Page 74 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
Arabella felt a little conflicted. She’d wondered whether Emma might regret not spreading her wings in society for a season. Yet Emma seemed absolutely sure that she didn’t want to wait. The sadness was that Nathaniel’s thoughtful consideration had caused this rift between them.
I hope it can heal. There is such vibrancy and happiness when they are together. That phrase ‘made for each other’ seems to have been written for Emma and her Nathaniel.
“You’ll see him this evening at the castle. There are very few guests; I believe it is just us and the Montburys. You might get a chance to talk to him,” Arabella suggested.
“I’m not sure I’ll go this evening. I might cry off,” replied Emma, tearfully.
“I could understand that. Sometimes a little distance and time to think helps,” responded Arabella.
“What should I do? You’ve been married,” asked Emma, looking at Arabella.
“I’m not the one to ask because I lost Edward and have missed him every day since. Those years we had were so precious, and I treasure my memories of every moment. Would I have waited? It’s hard to know, as I met Edward during my first season in town.”
Arabella paused, wondering what to say next. “I can only say that I have learned that love is more important than anything. My love for Henry gives me the power to fight his co-guardian who wants to take him away from me. The love I feel for you, Uncle Joseph and Aunt Grace is very special. I loved Edward, but his loss almost destroyed me. I hope to love again. I didn’t used to think that possible, but now, I think there is a chance of that.”
She paused again but could see Emma was listening to every word. “I do believe Nathaniel acted out of love for you and concern that by marrying you, he might deprive you of balls, recitals, and nights at the opera. He doesn’t want to marry before you have had a chance to, er, how shall I put this, meet other gentlemen.”
“I’ve thought about this a lot,” said Emma, with a maturity that surprised Arabella. “I’ve been to balls in Harrogate and York. Mama has made sure I have experience in society. As soon as I met Nathaniel, I knew it felt different. There is an excitement, Bella, and when I’m not with him, I’m wondering what he’s doing and long to see his face again.”
“Love,” said Arabella, “that’s being in love.” Arabella took Emma’s arm as they walked along. “Smell those summer flowers, that fragrance of newly mown hay and roses. There is so much to be grateful for in life.” She picked some daisies from the side of the path and handed them to Emma. “You will know what to do. The answer is always there in our hearts.”
***
At Horton Hall, they were met by an excited Tabitha racing towards them.
Arabella once again felt conflicted, experiencing happiness for her friend and maid and a stab of apprehension athow she would manage without Tabitha, who had been with her since Henry’s birth.
“Judd’s been offered a position at Castle Montbury as lake keeper,” Tabitha told Arabella joyfully.
“I know,” said Arabella, smiling widely. “The duke told us about it. I’m so glad for you, Tabitha, and for Judd.”
“A cottage on the hill above the lake goes with the position. Oh, Your Ladyship, it’s a dream come true. We can be married, and I never thought we’d be able to, not for many years.”
“It’s wonderful,” agreed Arabella, “and I’ve seen the outside of that cottage. It’s a lovely place to live.”
“And it isn’t far from Horton Hall. I can be here in a jiffy,” added Tabitha.
“Well …” started Arabella uncertainly.
“I’ve thought about this and talked to Judd. I can easily come over during the day. If Lady Thraxton is happy with the idea, then I shall train Lettie Pashley to be a junior nurserymaid, and she can sleep in the nursery.”
Arabella felt a wave of relief. Tabitha, her wonderful friend and irreplaceable nursery maid, had already thought of an excellent solution.
“Judd said, and you might not want this as Master Henry is really Lord Farrington, but there are three bedrooms in the cottage, and we’d be delighted to have him stay with us sometimes.”
Arabella felt overcome with gratitude and remembered what she had said earlier to Emma about love. Tabitha had stood by her through the dark days of grief and now the fear of Christopher Farrington. They had a strong bond, and her heart went out to Tabitha.
“We must go to Mrs Cribbage’s and arrange a dress for your wedding. It shall be my gift to you,” Arabella told her.
Now, it was Tabitha’s turn for tears, which welled up in her eyes.
Emma, looking on throughout this exchange, produced two clean lace-edged handkerchiefs and handed one to Arabella and one to Tabitha. “Next time we’re in the haberdashery shop, remind me to purchase more handkerchiefs,” Elinor said, and all three broke into peals of laughter.
As Tabitha went back to the house, Emma looked thoughtful. “I’m envious of her happiness,” she said. “I know I shouldn’t be jealous, but I do feel a little pang. I thought I would be announcing my own engagement.”
“Oh, Emma. It will still happen. You need to talk with Nathaniel and tell him how you feel. I often find it helpful to be quite organized and present my points clearly when presenting an argument. And, in effect, that’s what you will be doing,” said Arabella.
“My head hurts,” said Emma. “Why has love got to be so complicated?”
