Page 31 of An Arranged Betrothal with a Beast
Foolishness.
“You do not look to be in particularly good spirits this morning.”
Looking up, Arthur grimaced at the seemingly ever-joyful expression upon Captain Harrington’s face. “Good morning, Harrington. Alas, I fear that I cannot always be as cheerful as you, despite my very best intentions.”
“Ah but that is because I have much to be cheerful about, much as you do.” Captain Harrington arched an eyebrow. “Or is it that you are entirely displeased with all I have said to you of late and you now have decided you and I shall no longer be friends?”
This brought a faint glimmer of a smile to Arthur’s face, despite his own frustrations. “No, I think we are just as good friends as we ever were.”
“That is because you have decided that I am correct in everything I said to you.”
Arthur snorted and rolled his eyes.
“You see, you will not deny me!” Captain Harrington chuckled and walked back to the door, holding it open. “Will you come to breakfast? Or will we stand here and argue a little longer over the fact that everything I told you about your future and your bride was entirely correct and you only wish you had followed my advice more quickly than this?”
Again, Arthur smiled and though his friend opened the door wider, he shook his head. “I – I do not think I will join you all for breakfast.”
This had Captain Harrington shutting the door tightly rather than removing himself from it. “And why not?”
“It is for no particular reason!” Arthur exclaimed, turning away entirely so he might look out of the window for fear that what he haddone would be written all over his face for his friend to see. “I am simply desirous of my own company.”
“I do not believe that for a moment.” Captain Harrington walked across the room to join Arthur, despite his statement that he sought his own company. “What is this about? Is it to do with Miss Townsend?”
Something must have flickered in Arthur’s eyes or his lip must have curled in one particular way for Captain Harrington immediately gasped and grabbed Arthur’s arm, shaking him slightly. “Please tell me you did not injure her with harsh words!”
“I did no such thing.” Irritated, Arthur jerked his arm out of Captain Harrington’s grip. “I spoke honestly, as you suggested. I asked her what she thought of me.”
Captain Harrington waited, eyebrows lifted.
“She said she was most upset at Lady Clara’s words and certainly did not think of me in the same way,” Arthur continued, his gaze returning to the view from the window. “She was rather upset, I think.”
“You think?”
Seeing that he was not about to escape Captain Harrington’s questions, Arthur let out a groan of frustration and dropped his head to one hand. “Please, Harrington, desist with the questions.”
“Tell me what happened,” his friend insisted. “You will feel better for it.”
Sighing, Arthur lifted his head. “I had imbibed a little too much brandy. I spoke too freely. I… I acted without thought.”
Captain Harrington frowned. “You upset her in some way.”
“I did.”
“If you did not speak harshly to her, then what… ?” Captain Harrington trailed off, his eyes suddenly widening. “You embraced her?”
Arthur groaned aloud, his eyes closing. “I did worse. I kissed her!”
When he opened his eyes – and much to his frustration – Captain Harrington was grinning so broadly, his eyes were dancing.
“You do not think this as foolish an endeavour as I do, I see.” Arthur shook his head. “That does not surprise me.”
Captain Harrington laughed aloud. “That is because it is the most wonderful thing! You finally acknowledged that you have some affection for the lady.”
“You do not understand the severity of this! I cannot permit myself to feel anything! It is much too foolish. I asked Miss Townsend what she thought of me, what her true opinion was and even though she gave it, I found myself struggling to believe it.”
“That is notherfault.”
Arthur winced. “No, it is not but all the same, it would be wise of me to refrain, to pull back and to keep myself at a distance from her.After all, I am not her choice, I am not the gentleman she would have sought out had she had every chance to choose her husband for herself. I cannot pretend that I am deserving of such a creature, even if Icouldbring myself to trust her words.”
