Page 83 of The Duke Who Claimed Her

“I am sure it will.”

“I suppose that means a drink is out of the question,” Lord Cavendish said. “Even if we are owed a story.”

Arabella winced. While she knew that a time would come when she might need to relive the events of the night, now was not the time. She was still desperately tired, worn through like an old cloak, and all she wanted was to be alone so that she might sleep.

And while she was about to say as much, it was Timothy who spoke up.

“She said no,” Timothy said loudly as he stood beside Arabella. “And my father asked that you all leave.” He firmed his face and nodded once.

Shock rippled across the room.

Part of it was due to Timothy’s command. Another part was because he called Caspian his father. Caspian clearly heard it, and the surprise on his face was obvious. But that surprise soon changed to a smile, and rarely had Arabella seen him look so touched.

“You heard the little man,” Caspian said. “I do thank you, George, for what you did, but we need rest. Tomorrow, I will come to you, I promise.”

“I suppose there is no point in making demands,” the Dowager said. She caught Arabella’s eyes and winked. “And if the lady of the house wants us gone, so be it. Come now.” She clapped her hands. “Let us leave.”

“Thank you,” Arabella said with relief.

“I shall visit you on the morrow.” The Dowager hugged her tightly. “And I am just so glad that you are safe.”

It took a few moments for everyone to leave. Hugs were given. Words of condolences were shared. Baron Witherington was taken to the local jail, where he would answer for everything he had done. And finally, they trickled from the manor as the staff made their way back to their postings.

“Mrs. Robertson…” Caspian called after the head maid. “Might you see Timothy to bed?”

“No!” Timothy said. “I do not want to leave you.”

Arabella dropped to her knees again so that she could better look at him. “And I love you for that. But I need my rest, Timothy. Tomorrow, I promise, you and I will spend all day together.”

“We will?” He beamed.

“So long as you do not mind losing at cards.”

He laughed and hugged her again. Then he hugged Caspian. And then Mrs. Robertson led him away.

It was as soon as they were left alone that Arabella finally felt the weariness take over her. It was as if all her energy was suddenly drained from her body, and she nearly collapsed on the spot.

“Arabella!” Caspian saw her sway, and his arms were around her immediately. “What happened? What is wrong?”

She put an arm around his neck and leaned into him. “Oh, nothing…” A yawn escaped her mouth. “I am just suddenly very tired.”

He exhaled. “That is all? I thought… I was not sure!”

Arabella laughed and then wrapped her other arm around his neck. “As much as I hate asking for help, Caspian, might you do me a small favor?” She battered her eyelashes tiredly at him. “If you do not mind.”

He pretended to sigh as if vexed, even as he scooped her into his arms. “Only because I love you.”

“A good thing you do,” she said as she snuggled into his arms, rather enjoying the feeling of being carried. “Otherwise, I would have spent the night on the floor.”

With her arms around Caspian’s neck and with her body held in his arms, Arabella was carried up the stairs and toward her bedroom. As she was, she felt her eyelids drop, and she very nearly gave in to the tiredness. She just felt so comfortable, so safe… Nothing to worry about but her need for sleep.

By the time they reached her room, she was almost out entirely. Dim images of Caspian carrying her across the room found their way into her conscience, and when she felt him lay her on the bed, her body relaxed completely and molded into the mattress.

“One moment…” Caspian heaved her into the middle of the bed, pulled the blankets over her, and arranged the pillows so that she was comfortable.

“My hero,” she said tiredly as she wiggled into the bedding.

He chuckled. “Sleep well, Arabella. Nobody deserves it more than you.”