she could manage. Roger graciously bowed and extended a greeting that she returned.
Lorna and Romeo met them just behind the house.
“You were quite right. I believe Romeo has grown,” Roger said in fun. “He’s at least twice the size he was as a pup”
Cassie threw an icy glare his way. He always had something pointed to say about her pet. When she chose Romeo out of the litter, Roger had urged her to pick a stouter, more substantial animal that might amount to more than a walking slipper.
“Did you know Romeo when he was a puppy?” Loma asked.
“Mr. Shelby bred him,” Cassie explained. “He is trying to create a new breed of dog”
“I’d like to take the larger hunters and refine them into a smaller, more domesticated pet” He turned to Cassie and continued to riddle her. “But don’t think I would ever try to recreate a ‘Romeo.”’ The terrier bounded around the visitor. Roger lifted the dog and scratched him.
Cassie could tell by Lorna’s expression she took offense to this man poking fun at such a small defenseless animal.
“Romeo is simply the smartest, most splendid animal I know!” Lorna stomped her foot in outrage. “You’d do all of England a true service if there could be more like him.”
Roger smiled and seemed quite delighted. “And from whom am I receiving this blistering set-down?”
“Miss Lorna Stewart, may I present Mr. Roger Shelby” Cassie nodded in Roger’s direction. “Mr. Shelby, may I present Miss Lorna Stewart”
“It appears that you may not be happy to make my acquaintance but I am delighted to make yours” Roger sketched a bow. “Well, Miss Lorna I hate to admit it in Lady Cassandra’s presence, but Romeo has the exact traits that I wish to propagate,” he whispered for all to hear.
Lorna perked up in excitement. “Do you mean to tell me he’s the first of his breed?”
“Well, nearly. I wouldn’t go so far as to say there is a breed”
“Oh, that’s so exciting. What are you calling them?”
“For the time being I just refer to them as Yorkshire Terriers.”
“Oh, that is clever, Roger,” Cassie said dryly. “A man from Yorkshire who breeds a new type of terrier calls the breed Yorkshire Terrier. Very clever.”
“What can I say?” He gave a small shrug and bent, allowing Romeo to jump to the floor. The terrier dashed to the door and back toward
the garden again, looking expectantly for his mistress and the visitor to follow.
“Romeo wants to go for a run,” Cassie announced. “Shall we move to the rear gardens?”
“I’m afraid I cannot join you,” Lorna said, briefly saddened. Then her tone lightened. “Thomas Wentworth will be arriving shortly. We’re going for a drive this afternoon and we’re expected to meet with Belinda and Jeffrey. I must start my toilette. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Shelby” With that she left.
Romeo led Cassie and Roger away from the back of the house. Once they moved past the fountain, the canine dashed headlong for the back lawn.
Roger waited until they were a respectable distance from the house so they could not be overheard. “Now, would you mind telling me what is wrong? You look positively dreadful.”
Knowing Roger could see her misery through her happy facade reduced Cassie to tears. As they continued to walk, Roger placed his arm around her shoulders for comfort.
“Dear Roger, if you only knew.” She pulled out her handkerchief and sobbed.
“I’m listening. Do start from the beginning and tell me everything.”
Cassie began the tale with her engagement to Edward. Then how the difficulties she had to endure with Julian Stewart had unexpectedly blossomed into love after Edward’s presumed death. Last night, she and Julian had decided to marry.
Last night, she had retired knowing her happiest days were those to come. When she woke, her dreams with Julian had vanished with Edward’s unexpected return.
They had settled on a bench shaded by a rosecovered arbor. Roger held Cassie’s hand in his.
“You are in love with the squire, aren’t you?”
Cassie nodded while crying into her handkerchief. She blotted her eyes and sniffed in preparation to speak. “I must marry Edward. If I don’t, I lose everything. Papa saw to that”
“Then your cousin Robert would inherit Hedgeway Park, wouldn’t he? He already has your father’s title and all of its holdings. I can’t imagine why your father would do that to you”
“It was his dearest wish that our families be connected,” she stated firmly. “Only he isn’t here to see how unhappy I am. I’m sure he would understand if he were still alive.”
“What are you going to do?”
Cassie blinked up at him. “I will marry Edward.” This started a second flood of tears. “I’m sorry to be such a watering pot, Roger.”
He pulled Cassie toward him and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m sorry to hear of your misfortune, my darling.” In the motion of a mother comforting a child, he rocked her from side to side. “You know I would do anything to help.” He held her away from him. “Shall I whisk you away from here and save you by marrying you myself? You know I would do that”
“That’s awfully kind of you. If I married you, I would sit in Shelby Manor and every day look across the south field and see my beloved Hedgeway Park. It would be a constant reminder that I’ve lost my family estate along with everything else.” She dabbed at her eyes and mustered some composure. “Edward is not a horrible person, you understand. He is all that is kind and very amiable.” She looked hopefully into Roger’s eyes. “He says we can move there after we’re married. So you see, things won’t be all that bad”
“I shall stay in London as long as you need me. I can come see you every day”
“No. My life’s path has already been decided for me. There is no use ruining your life as well” Cassie gave a final sigh. “I should be back at home before the end of the year. I will see you at Christmas perhaps”
“Are you sure?”
“I promise. I will be fine.”
After Roger’s departure, Cassie retreated to her room. There, in solitude, she tarried for the remainder of the day. She refused her meals and saw no one. In her saddened state she fell asleep.
