Page 83 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“But Dawkins even suggested that if Arabella were married, the legal case would disappear,” replied Robert, trying to defend himself.
“I’m sure he did, and that’s all correct. The trouble is, it sounds like you proposed a marriage of convenience,” Elinor told him.
“Oh, Elinor,” said Robert. “I’m not sure that I even proposed at all. I just told Arabella it would be good to announce our engagement now.”
“Robert, you are a complete nincompoop,” she said, throwing one of the stuffed cushions at him. “You do love her?”
“Yes, I would have asked her to marry me in a few weeks. I see this as bringing it forward.”
“You see it that way, but does she? If Farrington wasn’t threatening to take Henry away, then I know you would have proposed very differently.”
“I would. You’re right,” Robert agreed.
“You had that appalling experience with Rosalind some years ago, and Arabella lost a husband whom she loved very much. Neither of you were going to jump into an engagement without being sure of each other. Can you see the problem?” Elinor asked.
“She thinks I proposed to safeguard Henry and not because I love her,” Robert replied, knowing Elinor was right, and he had been blind to the effect of such a clumsy proposal.
“Exactly. You’re going to have to put it right, and I know she loves you, so I’m sure you can. Now, let’s go and find supper. Then you can tell Mama your news.”
***
Robert had a busy schedule of meetings from breakfast through to nuncheon. He quickly completed his business with Jason Brown, confirming the appointment of Judd Stephenson as lake keeper.
Then he met Mr Dawkins, who expressed concern about Henry’s recovery.
“Oh, he’s fine. Already back at lessons, and a swimming lesson planned for this afternoon,” Robert happily informed him.
“I received a satchel of new documents forwarded from my office in Harrogate,” Mr Dawkins told Robert. “And there is definite proof that Christopher Farrington’s letter about removing Henry is fraudulent. No doubt about it.”
“It’s good to have the evidence,” Robert said.
“The bad news is that Farrington is in the area. He stayed at the Rose and Crown in Harrogate and has yet to settle his bill. He wasn’t a popular guest.”
“I’m about to announce my engagement to Lady Arabella Farrington,” he told the solicitor.
“An engagement to a peer of the realm will make a difference in the short term. And I wish you all future happiness, Your Grace. Can I instruct the court that this is the case?”
“Absolutely, Dawkins,” confirmed Robert.
Taking mid-morning tea with his mother had been pleasant enough. She understood the reasons for announcing the engagement but echoed his sister, wishing a longer courtship had been possible.
“I like your Arabella,” his mother said. “She’s had a lot to deal with in life, yet I sense an optimistic spirit. She will suit you very well. I have lots to discuss with her, as she will be mistress of Castle Montbury, but I suspect it would overwhelm her at the moment. I shall wait a little while longer.
“I can move to the Dower House when you are married. You must discuss with Arabella and work out what she would prefer. I’m aware I can be quite a dominating character,” his mother added with a smile.
Robert almost choked on the green China tea that his mother preferred. His formidable mama clearly had insight into how people saw her.
“Once the anxiety around Henry’s guardianship has settled, I’ll invite her to get to know me. I believe she is already firm friends with Elinor. The two boys are benefitting so much from being together. I do hope Elinor stays at Montbury when Lord Colonel Rathby returns from service.”
“She is in no hurry to return home. I believe their house it is rented out for another two years. This place is big enough that they could have their own wing,” Robert responded.
Eventually, he emerged from his mother’s morning room to seek out Arabella. The boys had gone to lessons in the garden classroom, and he was engaged to teach swimming later in theafternoon. He found Chalston and asked where he could find Lady Farrington.
She’d gone.
The party from Horton Hall had returned home as the house guests returned from Harrogate. He waved at Colonel and Lady Lloyd and knew he should make more of an effort to spend time with them.
“We just heard about the little lad going missing yesterday. Deuced sorry I wasn’t around to help find him,” said the colonel.
