by West, Everly
“Ah, there you are, ma chere'. I’ve been waiting for you.”
She took a deep breath and offered her father a smile. “I’m sorry I’m late, Father. I was in the garden writing in my—”
“You were hiding. I’ve come to expect that, but the time has come when you need to think about your future, do we not agree? Please, sit and let us speak of this like the two adults we are.”
Her father stood and offered her his hand. She took it and kissed him on each of his cheeks, then he guided her to the chair next to him and gave her time to get comfortable.
“Now, then, shall we talk about my business partner’s offer of marriage?”
“Father, I do not wish to marry the man.”
“I understand you have reservations, but perhaps if you met him, you might reconsider his suitability—”
“Father, I’m simply not ready to give up my life and turn it over to a complete stranger. I want to travel. I want to see things that are unexpected. Unexplainable. And breathtaking.”
“My darling daughter, don’t you think Maximillian can give you all of that, after all he owns a substantial portion of the railroad. You could travel anywhere he has a mind to go—”
“That’s just it, Father. Where he has a mind to go. What about where I want to go? I want to let the wind carry me where it will. Is that so much to ask from my life?” Arielle’s voice quivered with emotion.
Her father stood and paced in front of her. Had she gone too far? Would he insist on this marriage? Her heart punched at her ribs in anticipation of his decision. Could she rebel against her father’s decision?
“I know you don’t think I understand you, Arielle, but I do. I was once a carefree lad ebbing to and fro like flotsam on the sea going wherever the currents took me. That is, until a very beautiful and practical young woman saved me from myself.”
“Mother?” Arielle knew a little of her parent’s history, but only a little. She knew her father had been an irresponsible rake until he was forced to marry her mother. And then, they fell in love. Was that what her father thought would happen if she married Max Dubois?
“Yes, your mother. She made me realize that being married isn’t the same as being imprisoned—if you are with the right person.”
“That’s the problem, Father. You were able to experience the freedom of your youth before mother set you on the husbandly path. You know the excitement of traveling on a whim. I have yet to experience my own life outside the confines of Beacon Hill’s social demands. I have yet to find what it is that makes me happy and without that knowledge, how will I know Mr. Dubois is the right person?”
Her father stopped his pacing and looked at her. It was as if he was studying her for some unknown answer. She remained quiet and waited for his verdict. It came with a nod of his head.
“Very well, Arielle. You have presented your case as well as any barrister could have done on your behalf. Although I believe you will find that true love is not the magical apparition you find in your books. It is, instead, a practical state of mind you find through hard work and compromise.”
“I’m not naive, Father. I know a marriage takes work. I also know it is mainly the wife who does all the work. As you have said before, if it wasn’t for Mother, you would not be—”
“I think we’ve covered the errors of my youthful ways.” Her father turned away and sat down behind his massive work desk. She watched him remove the familiar leather journal he kept detailed records of the family’s financial dealings among the delicate gold leafed pages.
“Arielle, you have done well with your inheritance from your grandpapa and grandmama. You’ve nearly doubled your initial investment and I understand why you are reluctant to turn your fortune over to a husband. Perhaps if Mr. Dubois agrees to hold your money separate and continue to allow you to control it—”
“See, Father. That’s the crux of the matter. Right there. Why should someone allow me to keep what is mine? To control my own money? It’s my money, therefore, it shouldn’t be a question of whether or not he agrees. There should be no question at all. It is my money and my life.”
“Arielle, your mother and I have taught you and your sister to be independent women, and although we may have gone too far with our lessons, I do believe you are savvy enough to know when the time to marry is right.”
Arielle’s pulse raced. Was her father saying what she thought he said?
“I’m going to speak with your mother, and if she is agreeable, we will explain to Maximillian that you are spending the summer with your cousin out west and we will revisit his offer of marriage this fall. September perhaps. Will that give you enough time to explore your adventures?”
Arielle couldn’t believe her ears. “Are you saying that I don’t have to marry—”
“I’m saying you shall have your time to explore and find what it is that makes you truly happy.”
“Oh Father, I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.” Arielle rushed to her father’s side and flung her arms around his neck.
“There is one condition to my offer, Arielle. You must promise me that you will use this summer to make peace with your place in this world. You will return home in September and entertain Mr. Dubois’s offer of marriage. If not his, then someone you find more suitable. Is that understood?”
“I understand and I will, Father.” Arielle promised.
Her father smiled and kissed her on her cheek. “Then I suggest you pack your trunks and make your travel plans. You have six months. After that, you will return home to marry, agreed?”
Arielle’s heart soared with joy at the prospect of this new adventure. She just knew she would find what she was looking for. Just as her cousin, Eva, had found true love. So would she. The idea of finding a handsome cowboy to sweep her off her feet was exactly the romance she was looking for.
“Agreed.”
Click Here to Continue Reading The Deceptive Bride
Sweet Western Historicals
By Everly West
Angel Creek Christmas Brides
Anna
The Ladies Club of Laramie
The Rebellious Bride
The Obstinate Bride
The Wagered Bride
The Reluctant Bride
The Eager Bride
The Bashful Bride
The Adventurous Bride
The Unconventional Bride
The Wanted Bride
The Deceptive Bride
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About the Author
Everly Ann West grew up in a rodeo family in west Texas. The youngest child in a family of six kids, she developed a love of history at an early age. She started writing seriously while her kids were napping, and now that they're in school, she has time to write all the stories she's wanted to tell for years. She is supported by her own cowboy and the love of her life, who provides the inspiration for her heroes, as well as chocolate when needed.
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