A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson Page B

needn’t lie about our youth.”
    Marty considered the story for a moment. “We could say that we grew up not far from each other, implying but not outright stating that we knew each other. I am a bit older than you, but we needn’t make too much of that.”
    â€œTrue.” He seemed to like her thoughts on the matter. “And we could say that time separated us and we married otherpeople, but we always held fond thoughts of each other.” He grinned. “There wasn’t a pretty gal in Texas I didn’t hold fond thoughts of.”
    â€œExactly.” Marty was confident it could work. “We’ll say that we corresponded, mentioning we had both lost our mates and after that we got in touch with each other. That’s all quite true.”
    â€œSeems simple enough.”
    â€œSimple details are the best,” she assured him. Just then Marty heard a knock at the front door. “I suppose that’s for me.” She dabbed the napkin to her lips. “I want to thank you for your generosity, Jake. I had no idea I’d be treated to so many fine things. It really isn’t necessary.”
    â€œUnfortunately, it is,” Jake declared. “Mr. Morgan has plans for me—at least that’s what he’s always telling me. I just go along with things for now.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” she asked.
    â€œWell, my plans and his don’t exactly line up. What I want in the long run—”
    â€œI am sorry to interrupt,” Mrs. Landry declared, entering the room, “but Mrs. Davies has arrived, and she is anxious that we should begin your appointment, Mrs. Wythe.”
    Marty looked to Jake. What did he mean his plans didn’t line up with Mr. Morgan’s? “I suppose we can resume this conversation tonight at supper.”
    Jake smiled and got to his feet. He came around the table to help Marty up. “I shouldn’t be too late.” He surprised her by giving her cheek a light peck.
    Her face grew hot at the kiss, and Marty ducked her head like a shy bride. Mrs. Landry only chuckled. “Come along now.”
    Marty followed the housekeeper through the house and into a sitting room that now looked nothing like it had on Marty’s first inspection. Most of the furniture had been moved aside, and several tables were positioned in their place. The women who’d accompanied Mrs. Davies were busy spreading out fabrics, trims, and a large portfolio of dress designs.
    â€œMrs. Wythe, this is Mrs. Davies,” Mrs. Landry introduced. “Mrs. Davies, this is the lady of the house, Mrs. Wythe. She will require a complete social wardrobe, as well as personal items. Mr. Wythe has instructed that one gown in particular is needed for the Morgans’ annual Valentine’s ball. The gown should be appropriate to the event, of course, and the cost should reveal quality, as this will be Mrs. Wythe’s first formal appearance.”
    The dark-eyed woman nodded and clapped her hands. “Girls, come quickly and meet our client, Mrs. Wythe.”
    Marty scarcely had time to acknowledge the bevy of women before they were undressing her down to her shift and corset. Mrs. Davies herself took the measurements. She chattered on with her team, making suggestions as she completed her tasks.
    â€œYou are so lovely and have a most enviable figure, Mrs. Wythe. Your petite frame will be a delight to clothe.”
    â€œThank you,” Marty said, uncertain what else she could say. She’d never thought of her figure being anything special. She was petite, just as her sister, Hannah, but she never considered herself anywhere near as pretty. Where Hannah’s features were delicate—like a fine china doll, Marty thought of herself as more earthy and plain.
    â€œNow that we have your measurements,” Mrs. Davies continued, “I will show you my book of designs. I have created agreat many gowns in my day, so you will be