Page 67 of A Foreign Crown
“Yes?”
“There is a man here to see you, a Lord Bartholomew.” The footman bowed.
She reached for his arm, clutching him through his livery, not even caring that such things weren’t typically done. “Right now?”
“Yes, my lady. Would you like others to be informed of his arrival?”
She shook her head. “No, but if we could be attended, by you even, that would be most helpful.”
“Yes, my lady.” He led her through the castle toward a front receiving room.
Aribella’s mind spun. Why had His Lordship come? Was her father ill? What had happened? As they approached the door, she held her letter out to one of the other footmen, who prepared to open the door. “Could you ensure that this is delivered to St. James’s?” she asked him.
“Yes, my lady.” He bowed.
Then he opened the doors, and Lord Bartholomew stood as Aribella entered. He looked much the same, if not more handsome.
“Lord Bartholomew. Has something happened?” His answer could not come soon enough.
His pleased smile told her perhaps he was not the bearer of bad news. “Your father is well.”
Her breath left with her angst on that account. “Oh, I am so glad to hear it.”
“I do apologize if my arrival brought you even a moment’s concern. But I suppose it could not be helped, as I left your father’s estate within the hour of the deciding and therefore could not send word of my plans.”
“Oh? And everything is quite all right with the estate?”
“It is, most certainly. I’ve been in conversation with a steward and with your father, and I have discovered ways to begin its recovery.” His eyes shone with happiness. He was filled with the exact enthusiasm and industry her estate needed, and she should be glad of it.
“I’m so happy to hear it. I can’t tell you how pleased I am, as I am sure Father must be.”
“Yes, he seems to be energized by the notion.”
“Thank you for all you are doing for the estate, and welcome to Windsor Castle.” She approached and held out her hands. “Would you like to sit?”
They sat in chairs facing one another, and a servant soon brought a tray.
“Thank you.” Aribella waved her hand at the tray. “Would you like a sandwich or biscuit?”
He considered the offerings without thought, or so it seemed to Aribella. She wondered why he had come.
And then the Queen was announced.
They both rose, and Aribella curtsied while Lord Bartholomew bowed.
“And who might this handsome new visitor be?” Her Majesty’s face revealed her great pleasure in the thought that Aribella might have a suitor.
“Your Majesty, this is Lord Bartholomew. He is a distant cousin and will one day be the new Duke of Sumter.”
“Ah.” The happy twinkle in the Queen’s eyes would have made Aribella smile if she weren’t so shaken. How was she to feel about this man’s arrival? At once, she knew a decision might be upon her.
He bowed smartly again; he appeared to be everything that was amiable and well-mannered and fine. Aribella might have begun a dislike of him in that moment because of his smartness, for when the traitorous part of her heart wanted so desperately for there to be any reason at all she should reject him, all he could do was stand up in such an impressive manner in front of the Queen.
The three of them remained standing while the Queen and he talked briefly of the estate, of his plans, and of his family until she nodded. “I have awarded the estate with an endowment as an indication of our great thanks for Aribella’s wonderful service here with us.”
“How wonderful! Your generous offer could not have come at a more opportune time. We thank you.” He stepped closer to Aribella, and she tried not to tense when his arm circled her back.
“You must stay here with us,” the Queen said.
