A Practical Arrangement (5 page)

He waited, but the lighthearted moment slipped away. Quiet comfortableness settled between them on the stroll back to the house. The pair followed Jonathan and Melody at a distance to give a modicum of privacy. Thomas wished they had farther to go. He hadn't felt so relaxed in – well he could not remember when, unless counting the peace that flooded him immediately after gaining his crisis.

Lunch was waiting when they re-entered the house, Opal Grey worrying incessantly over Melody. It irritated Thomas, exactly why he could not quite identify. Hearty barley stew warmed his insides as happy conversation between Jonathan and Mrs. Brentwood monopolized the attention of Mrs. Grey.

“
You found some techniques that will be of use on your lands, I trust?” Albert questioned
over the chatter.

“
I have. Increasing our production will benefit not only my income, but will also allow for improvements without cutting that income.”

“
Yes, yes, my boy. Maintaining or even bolstering profits is always the goal. You still plan to assume Cherry Hill in the spring?”

“
My uncle has decreed it to be so,” Thomas replied dryly.

Albert chuckled. “Winston has a firm hand. I well understand.” Albert shifted attention to his oldest daughter. “Did you show Mr. Masterson the new storage buildings by chance on any of your walks?”

“
Oh,” she said thoughtfully. “I hadn't considered...” Her cheeks flushed. “It would have been helpful; I should have...”

“
No matter, my dear. It was only an afterthought,” Albert interrupted.

Thomas watched Evangeline sitting rigidly in her chair, and a pang of tenderness uncoiled in his gut. She seemed upset.

“
This will give you reason to visit us again before the harshest weather sets in,” Albert suggested.

“
Thank you, sir,” Thomas responded. “I look forward to it. Before Christmas, then.” He peered directly at Evangeline then, wanting to fire her ire, to dispel the stiff, awkward discomfort he saw in her by rousing the challenging woman he'd encountered thus far. “Miss Grey, perhaps you can rectify your oversight then.”

“
Of course,” she answered, no ire evident. “Again, I am sorry I did not think of it.”

She acted contrite, almost embarrassed, sparking unease in Thomas. He'd not meant to censure her.

Is that what she thinks?

“
Miss Grey, I am hardly sorry for your oversight,” he said after leaning near. “Now I have the perfect ruse under which to return and offend your adorable sensibilities.”

She blanched at his remark, growing pale and wide eyed. If not for the fact he'd experienced her bite, Thomas would avow that Evangeline Grey flashed a look of sheer terror. Ramrod straight, prim Miss Grey collected herself, the recognizable impassive stare fixed upon him once again.

“
You lack sufficient prowess to affect my sensibilities, Mr. Masterson. Please, endeavor to expend your energies on more promising pursuits.”

“
Miss Grey,” Thomas raised his brow speculatively, “you issue a challenge to my person and my prowess.” She did not look away, her penetrating gaze fixed firmly on him, so he pushed a bit further. “And the most promising pursuits, undoubtedly, are those which require the greatest expenditure of energy.” Her failure to make a smart reply enhanced Thomas' sense of triumph; the spark in her earthy eyes signaled her return from the earlier bout with... Thomas wasn't certain what that had been. He did understand at once, however, that he already anticipated his next visit to Grey Manor.

The afternoon passed quickly, and the gentlemen departed with good cheer and promises of return. Heaving a sigh of relief, Evangeline retired to her room. Alone with the shawl in her lap, she tucked away the busy chaos of the last few days, allowing her mind respite from thought.

“
Evangeline,” Melody said, shaking her gently.

At once she was awake, alarm subsiding as recognition dawned.

Oh. Only Melody.

“
I must have fallen asleep,” Evangeline admitted guiltily.

“
Mother sent me to tell you dinner is ready.”

Setting aside her knitting, Evangeline stretched, her neck stiff from resting awkwardly against the chair.

“
All that sniping at Mr. Masterson has worn you out,” Melody prodded, mischief alight in her blue eyes.

“
Mr. Masterson is tiring, indeed,” Evangeline replied coolly. “I'm thankful he and Mr. Lane have left.”

“
Well, I am not,” Melody pouted. “I thought their company invigorating. And I dare say you enjoyed yourself as well. Even if you refuse to admit it.”

“
One can hardly enjoy the company of a person depraved.”

“
What do you mean by that?” Melody asked, wrinkling her brow.

“
I mean, Melody, that a man such as Mr. Masterson is wont to say or behave in whatever manner he deems most likely to beguile his victims.”

“
Victims?” Melody laughed. “I hardly think his
acquaintances
believe themselves victims, Evangeline. In fact,” she lowered her voice conspiratorially, “those victims claim him to be quite
accomplished
.” Melody arched her eyebrow wickedly.

“
Melody!” Evangeline censured her sister. “I
don't
care to hear of Mr. Masterson's rumored
abilities
. Frankly, I am surprised you would give ear to such nonsense.”

“
Oh my, Evangeline. What transpires between a man and a woman is hardly nonsense. It is lovely...and pleasurable.” A soft lilt tinged Melody's voice, her expression demulcent.

“
Enough. Please,” she whispered, voice small and soft. Evangeline went very still, eyes closed.

“
Evangeline,” Melody worried, her tone gentle, concerned, “are you afraid of being with a man? Is that why you don't want to marry?”

Evangeline suppressed a shudder. Of course she was afraid, but not in exactly the way her sister believed. To be married would give a man the right to touch her – whenever he wanted. Images flitted through her thoughts, her mother's vivid descriptions slamming into her, unwanted, unwelcome. Grabbing. Touching. Uncontrolled.

Lie still. It is over soon enough.

The thought of having no control was beyond her limits.

