Her father cleared his throat. “I do believe you have made your point, Augusta.”
A smug smile tugged at her stepmother’s lips. “I was merely informing Arabella of the repercussions of her actions.”
“Today should be one of felicitations, and we shouldn’t spend our remaining moments with her by chastising her,” her father remarked.
Augusta nodded. “You are right,” she said. “It would be terrible of us to remind Arabella that she is settling by marrying Lord Barrett.”
“That it would,” her father responded.
The coach came to a stop in front of the church, and it dipped to the side as the footman stepped off his perch.
Once the door was opened, her father turned towards Augusta and asked, “Would you mind if I had a moment alone with Arabella?”
A displeased look came to Augusta’s face. “You just want me to wait outside for you?”
“You could always step into the church and wait at one of the pews,” her father suggested. “I will be along shortly.”
“See that you are. I do not like to be kept waiting,” Augusta murmured as she exited the coach.
Her father reached for the door and closed it. “I would like for this conversation to remain private,” he said.
Arabella gave him an expectant look, unsure of what he wished to speak about. She truly hoped he didn’t intend to continue to reprimand her for marrying Colin.
Her father’s eyes grew reflective. “You look just like your mother did on our wedding day,” he said. “Your beauty will outshine all others.”
“Thank you, Father,” she responded, pleased by his remarks.
He cocked his head. “Are you happy?”
“I am,” she replied. “I have been in love with Colin since I first laid eyes on him.”
“I’m pleased to hear that.”
“I know you may not understand my reasons for marrying Colin, but I can assure you that he is my love match, in every sense of the word.”
Her father smiled sadly. “I had that with your mother,” he said softly. “She was the love of my life.”
Feeling bold, Arabella asked, “If that is the case, why did you marry Augusta so soon after Mother died?”
Tears came to his eyes and his voice was choked with emotion. “I was lonely, lost, and I thought a companion would fill the empty void in my heart.”
“Did it?”
“No,” he replied. “It is still there, and I suspect it will always be there.”
“I understand that feeling well.”
Her father blinked back his tears. “I know it hasn’t been easy for you to have Augusta as your stepmother, but I will speak to her about her sharp tongue.”
“I daresay that it won’t make any difference.”
“Why is that?”
Arabella gave him a pointed look. “You and I used to be close, but Augusta is determined to drive a wedge between us.”
“That is not true,” he responded. “She is just trying to adjust to her new role as the mistress of the house.”
“When was the last time we went riding together?” Arabella asked.
