Read Online An Agreeable Arrangement by Shirley Marks - Free Book Online

herself from chuckling as she spoke but her voice still wavered-“I
didn’t mean to disturb you.”
    The squire rose to his feet, brushed at his clothing
and tugged at his cuffs, straightening his shirtsleeves.
“My fault really,” he replied. He flashed a warm smile at Romeo, who in turn showed his affection by wagging his tail. “If one plays rough, someone is bound to
be hurt. Besides, it was all in good fun. Wasn’t it,
boy?” He bent and gave Romeo a good-natured pat on
the head.

    Clearly Romeo enjoyed his company. That spoke
volumes for the squire’s character. Perhaps Cassie had
been too harsh at judging him and too quick to dismiss
his offer to accompany her for a morning ride. The
thought of spending any amount of time with him had
been unbearable but now … now Cassie looked upon
him the slightest bit more favorably.
    Romeo dropped the knotted rag at the squire’s feet
and backed from it, as if daring him to take it.
    Her pet seemed very fond of the man.
    The squire snatched the toy and cried, “Aha! I’ve
finally got it, you rascal.” He then lobbed it across
the room.
    Romeo scrambled across the floor toward his prize.
Cassie grew concerned that his claws might damage
the expensive carpet with his rough play.
    The squire seemed wholly unconcerned with the
carpet, only delighting in Romeo’s fun. Cassie thought
she truly might reconsider the man’s merits.
    Romeo recaptured the toy and shook it while
trapped between his teeth. He ran to Cassie and
dropped it at her feet. It was her turn to toss for him.
    “We should be doing this outside,” Cassie said to
the dog as much as to the man.

    “Nonsense, in here is as good a place as any,” said
the squire. “We’ve plenty of open space.”
    Had he meant in front of the well-stocked bookshelves or the area in front of the hearth, around the
two winged-back leather chairs?
    Cassie used her forefinger and thumb to pick up
the sodden, knotted rag and held it gingerly. “Very
well, pet” Cassie meant the endearment for Romeo,
not the squire, and tossed the toy across the room.
    “Well done” The squire praised her.
    “Sir,” she directed at Squire Stewart.
    “My lady?”
    “I would like to accept your offer for a morning
ride.” Cassie managed a genuine, effortless smile. “If
you have not changed your mind”
    The squire regarded her then said, “It would be my
pleasure. Shall we say at nine tomorrow morning?”
    “I shall be waiting at the stables.” She accepted
with a slight incline of her head then had a sudden
surge of remorse. “I thank you, sir. You are most
gracious.” But that was not precisely Cassie’s true
feelings.
    Dinner that evening was a quiet affair. As always,
Lorna dominated the conversation during the meal
with her talk of men and parties.
    Neither Lady Cassandra nor Julian spoke of the
arrangement they’d made for the next morning. The
few times their gazes met across the table, it surprised him to see a fleeting, temperate glance from her instead of the usual contempt-filled glare.

    The knowledge that only the two of them knew of
their plans felt delicious. Maxwell, who would never
breathe a word to another, might have known. It was,
after all, the butler who’d suggested the squire take
this arduous step out of his sphere of comfort.
    After everyone had finished eating, Julian excused
himself and retreated to the library. The ladies bid
him, “Good evening,” and retired into their parlor.
    All seemed calm and equitable. Life around Stewart Hall looked very well, indeed.
    Dressed in her new bottle-green riding habit, Cassie
arrived at the stables and found the squire waiting for
her. He greeted her with more enthusiasm than before.
Had she not known better, she might believe that he
may actually be looking forward to their impending
outing.
    Their horses stood ready: A small chestnut with a
sidesaddle and a light bay for the squire. Cassie
approached the