So why couldn’t she stop thinking about him?
Regardless, she needed to be mindful of how Colin had mistreated her in the past and protect herself from him. He couldn’t be trusted, not anymore.
Her grandmother’s voice broke through the silence. “Is everything all right, dear?”
“It is.”
“I can’t help but notice that you are staring at the window.”
Arabella met her grandmother’s gaze. “My apologies; I’m afraid I was just woolgathering.”
“Were you thinking about anything in particular?”
“Yes, I was thinking about what I shall wear for dinner,” she lied.
Her grandmother gave a half shrug. “I just assumed you were thinking about Colin.”
“Absolutely not!” Arabella declared. “He isn’t worth my notice.”
Her grandmother looked amused. “I do believe you protest too much.”
Arabella lowered the fabric to her lap. “Colin is an infuriating man whom I do not wish to discuss.”
“As you wish.”
Silence descended over them as Arabella watched her grandmother work on her embroidery. Despite her insistent ending of the conversation, she was curious about something, so she asked, “Why did you ask Colin to help select a tree?”
“Because he always picks out the most beautiful trees for his manor.”
“If that is the case, why did you ask me to join him?”
Her grandmother set her needlework next to her on the settee. “I thought it would benefit you to spend some time with Colin.”
“Why?”
“You two were inseparable growing up,” her grandmother said. “It is a shame to throw away a perfectly good friendship.”
“It was for a good reason.”
“I know, but Colin is home from the war now.”
“It doesn’t change anything, at least for me.”
“It should, especially since he is an earl.”
Arabella frowned. “I never cared about acquiring a title,” she replied. “I was far more interested in a love match.”
“It isn’t too late for that.”
Before she could reply, Moore stepped into the room and announced, “Lord Barrett is here. Are you available for callers?”
It was on the tip of Arabella’s tongue to refuse him when her grandmother spoke up. “Please send him in.”
As Moore departed from the room, her grandmother gave her a knowing look. “Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away.”
Arabella placed her needlework on a side table and smoothed back her blonde hair. She wanted to ensure she looked presentable, and she secretly hoped that Colin still found her attractive.
Colin stepped into the room, wearing a great coat over his clothing. He had a smile on his lips that she found quite aggravating.
