Mrs. Upton answered the light rap at Lorna’s door. Miss Lorna sat at her dressing table checking each curl and making sure her flawless face was no less than perfect.
“There is a young man belowstairs for you, miss.” Maxwell’s words were evenly modulated, his tone unpretentious.
“Oh! That’s Jeffrey!” Lorna stood in excitement and raced for the card.
“I’ve put him in the front parlor.” Maxwell’s statuesque posture never wavered while he delivered his message.
With a dreamy smile, she read the name engraved on the card. “The Honorable Jeffrey Rutherford.”
Lorna gently placed the card next to her hair brush and headed for her bonnet which was held by Mrs. Upton.
“Now, now .. ” The governess pulled the hat out of reach. “You mustn’t appear too anxious. And you should make him wait. Just a bit.”
“Pish-tosh! Jeffrey said he would call at three and it’s just that now,” she snapped, behaving quite missish. “I’ll not have him think I’m a spoiled brat!” She snatched the bonnet out of Mrs. Upton’s hands. With a lift of her pert nose, she turned for the door. “Do you intend to come or shall I go alone?”
“Not as long as there’s a King of England!” the governess bristled, and promptly followed. “I would never hear the end of it if the squire found out you were unchaparoned,” she harangued, following her charge down the corridor.
Mrs. Upton followed Miss Lorna to the parlor. Soon the sound of clicking nails on the floor announced Romeo’s arrival.
“You would make a splendid chaperone, wouldn’t you, Romeo?” she quipped as though Mrs. Upton were not present.
“Not likely,” the governess grumbled, but not so quiet that Lorna could not hear.
Mr. Rutherford noticed Miss Lorna and Romeo appear simultaneously in the doorway of the parlor. He stood and made an extravagant, sweeping bow.
“Miss Stewart” A nervous smile danced on his face but his devotion was genuine.
“Shall we be off?” Miss Lorna donned her bonnet.
“At this very moment?” Mrs. Upton balked at the abruptness of her charge.
“If we wish to appear in the park during the fashionable hour we must leave at once,” Miss Lorna announced.
Mrs. Upton rolled her eyes toward the heavens.
“We shan’t be late!” Mr. Rutherford promised, eager to please the young miss.
“No need to hurry, there is ample time.” Mrs. Upton waved her hand to slow him but he gestured for Miss Lorna to lead the way.
“Do you mind terribly if Romeo comes along with us?” Miss Lorna’s sweet voice lilted with a magical quality.
“Romeo?” he repeated uncertainly. The terrier circled, balanced on his hind legs and barked twice. Realizing Romeo was the dog, young Jeffrey leaned down and patted the top of his furry head. “He’s a fine fellow, isn’t he? All right, come along then”
Romeo dashed ahead of Miss Lorna and leaped into the waiting carriage. Mrs. Upton shared the back seat with Romeo while Miss Lorna sat next to her gentleman in the front. Mr. Rutherford took the ribbons and asked the two bays to move off toward their destination. Without a doubt it was to be Hyde Park.
Maxwell pushed the massive front door shut and stood contemplating for a moment. With Mr. Edward absent, Miss Lorna, Mrs. Upton and Romeo all gone, an idea inspired the butler.
“My deepest apology, squire,” Maxwell spoke in his most dismal tone. “It seems there has been serious damage in the east wing. I cannot say whether it will be habitable in time for the upcoming wedding.”
The wedding. Julian could not stand to hear one more word about the wedding. “Surely Maxwell, you can handle the details of the repair?” He really did not want to be bothered.
Maxwell stood rooted. “I’m afraid, this matter will require your personal attention.”
Julian raked his hands through his tousled hair. “This is not like you at all, Maxwell. You usually have matters well in hand” He set his quill aside and rose to leave.
“I am sorry to disappoint you, sir. I will endeavor to make certain I am more diligent in applying myself in the future.”
With candelabrum in hand, Maxwell led the way through the musty east wing. The squire knew he could hardly be trusted in his condition to carry the lit candles. One false move and the house could easily catch fire.
