Page 66 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“I’ve enjoyed it. I know it has quite lifted my spirits,” Arabella replied.
“That’s good. Now I’m going to ask for some tea and a light luncheon to be served on the terrace. While we eat we can now think of some clues for this treasure hunt.”
“I know Nathaniel and Emma have been working on some clues. I think it will take Freddy and Henry most of the day to find the treasure. They are going to have such fun,” added Arabella.
“I haven’t been to the island on the lake for many years, but I do remember it quite vividly,” Elinor said. “Jason Brown has been over there with a team, clearing some bracken and brambles.”
Arabella felt her body relax as they sat outside, waiting for lunch. The duke and his mother had taken the carriage to Harrogate, so there was no possibility of an awkward conversation. She didn’t know how she could face the duke after seeing him embracing the duchess.
Elinor’s brother, Lord Orsdale, stopped to talk, and Arabella noticed the strong family resemblance in facialfeatures. However, Lord Orsdale’s curly hair gave him a more youthful appearance.
“We’re planning a treasure hunt for the boys,” Elinor told her brother. “I’m thinking some of the adults might like to be involved. We could have a whole day event with a picnic.”
“I like the idea. If it’s before the ball, then Rosalind and I will still be here,” Lord Orsdale replied.
“It will probably be later this week or early next,” Elinor informed him.
“Excellent. There’s Rosalind, I’ll tell her.” He called to The Duchess of Wyndale, and Arabella felt her relaxed mood draining away with the stab of uneasiness she had always felt in the duchess’ presence.
I’ve always felt uncomfortable in her presence. It’s strange because I’m a gentlewoman and used to being in society, but I always feel she is looking down at me. It’s even more difficult seeing her with Lord Orsdale, while knowing she has been in his brother’s arms.
The greetings were polite enough. Arabella began asking the duchess about her gown for the ball.
“Oh, Madame Descartes arrives tomorrow. She will design and make my gown here. She may even start on mytrousseau if we are to stay here longer,” the duchess answered casually.
“I’m sure you will be the belle of the ball,” said Arabella quietly.
“Elinor, I wondered if you’d like Madame Descartes to design your gown? I’m sure she’d be happy to,” the duchess asked.
“Oh, I’ve just ordered mine this morning,” replied Elinor.
“Really? Has your mama taken your order to Harrogate?” enquired the duchess.
“Oh no, Mrs Cribbage, the dressmaker in the village will make it. I’ve chosen the design.”
“Oh, my dear, you can’t possibly be serious. Mrs Cribbage?” said the duchess, her disapproval obvious.
“Rosalind, you are more used to London society than I am, with my quiet life here in Yorkshire. Most of my gowns are made in the village,” Elinor told her.
“And you, er, Lady Farrington?” The duchess turned to Arabella.
“Oh, Mrs Cribbage’s establishment for me as well,” Arabella replied nonchalantly.
“How quaint you both are. Mrs Cribbage at the haberdashery. If you change your mind, I’m sure Madame Descartes will oblige,” the duchess said and laughed disparagingly.
She walked away, holding Lord Orsdale’s arm, laughing about Mrs Cribbage and how different things were in Yorkshire.
As soon as she had disappeared, Elinor looked at Arabella and raised her eyes to the sky. “She clearly thinks we are misguided in using Mrs Cribbage for our gowns.”
“Erm, I think the word she used was quaint. I’m confident Mrs Cribbage will work wonders with those beautiful fabrics.”
“She always has before,” said Elinor.
“Now, let’s think of another clue for the treasure hunt,” continued Elinor. “Then I’m going to ask that you be taken home in the gig. You haven’t been well, and Lady Thraxton is right when she says that you need to look after yourself, as well as everyone else.”
If truth be told, Arabella did feel a little out of sorts. Whenever she spoke with The Duchess of Wyndale, she felt asthough the energy had been sucked out of her. “I do feel a little tired today,” she replied. “The blue-devil has beset me for several days. The headache has gone, but my mood is a little low.”
Elinor laughed. “I don’t think you’ve met our nanny yet. She looked after the three of us and tends to keep upstairs in the nursery these days. I’ve taken on a nursery maid to do the running around with Freddy, but Nanny or Nurse as she prefers to be called, will always be the one in charge.
