Page 49 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“I see.”
“What’s more, he then informed me that he and his wife Violet would move into my home at Farrington Hall. At the same time, I began to receive letters from his solicitor, a Mr Yarborough, asking for information about various incidents where Henry had been hurt.”
Robert nodded for her to continue.
“Henry is, as you’ve seen, an adventurous boy. He’s curious about the world and probably gets into more scrapes than the average boy his age. I began to suspect that Christopher Farrington had paid informants in my household. I knew it would be intolerable to live in the same household with him and that I would no doubt be proved an unfit mother within days. So, my mother’s cousin, Lady Grace Thraxton, offered us a home here.”
She paused, and he saw the tears streaming down her face as she told the story. He reached out and covered her hand with his.
“We escaped from my own home under cover of darkness. I knew Christopher would find us, but I wanted to put some distance between us.”
“You’re happy here? Surely the worst is over now?” Robert said hopefully.
“If only that were the case. I’ve received regular letters from Mr Yarborough and now the court in London, asking for specific information about any escapades that Henry has been involved in. The latest cites the incident where you took that fall from your horse. I’m seen as a negligent mother, and I’m told the court will decide in days, which will take Henry away from me.”
He pressed her hand with his, trying to give her strength and warmth.
“Anyone can see you are a perfect mother, and Henry is a very gifted and individual little boy. The allegations about what happened here are completely false.” He paused. “You think he may have spies here in the neighbourhood?”
“It’s the only explanation. Judd, my coachman, who brought me here from Farrington Hall, told me that a man had been asking questions at the Beehive Tavern and offering money for information. Most villagers would have no truck with the man, but he may have eventually found someone to take his coin.”
“You have friends here. I have influence, and so does Sir Joseph. We won’t let them take Henry away from you,” Robert reassured her, looking at her tenderly, wishing she could absorb some of his strength.
He reached out and put his hand on her arm to reinforce that this was a genuine pledge of support.
“If the court dictates that Henry must go to live with Christopher Farrington and Violet, then there will be little I can do. I could appeal, but I’m a woman, and we know that means I have few rights in legal terms,” she said in frustration.
He knew she was right but wasn’t going to agree. “Would you let me see the letters and speak with Sir Joseph about this matter?” Robert asked gently.
She nodded. “I would be grateful for any aid you can give me.”
She is being brave, but I can hear the catch in her voice.
“I am a peer of the realm, and that means something in London circles,” Robert assured her.
He helped her to her feet and gently put his hand under her chin, raising her eyes to his.
“Lady Arabella Farrington, we will face this challenge of Christopher Farrington together.”
Oh, those eyes, with that halo of dark hair. I don’t want to take my hand away from her chin.
He gently stroked his fingers across her chin, gazing intently at her.
I should say something, he thought desperately. I just don’t know what. He let his instinct take over as he spoke gently so she would not move away.
“There is something between us, something developing and growing stronger, and I don’t know where it is taking us, but I’m rather enjoying the journey. Let’s follow this pathway for now.”
He heard her gasp and felt her breath on his face. He took a finger and gently moved it down her cheek.
“It’s all a little strange,” came her reply.
I’m listening to her words, and I’ll support her all I can. It would help if I wasn’t distracted every time I look at her. I’m entranced by her face and the way she moves her body when she is angry. I know she will fight passionately to keep her son with her and that force that flows out from her.
He felt regret as he moved his hand away from her face.
Have I gone a step too far on that journey? I must work on being more restrained when we’re so close together.
What am I becoming involved in? A legal case? A courtship? he wondered in a moment of trepidation.
