Lady Langdon was sitting across from Lord Eastwood, and her eyes lit up when she saw them. “There you are, Arabella,” she said. “I was just explaining to Lord Eastwood that you had just left to go ice skating with your dear friend, Lord Barrett.”
Lord Eastwood rose and bowed. “It is lovely to see you again, Lady Arabella.”
Arabella removed her hand from Colin’s arm and curtsied. “I must admit I am rather surprised to see you,” she said. “Did you not get my note?”
Lord Eastwood clenched his jaw. “Yes, I received it, but I was hoping to speak to you about it.” He hesitated. “Privately, if you don’t mind.”
Arabella considered him for a long moment before saying, “As you wish.”
Rising, Lady Langdon said, “Lord Barrett and I will remain close by.”
Colin leaned closer to Arabella and lowered his voice. “Are you sure you want to be alone with him?”
“I feel as if I must,” she whispered back.
Lady Langdon walked over to the door and gave Colin an expectant look. “Are you coming, Lord Barrett?”
“I am.” Colin turned back towards Arabella. “If you need me for any reason, I will be just on the other side of this door.”
Arabella nodded her understanding, but her eyes remained fixated on Lord Eastwood.
As he walked over to the door, Colin noticed that Lord Eastwood was eyeing him with contempt. He followed Lady Langdon into the entry hall and asked, “Do you think leaving them alone is the best recourse?”
“I do,” Lady Langdon said, spinning back around. “I believe it is in Arabella’s best interest to have closure with Lord Eastwood.”
“But to leave them alone?”
Lady Langdon waved her hand dismissively in front of her. “Do not be so prudish,” she said. “We shall remain in the entry hall to ensure she isn’t absconded.”
He furrowed his brow. “Do you think he would do such a thing?”
She laughed. “Dear heavens, you are tightly wound today, my lord.”
“I just do not like her conversing with that man,” he said.
Lady Langdon gave him an understanding look. “You must trust her, in all things,” she counseled.
“I do, but…” His voice trailed off as he attempted to find the right words. He couldn’t help but wonder if Arabella might change her mind about marrying Lord Eastwood.
Lady Langdon smiled. “Trust her,” she urged.
Colin sighed. “I do.”
Gesturing towards two chairs in the entry hall, Lady Langdon asked, “Would you care to sit?”
“I would.”
After they were situated, Colin’s eyes remained focused on the drawing room door. He knew he was behaving like a jealous suitor, but there was so much at stake. He wanted Arabella for his wife. She may not need him, but he needed her, desperately.
* * *
After Colinand her grandmother departed from the room, Arabella gave Lord Eastwood an expectant look. She didn’t quite know what to say to him. He was a handsome man, and she was well aware that he had always used that to his advantage. But she would not fall for his charming act again.
Lord Eastwood smiled, no doubt trying to disarm her. “Arabella,” he said. “How have you been faring?”
“Not well.”
“Why is that?” he asked.
