Page 47 of An Earl's Scandalous Return
And yet, Arabella looked happier than she ever had. She did not have a bad bone in her body. Why then had she betrayed him? A small voice inside him began to poke and prod with something that he’d been thinking about for a few days.
She must have had a good reason. She would not have done such a thing just for the sake of being cruel.
And yet he wished he knew what that reason was, but he was growing impatient. He was desperate to be with her, to be close to her. The days since their arrival at his aunt’s house had kept them more separate than he liked, and whenever he woke up in the morning, he missed the feel of her warm body against his and her lily scent.
He rode often and for long hours and tried his best to read and think of Gregory’s situation with the authorities, but he could not distract himself from just how completely he wanted her.
On the evening of the third day, Edward was given a letter from the magistrate that he’d been waiting for. He opened it quickly and scanned its contents. His shoulders sank with relief.
The magistrate was looking into the situation, and they’d taken Gregory in. He was to be put on trial after finding there to be some truth to the story. The trial, however, would take place in London since the kidnapping had occurred there, and it had involved a peer of the realm.
Feeling vindicated, he stood from his seat and folded the letter, shoving it into his waistcoat pocket. He wanted to rush outside to look up at the stars and feel the great weight lifted from his shoulders.
Now, Seraphina could be safe. There was still the great fear of scandal, for if the trial were to be made public, it would drag their names out into the open, but at least, the man was no longer dangerous to them. Seraphina could start her new life, and Arabella could be happy with her sister at her side.
She’d sent word to Alvin as soon as they’d arrived at the estate, letting him know all that had happened. Edward wouldn’t be surprised if Alvin showed up to join in the family merriment.
He could almost see them all in London again, back to the way things were before, enjoying life, partaking in the Season, and perhaps even being friends. He left his study and was headed down the hall, eager to get out of doors for a breath of fresh air, when he turned a corner and bumped right into someone.
“Forgive me,” he said, catching the woman’s candle before it fell to the ground to singe the carpet.
And then he smelled her: lilies. He looked to see Arabella staring back at him with wide eyes, her nightrobe wrapped around her. And for some reason that he couldn’t yet name, he knew that that night would change everything.
Chapter 51
“Oh, I didn’t realise you were still awake. So late,” Arabella whispered, her heart beating a fluttering rhythm in her chest.
It felt like she hadn’t seen Edward in three days, and it was strange, having spent so much time together, even sleeping in the same bed for days beforehand. Now that they were close again, she could smell his scent, and she wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around him and kiss him.
But perhaps things were different now. He had been supportive of her situation with Seraphina, but how would he feel if scandal came to light upon their return to London? After all that had happened, would he still be there in her life or disappear like a puff of smoke without ever allowing them to clear the air.
She swallowed, nervous as he handled her candle back to her. Slowly, he removed a letter from his pocket and waved it in the air. “I’ve had word from the authorities.”
But then, he frowned, and looking left and right, he whispered, “Come with me. I do not wish us to be heard.”
Without saying a word, she followed him, his hand gripping hers warmly, and she couldn’t help feeling that something was going to happen, something big. It made her skin tingle all over with anticipation and hope. Would they finally speak of the past? Would she finally get to touch him again, to tell him just how much she loved him and wanted him as she ever had?
To her surprise, he pulled her into a room and shut the door. The fire was lit, and she put down her candle, looking around in amazement.
“This is your room,” she said.
He nodded, leaning back against the door for a moment before he removed his coat and went to pour them both a drink.
“Wine?” he asked, and she nodded, still unable to say much.
Her nerves were on high alert as she took it from his hand and took a sip, grateful for the drink.
“So, the magistrate says that Gregory will be put on trial. It seems there were a few outstanding warrants for him in the area for some minor infractions as well. But he will be put on trial for the kidnapping since it involved a peer of the realm.” He nodded at her. “Your father. But the trial will happen in London.”
“In London,” she echoed. “Where I’m certain everyone will be very eager to hear all about the scandal.” She sighed. “I suppose that is the way it must be. At least Seraphina is safe, and Gregory has been dealt with.”
He nodded before finishing the whole of his wine in one gulp and putting it down. He said nothing else, only stared at her. But his look held so much in it, and she stared right back at him, answering his silent question.
When would he have the courage to speak of everything? When could they finally put it behind them and move forward?
“We haven’t been alone in some time,” he said, taking a step forward.
Her hands had begun to shake, and she was just about to put down her wine glass when he took it from her, his fingers rough against her smooth skin. He looked away for a moment, only so that he could put down the glass.
