Page 81 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“Here’s her ladyship now,” said Nanny as Arabella entered the room where Henry sat up in bed, looking a picture of positive health.
“Mama,” he called, “Dr Alwood says I’m fine, and it would be a good idea if I learned to swim. I need to get back in the water.”
“That’s quite correct, young man; you can splash about and get confident in the water,” said the doctor, coming to the door, the duke beside him, to speak in the corridor with Arabella. “He’s well; rest assured there is nothing toworry about. Nanny will keep watch and call me should his temperature rise in the next few hours.
“And yes, teach him and Master Freddy to swim as soon as possible. It will use up some of the exuberant energy as well,” he said as he looked at Arabella, kindness in his face. “You have a remarkable little boy. He could tell me the names of all the bones in the arm and the fingers. I see him at medical school,” he said, laughing.
Arabella went to say goodnight to Henry and Freddy, knowing it would not be long before she fell asleep herself.
Chapter 23
Henry was uninjured after falling into the water. For a while, Robert had despaired, as he looked at the unconscious body lying on the grass. The boy had clung so bravely to that willow branch and only slipped underwater in the last few seconds.
So close to death and the fragility of life. Well, he could help by teaching his nephew and Henry to swim, starting tomorrow.
The doctor had finished his checks when Arabella arrived in the nursery. He, too, had asked for a demonstration of the lifesaving technique, and Robert had decided all his estate workers should learn how to revive someone who had fallen in the water.
As the doctor left, Robert suggested they went to talk in his study, but only if she felt strong enough. Every time he saw Arabella, he wanted to draw her into his arms and share some of his strength. He noticed the dark circles under her eyes and knew she must be exhausted.
Once they were seated, she looked at him with her alluring eyes and thanked him for saving Henry.
“It wasn’t just me. Elinor’s nursing efficiency made a difference. I happened to know a technique for reviving people after they become distressed in the water.” He smiled. “I shall follow the doctor’s orders and begin more swimming lessons tomorrow.”
“He loves that lake, so he needs to learn to swim. Freddy, too,” Arabella agreed. He reached for her hand and was a little surprised when he felt her almost pull away.
He couldn’t tell what it was precisely, but something had changed. He sensed a distance, a reticence in her manner. Was it to do with Rosalind? He felt sure she had believed him about that incident on the moorland path.
But there was definitely an invisible barrier between them this evening. Perhaps it was the shock of Henry disappearing.
“You must get some rest,” he told Arabella gently, trying to find that connection again.
“I fell asleep in the tub in a hot mustard bath,” she told him, a trace of humour in her voice. “I suspect I may sleep forever.”
“There is a matter I’d like to talk about, but it can wait till tomorrow,” Robert said.
“No, no, I feel quite refreshed after a bath with your nanny’s concoction of herbs,” answered Arabella.
He waited a few seconds, wondering how to choose his words, knowing it was never easy when love was involved. “I was thinking about what Mr Dawkins said earlier. It seems so long ago, now, but it was just this evening.”
“He seems very thorough. I trust his judgement,” she said, waiting expectantly.
“If it will give Henry security, then I’ve been thinking. I believe we should proceed with our courtship and announce our engagement immediately. That way, you have an immediate connection to me and my family,” Robert said quietly.
He saw how her eyes widened as she stared at him open-mouthed. She didn’t speak.
“You heard what Mr Dawkins said about marriage and the protection it could give,” he added quickly.
“He did say that. And I never thanked you for the offer you made just before we got the news about Henry running away.” She looked around the room, holding her hands tightly together in her lap. “It was very kind of you.”
She didn’t make eye contact with him, and he felt again that there was a barrier between them, which hadn’t been there this morning. She hadn’t responded to his suggestion of an immediate engagement and seemed to be holding herself rigidly in the chair.
He’d chosen the wrong moment. He’d hoped that knowing he was happy to announce an engagement would have reassured her.
I know this isn’t how I’d have planned a proposal and engagement. I know that would have happened in a few weeks’ time. It makes sense to bring this forward and take away the worry about Christopher’s legal challenge.
Once the idea came to me, I knew it was right. I’m glad to announce an engagement sooner.
Yet he knew Arabella didn’t seem overjoyed at his suggestion. That was understandable, but something was wrong here. Had he misread her wishes somehow?
