An Agreeable Arrangement

by Shirley Marks

  “I am ready to dress.” Cassie stood, regained possession of the cup of chocolate and headed for the dressing table.

  The clinking of dishes and utensils attracted Cassie’s attention upon her arrival downstairs. She approached the breakfast room to find Mrs. Upton watching the morning’s fare being laid out on the sideboard.

  “Ah, Lady Cassandra, good day to you” Mrs. Upton could not have sounded more pleasant. She gestured to the many serving dishes. “Have you had a chance to-”

  “No, only chocolate in my room.”

  “Not to worry, the luncheon dishes will be out soon. I suggest you have a hearty meal since you’ll be attending the Addisons’ ball tonight. Have you seen Miss Lorna about?”

  “I believe she is in the rear garden with Romeo.”

  “Romeo?” The shock in the governess’ voice was apparent as if Lorna shared company with an undesirable young man.

  “Romeo is my pet terrier.” Cassie hoped the explanation would belie any fears. “I am on my way out to see them now.”

  “Oh, yes, of course. When you see Miss Lorna, will you ask her to please return to the house?” Mrs. Upton collected two clean plates and set them on the table.

  “I will be happy to relay your message”

  Moving down the hall, she heard Mrs. Upton speak to herself. “At the break of dawn the girl nibbles on the corner a piece of toast with a sip of tea and thinks that’s going to keep her until the ball tonight..

  Cassie smiled but that smile faded once she thought of continuing down the hall to the back door of the house. Perhaps part of maintaining a peaceful association with the squire meant avoiding him. She went out of her way to exit the house through the front door. Cassie walked around the far side of the house to avoid the library window and the squire who might be gazing from it.

  The gravel path around the low box hedges ran the width of the house, past the fountain, toward the vast lawn where Lorna and Romeo roamed.

  “La-dy Cass-an-dra!” Lorna cried out, waving from the expanse of lawn.

  Cassie raised her hand, letting Lorna know she would be there directly. Lorna and Romeo approached, meeting Cassie halfway.

  “Do not tell me you have been out here all morning” Cassie held her hand to her forehead, shielding her eyes from the sunlight.

  “We have been having a most delightful time.” Lorna sat on her heels, patting Romeo who seemed to devour the attention. “He is so wonderfully attentive and has boundless energy.”

  Much like the young woman who uttered those words. Cassie preferred the calm and sedate Romeo who slumbered by her side as she read or did needlework. In any case, it was Cassie’s opinion that Romeo was a companionable canine who had a great deal of insight into humans and their nature.

  “Mrs. Upton asked that you return to the house”

  Lorna groaned then stood. “Doesn’t she know that I am far too excited to eat?”

  Cassie could not imagine how Lorna would remain standing for an entire day without nourishment. “Will your growling stomach embarrass you tonight?”

  Lorna gazed at Cassie as if she had come up with the most brilliant observation imaginable. “You’re absolutely right. I should have something to sustain me, shouldn’t I?”

  “They were getting ready to serve luncheon just as I left.” Cassie felt her own empty stomach beginning to protest.

  “Let’s be off then. I’m sure darling Romeo is famished!” Lorna motioned that they should all walk toward the house.

  “Romeo is always famished,” Cassie repeated and fell into step beside Lorna. “He should wait at the foot of the stairs until we have finished eating.”

  They reached the house and entered through the back door.

  “Why?” Lorna protested. “I’d like him to sit right next to me at the table”

  “It cannot be very pleasant for him to smell the food in the very same room and not be allowed a bite.” Cassie wanted to inform her that being kind to him wasn’t really being kind at all. “I’ll wager he can still smell the meat from where he sits.”

  “I’ll feed him tidbits from my very own plate.”

  “You’ll spoil him.” They stopped at the foot of the staircase. “He can wait right here. You may save whatever you like for him and when we’ve finished, you can give them to him on his own dish.”

  Lorna agreed. “I promise to save something extra special for you, Romeo.”

