Tonight was one of the nights that she'd dressed up. She smoothed her dress, shifting nervously under his gaze. Finally, Jackson cleared his throat. "James, I hope the meal is to your satisfaction."
James ripped his eyes from the pale beauty and turned to Jackson. "Yes. It is delicious."
"Very good," Jackson said, taking a drink. "How is your aim?"
"Excuse me sir?"
"Your aim. Do you like to hunt?"
James smiled, again the happiness not reaching his eyes. "Yes sir, very much. My aim is fair enough to pierce the heart of my prey," he said, turning back to Alison.
The flirt was uncalled for and she felt like sneering, but she held it in.
"Excellent!" Jackson continued. "I know that the two of you will want to spend as much time together as possible to get to know each other and such," he said. James' smile grew. "So I will not insist that we go hunting until Wednesday."
Alison stared down into her potatoes. She didn't want to spend time with him.
The men talked more about hunting. She, however, tuned it all out. She hated the thought of hurting animals merely for sport. She loved nature and everything that came with it.
"Will you watch, Miss Alison?" James asked, leaning forward.
Jackson chuckled; she'd never seen her uncle so social before. "Of course she won't. She can't stomach the violence," he said, as if the thought were ridiculous.
James frowned slightly at Alison before turning back to her uncle. "I know many women that can't."
Again, they went back to talking with each other. It seemed that she didn't even need to answer for herself. "Please excuse me," she said softly.
They both stood. "You cannot retire yet. I have scheduled for you two to have dessert in the study," Jackson said.
Alison groaned inwardly. It has begun.
James watched Alison force a smile onto her face before she moved to leave. "I only wish to freshen up."
His eyes remained glued to her as she walked by, her fragrance tickling his nose. She was a fine prize to be won. She was beautiful, but lacked some social skills; something he could easily take care of. He settled back in his chair, turning to Jackson. "She's talkative," he said sarcastically.
The older man shook his head. "Give it time. She'll warm up to you."
Alison quickly made her way to the powder room, shutting and locking the door behind her. It looked as if her uncle was not going to make this easy for her. She had a feeling that the next week was going to be filled with numerous plans that involved only James and her and that they would be impossible to get out of.
She walked over to the mirror, studying her face. Her eyes look strained. She couldn't blame herself. James and Jackson were going to be the death of her, she could feel it.
Maybe he won't be that bad, she thought. But she quickly dashed that thought away. Whoever her uncle chose was bound to be bad.
There was a knock, "Alison?" It was Jackson.
"Coming," she said loudly, quickly opening the door.
He smiled tensely at her. "Is everything alright?"
She nodded, clasping her hands in front of her.
"Good. You will join young Camden in the study," he glared at her in warning. "Be kind."
"Uncle, aren't I always?" She asked, somewhat in challenge.
He didn't answer, however, he did follow her all the way to the study, no doubt suspecting her to run again. He had good reason to, she would have.
James stood as Alison entered. He smiled, setting down his drink on the side table. Jackson left as soon as she was safely in the room.
"I thought we could sit by the fire," he said, motioning toward the seat across from where he was.
She shook her head. "I would prefer to sit on the deck."
He frowned at her statement, "It's dark outside, and I think it would be best if we stay inside."
"But it's nice out."
"We stay in," he said firmly, quickly covering his harsh voice with a smile. Alison sat, studying him. It was obvious that he had an underlying temper. He sat in the sofa chair, across from her. "So, uh…Jackson tells me that you are quite fond of the woods."
She nodded, "It's quiet and free there."
"Free?" he asked, picking his drink back up and studying her over the rim.
She clasped her hands nervously in her lap. "Sometimes it's just nice to get away from the world."
"I'm afraid I don't know what you mean. I find a life of business fascinating. You should not take your privileged life for granted."
She furrowed her brows. "You do not even know me. I do not take it for granted; I only wish to be alone sometimes."
He shook his head. His whole demeanor had changed from the dinner table where he seemed almost shy. Now it was as though he thought he were talking to a child. "When we are wed, my sisters wish to have tea with you, as does my mother. I am afraid that your life of solitude is about to end," he chuckled to himself.
She glared into the fireplace that had no fire going. How dare he come here and try to change me. "Is it not my choice whether to entertain them or not?"
He raised a brow, "Well of course you will have tea with them. It is the proper thing to do."
"Pardon me, but I prefer to make up my own mind. I do not care what the town thinks."
He set his drink down, watching her carefully. "Let's calm ourselves. I never meant to make you do anything you didn't want to do…It would mean a lot to me if you would have tea with my mother and sisters. They are excited at the notion of gaining a new woman in the family."
He changed like the wind. But one thing was for sure, he liked to be in control of the situation. He smiled at her, showing his straight teeth. She nodded to him, turning her gaze back to the fire.
"So, where do you go when you are in the woods?"
She shrugged and his smile died a notch. "Everywhere. There is a lake not too far from the manor. On sunny days I like to go there."
