Page 72 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“Memories spent on this island are some of my best ever. A place where I could escape from the constraints of society. I wonder why I stopped coming over here. It must be ten years since I rowed over just to sit and look at the view.”
“A place where you can be alone, without adults directing you all the time, is going to be a special place to grow up,” agreed Arabella. “I’m glad Henry has this lake and island in his life.”
Without thinking, he took her hand, which had been almost touching his, and traced a pattern across her palm. He heard a whisper of a sigh as she felt the gentle movement of his hand on hers.
They were almost alone. The boys and Elinor were busy on the other side of the island, and the Avalon was still nowhere near shore.
He saw her eyes widen a little as she responded to his touch. He felt a pang of excitement and hope when she did not take her hand away.
She believes me about Rosalind, he thought with relief. We’re back to that comfortable, special place we had before.
“Forgive me,” he said, taking his hand away. “It seemed such a perfect moment. The sparkling water, the memories, and you standing here next to me. I feel this compulsion to take your hand whenever we are together.”
“It is not unwelcome,” she said, turning to look at him. “I know there is something between us. I’d never expected tofeel close to anyone again. It’s very difficult to find the words to explain,” she said hesitantly.
“My dear Lady Arabella Farrington, we are courting, I believe. I shan’t make an announcement, but our friends and families will surely notice our closeness.”
He held her gaze for several seconds, his heart beating more rapidly, a flow of strong love circulating through his body. He took her hand in his and raised her fingers to his mouth, his lips brushing the top of her hand, relaxing into the warmth of this moment.
Arabella met his gaze, and he knew she felt the same strong thread pulling them together. His heart almost melted as her eyes met his, and he heard her soft voice.
“I’d be happy with that.” She smiled as he took her hand in his and raised it to his lips again.
He stood next to her, so close he could hear her breath, as they stared at the lake. He needed to remember this moment and add it to those special memories they had been talking about a few minutes ago.
He forced himself to talk about an everyday topic; his heart was gladdened by knowing that Arabella welcomed his attention and had given him the benefit of the doubt about Rosalind.
“The island is a surprisingly good place for swimming, too. The water is quite shallow in this part of the lake. I thought the boys might like a swimming lesson, so I’ve come prepared.”
“I’m sure they would love to. The weather is so hot they dry off quickly in the sun.” She turned to call Elinor and the boys to come over.
“I forgot to say, and it is a shame to mention it in such a lovely setting, but my solicitor is riding over from Harrogate today, and I’ve sent a note over asking that you and Sir Joseph join us for a meeting. My mother has invited your family and the Reverend Colbrooke to supper.”
“I can’t say I enjoy legal meetings,” admitted Arabella. “But I welcome the support.”
“It’s quieter at the castle with the houseguests going to Harrogate spa for an overnight stay,” Robert told her.
“I’m glad. I’m not sure I could come out of the meeting and be sparkling in conversation. I shall go and find Freddy and Henry.”
Chapter 22
Periwinkle blue shades,
Sheltering in forest glades,
Deep, deepening darkening days,
Stay, stay, finally fading
Brighten my heart, Lighten in loving
Lady Arabella Farrington
Arabella’s heart sang, and she almost skipped across the island to find Elinor. She wondered if she had imagined her conversation with Robert, but she remembered every word. She knew they had taken a step forward, and the way she saw the world seemed just a little different.
She saw Elinor and waved. Her friend had her skirts lifted and was wading in the water at the edge of a tiny beach. “I haven’t done this for many years,” Elinor called. “And here I am, causing a scandal and showing my ankles. It’s a good job the Reverend Colbrooke hasn’t arrived yet.”
“I suspect Nathaniel has either got lost or is circling around the island another time,” suggested Arabella.
