Page 94 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“Even so, you need to consider your reputations,” his mother reminded him.
The dowager went to look out of the window at the view towards the lake. “I believe I could do with a change of scene. I shall accompany you to Burgundy,” she said, making an immediate decision.
“Really? Are you sure, Mama?” Robert replied in surprise.
“Absolutely. And what’s more, I believe Elinor and Freddy should come too. We don’t want Freddy being mistaken for Henry again, and I believe Elinor will welcome a change. She’s been here waiting for her husband to return for such a long time. It will do her good to have an adventure.”
“Thank you,” he said simply, not knowing what else he could say.
“Oh, I’d put the castle into siege mode, pull up the drawbridge, and put down the portcullis to fend off this Christopher Farrington. We will not allow Henry to be abducted by that rogue.”
“I underestimated his tenacity,” admitted Robert. “He’s on the verge of financial ruin, and my investigators say his wife has left him. Henry was his only hope of regaining financialsecurity. He’s now a wanted man after he masterminded that kidnapping attempt. I have no idea why he is still pursuing Henry, but I believe he has lost his senses.”
“Now you need to speak with Arabella about this idea,” his mother reminded him. “That’s essential for a successful marriage. If she agrees, then I’ll tell Elinor and start to prepare. I suggest we take Arabella’s coachman, the one you’ve employed as lake keeper and her nurserymaid. The journey would be too much for Nanny.”
He was always in awe of his mother’s ability to plan in detail at a moment’s notice.
Robert found Arabella with Emma and Lady Thraxton. Despite the drama the previous day, they looked happy, and he thought he could guess the reason.
Arabella didn’t keep him waiting in suspense. “Emma is engaged to Nathaniel. They talked after events yesterday and decided they don’t wish to be apart,” she said happily.
“Congratulations, Miss Thraxton. I know you will be very happy together. I’m glad you will be staying at Montbury, too,” Robert said, happy that Nathaniel had taken his advice and all was now mended.
“Me, too,” added Lady Thraxton.
“As long as Papa gives his permission,” Emma replied. “Nathaniel is speaking to him now.”
Robert took Arabella to one side and suggested they talk outside in the garden. He explained his idea and waited for her thoughts.
“It isn’t how I’d have liked it to be, but I can see your logic. Farrington may be at large for a while yet, and we can’t keep the boys cooped up forever. They would love a journey,” she said, musing over the options. “You said your mother and Elinor would join us?”
He nodded. “Mama seems surprisingly keen.”
“I wouldn’t want to take Henry without Freddy. It’s good for him to spend time with a child who enjoys life and is less studious. I believe it does Freddy good, too.”
“It would only be for a few weeks. And I ought to travel to Burgundy anyway. I’ve kept putting it off because I’d promised Mama I’d stay till the new steward was confident.”
“Very well. If you speak with Judd, then I will tell Tabitha and my family. We can tell Henry and Freddy together. How excited they will be to go on a carriage ride, a sailing ship, and spend time in another country.”
“As soon as we return, we can be married. The next time we travel will be our honeymoon,” Robert assured her.
“Every time we find ourselves, something happens to take our time and energy away from getting to know each other. I long for a quiet time with no excitement. I suspect I may choose to honeymoon here at Castle Montbury,” said Arabella, laughing.
He looked at her with surprise, as he realized she meant every word and lowered his lips to meet hers. For a moment, he knew from the look in her eyes that she had forgotten her worries. He gathered his bride-to-be into his arms and felt anticipation and a need to protect her from the evil threat of Christopher Farrington.
He needed her to know she was not alone and very loved, including by his Mama, who was ready to put Castle Montbury on a siege footing to make sure Henry remained safe.
As he kissed her lips, and placed his forehead close to her wild hair, he wished they were marrying today.
Chapter 28
How could this have happened to him? He was a wanted man. When the constables caught him, he would be sent to gaol.
He’d stolen enough money from another guest at the tavern in York, where he’d stayed last night, to last him a couple of months. He should have thought of this way of making money sooner. All it took was a lonely traveller choosing to play cards with a stranger and a regular supply of cognac. Sir Rodney Pelham would have no idea how he’d lost his bank notes. Even if he ever remembered, he wouldn’t know the identity of the stranger who might have stolen his money.
Money meant information, and he’d sent word to his spy in Montbury village asking for an update about Lady Arabella Farrington and Henry. The reply had astounded him. They had left for France.
He had to find out where they had gone. His source told him they had left in the Duke of Montbury’s carriage, along with the duke’s mother and sister. How he hated anyone with the name of Montbury. If they had not interfered in Henry’s life, then he would have had custody of the child by now, and Violet would not have left him.
