Read Online A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson - Free Book Online

just come to you if I need something.”
    Jake nodded. “I understand, however, you will see the advantage of this soon enough. There’s no need for you to check in with me and account for every penny you spend. First you will need an entirely new wardrobe. As I mentioned earlier, I had Mrs. Landry arrange for the dressmaker to arrive next week. Mrs. Landry tells me the woman knows exactly what you will need for your debut into Denver society, since she supplies clothing to many of the wealthiest matrons.” Marty noted that his Texas drawl was once again carefully controlled. “Some gowns will have to be ordered from abroad, I’m told, but the dressmaker will see to all of that.”
    â€œAm I to have enough gowns to change six times a day?” Marty couldn’t keep the teasing from her tone.
    Jake grinned. “That and more. Mr. Morgan insisted I could not let you appear less than what your station demands.”
    â€œSounds like Mr. Morgan insists on an awful lot,” she muttered.
    Jake didn’t bother to respond but simply said, “I have also given you enough to do whatever you’d like with the house. If you prefer different rugs or draperies—even furniture—you should feel free to arrange for it. I have no preference. All that you see was in place when I arrived.”
    â€œI suppose Mr. Morgan was responsible for that, as well?” She met his amused expression.
    â€œNo, actually, Mrs. Morgan sent some of her people here to oversee the decorating. They did a nice job—don’t you think?”
    Marty glanced around as they made their way down the hall. There were beautiful carpets atop highly polished hardwood floors. Paintings graced the walls, and at the end of the hall a huge window was trimmed in billowing multicolored damask drapes. Why would she even consider changing it? It was all so very beautiful.
    â€œThey did, indeed.”
    â€œThis will be your room,” Mrs. Landry announced when they reached a door on the right. She led the way into the massive bedroom and stepped aside for Marty to inspect it.
    A large canopied bed graced the space to Marty’s left. On either side were beautifully carved side tables with fresh flowers. Marty had to smile. Jake had arranged for fresh flowers in the dead of winter. That was most considerate.
    Opposite the bed, a beautifully tiled fireplace offered a welcoming fire to warm the room. The mahogany mantel held several knickknacks, including the statuette of a woman in Grecian fashion, a collection of cherubs surrounded by gold framing, and several other pieces that would require closer inspection.
    â€œAs you can see for yourself, you have a comfortable sitting area.” Mrs. Landry moved to the side of the hearth. “If youneed the fire built up, simply use this and someone will come to tend it.” She showed Marty the servant pull.
    Noise arose just beyond Mrs. Landry, and she turned to open a door not far from the fireplace. “This is your bathing and dressing room. Samson has just now deposited your trunks, and I have a warm bath waiting for you.”
    Marty looked at Jake and shook her head. “I had no idea.”
    He laughed. “I said it was a big house.”
    She explored the bathing and dressing area, an incredible room of marble and brass. There were large armoires, a chest of drawers, brass rails for hanging clothes, as well as a large tub for bathing and a sink and vanity where Marty could sit and fuss with her appearance for as long as she liked.
    â€œIndoor plumbing, I see.”
    â€œYes, we’re thoroughly modern, although I didn’t arrange for a telephone to be put in. I wasn’t all that keen on people calling me at all hours,” Jake admitted.
    â€œI can understand. This is far more than I need,” she said, shaking her head again. “I never expected anything so wonderful. We were still using a pump and outhouse in Texas.” She