Arabella ran her finger over the edge of the book. “I wasn’t doing terrible.”
Her grandmother lowered her needlework. “Perhaps there is a reason Colin came back into your life.”
“For what purpose? To aggravate me?”
“You two appeared to be getting along quite nicely yesterday when we were decorating the trees,” her grandmother observed with a laugh.
“We were.”
“Do you not owe it to yourself to give this relationship another try?”
Arabella sighed. “I don’t rightly know.”
“Why not?”
“I’m scared,” she admitted softly. “What if Colin hurts me again?”
Her grandma gave her a compassionate look. “There is always that risk when dealing with matters of the heart.”
Arabella lowered her gaze to her lap. “Frankly, I don’t think I am strong enough.”
“That is rubbish,” her grandmother declared. “You are a strong, vibrant young woman.”
“Not when it comes to Colin. I have always had a weak spot for him.”
Their conversation came to an abrupt halt when Moore stepped into the room and met Arabella’s gaze. “Lord Barrett has come to call,” he informed her. “Would you care for me to show him in?”
“Yes, please,” Arabella replied as she smoothed down her pink gown.
It was only a moment before Colin stepped into the room, simply but elegantly dressed in a blue riding jacket, buff trousers, and white cravat.
He stopped near the door and bowed. “Good afternoon, ladies.”
“Would you care to sit and have some tea?” her grandmother asked, gesturing towards an upholstered armchair.
“I believe I shall,” Colin replied.
After he was situated, Arabella’s grandmother gave her a pointed look. “Would you care to pour the tea, Arabella?”
“It would be my pleasure.” She moved to the edge of her seat and picked up the teapot on the tray. After she poured a cup, she extended it towards Colin.
“Thank you,” he said as their fingers brushed up against one another, a tremor running up her arm.
Arabella leaned back, pretending his touch hadn’t affected her. “How is your family?”
“They are well,” Colin replied. “In fact, my brother is engaged.”
“John is engaged?” Arabella repeated.
Colin smirked. “Didn’t I just say that?” he asked.
“You did, but I’m afraid you have taken me by surprise,” Arabella said. “I hadn’t even realized he was courting anyone.”
“Apparently, the engagement was rather sudden,” Colin remarked.
Arabella nodded her understanding. “Is John happy, though?”
“He is,” Colin said. “He was fortunate enough to discover that Lady Marjorie shares his affection.”
