Once Upon a Tower Read Online Free PDF Page A

discuss the provisions of the contract with Mr. Stickney-Ellis as regards the bridge to be built over the Glaschorrie? I have the provisions as established by the builders.”
    Gowan nodded, and settled more comfortably into his seat. No more thinking about Lady Edith: it was detrimental to his concentration, which was unacceptable. In fact, once he had her in the castle, he would have to make very certain that she didn’t disrupt his attention.
    He wasn’t entirely sure what his grandmother had done from morning to night—women’s work—but it had to do with linens, and the sick, and the crofters . . . Gilchrist would have made certain that his daughter was well trained.
    He was a bit stiff, Gilchrist, but a decent fellow.
    Bardolph’s voice filtered through one part of his mind. He held up his hand. “I’d prefer three arches rather than two.”
    The factor made a note and droned his way through the rest of the page.
    Gowan cleared his throat.
    “Yes, Your Grace?”
    “Tomorrow morning, there will be an announcement in the Morning Post of my betrothal. Jelves is finishing the agreed-upon settlements.”
    Bardolph’s mouth fell open. “Your Grace, you—”
    “I am betrothed to Lady Edith Gilchrist. Lord Gilchrist offered to send the announcement to the papers.”
    Bardolph bowed his head. “May I offer my sincerest congratulations, Your Grace?”
    Gowan inclined his head in acknowledgment. “The earl has suggested a betrothal of five months or thereabouts. I expect you to see to all arrangements. You may be in touch with Lord Gilchrist’s representative.”
    The factor nodded again. “Yes, certainly, Your Grace.”
    “Reconstruction of the water closet between my chamber and the future duchess’s must be completed.”
    “Of course,” Bardolph said.
    Then his factor pulled forward a bound volume. “Next I would like to review the estate agent’s breeding provisions for the Dorbie farm. I brought the stock book with me for that purpose.” He began to read aloud.
    Gowan was rather surprised at how hard he had to work to keep his mind attentive. It was probably the novelty of the whole affair. It stood to reason that a new experience would be distracting.
    The most surprising thing of all was the deep strain of satisfaction he felt. It threaded through all his thoughts like the awareness of a coming rainstorm: silent, but leaving its mark. Edith was his now. He would bring that lovely, delectable woman home.
    He had been missing that calm warmth in his life, and he hadn’t even known it. He felt something bigger and more profound than desire. He wasn’t certain what it was.
    Acquisitiveness, perhaps. Satisfaction. None of those words were right.
    Bardolph cleared his throat.
    “Yes?”
    “As I was saying . . .”

Four
    T wo more days passed before Edie felt well enough to drag herself out of bed. Layla had finally insisted on a doctor’s visit; the man had simply confirmed what Edie’s common sense had already told her: She should remain in bed in the dark. She was not to play her cello.
    “Has Father inquired how I am?” she asked on the morning she felt well enough to join her stepmother for breakfast in Layla’s chamber. Layla was wearing a robe that fell open in a cascade of silk ruffles. She looked as delectable as a peach tart.
    “He has not,” Layla said, choosing another grape with all the seriousness of someone selecting a diamond ring. She must have started on another slimming regime.
    Edie sat down opposite, picked up three pieces of cheese, and popped them in her mouth. “Beast,” she said, without much rancor. “His only child could have died of the influenza, and he wouldn’t have noticed my passing.”
    “He would have noticed,” Layla said, inspecting the grapes once again. “He may not notice if I expired, but if he had no one to play the cello with, that would probably make an impression.”
    “Just eat some!” Edie snatched up a handful and dropped them into