Cassie dreamt of Julian, of him holding her close, of his kisses. She could feel the cool caress of the night air on her back. She felt his hot breath moving down the side of her neck.
Cassie drew back from him with a gasp. She turned to warn her love with a single look. Instead of gazing into Julian’s eyes, she found herself staring with shock at the green eyes of Edward, who now held her tight.
Covered in perspiration, Cassie jolted awake, breathing heavily from the dream and its frightening conclusion.
The afternoon was nearly at an end by the time Edward headed toward the library with a large leather pouch in hand. Walking into the room, he unfastened the protective flap and reached into it, drawing out a bundle of folded paper.
“These are the purchase agreements” Edward unfolded the thick packet of paper. “I must say we did quite well. Hefty profits” He glanced at the figures before he tossed the papers onto the unoccupied desk.
A strange silence filled the air. Edward turned toward the hearth. The back of his brother’s favorite chair faced him.
“Julian? Julian, are you quite all right?” Edward peered around the winged-back chair.
Edward’s eyes widened and he gasped at the sight of his sibling. There he saw the ever immaculate Julian Stewart sprawled in the seat. His thick, wavy hair was disheveled. One leg draped over the arm of the chair. The neck of his shirt gaped open, his shirttails were pulled out of his pants and wadded up in a bunch.
Julian’s glazed eyes stared into the dancing flames of the hearth. The ever changing scenery of the log provided more than enough entertainment in his present condition.
“Julian? Julian?” Still Edward did not get an answer.
The squire’s head snapped up from his chest. “What?”
“Are you ill?”
“Ill? No, not really. Just burning the midnight oil,” he said toward the fire.
“But it’s two in the afternoon”
“Two you say? And afternoon already?” The squire blinked as if waking from sleep.
“Julian, are you quite sure you’re not unwell?” Edward regarded his brother with a tilt of his head.
“Nonsense!” Julian straightened as best he could in the chair, allowing his suspended leg to drop to the floor. “I am quite well, thank you. Just working a bit later than usual. Someone’s got to keep an eye over the family business. Someone’s got to be responsible.” Moving to the side table, he rummaged through his desk drawers.
“You are behaving most peculiar.” Edward remarked and continued to stare. “What has happened?”
“What’s happened, you ask?” Julian straightened and faced his brother. “What’s happened? Why, you’ve returned home safe and sound” He gestured with his arms open wide and a smile to match. “All is right in the world!” With that dramatic display at an end, he frowned, turned back to the desk and continued his search in the adjacent cabinet.
“All right, I just came to deliver these documents and tell you of the surprise I’ve arranged for Cass”
“Good gad, Edward! How could you possibly surprise her any more than you have?”
“I’ve found a new mount I think she’ll fancy. Going to fetch the mare myself. Julian, you will be all right, won’t you? You do plan on getting some sleep?”
“Sleep? Don’t be absurd. Of course I’ll get some sleep. Later, later.” Julian heard the words coming out of his mouth. They slurred, sounding as if he’d been drinking. “I just have some work to finish up”
Sleep? He did not want to sleep. Closing his eyes, he saw her. Cassandra. If he dared to fall asleep he’d no doubt dream of her.
“What are you searching for?” Edward might have been concerned for his brother but it was difficult for Julian to tell.
The squire straightened and blinked. He could not remember. He strode back to the hearth and dropped back into his comfortable chair.
“Julian, really .. ” Edward sounded seriously fretful at his brother’s bizarre state.
“Leave me alone!” Julian shouted. “You’ve got everything now. Don’t bother yourself with my doleful welfare.” The squire’s sedate gaze retur
ned to the grate and settled on the scenery of flickering flames.
It was very early the next morning when Maxwell presented Edward with a letter. The trace floral scent wafted to his discriminating nose. A missive from the fair Victoria Perkins, if the butler was correct.
Edward broke the seal and read the contents. The message sent a smile across his lips. “Maxwell, have my horse brought ‘round. I’ve got to dash into town.” He slapped his hand with the letter, sending waves of the lavender scent through the air.
Maxwell acknowledged with a respectful nod and, without a word, saw to the request.
“But a bit of sustenance before I leave” Edward headed to the breakfast room. After visiting the sideboard no less than three times, the young master was ready to depart. He left the house without a word as to where, or how long, he would be gone.
Maxwell noted that the squire, who had spent a second night in the library hard at work, occupied the sofa this morning. One arm dangled onto the floor while the other lay draped across his chest. One of his legs hung over the back, the other fell over the arm of the divan. As of yet, he had not seen the morning rays of the sun.
And Lady Cassandra had not come out from her room. Nor had Maxwell expected that she would without sufficient motivation.
There was a strong knock on the front door. Opening the door, a young and noticeably nervous Jeffrey Rutherford stood torturing the brim of his stylish hat.
“I’ve come to call on Miss Stewart,” he announced in a soft and timid voice.
Maxwell stepped back, pulling the door wider to allow the young man to enter. Mr. Rutherford’s nervous eyes came to rest on the silent butler, who held out the salver for his pending action.
The young man fumbled around his coat pockets, looking for his card. He placed one on the tray and smiled with confidence.
“Would you care to wait in the front parlor, sir?”
“Why, yes of course”
Maxwell led Mr. Rutherford in the direction of the yellow front parlor where he sat on the sofa and proceeded to study the room’s decor. Maxwell departed to deliver the calling card.
An Agreeable Arrangement Page 11