Page 73 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“I’m wondering when we’ll hear an announcement?” said Elinor.
“Any day now, I think.” Arabella smiled.
Freddy and Henry raced off to join Robert, and they followed them back across the tiny island.
Robert had taken off his long leather coat, stripped down to his breeches and shirt, and looked ready to start the swimming lesson. They were soon splashing around chasing some logs of pine and cedarwood, which Robert had put in the boat ready for this first swimming lesson.
Arabella and Elinor watched as the boys chased after the logs and then clung to them, floating on the water’s surface. Neither seemed scared when their heads went under the water.
“Robert has always enjoyed being in the water. Mama used to call him her water baby,” Elinor told Arabella. “I like his ideas for the lake and this lake keeper. It shows he still has that connection with Montbury. Mama and I are hoping he’ll return here to live. He’s been in London so many years now.”
“It can be hard to be somewhere if memories haunt you there,” replied Arabella.
“It might be there is more reason for him to be at Montbury now, though,” said Elinor, looking intently at Arabella.
Arabella blushed a bright shade of pink.
“He likes you,” Elinor continued. “I can see it in how he talks to you and watches you when you’re in a room. My dear Arabella, I suspect my brother is smitten with you.”
Elinor looked at her friend and laughed. “And you like him too. I knew it. We have another romance at Castle Montbury.”
“Elinor, I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t need to say anything. Now, to save you from further blushes, I am going to suggest we walk across the island and decide where to put these clues for the treasure hunt.”
***
After they’d left the island and walked back to Horton Hall, Henry ran ahead while Emma and Arabella trailed behind.
“That was a very long boat ride to the island,” said Arabella, not wanting to pry but knowing something was troubling Emma.
“Perhaps the longest ever from the lakeshore to the Island of Avalon,” Emma said sombrely.
“Something is wrong, Emma. You’ve been glowing every time you see Nathaniel, and this time, it’s different. I knew as soon as you got off that boat on the island.”
“We talked, and he told me he loves me,” confessed Emma.
“I’m not surprised. Every time he looks at you or talks about you, it is clear that he admires you very much.”
“And I him. Oh, Arabella, I love Nathaniel.”
“That’s very special and nothing to be so glum about. Did he propose?” asked Arabella.
“Yes and no,” came the reply.
“You’re going to have to tell me all,” said Arabella gently. “Look, Henry is a long way ahead, and we can talk for as long as you need.”
Tears began to stream down Emma’s face, and Arabella took her in her arms.
“Oh, Bella. He told me that he loved me, but he knew I hadn’t come out yet or had a season in town. He thinks we should wait until I’ve had my first season.”
“That is quite admirable of him. Many men would do the opposite,” replied Arabella, trying to reassure Emma.
“But I don’t want to go to London and dance at Almack’s. I want to marry Nathaniel and begin our life together now,” sobbed Emma.
“Did you tell him that?”
“I tried, but he was very distant and dignified and told me it would be best to wait a year.”