Julian managed the stairs well enough and grumbled at the inconvenience of this journey the entire way through the long forgotten corridors of the stately manor. He lagged behind the butler, dragging his feet along the worn carpet. A cloud of dust billowed up, leaving a wake.
The squire followed Maxwell through room after room, losing count after the first six. Julian nearly collided with him when Maxwell stopped and abruptly stepped aside.
Ahead, a single taper burned bright. In a small darkened sitting room, which at one time was grand and was now run down, stood Cassie.
The gentle illumination from the candle caressed her face. She pulled her shawl tight around her and stared at him, unblinking.
“Cassie . . ” he whispered. Julian stepped forward and reached out to her, then hesitated. “What … how do you come to be here?”
“Maxwell told me Romeo had wandered in this direction. I came to look for him.”
It occurred to Julian that the butler who, it seemed, had orchestrated this clandestine meeting was now nowhere to be seen. He and Cassie were quite alone.
The squire chuckled. “Maxwell, dear Maxwell.” He shook his head and grinned. It had been the first that had crossed his face in days.
The dark circles under Cassie’s eyes told him she was not dealing with Edward’s return any better than he. Julian wanted to comfort her but didn’t know what to say. He wanted to touch her but was afraid she was another dream and would vanish. He wanted to hold her but knew if he did he would never let her go.
“I’m afraid I don’t understand.” She looked bewildered, confused.
“He’s doing what he’s always done-looking after me” Julian took Cassie’s candlestick and set it on a small covered table off to one side.
“Are you saying Maxwell planned this?”
“He knows how miserable I’ve been these past few days. I have been. Very miserable.” He finally admitted it not only to himself but to the woman he loved.
The longing to touch her reminded him he was still, painfully, alive. Julian could not help himself. “I am sorry” He stepped near and cupped her face with his palm.
She leaned into his hand sending a stream of warm tears to run onto his palm. He felt her tremble beneath his touch. His fingers ran down the length of her arm, encompassing her clenched fist, quieting her shaking hand.
His thumb brushed her soft lower lip. He traced the gentle curves of her mouth. A mouth with lips he knew well. Julian swallowed hard.
“Please … don’t .. ” She tried to resist.
Although it felt right, there would be no inappropriate actions, no crossing the lines of decorum. He told himself he would act properly.
Julian leaned forward.
Cassie closed her eyes. She parted her lips with anticipation. She waited for the warmth of his lips to comfort her. The kiss she longed for never came.
He rested his forehead on hers and ran his cheek along hers. Cassie felt the whiskers on his face scratch her. It must have been days since he’d shaved. His arms held her close in a warm, comforting embrace. She laid her head on his chest and listened to the sound of his heart.
Cassie felt him raise her hand and watched him gaze upon the obtrusive ring adorning her left hand.
“I see you’re wearing his gift.”
“It’s a bit much but he meant well” The large gem glittered with ease in the dim candlelight. Tears filled her eyes again. “Whatever are we to do?”
“There is nothing we can do,” Julian admitted. “You must marry Edward. We both know that” He drew back and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I want you to know how very much I love you” H
e gazed into her moist eyes. “I shall always love you”
“Even after I’m married to your brother?”
“I’m afraid so,” he whispered. “For the honor of our families, it is our duty.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Squeezing her eyes closed, a new flood of tears streamed down her face. Julian brushed the moisture away with the tips of his fingers.
“We must be brave. For your sake, for mine, and for Edward’s.”
A discreet cough came from the corner of the room. “I hate to disturb you, sir.” Maxwell stood in the doorway, appearing out of nowhere. “I came to inform you that your brother has returned.”
“He’s back?” Cassie panicked at the slightest chance of Edward catching her alone with his brother. “I must go at once” She tore herself away from the man she loved, swept up her taper, and pushed past the butler, fleeing the room.
Silence took her place. Julian wasn’t sure what he should do next.