  “Remember,” Cassie said to her dog, “you stay right there until we return” Romeo lowered himself to the floor, giving every indication that he was staying put.

  The two empty plates Mrs. Upton had placed upon the table waited for Cassie and Lorna. The sideboard stood brimming with various meats, vegetables, and other savories. All the dishes were overlooked when Lorna spotted two packages on the table before them. She opened the accompanying letter and scanned its contents.

  “It’s from Edward! He says, `To My Dear Ladies, I would like to think you have been blue-deviled since my departure. However, I suspect my little rival has been keeping you two in high spirits and running you to near exhaustion throughout the countryside.’ ” Lorna looked up at Cassie. “He must be referring to Romeo”

  Lorna dropped the missive on the table and studied the parcels a bit closer. “This one’s for me”-she pulled the package marked with an L closer-“and that one”-Lorna pointed at the remaining package, marked with a C-“is for you” With the letter set aside, she eagerly tore at the wrapping. “He is forever sending presents!”

  “Is he?” Cassie wasn’t used to receiving gifts unless there was a special occasion. She took up the letter to read the last bit.

  I pray that his activity will not prevent you from our sharing a dance or two this evening. Please accept these gifts as a token of my affection.

  Yr humble servant, E. Stewart

  “Oh, it’s beautiful.” Lorna twirled the closed parasol, shaking the ruffles free from their confinement. Opening the Alice blue-colored parasol, Lorna set it to rest upon her shoulder where she made a slow turn to allow Cassie an unobtrusive view at her latest treasure. “Quick, open your package!”

  Had Cassie not have moved swiftly enough, Lorna might have shred the wrapping from the remaining gift as well. The package had the same dimensions as Lorna’s and it would have surprised Cassie if something other than a parasol lay within. She laid the letter on the table and unwrapped a dark rose-colored parasol.

  “Isn’t that lovely?” Lorna reached out to finger the ruffled edge. “Will that not match your new pucecolored walking dress?”

  “Since I am not in possession of that dress it would be difficult to tell. I shall pen a `thank you’ after we finish our meal” Cassie thought that would be the proper thing to do.

  “Goose. There is no need” Lorna laughed. “We shall see Edward tonight at the ball!”

  B y the time Lorna had finished her meal, she had saved Romeo a considerable amount of food on a very small plate. Cassie had to insist he be limited to a morsel or two. If he was allowed to consume the entire plateful of food, not only would it make him ill but her once compliant pet would become irreversibly spoilt.

  Thank goodness Lorna did not object. While she agonized over the choices, Romeo licked his chops with anticipation and Mrs. Upton descended the stairs behind them.

  “Lady Cassandra, your gowns for tonight have just arrived. I saw your maid removing the tissue from the blue gown.”

  “Oh, let’s do go see!” The news of Cassie’s gowns hastened Lorna’s ability to decide on which tidbit to give Romeo.

  Once he had swallowed the treats, without benefit of chewing, the three ascended the stairs toward Cassie’s room.

  “Oh, you came to zee for yourself!” Layette wasted no time pulling out the newly arrived dresses. “Zee blue is tres magnifique! But zee autre …”

  She pulled the lighter, cream silk satin from the wardrobe. The gown sparkled, even in the filtered bedroom light from the windows.

  “You mu
st wear this tonight,” Lorna announced. “It is breathtaking!”

  Madam Bosque had gone far beyond what Cassie had expected. Not only had the modiste altered the dress to fit, she added delicate silver thread stitching and small, intricate beading at the neckline and bodice.

  “It seems impossible that this is the same gown I slipped on yesterday” Cassie ran her fingers over the beading, admiring the workmanship.

  “I told you Madam Bosque was talented. I think she’s quite outdone herself.” Lorna’s face beamed. “I cannot wait to see what Edward thinks of it!”

  It was all Cassie could do to tolerate sitting in an enclosed area of a carriage with Squire Stewart. What made it tolerable was that he dressed entirely in black with the exception of his white shirt and cravat. Cassie could almost imagine he was not there and that she and Lorna were riding alone to the ball.

