A Radical Arrangement Read Online Free PDF

hasn’t the sense or the courage to run far. We can fetch her when we like.”
    Mr. Mayfield looked doubtful. “Something might happen to her. I don’t like to think of her out on the roads alone.”
    “Something already has happened to her,” replied his wife brusquely. “And now I must go and see what I can do about it. I shouldn’t be long.” She swept out into the hall and to her waiting barouche, leaving her husband frowning into his coffee cup.
    Sir Justin Keighley, though a late riser in town, was always out of bed early in the country, and he had already breakfasted and was about to go out riding when Mrs. Mayfield arrived. He greeted her with annoyed resignation, but no surprise, and ushered her into his study. He had known that he had not heard the last of the Mayfield affair and anticipated facing Mrs. Mayfield before it was over, a confrontation he felt fully able to dominate.
    “You know, of course, why I have come,” the lady began.
    Keighley bowed his head in acknowledgment.
    “My husband has told me your story and your position. I must say I am disappointed in you, Sir Justin.”
    One corner of his mouth turned up. “Surely not. From what I have gathered of your opinion of me, it must have been just what you expected.”
    Mrs. Mayfield met his hazel eyes stonily. “I never thought you without honor.”
    He inclined his head ironically again. “We won’t dispute the point, since it does not enter here.”
    “You do not think your treatment of my daughter…”
    “Mrs. Mayfield, if your husband indeed told you my ‘story,’ you know that I did nothing whatever to your daughter. I am sorry that she has been upset, but I haven’t the faintest notion why.”
    “Considering the two personalities involved, that is rather difficult to believe, don’t you think?”
    “I don’t know. I am barely acquainted with Miss Mayfield.”
    His guest drew herself up. “Do you dare to suggest…”
    “I suggest nothing, except that you and your husband are making a great deal too much out of a trivial matter. I will not be forced to marriage over this, madam. You can be sure of that.”
    Meeting his gaze, Mrs. Mayfield realized she would not move him with accusations or threats. “Margaret has run away,” she said.
    “What?”
    “Run away. I discovered it this morning.”
    “But why?”
    Mrs. Mayfield debated with herself for a moment. Should she tell him the true reason? He would find that very amusing, no doubt. “Because we told her you refused to marry her,” she answered. “She could not face the disgrace.”
    Sir Justin Keighley’s hazel eyes flashed. “You stupid woman. How could you treat your own daughter so?”
    Though she clenched her fists, Mrs. Mayfield held her temper in check. “I thought it best that she know the truth.”
    “Indeed? Well, I hope you see your mistake now. When Mayfield brings her back, you must—”
    “Oh, we shan’t go after her.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “We will let her go. It seems best. She is irretrievably ruined.” Though she did not look directly at Keighley when she said this, she watched his reaction from the corner of her eye.
    “You cannot be serious.”
    Mrs. Mayfield shrugged. “What is she to do if she returns home? Margaret is not strong enough to face down gossip.”
    “You will abandon a girl of, what, eighteen or nineteen? Do you have any idea what is likely to happen to her?”
    The woman shook her head and looked down. “I suppose it is God’s will.”
    “God’s…” He paused and surveyed her. “I don’t believe it.”
    “What?”
    “You have wrapped that girl in cotton wool since she was born. You won’t let her go now.”
    Mrs. Mayfield met his eyes squarely. “There is nothing I can do for her. It would be more cruel to bring her back to face the world’s scorn.” She rose. “ I am not to blame for my poor daughter’s plight. You are. And you are the only one who can make amends.”
    “Nonsense,” replied