Arranged: An Array Series (Book #1)(63)

Papa laughed. “I believe she is more proud of it than I. It has flourished more in the years she has been back than when I was running it alone. I question sometimes what those nuns taught her.”

“If it is business sense,” Ashton spoke up, “I may send my daughter to visit them sometime.” Everyone laughed, except Reddington and myself. We both knew the trials I had to overcome by being there; it was no place for a young girl to thrive.

Papa clapped his hands in content as the second course of oven-baked chicken, boiled potatoes, and carrots was served. He continued babbling Reddington’s ear off about his businesses and what I had done to bring more money in the door. I continued to eat my meal, conscious of Lord Ashton’s stiff posture and Reddington’s quick glances in my direction, where he would always smile or smirk.

“Come with me,” Eve whispered, as she stood from the table. “If you’ll excuse us, gentlemen. Ava and I will be back in just a moment.”

The men stood, Papa still chewing on his chicken. I stifled a laugh; the poor man acted as though he was starved. Eve led the way out of the room. We entered the adjoining doorway from the hall, into a space that served as a reading room.

Lined with beige paneling, the room was simple, with few paintings of various landscapes, a few vase plants, and plush white sofas that were easy to fall asleep in. The only magnificent thing about the room was the one wall filled with books from the floor to the ceiling. Dimly lit above with a wooden chandelier, we entered the cool room. The fireplace wasn’t lit, which gave the room a slight chill.

“Was it just me, or did I feel tension in there that your blessed father was oblivious to,” Eve acknowledged, sinking into one of the two sofas.

“Way too much,” I agreed. “Ashton and Reddington look as though they want to kill each other.”

“Over you, no doubt,” Eve put in.

I crossed my arms. “Was that your plan? Having men duel over me, to see which one is worth my bed?”

Eve rolled her eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic...even though that isn’t a bad idea.”

I threw the nearest pillow at her head.

“Hey! This is how you make a man’s feelings come out; you have to push them.”

“I don’t want blood on my new rugs.” I chortled. I’d never had two men in one room glaring at each other like the two of them.

“We’ve already established that you aren’t attracted to Lord Ashton,” Eve confirmed. “But Lord Reddington…”

“It’s way too soon, Eve,” I warned. “No more of your little love games. Let fate take its course. No matter what I do, it seems to want to take over my life anyway.”

“But I promise you, I didn’t invite—”

“I know, I know,” I replied. “But from now on, retire your matchmaker badge, will you?”

Eve grumbled and nodded.

I walked to the study door. “Or I will invite Lord Gould to a ball that I will personally host for your benefit.”

Eve straightened. “You wouldn’t dare!” she bellowed, challenging me with her eyes. I gave her a frosty smile. Lord Gould was an awful fellow, who smelled of stale wine and body odor, and had written a sonnet for her every day for two months.

I opened the door. “I most certainly would.”

Eve followed me out, and we made our way back to the dining room. “You would sicken half the town with his”—Eve waved her hands in the air—“smell, just to get back at me?”

I turned to her. “Exactly.”

“You are a heartless woman, Barlow,” Eve marveled, shaking her head. Lord Ashton stepped out of nowhere as we reached the doorway.

“I apologize, ladies,” he sputtered. “Lord Barlow sent me to check on the both of you.”

“Quite all right,” Eve assured him, proceeding to the dining room. Lord Ashton lightly touched my arm.

“May I have a moment?” he inquired, shifting his weight to one foot.

I rubbed the back of my neck with my hand. “Of course,” I replied, nodding at Eve. Taking my hint, she made her way back to the dining room. Ashton looked positively anxious, swinging his arms at his sides and clenching them into fists. “Do we need to go somewhere—”

“No, my Lady. I don’t want to take more of your precious time,” he murmured.

I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. Lord Ashton was a sweet man. He took wonderful care of his daughter and provided for himself and his staff; a woman couldn’t ask for a better match. But my heart didn’t flutter when I was near him, and I didn’t get goose bumps when he was in the room. He felt more like a friend; someone I could joke around with and tease.

He took a small step toward me. “I’m glad to see you back home. The town missed you… I missed you.”

I waited patiently for him to proceed, as he looked to the floor. “You flatter me speechless, my Lord,” I answered, when he didn’t continue.

Here we go.

We were finally to this conversation. He was going to confess his feelings, and I was going to have to kindly decline. Again.

“My daughter adores you. She asks about you constantly, which makes me think of you quite often.” I went to open my mouth, but he proceeded, “I know that we haven’t had too much time together, but in time, I believe we would make an excellent match. You’ve won the heart of my daughter, and also…myself. I would like to…ask you…if you would consider…being my wife.”