  Lord and Lady Addison resided in one of the large mansions that stood on the north side of Grovesner Square. Cassie and Lorna entered the residence with the squire. Jeffrey Rutherford, whom Cassie had recognized at once due to Lorna’s lengthy and very accurate description of him, had been waiting near the entrance. Lorna took Jeffrey’s arm and he led her off to meet with some of their friends.

  Cassie was left standing alone with the squire. The situation did not last long and she was relieved to find that Edward was as good as his word. He arrived at the Addisons’ residence only ten minutes after she had.

  Her enthusiasm in seeing him had not so much to do with her heart growing fonder because of his absence, as much as he would be the one to remove her from the squire’s company.

  Upon laying eyes on her, Edward’s mouth opened to comment but he was struck momentarily speechless. “The transformation is absolute!” he finally said. “I thought you radiant before but now you are a veritable vision in that gown” He took up her hand and bowed over it. “Is she not the most beautiful woman in this room, Julian?”

  Cassie was relieved that the squire was nearsighted. She was spared the indignity of being spied at through a quizzing glass. He did turn his gaze upon her, perhaps for the first time all evening.

  “You look quite fashionable, my lady” The squire accompanied his comment with a low bow.

  Was fashionable meant as a compliment? Cassie hoped her displeasure did not show.

  “I am certainly the luckiest man in attendance, if not the most fortunate man in all of England, to have you stand by my side.” He took up Cassie’s hand as if it was as precious and delicate as fine china.

  She returned his smileperhaps with less luster and more effort on her part. It surprised her how little his praise pleased her. It should have meant more but she was not so easily flattered. Cassie felt numb at the thought that Edward was the man she would be with for the rest of her life.

  The squire cleared his throat. “If you both will excuse me”

  “Julian, if you would stay for a moment. I have news”-Edward glanced at Cassie-“for you both”

  The squire stepped forward, attentive.

  “My recent meeting with Farthington precipitates my travel to the continent.” Edward turned to his brother. “There’s a letter for you and a copy of the contracts on your desk. I leave tomorrow for the coast” He turned to Cassie. “I can most honestly tell you how badly I feel about leaving.”

  “How long will you be away?” Cassie found the news disturbing.

  “About a fortnight.” Edward squeezed her hand. “Perhaps a bit longer.”

  “I best reply to Farthington and look over the details of the contract before you leave,” the squire interrupted. “This is dashed inconvenient.”

  “Julian-language, please!” Edward scolded.

  The squire glanced at Cassie. “I beg your pardon,” he said with a nod. “I wish I had time to find someone to take your place. You should be here attending to your intended.”

  “As it is, I must go. If you desire to keep our business dealings within the family, you might want to look to Mr. Rutherford, there” Edward nodded toward the young man standing next to their sister. “He looks to be well on his way to joining us, wouldn’t you say?”

  The squire stared into the crowd. “We’ll just see about this.” He stalked away in Lorna’s direction and muttered, “That undisciplined young pup!”

  Edward’s laughter ebbed. “My absence may be for the best. I only say this because of the circumstance you find yourself in. I cannot imagine this is the life you’ve envisioned for yourself. As for me”-a glorious smile broke across his face-“just because our marriage was arranged does not make it any less desirable.”

  Cassie wished she could have felt the same type of infatuation as he. It would have made their situation much easier to accept. At the moment she could think of him only in kind regard.

  “If only our fathers were here to enjoy our celebration. I think seeing us unite our families would have made them very happy”

  “I suppose you are correct. I know our fathers were once close and I knew of my father’s wish. I thought it was a dream he wanted to witness. Once he fell ill I imagined he had given up on seeing our families joined. Now that he’s passed … I never considered he would insist upon us marrying, even from his grave.”

  “I suggest we take the little time we have tonight and see what events might come our way-separation and all.” Edward’s soft voice, filled with kindness and understanding, seemed to ease Cassie’s fears. “Although you are not exactly a stranger, you have been displaced-away from your friends and your home. There will be time enough for us to become acquainted when I return. Can we simply enjoy this evening and not concern ourselves with what is to come?”

