“Which isn’t normal, my dear.”
“I know, but I had little choice in the matter,” Arabella sighed. “I didn’t dare break off the engagement with him.”
Her grandmother’s brow lifted. “Did you even love him?”
Arabella shifted uncomfortably in her seat, delaying her response. “I cared for him, but, no, I did not love him.”
“Why did you even agree to the engagement, then?”
“It would have been an advantageous marriage since he will be a marquess one day,” she replied.
Her grandmother leaned forward and placed her teacup on the tray. “I, for one, am glad that Lord Eastwood ended it.”
“How can you say that?” Arabella asked, unable to keep the disbelief out of her voice. “I am ruined now, and I have no doubt that I will become a spinster.”
“You mustn’t give up hope.”
Arabella frowned. “I’m afraid I am past hope,” she replied. “Two broken engagements are not something thetonis willing to overlook.”
Moore stepped into the room and met her gaze. “Your bath is readied, milady, and your lady’s maid is ready to assist you,” he informed her.
“Thank you,” Arabella replied. “I shall be right up.”
“Why don’t you go enjoy a long soak,” her grandmother suggested as the butler left, “and we shall continue this conversation later.”
“I would prefer it if we didn’t.” Arabella set her teacup on the tray as she rose. “Some things are better left unsaid.”
Her grandmother gave her a compassionate look. “I know you believe your future is bleak, but I can assure you that is not the case.”
Arabella disagreed, but chose to retreat rather than argue. “It would be best if I adjourn to my bedchamber while the water is warm.”
“Go enjoy your soak,” her grandmother encouraged.
Arabella exited the drawing room, tears pricking at the back of her eyes, but she blinked them away. Her life was in shambles, and no one could help her now.
* * *
Colin Notley,the Earl of Barrett, was utterly miserable. He was tired of the monotony of his life. It felt as if he did the same thing every blasted day. He had been happy serving in the Royal Army, finding purpose in serving “for King and Country”. That had been taken away when his older brother, Paul, tragically died in a boating accident. Colin had inherited, and now his days were filled with meetings and reviewing ledgers.
He stared out of his bedchamber window to the expansive gardens below. With Paul’s passing, he had inherited an earldom and more money than he could spend in a lifetime. But this was not how he wanted his life to be. He felt trapped, and he saw no way out of it.
He knew he had no right to complain, especially since he had a life that most would be envious of. But his wealth came with great responsibility. Not only did his servants rely on him for their livelihood, but he had hundreds of tenants who lived on his lands.
His valet’s voice broke through his musings. “Are you thinking of running off to join the army again?”
“How did you know?” Colin asked, turning to face the man.
Simon smiled. “You insult me, my lord,” he said. “I served with you for nearly five years as your batman, and I believe I know you fairly well.”
“That is true.”
Simon held up two cravats for his inspection. “Which one would you care to wear today?”
“Those are identical.”
“Not so,” Simon replied. “One is white, and the other is ivory.”
Colin waved his hand in front of him. “Just pick one.”
