“I daresay that you need spectacles, milady,” he joked. “I am a withered old man.”
“I’m afraid I do not see you that way.”
Moore closed the door behind her and shared, “Your grandmother has been rather anxious for your arrival all day.”
“Is that so?”
“I caught Lady Langdon, on more than a few occasions, glancing out of the window to see if your coach had arrived,” Moore revealed.
Her grandmother’s voice came from the doorway to the drawing room. “It is true,” she admitted. “I was anxious to see my favorite granddaughter.”
“I am your only granddaughter.”
“It makes you no less my favorite,” her grandmother said, opening her arms wide.
Arabella hurried over and embraced her. It felt good to be wrapped up in loving arms, and she allowed herself to linger.
Her grandmother released her and stepped back. “How are you, my child?”
“I am well.”
“We both know that is not true.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because Lord Eastwood was an idiot to break your engagement.”
“I would concur.”
Her grandmother turned her attention towards Moore. “We will require some refreshment in the drawing room,” she said. “Furthermore, Lady Arabella will require a bath. Will you see to the heating of the water?”
Moore tipped his head. “Yes, milady.”
“Follow me,” her grandmother ordered as she spun on her heel.
Arabella followed her into the drawing room and joined her on the settee. Her grandmother’s silver hair was pulled back into a tight chignon, emphasizing the deep lines on her face.
“How was your journey?” her grandmother asked.
“Uneventful.”
Her grandmother nodded in approval. “Those are generally the best kind of journeys.”
“I would have much rather been stopped by a highwayman.”
“Good heavens, why would you want that?”
“It might have helped with my humdrum.”
Her grandmother’s face softened. “You have had a rough go of it, haven’t you?”
“I have,” Arabella admitted, “and I am not entirely sure it will get much better.”
“It will.”
“How can you be so sure?”
Reaching forward, her grandmother patted her leg. “You must trust me on this,” she said. “I have seen a few things in my years.”
