Page 40 of The Duke Who Claimed Her

“Focus on your own relationship with the boy,” he said and turned away. “That is your role, the reason for this marriage.”

Arabella sighed and leaned back in her seat.

Caspian was determined to keep her at arm’s length, as he had told her from the beginning. But now that Arabella was growing with confidence, finding her place in her new home, she was not so sure that was a good thing.

That dream she had still haunted her, bringing mixed feelings. Beyond that dream, however, she felt a need to help Caspian as he had helped her. Like she had once been, he was trapped, also a prisoner of sorts. He just did not know it.

“If you ever change your mind, always feel free to say it,” she said. “I know how much Timothy would love to spend more time with you.”

Caspian said nothing as he stared out the window. But the moonlight caught his face, and Arabella was certain that she saw the barest hint of a smile.

Yes, he wants it. He is just not ready to admit it.

They rode the rest of the way in silence, but it was not nearly as awkward as it had been. Despite Caspian’s refusal to look at her, she caught him glancing periodically, as she saw his thoughts turning behind his eyes.

And when they did finally arrive at their destination, he was the one who spoke.

“We are here,” he said, taking note of the estate as it appeared in the distance. “Are you ready?”

“Ready?” she frowned. “What do you mean?”

He turned to look at her, but it was not harsh or commanding. It was almost apologetic, as if he was sorry for what he was about to say.

“This will be our first social outing together, Arabella, our first time seen together by our peers. While this marriage is not typical, we cannot allow it to look that way.” He swallowed. “We will need to behave as if we are… happy.”

She brightened. “Happy? Are you capable of such a thing?”

“Of course I am,” he said sharply, only to grimace. “I mean, yes, I am. But I want you to know that whatever I do and say once we are inside is for the benefit of our peers. Is that understood?”

She knew all of that, of course. Just as she agreed with it. But it did make her wonder now what she might expect from Caspian, especially as he felt a need to remind her of what they were to do. She had assumed that he would simply be kind to her, for once treating her as if she existed in his world.

But now… a warmth spread across her body, one that suggested excitement. Forced to act as if they were in love, forced to stand close, to touch one another, and Arabella wondered just how that would look and feel.

“I understand,” she said. “And I will do my best.”

The carriage came to a gentle stop a moment later. The driver opened the door. Caspian was quick to move, climbing from the carriage, at which point he turned and offered Arabella his hand.

She eyed the hand as if confused, almost nervous to take it. He raised an eyebrow at her, and Arabella’s pulse quickened. She knew he was just doing as he had to do, but that did not take away from the feelings that swarmed through her.

And when she took his hand, as their skin touched, a pulse erupted up her arm. For a moment, her mind returned to her dream… Caspian’s hands all over her, his lips devouring her body…

“Is something wrong?” he asked, as she held his hand but did not climb down.

Arabella gave her head a shake and forced herself back into the moment. “No,” she said with a smile. “Nothing is wrong.”

With that, she climbed down from the carriage, suddenly excited for the night ahead and what it might bring.

They attended a society ball hosted by Lady Sybil, a good friend of Caspian’s cousin. If not for that connection, he might not have attended at all, because Arabella knew he despised such events. But they were there, together for the first time, and Arabella was determined to make it count.

They walked across the driveway together, their arms linked. They entered the manor and then the grand ballroom the same way. As they did, heads turned to find them, frowns were found on faces, and whispers began to build. No doubt it was a rare thing to see Caspian attending an event like that, and even rarer to see him not alone.

“They are not exactly being subtle, are they?” Arabella said as they walked through the ballroom. The crowds parted for them, all eyes turned to watch.

“Subtlety is not their forte,” he scoffed. Then he glanced at her, noting how stiff and awkward she was being. “Ignore them, Arabella. Do not care what they think.”

“That is easier said than done.”

He chuckled. “Perhaps, but would you like some advice?”