Page 81 of A Duke's Lustful Portrait
She took his arm, and they resumed walking around the side of the house to where the medicinal garden was. The air filled with the fresh scent of mint leaves, and Arabella inhaled deeply.
“I admitted to all my crimes, as I promised I would.”
They continued, past the herb garden with the dill, thyme, and chives, past the kitchen gardens with salads, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
“And?” she asked eventually. “Honestly, Sebastian, you are infuriating today! I was a fool to think we would have a pleasant afternoon, like normal people do.”
He laughed again. “But you’re so beautiful when you’re annoyed. It’s difficultnotto tease you.”
“What happened?” she asked again, this time in a stern tone that told him to answer or else.
“I have been pardoned of all my crimes in return for telling them all I know about the Lord’s Society and those who partook. I handed over every scrap of evidence I had gathered. I would have done so regardless, of course, but they were so grateful that they said I—”
Sebastian was interrupted by Arabella’s squeal of delight. She turned and threw her arms around him, pulling him close.
“Thank goodness,” she said into the crook of his neck, burying her face there. “I thought I was going to lose you all over again. Oh, thank you, thank you.”
Surprised, he put his arms around her waist and allowed her to embrace him for as long as she needed. Finally, she let go, dropping down onto her heels.
“Are you relieved?” she asked, her hands still on his arms.
“Of course I am, but I’m most pleased that I don’t have to leave you. I don’t think I could have borne it, seeing you marry another.”
They continued walking around the corner and towards the open fields.
“I never would have. You are the only man I love, Sebastian, and the only man I ever will. And I have enough wealth for both of us. The constable assures me that, with my father imprisoned and no other relatives, my grandmother and I will be the sole beneficiaries of the estate. As he is incarcerated, he will have no control over it either.”
“A wealthy woman! You must be careful, Arabella, or you’ll have every bachelor in England knocking on your door.”
She shook her head firmly. “No. Title or no title, Sebastian, I shall never love another.”
“Ah yes, about that.” He cleared his throat, and she tilted her head up to him. “You wanted to know about my allowance.”
“I had almost forgotten! Yes, tell me about that.”
“Everything I told you about my relationship with the Duke of Ravenswood was true. Though we have only known each other for a number of years, he became like a father to me—and I know he feels the same.”
“He does?” she asked. “I mean, he did?”
Sebastian nodded. “He’s not dead, Arabella. He’s merely travelling, hence the monthly allowance. And he has legally named me heir to the Ravenswood duchy. When he dies—which I do hope will not be for many years—I will inherit his entire wealth, estate, businesses and investments, and, of course, his title. I am to become the Duke of Ravenswood, Arabella, truly, honestly, and through respectable means.”
Arabella remained silent for a long moment, allowing the information to sink in. She couldn’t quite believe it. Her handsome duke turned out to be exactly what he said he was, but it bothered her that he hadn’t told her before.
“Is there anything else you haven’t told me?” she said in a soft, quiet voice.
“I needed to make sure I wasn’t going to prison before I announced it. I didn’t want to keep anything from you, Arabella, but I couldn’t risk damaging Hector’s reputation more than I already had. I hope you understand.”
She nodded. She did understand that. It was another example of his loving nature. Obviously, he cared greatly for the old duke, and she appreciated his trying to protect him.
They crossed the field, and just beyond the fence, there the donkey stood. He tilted his head as they approached, looking directly at them.
“You see,” she said. “I told you he was adorable.”
“You were right, as always.”
She let go of Sebastian’s arm and walked to the fence, reaching over to smooth the donkey’s nose. “Good afternoon, little donkey. What’s your name? I think we should call you Anthony.”
“Anthony! That’s the perfect name.” Sebastian reached over the fence, too, stroking the other side of Anthony’s nose. “Actually, Arabella, there is justonemore thing, but then I promise with all my heart that it is the last.”