“Your brother is currently occupied at the stables and wished to see you when he is finished. I’ve explained to him you were inspecting the east wing.”
“I’ll be right down. Maxwell?” Julian called before the butler could leave.
“Sir?”
“Thank you” But the two small words did not convey anywhere near the gratitude he felt.
“I’m sure I don’t know what for,” was the humble servant’s reply.
“Now, keep your eyes closed. No peeking.” Edward walked backwards, leading Cassie with both hands, making sure she didn’t lift an eyelid and ruin his surprise.
Cassie could feel the outdoor breeze against her face. The gravel crunched under her feet as she moved forward. The smell of horses filled the air.
“All right. We’re going to stop here” Edward stopped and walked behind her. “Let me take your hands and put them”-he took Cassie by her wrists”here”
Cassie’s palms rested against something smooth, soft, and warm. Under her fingers, she felt a finely groomed fur coat. At the exquisite feeling, she gasped and opened her eyes.
A beautiful bay stood before her. The mare’s soft nose quivered as she nickered a welcome. A delicately arched neck displayed a healthy bushy black mane. She had large, expressive brown eyes that were said to mirror a horse’s intelligence.
“She’s yours,” Edward said. “I hope we’ll have many morning rides ahead of us.”
Gently sloped shoulders, strong legs and a wellmuscled body showed that the overall physical tone of the mare was excellent. Most important, her disposition was sweet. The mare stood quiet all during the inspection.
“She’s lovely,” Cassie said. A smile tugged at her lips. How could she not be favorably impressed? Edward never ceased to amaze her with his thoughtfulness. Unfortunately his generosity could not buy her heart. “Thank you.”
“A lovely horse for a lovely lady,” Edward eyed his conquest-Cassie. “Are you ready to give her a try? You’re not dressed for it but we can take her for a short outing, just around the yard.”
The mare was saddled at once. Cassie stepped up onto the mounting block and climbed into the saddle.
Placing the toe of his boot in the iron, Edward swung onto his horse. He led the way from the stables and down the road.
“You’re looking quite pale, my dear,” Edward said, riding alongside. “It’s just as well you’ve a new mount. You should try to get out into the sun more”
Cassie forced a smile and agreed. Her morning rides with Julian had come to an abrupt end. She wasn’t good company, not for anyone. Cassie had kept to herself since Edward’s reappearance, becoming a recluse in her room.
“She has a nice trot. I won’t have to work at sitting her,” Cassie remarked as they changed gaits. “What’s her name?”
“What would you like to call her?”
“What about Lady?”
Attentive and charming as ever, Edward had lavished compliments and gifts upon her since his return. It appeared that his feelings during his long absence had not changed one iota. While Cassie’s most certainly had.
“I nearly forgot, that came for you a while back” Julian ran the sweet-scented envelope under his nose then dropped it on the table where Edward sat. “I suppose it’s from one of your many admirers. You’d better take care of it. See that you end it right away”
“I see you’ve managed to get a few hours sleep. Your mood’s much improved.” Edward didn’t bother to partake in the delicate fragrance and broke the seal. He nearly sprayed coffee across the table in response.
“What is it?” the squire asked, concerned.
“Nothing really” Edward blotted the beads of sweat that appeared on his upper lip with his napkin. “Well, I’m surprised that you’re right, that’s all. It’s from an amour-an ex-amour. I guess Cass has taught you a thing or two about women during my absence.”
Indeed, she had. Cassandra had done far more than that.
“I’ve got to handle this straight away and set this young lady to right.” Edward waved the missive and headed toward the door. “No use dangling after me. I’m happily taken”
Lassie’s tear-streaked face stood testament to the long hours she wept. It was time to get on with her life. Forget the unhappiness, forget the pain, forget the squire. Tonight Edward’s aunt Lady Cowper had planned a party in honor of his return.
There would be no begging off. Cassie had to attend. She would have to face Edward and all the guests with a smile. She would have to face Julian and what?
She needed to control herself. Cassie wanted to portray the happiness she knew Edward felt. He deserved that much. She wasn’t sure how, but she was determined to match his exuberance.
