“I have already told you that I have no intention of marrying Lord Eastwood,” Arabella said.
“Your reasons are foolhardy,” Lord Clavering stated, waving his hand dismissively in front of him. “Regardless, did you not forget that Lord Barrett broke your engagement, just as Lord Eastwood did?”
“Lord Eastwood fled to Gretna Green with another woman,” Arabella remarked. “It is hardly the same thing.”
Lord Clavering’s critical eye swept over Colin before asking, “How do I know you won’t hurt Arabella again?”
“You have my word,” Colin replied.
Lord Clavering huffed. “That means little to me.”
“Why is that?”
“Because of you, my daughter’s reputation was tarnished amongst theton,” Lord Clavering said. “She wasn’t received well at certain social gatherings.”
“I am well aware, and I intend to do right by her.”
Lord Clavering crossed his arms over his chest. “By marrying her?”
“Yes,” Colin replied, “assuming she truly will have me.”
With a shake of his head, Lord Clavering turned back towards his daughter. “I would prefer it if you married Lord Eastwood.”
Arabella rose. “Why is that?”
“Lord Eastwood would be able to give you a life that you could only dream about,” Lord Clavering said. “His father is one of the richest landowners in all of England.”
“He is also a despicable lout,” Arabella remarked. “He intends to maintain his mistress, even after being wed.”
Her father frowned. “I had not realized that.”
“He is not the type of man I wish to marry.”
“But Lord Barrett is?”
Arabella snuck a glance at Colin. “He is.”
Lord Clavering stood there for a long moment, his expression stoic. “I am not pleased by this, but I won’t stand in your way.”
“Thank you, Father,” Arabella said.
Lord Clavering uncrossed his arms and shifted his gaze to Colin. “You have disappointed me once. Try not to make a habit out of it.”
“No, sir,” Colin said.
“I must assume that you two have much to discuss, so I will step out for a moment,” Lord Clavering stated as he walked over to the door. “Say what needs to be said, and do not dally.”
After Lord Clavering departed, Colin brought his attention back towards Arabella. “Your father was right; we do have a lot to discuss.”
“That we do.”
“Where should we start?” he asked, taking a step closer to her.
Arabella gave him a timid smile. “I don’t rightly know.”
“Perhaps we should start with the fact that you said you wanted to marry me.”
“I would prefer not to.”
