Page 3 of An Arranged Betrothal with a Beast
Though he bears no title,said a small voice within him.He is not a suitable match for Isabella in that regard.
A scowl pulled at his features as he discarded that thought almost at once. The truth was, he had no consideration when it came to titles and the like. The war had taught him that therewasno such thing as rank or status, not when it came to fighting. He had been just one of the many men on the battlefield and it had not mattered in the least that he was an Earl. Would he truly push someone such as the Captain aside, taking him out of his considerations simply because he bore no title? After everything they had endured together, Arthur knew he would do no such thing. After all, the Captain had proven his character time and again and it wasthatwhich Arthur considered to be of the greatest importance.
Though again, I cannot forbid Isabella to go to London and experience society for herself, simply because I believe the Captain and she might make an excellent match,he thought to himself, rubbing one hand over his chin.Mayhap, in going to London, she will realise just how exceptional a gentleman Captain Harrington is.
“Brother?”
Arthur looked up, seeing his sister lifting an eyebrow in his direction, a smile dancing across her face. “Yes?”
“Do you wish to play whist with us?”
Nodding, Arthur pushed himself out of his chair and made his way across the room. “Yes, I do. And, Isabella?” Waiting until his sister’s blue eyes looked up at him, Arthur took in a deep breath and forced a smile. “I have determined that weshallgo to London this Season.”
The words were spoken. The decision was made. Isabella’s reaction was one of sheer delight, practically throwing herself upon him as she let out a squeal of excitement and though Arthur tried to smile, he was certain his enthusiasm was obvious in its absence.
“You will join us also, Captain Harrington?” he asked, seeing his friend’s eyebrows lift in surprise. “You would be very welcome.”
“I shall think on it,” came the reply, as Arthur nodded quietly. “Thank you, Crestwood. I am certain that whether I am present or not, you will have an excellent Season.”
Arthur grimaced and saw his friend smile rather ruefully. Both gentlemen knew precisely what was waiting for Arthur the moment he set foot back into society but he had already made his decision and he would not turn from it.
The Beast of Crestwood Hall would return to London – and all of society would whisper about it.
***
“Might I ask you something, my friend?”
Arthur looked up before returning his gaze to the billiards table. “If this is an attempt to distract me from this game of billiards, then I am afraid you will find yourself failing entirely.”
Captain Harrington chuckled and leaned against the side of the table. “It is not, though it is a good suggestion for the next time I wish to win at billiards!”
Snorting, Arthur took his shot and, satisfied, stepped back. “Then what is it?”
“Might I ask what your thoughts are – if you have any – on your own present circumstances?”
Frowning, Arthur tilted his head a little. “What do you mean by my circumstances?”
“Your circumstances,” the Captain repeated. “Now that you have agreed to go to London, might you be thinking of your own present unmarried state?”
A coldness immediately shot through Arthur and he scowled. “No, indeed I have not. In fact, it is near enough the last thing I have thought of!”
“Is that so?” Sounding entirely unconvinced, the Captain took his turn and then, with a chuckle, grinned broadly at Arthur. “I believe I have scored a carom.”
“I believe you have.” With a roll of his eyes and a bolt of laughter along with it, Arthur did not pick up his cue to take his turn but rather thought to continue on the conversation with his friend. “Why should you think to ask me about my own state? Have you been speaking with my mother – or, mayhap I should ask if she has been speaking withyou?”
The Captain’s grin slowly faded. “No, neither such thing has happened. The truth is, I merely wondered if you, as the Earl of Crestwood, might consider finding yourself a bride since you will be in London and since such a thing is required for a gentleman of your standing.”
Arthur shook his head. “I do not think so. I have no desire for a bride, not at this moment, certainly. Not after Lady Clara’s rejection of me.”
“But would it not be wise?” The Captain frowned as Arthur shook his head. “It is taking a great deal of effort for you to make your way to London, I can see that as much as anyone. Why would you not, then, want to use the opportunity to find a bride for yourself as well as supporting Isabella in her debut?”
A little frustrated, Arthur flung one hand up towards his face. “Have you seen my face of late?” he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm. “It is not as though the ladies of London society will be eager for my company! Lady Clara has certainly warned them enough about my appearance for them to already be terrified of me!”
Captain Harrington hesitated but his gaze remained steady. “I understand that and I am very aware that I do not understand all that society requires of one but at the same measure, Idoknow that there is a degree to which certain things can be arranged? Is that not the situation here? Surely there would be someone who might be willing to enter into that sort of marriage?”
The quick, harsh reply which jumped to Arthur’s lips was held back by sheer force of will and though Arthur was loathe to admit it, his friend did have a fair point in what he had expressed.
“I do not mean to question you or cause you any distress.”
