Page 25 of An Earl's Scandalous Return
Arabella was not hopeful, but it was worth a try, and she and Edward hurried to the general store to find a young man sweeping.
“Excuse me,” she said kindly. “Might I ask if your name is Gregory?”
“Oh yes, Miss. You’ve got the right of it.” He grinned at her, leaning one arm on his broom handle and looking between them. He looked all of about twenty years of age. “Can I help you?”
Edward chimed in, seeming just as dubious as she. “We have been looking for a particular Gregory in these parts and wondered if you might be he. Have you sent a letter to London recently?”
The question seemed to entertain the young Gregory greatly, for he burst into laughter. “Sorry, guv, but that wouldn’t be me. I can’t write to save my life, you see? So, no, I have never sent a letter in all my years.”
Arabella smiled at him, feeling sorry for that fact but knowing it was the way of the world. “You have been very helpful, thank you. Might I ask if you know any other Gregorys around town?”
He shook his head. “I’m the only Gregory here in Otham, Miss. My ma is so proud of it, too. Thinks she came up with the name, so she does.” He winked at her, and then Edward thanked him before he took hold of Arabella’s elbow, and they left the shop.
Edward chuckled, and Arabella smiled too, glad to hear the sound. “So, then, Otham is not correct. At least he was completely honest about his lack of ability. That will really help to narrow things down.”
“Yes, and far too young. But I wonder if this Gregory could have had someone else mail the letter for him or perhaps used a false name?”
“I suppose.” Edward tapped his chin as they walked back to the carriage. “But why? If one is going to leave a name, why leave a first name? And why leave a first name that is more unique, easier to find?”
Arabella felt the first pangs of a headache forming. “I don’t know. I cannot understand why someone would do something like this to my family, so I cannot understand their minds.”
Edward turned to her, slowing his gait, and she looked down at her feet, a little embarrassed to have let out her emotions in such a way. Her tone had been sharp. “Forgive me, but I fear I have taken on too much with this task.”
She had started the day happy, but now that one Gregory was not the right one, she wondered how many more would also not be correct.
All you need is one.
“I understand that this task seems impossible, but I am here, and we will do this together.” And Edward seemed so confident that Arabella believed him.
They could do it together, which would make it easier, but her heart was already so tied up in him that she knew it would eventually make things more difficult.
If I cannot get him to see me, to forgive me, then at least Alvin will have his love. That will have to be enough for me. For now.
And once they found this Gregory, they would have to return home to whatever normal she had tried to form without Edward. While before it had begun to feel normal, she knew now that it would be hollower than ever.
Chapter 27
The next stop was East Farleigh. In East Farleigh, they happened to find two Gregorys, both of whom were cousins.
“Ah, we’ve never had such visitors amongst us, have we Gregory?” The one dark-haired man said to the other.
They were in the village pub, having been told by the post office manager that if there was anywhere to find those men, they would be in the pub, even if it was only the early afternoon.
“No, we have not. Such fine people. And why is it you’re looking for a Gregory again?” The men were much older than Edward but not so old that Edward did not notice the one eyeing Arabella with a bit of heat and mischief in his eye.
He felt his fist clench upon the table as he sat in front of them. “My wife and I are searching for the man to ask him a few questions. Her family received an odd letter, and we wish to know why. That is all. Have either of you been to Hamfield of late or sent a letter from there?”
He looked between them, and he could see the matching glazed looks in their eyes from too much ale. The rest of them also matched: the same hair, eye colour, and smirk.
“No, we haven’t. Imagine it, Gregory: enough money to travel to Hamfield!” And then the both of them burst into loud, boisterous laughter, making Edward wish for a drink himself.
“I see then. We shall take our leave.” He stood, reaching down for Arabella’s gloved hand. She rose, and Edward watched as the men’s glazed eyes followed her movements.
Her cheeks pinked a little, and Edward wanted nothing more than to punch the both of them until they were flat on the floor.
“Good then. Look at you, lad. With a fine piece like that, you’ll be the envy of every town you visit while you search for this Gregory.” He winked at Arabella, and Edward turned away, her hand on his arm.
“I’m sorry for that, Arabella,” he said, seething with anger. “I’ve a right mind to go and hit them; let them learn their lesson.”
