A Practical Arrangement Read Free Page B

Grey knew herself, had since the day her father's embrace revealed her true nature – her different-ness from her mother and sister. She didn't require, nor want, the pawing at of limbs trapping her, pinning her in.
    “ Let us go to bed. Things will seem better tomorrow, Melody.”

Chapter Two

    Perched on the edge of the oversized chair, Evangeline braced for her father's displeasure.
    “ You try my leniency, Evangeline. It's time you settle on a husband. If, by winter's end you have not, I will choose for you.”
    Prickly tingles stung Evangeline's scalp. This was worse than expected. Under her father's stern gaze, she felt the blood drain from her face. His expression softened.
    “ I worry for you,” he sighed. “I have no heir, Evangeline. To see you and your sister married is my only prayer before I depart this world. It is my duty to ensure you are well cared for.”
    “ I know,” she replied mildly. “I don't mean to be difficult. But...,” she paused, unsure whether to go on.
    Albert came around his desk and rested against its front edge. “Well, let's have it.” His smile betrayed his tender amusement.
    “ I need to...to hold a certain respect and admiration before I could ever want to marry. No one inspires these thus far.” There! She'd said it.
    Albert's eyes were kind, his tone gentle. “That may be so; however, make no mistake. What I have stated stands.”
    She bristled. Now what was she to do? Panic threatened, the knowing of what awaited her in the bonds of matrimony choking off her airway. Tamping down the unwanted volley of emotion loosed in her mind, Evangeline willed her good sense to take control. “I shall endeavor to do my best,” she placated, well ashamed in the knowledge she willfully practiced deception.
    What other option existed?
    “ You'll thank me one day, Evangeline.”
    Oh! I know you believe that, Father.
    The sad truth was quite different. Evangeline wanted no part of the gift her father insisted she accept. It wasn't only her father, she allowed. He was acting in her best interests; the world was unkind to the feminine half, believing those of that particular persuasion in need of a constant caretaker. Scoffing inwardly at the absurdity, Evangeline reluctantly acknowledged the harsh reality.
    “ Run along now. Your mother wishes to speak with you.”
    Already out of sorts at her father's announcement, Evangeline went very still at this newest awaiting torture. Her senses bordered on overload, digesting her changing circumstance. Enduring her mother's hysterics or melancholy or breakdown was unthinkable at the moment.
    As ever, Evangeline dipped into the wellspring of strength buried deep at her core, heaving up composure to mask her hidden self. A slow, quiet breath, then another, gave her the moment needed to collect herself. “Yes, Father.” For a second she thought he meant to embrace her as he came near, the prospect raising the hair on her arms.
    Please do not touch me. Not now.
    To be penned in on the outside as the noose tightened around her inner self was more than she thought to bear. Passing from the room without incident, she breathed her relief on the walk toward her mother's room.
    “ Evangeline, dearheart! Come in. Sit with me.”
    Preparing as best she could for the unknown variable that was her mother, Evangeline sat delicately upon the chaise. “You wanted to see me?”
    “ Well, of course, Evangeline. You have spoken with your father?”
    “ I have.”
    “ Then it's settled. We'll make a list of potential husbands and...”
    “ Mother, please,” Evangeline whispered, her voice catching. “I've no wish to...”
    “ But you must!” her mother interjected, astonishment plain in her tone. “We'll want to make the best match we can.”
    Holding herself still, her only defense against the onslaught, Evangeline concentrated on breathing evenly as her mother's prattling filled her ears.
    “ A temperate man, to be sure, will suit you, Evangeline.