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

smiled at Jake, who gave her a wink.
    Mrs. Landry ignored the comment. “I’m afraid the fainting couch did not arrive in time, but is expected next week.”
    â€œI shall endeavor not to faint until then,” Marty said most seriously before breaking into a giggle. She worried only a moment that Jake would be offended, but when she heard him chuckle, she relaxed.
    Mrs. Landry ignored their merriment. “I will have Kate unpack your things and press them. Meanwhile, I will assist you into your bath.” She went to the far wall, where another servant pull awaited. She signaled for Kate, then turned toface Marty and Jake. “Mr. Wythe, would you like me to show Mrs. Wythe your quarters, as well?”
    Marty flushed and looked away. Perhaps the servants hadn’t been informed of the arrangements. Jake seemed unconcerned, however. He moved to where Mrs. Landry stood by yet another door and motioned Marty to join them.
    â€œThis small passage adjoins your rooms to mine. There is a lock, as you can see, so that no one can disturb you.” He opened the door and moved quickly to the end of the short corridor. Opening the far end exposed light from yet another large room. Marty walked into the expanse and marveled at the space.
    It was a decidedly male room, done up in dark greens and heavy wood furniture. A desk stood against the wall at the far end of the room, and Marty could see from the look of it that Jake used it regularly for business. On the wall were oil paintings of Texas-styled cattle scenes as well as a stiff, but obviously much used, coiled rope. How strange to find it nailed to the wall of a bedroom.
    For a moment Marty imagined herself back in Texas. She had nearly forgotten that Jake was a Texan. Spying a few books with ranch-related topics, a rather large yellowed map of Texas spread atop a nearby table, and an impressive bronze statue of a horse and rider, Marty knew she wasn’t likely to erase Texas from this man’s mind anytime soon.
    â€œIt seems very nice. Is it my imagination or is it smaller than my room?”
    â€œA little bit,” Jake admitted. “But it was the room I wanted when I moved in. The larger room seemed to be much more suited for . . . a . . . couple. I believe this was the nursery before I arranged for it to be redone.”
    Marty looked away in discomfort and pretended to study the bronze statue. “Very nice.”
    Kate appeared just then, and Mrs. Landry instructed her regarding Marty’s trunks, while Marty could only look on. The two disappeared into the dressing room, leaving Marty and Jake alone. She saw the amusement in Jake’s expression and couldn’t help but question him.
    â€œYou look rather pleased with yourself.”
    â€œI’m just enjoying your surprise at everything.” A clock chimed and he checked his pocket watch. “But now I will have to leave you in Mrs. Landry’s capable hands. I have a meeting to attend. I will return to join you for supper. Enjoy the house, Mrs. Wythe.”
    Marty watched him leave out another door that she could see led back to the hallway. Mrs. Landry returned just then and directed her back to the bathing room. “I would imagine you are exhausted from your travels. Once you’ve bathed, I will pack you into bed and you can sleep until supper. Kate will come and help you dress for dinner and arrange your hair. It will be only you and Mr. Wythe dining, and Cook is preparing lamb. I hope that meets with your approval.” All the while Mrs. Landry helped Marty from her clothes.
    â€œLamb is fine.”
    â€œIn the future you and I will meet to discuss the menus for each meal. You must let me know if there are any particular foods that you abhor, or ones that you love, for that matter.” She had stripped Marty down to her shift and corset.
    â€œNow just sit here and rest while I see that the bath is still warm enough, and then we can