Page 77 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“I can’t give him up,” she said hoarsely.
“You won’t need to,” said the duke and Sir Joseph in unison. Arabella looked at the duke with a tender smile to signal her thanks, which he returned
“If you will forgive my impertinence, there is another way to ensure this matter goes no further,” Mr Dawkins informed her.
“Tell me,” said Arabella. “I’ll do anything.”
“If you were to marry again, your husband would be considered co-guardian. The late Lord Farrington was very thorough in his affairs, and this is actually stipulated in his will.”
“Marry?” Arabella echoed the word.
“It is the fastest path to security. We will prevail, nevertheless, I am confident of that. However, it may take a few weeks,” Mr Dawkins replied.
“Well, I am not in a position to marry, so we must wait for the judge,” Arabella told him, wishing it was different and not daring to look at the duke.
“If it should become necessary to safeguard Henry’s future and ensure he is not removed from Lady Farrington, then I would step in and offer marriage,” came the strong, deep voice of the Duke of Montbury. “We could obtain a special licence as I am a peer and marry without delay,” he continued.
Arabella’s head whirled around in shock. She thought she was in a dream world. Had Robert just told her uncle and Mr Dawkins that he would marry her to save Henry from Mr Farrington?
She held her fingers firm against her lap as her arms began to tremble. At that moment, she knew this was what she had been dreaming about, but not like this.
He’d spoken earlier today of courting, which would give time for certainty and romance. A courtship, then a proposal, and a marriage.
She’d been so excited and happy in her heart for the first time in two years. When she’d read Christopher’s letter, all the joy had drained away. Now, she remembered that feeling of pure, wonderful love when he had spoken of courtship. Could a heart sing? She thought hers had sung out loud, proclaiming her happiness.
Now, on the same day, this mention of marriage in a very different way. This time it was very much a marriage of convenience, for a special reason. She would, of course, accept this offer, if it became necessary, but her heart felt heavy with sadness.
I need some time and space to work out how I feel about it all. My head feels like it is stuffed with cobwebs. I’m exhausted. Maybe tomorrow I’ll feel better after I’ve had some sleep.
The door flung open; no knock, just Elinor, who stood there ashen-faced.
“It’s Henry,” she cried. “We can’t find him. We think he left the boot room to go into the garden, and we can’t find him anywhere.”
A very calm voice sounded behind Elinor, and an older lady in a mob cap appeared in the doorway. It was the housekeeper, Mrs Slater. “We’ve just found this note. I thought it best to bring it to you directly.”
The duke took the note and read it in a split second before handing it to Arabella.
“It isn’t Farrington. He’s heard something and run away. We need to find him. Time is of the essence,” the duke informed the rest of the room.
He was already half out of the door, shouting instructions before the words had sunk in. Arabella half heard him telling Mr Chalston to get all the footmen searching and to send a runner to alert Mr Brown and the stable hands at the Mews. Henry had gone missing, and it was imperative that they found him.
Her eyes took in the words, the print going in and out of focus as she made herself concentrate and read what Henry had written.
Dear Mama,
I can’t go and stay with Uncle Christopher and Aunt Violet. I don’t like him. When he visited, he was mean and tried to hurt Dash.
I’m going to take Dash and find somewhere to live. I’d like to stay near Montbury so I can still see you, Uncle Joseph, Aunt Grace, Emma, Reverend Nathaniel, Freddy, Judd, Tabitha, Mickle, and the duke.
I must go and hide now. I heard Aunt Grace telling Emma that Uncle Christopher might come to take me back to Farrington Hall. She said it would only be for a short time, but I never want to stay with him. It will be easier if I go away.
Your loving son,
Henry
Viscount Farrington.
A wash of sadness, rage, and fear submerged Arabella simultaneously. She had no idea that Christopher had tried to hurt Dash. How dare he? Henry didn’t want to go to Farrington Hall, and it told her she had made the right decision to leave as he was happy here.