"Alone?"
"I can take care of myself."
His smile died completely. "I do not like the idea of you out there alone."
He was getting defensive again, and the tension in the room was making her become defensive in return. "I have been doing it for years. There is hardly a tree in the woods that I don't know."
He eyed her curiously. "You would rather spend time in the woods than with women?"
She thought through her answer for a moment. "There are not many women that come to the manor."
"And in the town?"
"I am usually not allowed to go into town."
He shook his head. "That will all change when I am your husband."
Her heart picked up. Husband. The title seemed so final. She didn't want him, especially now that she knew something about his character. Her teachers always told her that first impressions were everything and he just blew his.
Alison sat through a boring half hour of him explaining his business deals, but at least he had taken the attention off her faults.
What a lovely first meeting, she thought sarcastically. She had always imagined meeting someone who she could talk to all night and the only reason to stop was to get some sleep. With James, she couldn't wait to go to her room.
Hot cookies were brought in on a platter for them. James' eyes narrowed slightly as she took a second one and popped it in her mouth.
"How did you come about that marvelous hair?"
Alison swallowed her half-chewed cookie, hard. "From my mother."
"She must be a beautiful woman."
She realized that he was attempting to flirt, but she wasn't going to play along. "I wouldn't know. She passed away when I was born."
His brows raised. "That's a shame."
That's it? Most people say, 'I'm so sorry for you,'. What little respect for him that she had, died at that moment. "You must forgive me Mr. Camden, but I am tired," she said, standing.
James stood too, walking her to the door. "Good night."
"Good nigh
t." She disappeared down the hall as quickly as she could. It was going to be a long week.
In the morning, Alison woke early and snuck down to the kitchen to grab breakfast before everyone woke up. She wrapped an apple and loaf of banana bread in a cloth and stuck them in her bag.
She opened the kitchen door only to run into her uncle. She froze and his tired eyes narrowed. "Where are you going?"
"On a walk," she answered simply, trying to side step him. She wanted nothing more than to run away for the day.
"I don't think so. You're not disappearing again. I forbid you to go into the woods for the remainder of the week."
"You can't do that!"
"We have a guest. He is here for you, no less. Do not disrespect him by disappearing, again."
"I am 17 years old!" She said loudly.
"And you are lucky that such a man as young Camden has turned his eye to you."
She was about to retort when someone cleared their throat. James was standing at the bottom of the stairs. "Am I interrupting?"
Jackson instantly plastered a smile on his face, "Not at all. Breakfast will be served shortly."
James walked to Alison. "Good morning Miss Alison."
"Hello," she answered back.
"How did you sleep?"
"Well, thank you."
He nodded, standing awkwardly. "What is on the agenda today?"
Jackson answered before Alison had the chance, "Well, I thought I could take you on a tour of the factory, then lunch…"
As he continued, Alison hid her bag behind her back and put a light smile on her face. She hoped that her uncle would forget what he had just caught her doing.
"Breakfast is served," a servant said with a slight bow.
"Excellent," Jackson said, heading for the dining room.
James fell behind, glancing at Alison. "May I escort you?" he asked, offering his arm.
She knew it was the polite thing to do, but she didn't want contact with him. Nevertheless, she put her arm through his. A smile grew on his mouth. "You look lovely today."
"Thank you," she said, leaning upon her etiquette training so she didn't actually have to talk to him.
"Will you come to the factory? I am sure you find it a bore," he said, holding the dining room door open.
"Actually, I find it fascinating. My father was no fool to have started his factory."
James frowned. "You go there often?"
She nodded, "When I can convince my uncle to bring me."
His frown deepened. "A factory is no place for a woman."
She rolled her eyes as she took her seat. "Only a moment ago you asked if I would join you, and now it is not appropriate?"
The tips of his ears turned red as he thought of a response. Jackson's eyes shifted back and forth between them nervously.
"She is feisty, isn't she?" He commented, trying to turn the situation into a joke.
"Yes she is," James said, his dark brown eyes studying her as she gazed out the window in boredom.
Breakfast lasted for ages. The men discussed James' schooling in business. Alison wasn't interested in hearing about his life in the least, she was missing a perfectly good morning. It seemed as though she would have to wake up all the earlier the next morning.
After the food had been cleared away, Jackson insisted on heading straight to the factory. The carriage was made ready and everyone climbed in. Alison was used to it being just her and her uncle. James insisted on sitting next to her, shifting to sit comfortably and slightly closer.
Alison tried not to be aware of how close their thighs were, but when he scooted even closer, she could no longer ignore it. James again chatted with her uncle, completely ignoring her. She sighed heavily as she stared out the window.
This was how her life was going to be. Her husband would ignore her and he was only marrying her for her inheritance. She shook the thoughts from her head. She would not marry him, it didn't matter what her uncle said. She would find her own husband, a man who was strong and confident, who didn't want her just for her money. She wanted someone who was interested in hearing what she had to say, not ignore her.
