Page 51 of An Earl's Scandalous Return
She held tightly to Seraphina’s arm, drawing her up to her brother, and then she said, “Brother, meet our new sister, Seraphina.”
“Seraphina,” Alvin said, his eyes light and merry. “What a beautiful name. You and Arabella look nearly identical; I would have known you were sisters right away.” Then he embraced her tightly, and Arabella had to wipe a stray tear from her eye.
We are to be a family. I do not need Edward.
She greeted the Duke of Vanier warmly as well, and knowing that all their scandal would be revealed to those outside the family, Arabella wasn’t worried. The duke was happy to see her as well as his sister.
Once they were all settled in the main sitting room, Arabella was waiting to hear the story of Jacinda and her brother, and then she saw Edward walk in. Her heart skipped a beat, foolishly hoping, but he hardly looked at her, greeting Alvin and Jacinda instead, as well as his father. She wondered then at his excuse of departure. It seemed that the Duke of Vanier was very hale and hearty.
“Ah, I see you have not had to rush off as you claimed,” Arabella said sharply, staring at Edward angrily, surprised at how the words had simply rushed out of her.
He glanced at her only briefly. “Yes, I thought to remain while my father surprised us here for a visit.”
Alvin looked at her oddly, but she said nothing more, only sat and seethed. She knew now was not the time to settle their differences.I wonder why Edward did not leave yet. But I do not care. He has lied and used me, and he can barely bring himself to look at me. I do hope he is feeling rather guilty for what he’s done.
Once tea arrived, and they were all settled, Alvin and Jacinda began their tale.
“I told him I did not care, so we have courted scandal to arrive here. But my father is going to host a wedding for us in London. The scandal will be removed, and I’m certain that something else soon enough will take its place.”
She looked proud and happy to be Lady Montrose, and Arabella was glad to have even another sister and have it be the one his brother had truly wanted.
“Scandal? I love it,” Aunt Sophia said, her eyes flashing. “I needed a bit of interest in my life, so you must feel free to share whatever you wish. You do not have to worry about me or my brother. We are the souls of discretion, are we not, brother?”
“Of course we are, Sophia,” the duke said, patting her hand warmly.
But he did look a little worried about something, and Arabella wondered if it had to do with the fact that she and Edward were there together. But Arabella was happy to see just how well Alvin had taken to Seraphina, and they sat next to one another, Jacinda on the other side, talking quietly.
Arabella glanced at Edward, but he was looking away, talking to his father and aunt. She busied herself with pouring the tea while Seraphina was asked to share her story.
Everyone drank, ate, and listened, revealing all felt good. Arabella might have been embarrassed that Lady Sophia and the duke were there to listen in on their scandal, but they were so kind and listened so intently that she didn’t care. It felt like relief to have the burden lifted from her shoulders. They no longer needed to hide in secret, for Alvin and Jacinda had taken control into their own hands, ready to fight against any scandal.
“Incredible,” Alvin said. “My dear sister, I am so sorry you had to endure such a thing. And this Gregory?”
“Will be going on trial in London soon. I have had word,” Edward supplied.
“Excellent.” Alvin nodded. “There will be scandal, surely. Perhaps the Duke of Gloucester can help us to keep Father’s name out of the gossips’ mouths. Or we could hire a solicitor to assist us?”
“I don’t know how it could be possible, but at least Seraphina is safe,” Edward said, still not looking at Arabella.
“Of course,” Alvin said, glancing at Jacinda. “It seems we are full of scandal in this family.” He laughed. “You must forgive us, Your Graces, for you have now heard all.”
Then, the Duke of Vanier cleared his throat and sat a bit taller. “I believe it is time that I speak about something important. And I have kept the secret for far too long, but now that things have come to light, it is time that I share all.”
Arabella’s breath caught as she stared at the paling man. Everyone’s eyes were on him as he fought to find the words.
Alvin, looking grim, said, “Do tell, Your Grace. I am ready to hear about my father, regardless of the truth.”
Chapter 56
Edward’s stomach lurched with discomfort. He’d been preparing to leave for London when his father had surprisingly arrived as well as Alvin and Lady Jacinda. He knew that he couldn’t leave, for he wouldn’t be able to get across a proper excuse, especially since he’d lied to Arabella about his reason for leaving. His father, having travelled there well enough, was evidence to the contrary that he had fallen ill yet again.
And sitting with everyone in the room over tea, with Arabella there, glancing at him occasionally, Edward felt guilty. The guilt burned in his belly, but he repeatedly tried to tell himself that he was justified. He was protecting himself, and this was the only way to do it.
But as soon as his father spoke about a matter of truth that he needed to reveal, he hoped that perhaps everything could be placed out in the open and dealt with. He watched nervously as his father looked pale while he began to speak. He wanted to encourage him to rest, not to overdo it, but he also craved the truth.
“There is so much that I regret in this life, my friends, and it is now time that I unburden myself, especially since the young babe who had been borne of your father is now in being.”
He folded his hands on his lap, and Edward couldn’t take his eyes off him as he continued, “Dear Alvin and Arabella, your father and I were dear friends for many years. Even now, I miss his presence, and I feel that we might have been such a balm to one another in our old age if only we had not been so stubborn.”
