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“And from the duke?” Theresa interrupted.
Ariana’s brows rose. “Of course not.”
“Hmmm,” Theresa murmured thoughtfully. “Since Trenton Kingsley is directly involved in these ‘details’ you’ve heard, isn’t it sensible that he should be allowed his say?”
“He chose not to say anything. Instead, he made his guilt clear by running away.”
“Did he?” Theresa asked wisely. “Was that guilt that compelled him to go? Or was it injustice?”
“I don’t know.” New tears sprang to Ariana’s eyes and trickled down her cheeks. “I’m so confused. Just as I have been ever since the night I met Trenton Kingsley. Please, Theresa, help me.”
Theresa gathered Ariana close, stroking her hair with a gentle hand. “As Sir Francis said, ‘If a man will begin w
ith certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.’ Some things must be left to fate, my lady. And fate presents many questions before she supplies the answers. Your course, as I see it, is clear. You cannot disobey Queen Victoria’s mandate, so you must marry Trenton Kingsley. After that, time will clarify your future.”
Ariana rested her cheek against Theresa’s narrow, capable shoulder, another nagging thought intruding in the wake of conflict and resignation. “The duke said the wedding would be held at Broddington. Yet from what Baxter has told me, Broddington has been deserted since … then.”
Theresa nodded. “It has. Other than an occasional visit from the Marquis of Tyreham, the estate has been unoccupied for six years.”
Ariana sat up. “The Marquis of Tyreham?”
“Dustin Kingsley. Your betrothed’s …“—Theresa used the term gently, yet with enough emphasis to accustom Ariana to the notion—“younger brother.”
“I’ve heard no mention of the marquis.” Ariana ignored Theresa’s pointed reference, her interest captured by this new and unexpected development.
“Your brother is not in the habit of discussing the Kingsley family, pet,” Theresa reminded her. “The marquis is two years his brother’s junior, a kind and personable gentleman. You will enjoy his company immensely … as he will yours.”
Ariana opened her mouth to ask Theresa how she knew this, then closed it with a snap. If Theresa stated something as fact, then fact it was.
“What makes the duke believe that hundreds of guests will attend this wedding?” she asked instead. “He is despised by many, feared by most, and shunned by all. Why would anyone wish to appear at this mockery of a ceremony?”
“Many reasons, my lady.” Theresa’s shrug was matter-of-fact. “Curiosity. Gossip. Human nature is astounding; the idea of resurrecting an old scandal is an enticement few can resist. And then, of course, there are those who will attend for the right reasons. Respect for the Kingsley name. Regard for the late duke. Faith in the present one.”
Theresa’s implication sank deeply into Ariana’s mind. “You believe in him,” she said slowly, studying her maid’s unreadable expression.
“In this case, what I believe doesn’t matter.” Theresa lifted a corner of her apron to wipe tears from Ariana’s cheeks. “It is what you believe that counts. And only time … and your future husband … can provide you with the truth. Not I.”
Ariana stiffened abruptly. “You’ll come with me,” she pleaded, desperation in her voice. “You won’t leave me.”
Theresa’s wrinkled face creased into a smile. “Have I ever left you, my lady?”
Ariana shook her head. “But what if the duke refuses to allow it?”
“He has already agreed to my accompanying you to Broddington. My things will be sent along with yours.”
Ariana stared. “You’ve spoken with him about this?”
“Of course I have!” Theresa’s reply was brisk. “Just after I took you to your room. How else could I make my plans?”
“What did he say?”
“He said yes.”
“No, I mean what else did he say?” Ariana pressed.
Theresa folded her hands primly in her lap. “He was pleased I would be accompanying you. He said that it would make your new role less painful to accept.”
“Painful?” Ariana’s face drained of color. “Theresa, I retract my earlier statement: I am afraid.”
