Page 49 of An Earl's Scandalous Return
Chapter 53
Edward could see everything in Arabella’s eyes before he moved off her body to her side. He had never felt such satisfaction before, but it was followed right after by anxiety and insecurity, and he could not stop it as it took over his heart.
He thought she had been about to say something, but as her eyes had searched his, she closed her mouth. There would be no declarations of love that evening. And even if his heart was full of it, the fear of what had already happened kept him from speaking. He grabbed his shirt from the floor and cleaned her belly before laying back again.
The betrayal had still happened all those years ago for a reason he could not fathom. He could see affection in her eyes, but he had seen it before, too. Who was to say it would not happen again? He could pour out his heart once more, ask her to marry him, and then she could reject him as coldly and silently as she had done four years ago.
No. I will not let that happen again.
His mind raced back to that moment when he had waited under their tree, waiting for her to come to him to go to the church to marry. He knew their fathers hated one another and that there was some disagreement, but he didn’t care. Arabella was perfect and perfect for him. Why should he let his father get in the way of his true happiness?
She’d agreed to marry him, tears in her eyes as she’d accepted his proposal with a kiss. They had made such plans together for their future, those plans in his mind as he’d waited for her in the darkness of the night, glancing up at the stars above.
It had been a place of such joy for them that he thought it perfect to meet that night so they could go to Gretna Green. He had obtained a special license, and the carriage was ready, and all he needed to do was wait.
But the hours ticked by, and she never came. A candle was lit in her window, and he knew that she would not have fallen asleep for she had been excited at the prospect of marriage, but then where was she?
When dawn began to creep over the horizon, Edward left, his heart broken and his mind angry. Why had she left him standing there without a note to comfort or explain?
He had made plans to leave for the Continent that very day, and then he had gone, fleeing the hurt, betrayal, and everything that had gone with it. Arabella clearly had rejected him, perhaps never even loved him, and he could not bear another heartbreak like that again.
He slowly rose from the bed and, getting out of it, began to dress silently.
“Edward? What is it?” she asked, sitting up on her elbows and looking very well-loved.
His heart ached at the beautiful naked sight of her. She was the most beautiful woman in the world, and she held his heart in her hand. With difficulty, he tore his gaze away, and he finished dressing.
“I must go. You should return to your room before someone finds out, Arabella. But I am making plans to leave for London sooner than expected. As you know, my father has been ill.”
“Oh, has there been bad news?” She sat up as well and left the bed, putting on her chemise and robe.
“Yes,” he lied. “I should go to him, especially now that I am close enough. I am certain that Alvin will be here soon, and of course, my aunt is happy to host you. I am leaving,” he repeated, his voice cold.
“Oh.” Understanding dawned on her as she cinched her robe tight. She moved a few steps away. “I shall wish you safe travels, then.”
And then, without another word from either of them, Arabella left the room, and Edward sank to his knees, again feeling his heart tearing.
Chapter 54
“Your father has written,” Alvin had said two days before, sitting up in bed with his new wife and bringing the letter from the nightstand to her. “I did not wish to open it until you arose, my love, but the innkeeper brought it to me early this morning. It seems he heard about our scandal.” He lifted a brow at Jacinda.
“Yes. My lady’s maid helped me by not delivering the letter until we were far enough away that he could not follow us. I wanted him to know what he has brought us to.” She lifted her chin, and Alvin leaned down to kiss her.
“You did well, my love. So, shall we open the letter?”
At her nod, he tore it open, and a little smirk flitted across his mouth. He read it aloud.
“Dear Alvin,
It seems that you have chosen without the blessing of your betrothed’s father. It is not the way of an honourable gentleman, but I see that you have forced my hand. Return to London and all will be forgiven, and a proper wedding shall be had to hide any scandal. Let us meet and put aside the past.
The Duke of Gloucester
What say you, Jacinda?” Alvin asked, grinning from ear to ear and passing her the letter. “Shall we go to have a proper wedding?”
She chuckled. “It seems that I did the right thing after all, and I will not regret a bit of it. But first, we shall go to Essex to be with your sister and your new sister. Let us let my father stew in his own regret for just a little while longer.”
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