Page 85 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
And if only it were that simple as he thought of a pair of peridot green eyes smiling in the sunshine.
Chapter 24
Arabella found a place in the garden where she felt enclosed by green boughs all around. No one would think to look for her here, and she could sit and think about her life over the last twenty-four hours.
They were settled at Horton Hall, and Henry loved this place so much that he had run away rather than leave his friends there. Even now, he was with Nathaniel and Freddy, enjoying learning about the world of history, literature, and nature in a very practical, outdoor classroom. Nathaniel and Emma would always have her endless thanks for creating such an imaginative approach to learning for Henry and Freddy.
She felt a moment of sorrow knowing the courtship between Emma and Nathaniel had faltered at the moment when their friends and families had expected an engagement. She picked a daisy from the grass beneath her feet and looked at its shape and colour.
In the centre, the bright yellow shone out, the delicate white petals creating an endless circle. She picked another and began to make a daisy chain, something she hadn’t done since she’d been a child.
Maybe that was the answer, to look at things simply. It didn’t matter what she did; she had to make sure that Christopher Farrington never took Henry. Robert had sent a messenger over to tell her that there was now definitive evidence that Farrington had sent fraudulent documents, and there was no requirement from the court for him to remove Henry.
It would soon be over, she hoped. However complicated my feelings for the Duke of Montbury, my way forward is as simple as this daisy. I must protect Henry and make sure he is happy and well.
As she sat in this shady place, hiding away and reflecting on her choices, she knew Henry was at the lake, splashing about and learning to swim.
And I am engaged to be married to Robert, Duke of Montbury. I know I love him; it happened gradually, but I knew that evening at the Beehive Tavern. The way he takes over my thoughts, the excitement I feel knowing that he will be in the room, and the sadness as I leave him are far more than friendship. This love didn’t start with a glance across a ballroom, a look of longing behind a fan at the opera. But it is a deep connection between us, which I do not believe can ever break.
So why do I feel so sad?
It isn’t how I expected it to be. When he mentioned courtship, my heart sang like an aria at an opera. I could havebeen on stage singing to my hero. Then the suggestion that we announce an engagement immediately to ensure Henry’s safety.
Of course, I would agree. I need Henry to be safe. I love Robert. Yet …
There feels little love in this situation. An engagement for sound, sensible reasons. An arrangement that protects my little boy. Yet I long for the golden heart of this daisy. The brightness of a love that vanquishes the shadows in life. A marriage that has love at its centre.
The reality of a marriage for convenience. She welcomed it for Henry’s sake while her heart searched wistfully for love.
Later today, she would set out some clues for the treasure hunt, then walk to the castle to spend time with Elinor on the final preparations for the midsummer ball. Tomorrow, the day before the ball, was the treasure hunt and picnic, and Henry could hardly contain himself with excitement.
They would stay at Castle Montbury the evening after the treasure hunt, and their ball gowns would be delivered to Castle Montbury, where they would have the final fitting on the morning of the ball. Elinor was determined to make this into a special event.
She had not seen Robert since the night when Henry had run away. He had sent regular messages, informing herof the progress of legal matters, with a line or two about the announcement of their engagement in the London newspapers.
As she went to nuncheon, she noticed another envelope with Robert’s now familiar copperplate handwriting. She didn’t open it immediately, expecting more of the same legal updates. When she eventually opened it, there was a difference.
Christopher would lose his case, as the evidence spoke for itself. However, when the judge would get to look at the paperwork was uncertain and could be up to two months.
She sighed. Robert had been right about the engagement, as legal matters rarely resolved quickly.
She had noticed with surprise another packet enclosed in the large envelope. This one just had her name on it. She opened it carefully and read the words in surprise.
Dearest, Loveliest Arabella,
I hope to see you again very soon. Too much time has passed since we were together.
Our engagement is announced to the ton.
I long for a day when we have no cares in the world and can row out to the island and look at the horizon. A simple life with fewer complications.
I enclose this token; it belonged to my grandmother. The colour reminds me of your eyes. I hope when you wear it, it will remind you of me.
You light up my life,
Ever yours,
Robert, Duke of Montbury