  Somehow his suggestion made Cassie feel better. Not only was Edward attentive to her throughout the evening, he kept a protective eye on his sister as well.

  It was quite apparent to Cassie that Lorna did not need Edward looking after her. The squire did not allow any young bucks to linger at Miss Stewart’s side. A gentleman might desire a second dance, as was the case with Jeffrey Rutherford, but none was to be had.

  Edward, who had two dances with Cassie, made sure she enjoyed herself immensely and was partnered for every set.

  All in all, it was a wonderful evening.

  Cassie made sure to rise early the next morning so as not to miss Edward’s departure.

  “You needn’t see me off,” he remarked. “But I am happy you did.” He kissed her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm then led the way to the breakfast room. “I do have a slight concern … I hesitate to bring up the matter.”

  “Please, say what is on your mind, I am most willing to do what I can to put you at ease” Cassie stood her ground, causing Edward to stop.

  “Am I correct in assuming that you and Julian do not rub along well together?”

  She felt as if he was accusing her. “I can hardly take the blame. I was not the one who demanded I present myself at Stewart Hall. Nor was I the one who foisted myself onto your family.” Cassie softened her voice to add, “You and Miss Lorna have been all that is pleasant, the squire however has not it does not signify.”

  “You’ve taken a dislike to him, then?” Edward certainly felt strongly about his brother, as did Lorna.

  “I do not know him well enough to truly dislike him.”

  “You simply do not understand Julian.”

  “Your sister said the very same thing to me. Could you please tell me what that means? Pray, exactly what do I not understand?”

  “Julian is not-” Edward reconsidered his words. “Well, he has some very good qualities.”

  “Such as .. ” Cassie would be more than willing to give the squire a chance to redeem himself. He’d barely said ten words to her since that first day.

  “He’s got an uncompromising sense of duty and morality,” Edward said optimistically.

  “And?”

  “And . . ” Edward searched for other positive traits. “He’s very punctual.”

  “Punctual? Is th
at the most you can say to recommend him? He’s punctual?”

  “I am at a loss at the moment. Forgive me” Edward, still escorting Cassie, continued to the breakfast room. They nearly collided with the squire and Maxwell who were on their way out. “Julian, a moment of your time. If you will be seated”

  When Edward would brook no protest, Julian returned to his seat and Maxwell stood at his side.

  “We are supposed to be family.” Edward glanced from Lady Cassandra to Julian. “Just as I am on my way out of the country I learn that my betrothed and my brother cannot stand the sight of one another.”

  .,That is a bit harsh, Edward. Nothing of the sort is going on” It was not Julian’s place to entertain his brother’s bride. Had he not seen to her welfare? Pro vided a new wardrobe for her since she’d just come out of mourning?

  Julian looked at Lady Cassandra. Had she been filling Edward’s mind with lies?

  “I want the two of you to come together-at least be civil … for my benefit if nothing else.” Edward’s stern tone kept their attention. “The two of you will make an effort to behave in a well-mannered fashion toward one another. Every morning you are to exchange a pleasantry over this very table” Edward drove his index finger into its surface with a resounding thump. “Maxwell, you will bear witness to thisevery morning of my absence, I say!”

  “Sir, I-” Maxwell did not have a chance to accept or refuse.

  “And Julian, as head of the family I expect you to make the first overture.”

  “As you wish. I will do as you ask” There was no good reason he should refuse such a simple request.

  “Good. My lady?” Edward looked at Lady Cassandra.

  “Yes, of course. I shall comply” Her pleasant tone might have gladly accepted Edward’s request but at the same time the squire could hear the disdain she held for him.

  “If, upon my return, you two have developed an allconsuming affection for the other, well … it could not please me more” Edward bid them farewell and kissed Lady Cassandra’s hand before leaving the squire in the breakfast room with her.