Again she sighed.
Jackson eyed her from the seat opposite her. "Is something wrong?"
"Of course not uncle," she said in a bored voice. No one commented.
The factory was a twenty-minute carriage ride from the manor in fair conditions. Her uncle rested his head back, closing his eyes. As soon as his chest started to rise and fall steadily, James glanced at Alison out of the corner of his eye. She was staring out the window in boredom. Without another thought, he grabbed her hand. She looked at him in surprise, a blush creeping to her cheeks. He smiled back, trying to pull her closer.
Her surprise quickly turned into a frown. She wouldn't come. He tugged her again. This time she pulled her hand out of his. "Mr. Camden," she said softly, not wanting to wake her uncle. "That is not appropriate."
She watched his eyes darken as he took his hand back. "Miss Forbush, we are to be wed by the end of the week."
The color drained from her face. "What?"
Suddenly Jackson was awake, "I was going to tell you later today. The arrangements have been finalized."
James grabbed her hand in a tight grip. "It would be best if you get used to me now."
Alison blinked hard, "But I never consented to this!"
"Alison," Jackson said in warning.
James lowered his eyes in embarrassment. But Alison didn't care if she hurt his feelings. "I don't want to marry him!"
"Alison," Jackson yelled.
"This isn't fair! My father wouldn't make me do this."
"Your father is dead!" Jackson yelled.
Alison pulled back as though she'd been smacked. The air in the carriage hung thick with tension. Right then the carriage stopped in front of the factory and the doorman opened the door. No one moved for a moment, then Jackson stepped out, his face tinted pink with anger.
James stepped out next, contemplating whether to help Alison down or not. The gentleman in him told him he should, however he had just been thoroughly embarrassed by her. In the end, he stepped away from the carriage and allowed the footman to help her down.
She didn't look at either man as she stepped down. Her uncle could be strict at times, but he had never spoken harshly about her father before.
James only glanced back to make sure she was following a few times. Each time, Alison drifted farther and farther behind. She was deep in thought. The arrangements had already gone through. She had one week left of freedom, and she was going to be forced to spend every spare moment of that time with James. She had been so sure that if she gave everyone a hard time, no one would want to marry her. Maybe she had to do something drastic.
James glanced over his shoulder again and she took her chance. Once he faced forward again, listening to Jackson talk about the machines, she ducked onto a side ramp. She knew the factory like the back of her hand.
When she was younger, her father would bring her sometimes, allowing her to explore. The employees were so thankful to her father for their employment in hard times, that they didn't mind keeping an eye on little Alison. Of course, sometimes Alison had purposefully lost her babysitters to get a better look around the factory.
She climbed a small ladder and walked along the catwalk of the steel mill. She was over the heads of her uncle and James now. She glanced over the rail; they didn't realize she was gone yet. She smiled to herself as she quietly headed the other way, towards the offices.
Eventually, they would end up here, but she had a good while to relax and think of a plan to get her out of this marriage. She could act so horrible that she scared James away, but she could just see her uncle having her examined for mental illness and having the judge claim her as unfit for her inheritance.
She could say no at the altar. That was always a possibility. Of course, she would embarrass herself, her uncle, and James in front of the many people that were most likely go
ing to be in attendance. But who cared? She could run away. The idea sparked her interest. She could run to her father's house and hide until this marriage blew over. She would have to be careful, there were things she'd need; money, food, clothes, and documents. If she ran, her uncle would deem her unfit and destroy the documents that named the inheritance to her. So she would have to take the papers with her until it was safe.
Her uncle kept them locked in a drawer in his study. He kept the key on his person at all times. She had to figure out how to get it.
Suddenly, someone opened the door. William, one of her father's closest friends, peeked his head in. "There you are."
"Hello Willy," she smiled from the plush seat she occupied, behind her father's mahogany desk.
"Your uncle is looking for you," he said with a sly smile.
"I know," she smiled back.
"I heard of your engagement."
She frowned. "There is none. I'm not marrying him."
"I figured as much. But, you know, your father would want you to be happy.
Alison smiled at the man. He seemed a lot older than the last time she'd seen him. Perhaps working with Jackson was adding to his stress. "I know. I will find happiness, only, I want to chose my husband."
He nodded. "Should I inform Jackson that you are here?"
She mulled it over. "I would rather let him worry a little more…however, I suppose that would be too cruel."
"I will tell him then Miss Alison," William said with a slight bow of his head. He shut the door behind him and she made herself comfortable in the chair.
Moments later, the door opened and Jackson and James entered. Her uncle looked tense. "There you are," he smiled tensely, trying to control his temper. "You should have told us you were leaving."
Alison shrugged, straightening a few papers. "You were so busy. I figured I wouldn't be missed."
James' brown eyes fell onto her in disapproval. She stared back, daring him to say something.
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