Page 84 of An Agreement with the Soldier (Necessary Arrangements 2)

Chapter 25

Sam waved her handkerchief in the air like a white flag. She’d arrived home a few minutes before from a lunchtime rendezvous with John and had just enough time to straighten her clothing and coiffure when she saw the approaching carriage out her window. It bore the Gage family crest, so she knew it was Isabel.

“Goodness,” Isabel breathed as she stepped out of the carriage and hugged her sister. “You look quite happy.”

“I am!” Sam couldn’t hold her radiant smile at bay. “I am most happy to see you. I’ve missed you!” She hugged Isabel again and, placing an arm at her waist, ushered her inside the house. They stepped inside the manor, and Isabel stopped to look at the place.

“It is very nice and bright in here.” She looked around.

“Yes, well, we’ve painted everything in light colors. The late baron liked brown and gray, but we’ve stripped the walls from his dark influence. The renovations are not done yet, but most of the rooms are ready to receive their first guests since the remodeling. Yours,” she said with a pointed smile, “is the nicest.”

“Truly?” Isabel smiled in return. “Gage doesn’t get the nicest room?”

“Do you see Richard helping me here? I sure don’t.” Sam chuckled and turned in the direction of the stairs. “We have seventeen guestrooms available, but I don’t imagine we’ll be using most of them for the celebration since a considerable number of guests will be using the cottages in the village.”

Isabel shook her head in bemusement. “You look every bit like the mistress of this place. I am so proud of you, Sam.”

Samantha looked at her sister and noted a glimmer in her eyes. “Oh, please, don’t cry. Otherwise, I am going to cry too, and we shall turn into the two biggest watering pots in England.”

Isabel laughed and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She then advanced on her sister and took her shoulders in her hands. “Mother would be so-so proud of you.”

Sam swallowed audibly, a tear rushing down her cheek. She swatted at her sister’s shoulder. “Now you’ve done it,” she said with a nervous chuckle as she wiped the tear off her face and proceeded up the stairs.

“Have you heard anything from Evie?” Sam asked, a note of worry in her voice.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I have a letter from her with me.”

“You do?” Sam stopped in her tracks and turned to face her sister.

“Yes, it’s in my valise. How about we get to my room, and I’ll get it for you?”

“Oh, splendid! I hope it’s positive news, I’ve been so worried about her.”

They made it up the stairs and turned left into the family wing. Sam paused in front of the door before pushing it open.

“Here’s your room.” She smiled as she observed the wonder settle on her sister’s face. The room was done in cheerful tones of yellow, orange, and pink. Something that would definitely put a smile on her serious sister’s face. The walls were covered with paintings of beautiful landscapes, and small pillows were strewn about. It would have resembled the chambers of a Turkish sultan if the colors weren’t so cheerfully feminine.

“This is lovely,” Isabel finally breathed.

“Yes, I’ve had some time, and I decorated each guestroom in a different style. Now, hand over the letter and I’ll order a bath for you. Then we’ll have some tea, catch up, and I’ll show you the rest of the rooms. And the garden. The garden is just lovely!”

Isabel made a full revolution about the room and laughed at her sister. “I am so glad you are happy, Sam!” She then scrambled to her valise and rummaged through it. “Here it is!”

Sam took the letter and had an urge to rip it open right there and read its contents. She steeled herself and addressed her sister. “My quarters are just down the hall, but if you need anything, just ring this bell and Mrs. Lawson, the housekeeper, will take care of you.”

She grinned and ran out of the room. Sam reached her quarters in a flash. She settled behind her writing-table, opened the letter and skimmed the contents.

Dear Sam,

I imagine you’re extremely worried about me, although I’ve told you, there’s no reason to be. We just arrived in Carlisle a few weeks ago and I’ve been introduced to Montbrook’s sons. They are both here and they have been nothing if not polite and welcoming. I’ve had a frank conversation with Lady Montbrook and she assured me that they wouldn’t push me into a marriage until next season. And even then, I shall be free to choose my own groom.

As reassuring as this all sounds, I know you will still worry. So I urge you to not fret. I shall be married by the end of the summer yet. After all, I have a wager to uphold, or did you think I had forgotten?

I hope you are happy, Sam. I have received your letters, and I am so envious of you having a summer festival. I don’t think I shall be able to attend. I am on the other side of England and am unlikely to make the trip in time. But please, give me more details. What is married life like? What is it like to have a love match?

Yours,

Evie

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