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“Good morning, Mamma.”
“Good morning, love,” the Duchess said, beaming at her only child. She finished pulling a bit of silk thread through the square of fabric that was in the hoop. She then set it aside.
Arabella peered at her mother’s work. It was, as always, incredibly detailed. It was of a bouquet of yellow primroses, tied with a blue ribbon, laid out on top of a simple wooden chair. Behind the chair, there was a window set into the wall. Outside of the window, there was a blue sky, hanging over a field of primroses.
“That’s beautiful, Mamma.” Arabella sat down beside her.
“Thank you, my dear. I thought I’d give myself a bit of a tricky thing to do,” the Duchess said. She looked up from her handiwork. “Have you come to discuss last night’s ball?”
“Certainly,” Arabella replied, dutifully. “Did you see Lady Danbury’s new gown?” Lady Danbury had been particularly excited about it. It was a black silk gown, with a gold lace overlay on the front of the bodice, as well as on the tiers of the skirt. The effect was stunning.
“The gold lace was to die for!” the Duchess said, placing her hand on her chest. “I saw that you were out on the dance floor as often than not.”
“I nearly wore out my slippers,” Arabella replied.
“Any of the gentlemen catch your eye?”
“Perhaps,” Arabella said.
“Tell me! Who is it? Do I know him?”
“You do, Mamma.”
“Arabella! I’m so pleased to hear!” her mother gushed. “You won’t say—” Arabella shook her head. “You’re such a sly thing. Very well. Keep your secrets.”
“I want to be absolutely sure before I say,” she replied. Her heart was knocking about in her chest. She had come very close to telling her mother that it was Mr. Conolly who had caught her eye.
“Very well,” her mother said. “I can wait, but not long. You know how bad I am with secrets.”
Arabella smiled. Her mother, as sweet as she was—was one of the biggest gossipmongers in the ton. “I do know, Mamma. That’s why I want to be sure before I say.”
“I understand. But I’m so, so very excited. Is he eligible?”
“He’s a bachelor, if that’s what you’re asking.” Her mind was full of what he’d said, out in the garden—that I should be so lucky.As though he believed that he wasn’t good enough. Surely her father would see that they were in love—or soon to be.
“Good, good. Is he handsome?” her mother asked.
“Extremely.”
“And does he dance well?”
“He does, indeed,” she replied, watching her mother squint as she tried to recall every gentleman that her daughter had danced with. The only relief to Arabella was that the one name she sought was not on her dance card.
* * *
Charles spent most of the day in the gloom of the Duke’s study. As he worked, his mind was continually returning to the garden, his talk with Lady Arabella.
What if your place is by my side?
His heart had nearly stopped. He had never met anyone like her. She was bold, but it was one of the things that he adored about her.
He finished all of the required documents, spreading sand over them to dry the ink. The Duke looked up from the ledger, where he was counting up sums.
“All finished?” he asked.
“I am, indeed,” Charles confirmed. “Here, Your Grace.” Charles brushed away the sand, then slid them over toward the Duke. “Read these over and then sign them. I will file them as soon as I return to London.”
“Excellent,” the Duke said. “You will stay with us a few days more?”