Layette helped Cassie dress in an emerald-green taffeta gown. As the maid arranged her hair, Cassie regarded her pale reflection in the glass. Edward had been right, she had lost all her natural coloring. She was as pale as the simple string of pearls she wore. She dipped into the rouge pot and applied the smallest amount to her cheeks and a bit of paint to her lips, simulating their natural shade.
That evening, Cassie and Edward drove to the Cowper residence alone. She was eternally grateful that Julian had chosen to drive separately. She wasn’t sure she could spend time with him in the close proximity of a coach-even if Edward was present. She told herself this was the first perfect evening of her perfect future.
When Cassie arrived, she did not search the premises for the squire. She would concentrate on Edward which meant keeping company with Edward, dancing with Edward, and laughing with Edward.
However, she felt the squire’s presence the moment he arrived. He stood at the entrance to the glittering, grand ballroom and she could not help herself from looking up at him.
Julian never looked more striking. The dark blue cutaway stretched over his broad shoulders and his tan pantaloons accentuated his long legs. This must be the latest manifestation of his current valet, Postlewait.
Julian’s smile gave Cassie reason to smile. She glanced about, wondering if anyone had observed her reaction.
No, no one seemed to notice.
Edward placed Cassie’s hand in the crook of his arm and led her to the other side of the room. Passing through the guests, felicitations surged from wellwishers for their upcoming nuptials.
Edward and Cassie met Julian and Lorna at the bottom of the grand staircase.
“Dear sister, you resemble a goddess,” Edward crooned. “Comparable only to my lovely bride.”
Lorna blushed.
“I hear the waltz beginning and I believe we are long overdue for our dance” Edward extended his arm to his sister. “If you will excuse me, my dear” He gave Cassie a regal nod before heading for the dance floor.
Throughout the evening, Cassie alternately kept company with Edward and the squire. She had a better time than she ever thought possible.
Removing to the terrace, Cassie stood alone. If Julian could maintain an impenetrable exterior, so could she. Their love seemed as if it were a
dream. Their kiss as if it had happened ages ago.
This was a new life, her life with Edward.
“Am I disturbing you?”
Cassie peered over her shoulder. There stood Julian. The moonlight cast a shadow across his face, sculpting his prominent nose and classic, handsome profile.
“Not at all.”
He stepped into the cool night air. “You see, we can do it,” the squire encouraged. “We can still be friends.”
“Yes.” She smiled. “I suppose we can contrive.” And at that moment perhaps they both believed it.
He knew that being alone with her may not have been wise. But he was quick to extinguish the warning.
He wanted to be alone with her and he would have accepted any excuse he might possibly grasp. He wanted only to share her company.
“The evening has gone well, don’t you think?” He gave himself permission to gaze at her. Any man would have taken the same opportunity.
He wanted only to look upon her.
The golden curls atop her head, soft and shimmering, the halo of an angel. For truly, in his eyes, she was an angel.
“I thought so” She met his appreciative stare.
Julian hadn’t steeled himself for that. Not her catching him at a vulnerable moment of admiration. Now he had to face her and those eyes. Again, those eyes.
The guests and the music from the ballroom had disappeared. All he knew was the two of them, here, together in the night’s air.
The counterfeit, warm smile faded from his face, his breathing deepened. Julian gazed into her alarmed eyes. He knew she could feel what was happening between them. He could no longer hold his ground and began to near.
“I’m afraid I can’t help myself any longer,” he whispered. Julian swept Cassie into his arms and brushed his lips against hers.
He wanted only one kiss.
“We cannot,” she whispered but her tone held regret and longing. “Please-”
Was that a summons for him to continue or a plea for him to cease action?
“We mustn’t … If someone should see us … You must stop . . ” She glanced into the ballroom, afraid that someone had seen them.
He stepped back, placing a considerable bit of distance between them. A wayward breeze between them cooled his ardor.
An Agreeable Arrangement Page 12