Page 20 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“It’s so lovely that you are home and able to accompany us to events,” his mother said, beaming. “I think you’ll like the Thraxtons.”
“We met Miss Emma Thraxton and her cousin, Lady Arabella Farrington, on our walk this morning,” Elinor told her mother as they climbed into the carriage.
“In fact, Mama, I suggested little Master Henry Farrington might come and join Freddy for lessons. The Reverend Colbrooke is happy to tutor both boys together.”
“That’s a good idea, Elinor. It might be good for Freddy to have a friend his own age. He really doesn’t enjoy lessons.”
“That’s my thoughts exactly, Mama. I’ll tell Lady Farrington that’s settled, and they can start learning together immediately.”
She turned to her brother as they approached Horton Hall. “Mama, Robert met Lady Farrington the day he took that fall from his horse.”
Robert nodded, deciding not to comment.
“You liked Lady Arabella Farrington, didn’t you?” Elinor asked.
“Elinor, I can truly say she is the most intriguing woman I’ve ever met,” he replied.
This was absolutely the case. He felt nervous, yet excited, knowing that he would soon see Lady Farrington again. It felt different from when he had first met Rosalind, which he was beginning to realize had been more passionate desire than true affection.
Why was he comparing Lady Farrington with Rosalind? He’d had a passionate attachment to Rosalind and planned to marry her. He’d only met Lady Farrington two days before. He needed to get a grip on his emotions before he was submerged by a wave he knew he would be unable to control.
***
Guests talked in groups in the drawing room at Horton Hall. He saw Nathaniel and asked his mother to excuse him as he joined the parson in the corner.
“We meet again, my friend,” he said with a touch of humour.
“Every day this week,” responded Nathaniel. “I believe I just missed you on Sunday. Miss Thraxton and I arrived on the scene immediately after you’d ridden off.”
“I’m just relieved my horse didn’t career into the boy. It was a close-run thing. He seems a nice little boy, curious about everything.”
“Indeed. I’m looking forward to teaching him alongside Freddy. I think Freddy will help Henry enjoy life and play games, and Henry will help nudge Freddy into learning a little.”
“I was the same at Freddy’s age. I enjoyed my time at Cambridge, but I’m no scholar.”
Robert spoke in a hushed voice, confident no one could overhear them. “And the boy's father is no longer with us?”
“No alas, he died of the morbid sore throat almost two years ago. I gather it was sudden, and he was gone in a matter of hours.”
“That poor family,” Robert whispered, barely audible.
“Such a tragedy for the family. I can’t discuss it here, but I have reason to believe that life has been harsh to Lady Farrington. I hope they have found their safe harbour here at Horton Hall, in our little community.”
At that moment, Lady Farrington and Miss Thraxton entered the room together. He tried to look elsewhere, but his eyes were drawn to her, standing in the doorway, greeting her aunt and his mama.
Her pearly grey gown was subtle but complemented her jet-black hair and green eyes perfectly. How unusual for anevening gown to be made of diaphanous grey silk, which swirled around her as she moved into the room.
This was a very different, elegant lady of the ton, and he knew he would have been drawn to speak with her if he had met her in Almack’s Assembly rooms or a soirée in Mayfair. Lady Arabella Farrington took his breath away.
Had she noticed him talking with Nathaniel in the far corner of the large room? Standing with Arabella, Emma took her arm and propelled her in their direction. His companion looked more than happy to see the lovely Miss Thraxton.
Robert bowed at the two ladies and then found himself talking with Lady Farrington while the Reverend Colbrooke and Miss Thraxton discussed their day.
What could he say? He felt tongue-tied, but he couldn’t stand there speechless.
“I hear that Henry will be taking lessons with Freddy. The Reverend Colbrooke says he is looking forward to teaching the boys together,” he finally spoke.
“It will be good for Henry to have someone to guide his learning. I can’t keep up with him.”
