Read Online An Early Engagement by Bárbara Metzger - Free Book Online Page A

“she ‘goes off’ in a near constant swoon. Always manages to land on a sofa or chair, too.”
    When they were finished laughing, Emilyann addressed him again: “You see. Smoky, you need to get your house in order, and I can do it”
    “But those are all the wrong reasons for marrying, poppet. It’s not like buying a pair of shoes or hiring a housekeeper.”
    “But you are my only hope, Smoky. I have no other choices.”
    “You always have choices,” he told her, reaching to pat her hand. Then he suggested that since it was almost dawn anyway, Geoff go fetch them some hot rolls from the bakery a few blocks away.
    “What, and leave you two alone?”
    “It’s a little late for propriety’s sake, bantling,” Stokely told him, tossing a pouch of coins.
    “Who cares for propriety? I’m just worried you’ll murder each other.”
    “Well, little one,” Stokely asked after the door was shut behind Geoff, “have you used all your ammunition?”
    Blue eyes twinkled up at him. “I haven’t tried tears yet.”
    “Heaven help me from the heavy artillery! Truly, though, Sparrow, I can fix things without such drastic measures. I can stay a day or two.” He held up one graceful hand. “Old Hooky won’t be best pleased, but the Corsican won’t run over the allied forces without me there, at least not for the time it would take to see your Mr. Baxley and put the fear of God into your uncle and that jackanapes Bobo. I have friends about, men who have served with me, who would be eager to look after you. I’m sure I could locate other officers’ wives who would be willing to act as chaperone, you know, be hostess for a season or two. As for the other, my family isn’t your responsibility. The war won’t last forever, then I’ll come take charge. I’m not entirely below the hatches, you know, despite my father and old Taylor. So you see, you don’t have to worry about anything; you don’t have to fear anything.”
    “I wouldn’t be afraid, Smoky, but I still wouldn’t be free either. I couldn’t travel or pick my own friends or purchase a horse for myself or even make sure my money is invested properly. Don’t laugh. I’ve had nothing to do this past year but study such details. You’ve always made your own choices; why shouldn’t I? I don’t mean to set myself up as some independent eccentric, I just want to make some of the decisions in my life, just till you come home.”
    “I see what it is, you want the convenience of a spouse’s name without having to put up with his daily presence. How fortunate your chosen husband is a soldier with a war going on.”
    “Don’t tease, Smoky. I am serious.”
    “I know you are, pet, that’s what worries me.” He studied his fingernails. “What if you, ah, fall in love with another man while I am gone? You are young, you’ve never been out in the world. Maybe your head is filled with romantic dreams that could come true one day. It’s entirely possible. What would you do then, leg-shackled to an old war-horse?”
    “More likely you’ll fall in love with an opera-dancer or something. Don’t look daggers at me. I know all about those things. And I have thought it all out. We could get an annulment when you return if we find we do not suit. After all, the marriage will not have been consummated, will it?”
    Smoky choked. “It most certainly will not!” The idea of bedding this tattered waif was thoroughly unappealing, nearly indecent.
    “Well, that’s all right, then, as long as Uncle Morgan thinks it’s a real marriage. He’ll know I spent the night here, and with your reputation ...”
    “My reputation is for a deal more discrimination, miss, and no, we shall not discuss opera-dancers and the like. Annulments indeed. What a topic for a delicate maiden. Who knows, you might get lucky and end up a widow.”
    “Smoky! Don’t even joke about that!” She jumped up and took his hand between her grubby ones and knelt at his feet. “You have to come