“
Let's go down to dinner, Melody.” Evangeline knew what was coming. She winced, but Melody embraced her anyway.

“
Oh, Evangeline.”

Dinner held no appeal after her exchange with her sister. Why couldn't her father forget all this marriage business!

Because he wants to make sure I am taken care of
, she acknowledged, fondness for her father softening her anger.

“
Such amiable young men,” Opal observed. “And Mr. Lane was near to taken with our Melody!”

Melody fluttered her lashes, her pleasure at the comment unhidden. “We enjoyed one another's company,” she added.

“
Certainly you did,” Opal affirmed. “What young man would not enjoy being in your company?”

“
What of you, Evangeline?” Albert probed. “Did you have a pleasant time?”

“
It was tolerable, although I am not sorry it is ended.” She pushed her food around the
plate.

“
Evangeline, dear,” Opal chided, “Mr. Masterson was quite a gentleman, gracious and attentive to you when I'm sure he would have preferred your sister's company.”

“
Mother!” Melody gasped.

“
Well, honestly! We all know how Evangeline can be. What man would endure her biting words when he could converse with someone of your sweet disposition?”

“
Mrs. Grey, that will be quite enough,” Albert censured harshly, invoking tearful theatrics from his wife.

“
Why must you speak to me so cruelly? I've only spoken the truth!”

“
I said enough!” Albert shouted, sending Opal from the room in the throes of weepy drama.

Evangeline would certainly be needed in her mother's room later. Summoned was more like it. And of course, she'd be reminded it all came about because of her. Difficult Evangeline. Trying Evangeline.

I am not Melody!

She didn't want to be Melody. Why couldn't her mother accept her for who she was?

“
Evangeline,” Albert said, rising and rounding the table. He beckoned her to follow him with an outstretched arm. “Sit with me in the study.”

She followed, desperate to know what he had to speak that he couldn't in front of Melody. With a backward glance, she saw her sister's pitying look.

Of all the nonsense!

Squaring her shoulders, she followed, pulse thumping, eyes ablaze.

* * *

Thomas swilled the last of his brandy, savoring the spicy warmth spreading downward to fill his chest. His companions, well into their cups, engaged the company of various women milling about. He was about to do the same. After a four day absence from the club, Thomas was eager for female companionship.

“
Thomas!” the eager blond giggled. “You're back!”

“
So I am,” he smiled. This would be too easy.

“
Why didn't you find me?” the woman sulked a moment. “You said you would,” she breathed, settling in Thomas' lap.

He grinned. “I didn't give you permission to sit.”

She pouted prettily. “You don't want me? Don't say you are still preoccupied with Mrs. Preston,” she teased, shifting against him suggestively. “Did you buy me anything while you were away?”

Thomas covered her hand, which was wrapped in his hair. “I am not sure you want me at all,” he teased salaciously. “In fact, I believe there are only two things you want – my wallet and a certain part of my anatomy.”

She grabbed his hands and placed them over her generous breasts. “Hmm,” she smirked.

“
Easy.” He stilled, removing his hands.

“
You're terrible to tease me.” The pout reappeared.

“
I want to hear what you've done while I was away,” he stated.

The blond scoffed. “What ever for?”

“
I'm curious,” he smiled, attempting to engage a spark, to ignite the banter he'd enjoyed over the last few days.

“
Same things as always. I shopped. I spent. I waited for you to come back.” She shifted
again, a transparent diversion.

“
Why?”

“
Why what?”

“
Why me? You are a beautiful woman. Why not one of the others?”

The young woman looked empty, blank. Then she smiled impishly. “To test the rumors.”

“
What rumors would those be?” As if he didn't know. He yearned for a clipped reprimand, a simple set down, a too steady gaze that challenged, saw through him. He found none of these forthcoming.

“
The ones that say you can give me pleasure like I've never had.”

“
Any other reason?”

She frowned. “What other reason should there be?”

“
Up you go, sweetheart.” Thomas sat the confused woman on her feet.

“
Are we going upstairs now?” she asked, relief palpable in her voice.

“
Not tonight.” He let her down as easily as he could, circumstances being what they were.

“
What? Why not?”

“
It is a mystery even to me.” He sighed then. “I am, regrettably, out of sorts it appears. Perhaps another time.”

“
Oh! You are a terrible tease, Thomas. But I see through your game, you devil, you. I warn you; I may not be available another night.”

“
I'll have to tempt fate, my dear.”

The comely blond sauntered away, quickly occupied by more frivolous company. Thomas shook his head, uncertain at his own actions. Instead of losing himself in lust with a
soft, eager, compliant beauty, he strolled toward the doors, preoccupied with thoughts of the
prim, rigid, and ever-so-non-compliant Miss Grey.

* * *

Loud voices seeped through the thick, well-constructed walls of Grey Manor. Evangeline wished to be anywhere else, a place where she wouldn't hear the angry, muffled arguing, nor the discernible words proving the cause of the discord.

Her.

Hurtful phrases lobbed carelessly behind closed doors escaped, seeking her, finding her relentlessly.

“
You take little care with my feelings, Mr. Grey, but I doubt you speak to your mistress so. She could send you away! Me? A poor wife with no say must endure! It is too much!”

“
Opal,” Albert roared, “cease this talk at once. I'll allow no more of it.”

More muffled barbs swirled in the next room, conjuring memories from long ago. Evangeline sagged, an unguarded moment of forgetfulness laying her bare. Would it never change?

“
Tea is here, Mother,” Evangeline announced softly, busying her hands over the tea cart.

“
I cannot think of tea or any other pleasurable activity,” Opal lamented. “Your...your father is a brute!” Shudders wracked her frail shoulders, a new torrent of tears freshly loosed.