Page 50 of An Earl's Scandalous Return
Arabella did not sleep the rest of the night, and by the time dawn was streaming through the window, she was still awake and sitting up in bed, her hands over her belly.
He left. I allowed him to make love to me, and then he left me behind, looking coldly as if he never felt anything for me.
Her mind couldn’t seem to grasp the reality of it, but she knew by the way of her broken heart that it was true. Edward was gone, and they were separated again by anger, hurt, and betrayal.
Only this time, he seemed to change in a moment, as if he was getting his revenge on her for her past mistake. Arabella felt tears streaming down her face as she remembered watching him from her room with her candle lit, seeing the hopeful look on his face as he’d awaited her that night. But she couldn’t go down to him.
She knew that she had promised and, indeed, wanted to marry him, but how did he not understand that it would change everything if they wed without their father’s permission?
She had no idea what had caused such a feud between the men, for they both refused to share, but she couldn’t live with herself if she married someone her father disapproved of. She had always dreamed of her wedding being a happy time, two families joining one another in happiness.
But he’d not understood. They’d fought about it, but Edward couldn’t understand why their fathers should interfere with their happiness. He had told her that it didn’t matter, that it only mattered if she loved him as he did her. And so, as she’d sat up in that room, watching him, her heart broke for his disappointment.
In her thoughts, she believed, however, that he would come to her on the morrow, asking about it, and she would explain everything.
She only had to work a little harder to solve their problems, and her father would understand that it was necessary for him and the Duke of Vanier to make amends for their children’s sake. She’d told Edward she believed that a reconciliation was close.
But then he’d gone, leaving the country, leaving her life, and Arabella had never felt such pain or regret. He had not left an address with his father, and so Arabella could not even write to him to explain, to apologise, that he should come back so that they could wed.
In the present, Arabella wiped a tear from her cheek. No doubt, this was his way of revenge, and she believed that she deserved it. She would be able to move on well enough. She had done it for four years already, had she not?
Chapter 55
Arabella dressed and went downstairs to breakfast, eager to be done with thoughts of Edward and to begin that very day to move on forever, pushing him out of her heart.
If he was going to behave coldly, then she could as well, could she not? She’d given herself to him, hoping that would open up the discussion between them, but instead, it had driven him away.
Yet again.
She was heartbroken, but more than that, she was furious with the man. Why did he have to run away every time they got even close to discussing the past? It had been four years, and they’d both grown in maturity over that time. Or at least she’d thought.
The house felt empty now, knowing that he had gone, but Arabella smiled as she descended to see Seraphina waiting for her at the base of the stairs. Seraphina looked lovely.
The dressmaker had already brought some gowns for her and adjusted the fitting, but many more were on their way. Seraphina’s lovely hair was curled and pinned, and she wore a new gold necklace, a gift from Edward’s aunt to celebrate her change in fortune.
“You know you do not have to wait for me to go into breakfast,” Arabella said kindly, taking her sister’s arm. “You look lovely.”
“Oh, but I wish to. I still do not know how to be or behave, but it feels better when you are with me.”
Arabella beamed. All would be well soon enough. She just needed to believe it, and it could one day be true.
“You have already learned so much from Edward’s aunt and are progressing so well. Soon, you will be at a ball once we learn the steps, and I know that all London’s suitors’ eyes will be turned your way, dear sister.”
Seraphina’s eyes widened with fear, making Arabella laugh as they entered the breakfast room. “You will be with me then, yes?”
“Of course.” They greeted Lady Sophia, and they ate, and Arabella thought about all they had accomplished.
Seraphina had taken to her newfound learning with alacrity and ease. It would take time, for Arabella was adamant that she was also to be schooled by a tutor just as she had been.
But Aunt Sophia was helping to take care of Seraphina’s learning in the refinements, and it was going along nicely. Seraphina seemed eager to please as well as to glean as much knowledge as she could. Arabella was satisfied when she saw just how overjoyed Seraphina had been at the prospect of a tutor.
A servant entered the room. “Your Grace, there are guests here to see you. A Lord and Lady Montrose as well as your brother.”
Arabella smiled, and Aunt Sophia clapped. “Wonderful! Do send them in once they have been settled, and we would like tea served in the sitting room.”
“Very good, Your Grace.” The servant left with a bow.
Arabella squeezed Seraphina’s hand under the table in encouragement, and once all the people entered the breakfast room, it was full of laughter, embracing, and joy. Arabella could see the light in her brother’s eyes again, as well as Jacinda’s, and even though she was surprised by what they’d done, she was not displeased. Also, it brought tears to her eyes when she introduced Alvin to Seraphina.
