AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Is everything alright?” he asked, watching her form disappear inside.
“The crowd might have overwhelmed her, I’m afraid.” Miss Caroline looked back up at him, her smile more false than before. “Let us return to my mother. I’ve seen enough of the garden.”
Something was afoot concerning Miss Hughs, but he knew better than to pry into what seemed to be personal family business. He dropped off Miss Caroline, ignoring his mother’s inquiring glance. “Excuse me a moment, ladies,” he said with a polite smile before walking off. There may be nothing he could do about whatever troubled Miss Hughs this afternoon, but he could certainly make up for his own contribution to her poor day. Striding back into the house, he waved down a passing footman. “Pardon, lad, might I borrow you for a task?”
* * *
Arabella rested her hand on the knob of her chamber door, debating whether to attend luncheon or plead a headache. After that disastrous and infuriating conversation with Milton, she’d stormed back to the manor and stewed in her room for the rest of the morning. How dare the man ruin what should have been a wonderful, idyllic sketching session with his obnoxious presence and rude intimations. For some bizarre reason that she still couldn’t quite understand, Arabella had thought him different from the others. But no, it seemed he believed her a jealous spinster, covetous of her sister’s success and willing to sabotage things if given the opportunity. A part of her, a minuscule part, had begun to believe his words at the ball. Now, however, it was more than apparent that his only interest in knowing her was getting that waltz and the prized mare that went with it. She shouldn’t be disappointed, yet a stubborn part of her was still bitterly hurt by the revelation.
Someone knocked on the door. “Arabella?” her mother’s voice sounded from the other side.
“Yes, I am here.”
Her mother opened the door, face pinched with a serious expression. “I wish to speak with you before heading down for luncheon. I have plans that would be much easier with your help.”
“Plans?” Unease gathered within. Whenever her mother had some sort of scheme, usually involving setting Caroline up with some gentleman or other, things rarely went well.
Lady Drummel nodded. “I’ll have Milton for Caroline.”
“Milton?” she replied, incredulous. But then, who else would her mother set her sights on? Milton was the catch of the season and Caroline wasCaroline.It’d be the match of the decade. Something heavy she couldn’t identify settled in the pit of her stomach.
“Why do you look so surprised?” Lady Drummel narrowed her eyes. “Unless you think you have a chance of snagging him yourself.”
“Of course not.” It was laughably ludicrous, but that her mother was the one, of all people, to point out her inadequacy seemed an extra blow to her already crumbling self-esteem, not that she’d give Lady Drummel the satisfaction of knowing that, or anyone for that matter. Stomping down her unpleasant emotions, Arabella straightened her spine. “I merely think that he would not be a good fit for her.”
“Nonsense. He is a duke.”
“That’s not what I—”
“Besides, I’ve already discussed the match with Her Grace. We are both thrilled at the prospect, and she will do whatever she can to see it through. If she thinks it is a good idea, then I cannot see how your opinion on the matter would hold any weight.”
Her opinions had never held weight on anything, as far as Lady Drummel was concerned, but Arabella knew better than to start another argument. They had enough of those as it was. But that didn’t mean she would aid in this ridiculous scheme. “If you have Her Grace on board, then I fail to see how I would be needed.”
“Are you really so jealous that you won’t even help your sister make this brilliant match?”
Oh, for heaven’s sake. If it wouldn’t get her in trouble, Arabella’s eyes would have rolled into the back of her skull. “I’m going downstairs.” She shouldered past her mother and out the door.
“I am not done speaking with you,” Lady Drummel called at her back.
Arabella ignored her and kept going, lest her irritation simmer over. The last thing she needed was for someone to see her and her mother arguing in the middle of the hall, least of all Caroline. Rather than head straight to the garden where the meal was being held, Arabella went in the opposite direction after heading down the stairs. The house was almost labyrinthian in its sheer size, and there were many winding halls for her to explore whilst she cooled her head.
By the time she’d found her way back, a good half hour had already passed, and the luncheon was well underway. There was a moment’s anxiety at being so late, before she remembered it was likely no one would care, anyway. Most had paid her no mind during these first few days, and Arabella was convinced that her invitation had been a mere courtesy rather than any desire for her presence. Lady Thurmont had made it no secret that she was hunting for a bride for her reluctant son, hence why so many single ladies were in attendance. The desperation with which the countess was trying to get him leg-shackled was well known amongst the Ton. Amusingly, Lord Thurmont had made himself rather scarce this week, only seeming to be found in the company of his friends when he wasn’t outright hiding. Lady Thurmont and her mother would get along well, she thought with a chuckle to herself. She imagined the two huddled in a corner somewhere, exchanging notes on the best schemes to marry their respective children off.
The ridiculous picture was enough to lighten her mood, and by the time she’d reached the garden, Arabella was feeling almost pleasant. Let them think her a jealous, bitter woman. She would show herself to be having a wonderful time despite them. If her mother wanted to parade around Caroline in front of Milton, then she wouldn’t care one bit.
That internal proclamation, bold when she’d crossed the threshold into the afternoon sun, wavered the moment she laid eyes on the assembled guests. Her mother was chatting with The Duchess of Milton, an enthused gleam shining in her eyes that likely had far more to do with her matchmaking plans than whatever the duchess was saying. No doubt she was gushing Caroline’s praises. As for Caroline…
Arabella scanned the crowd, heart sinking once she spotted her sister on Milton’s arm. They made for a handsome pair as they strolled about the garden, Caroline’s smile as she listened to whatever pretty words Milton was uttering as beautiful as ever. A sudden, heartbreaking sense of déjà vu hit her at the sight. Arabella had been taken on a lovely stroll around a luxurious picnic much like this one. Withhim.
Reminding herself of her earlier vow, Arabella plucked a glass of lemonade from a passing tray and sunk into the corner of the gathering, taking a deep breath to calm the sudden wave of heartache. As she’d expected, no one payed her any mind, many seeming more fixated on her sister and the duke, leaving her alone to sort herself in peace. Damn that disloyal bastard for still having such a hold on her. She took a bracing gulp of her beverage as Caroline’s melodic laugh sounded nearby. It was ridiculous, really, to be so bothered. Milton was not the same, not in the slightest, at least being relatively upfront about his attention towards her being for that damn horse and the horse alone. The proof of that was right before her in all its perfect, fitting glory. And yet, somehow, that observation only made her heart sink ever more deep into the pits of her belly.
‘Why would I have any interest in you, Miss Hughs?’The memory of Lord Lindsay’s words bounced around in her mind. She inhaled as her throat thickened. It’d been months since she’d had such an episode and it was infuriating that her emotions would spring up on her in the middle of a crowded garden. Her heart seized as she realized Caroline and Milton were heading her way, the knowing concern etched on her sister’s face plain. Not wanting to humiliate herself in front of the duke, especially after their horrid exchange earlier in the day, Arabella turned and all but fled from the garden. It was only when she crossed the threshold into the foyer, calm save for the occasional servant passing by, that she allowed herself to relax. She walked up the stairs at a sedate pace, secure in the knowledge that no one would follow her, leaving her to settle herself in peace. Caroline wouldn’t pursue her, despite likely knowing she was remembering Lord Lindsay again, as Arabella preferred to be left alone during moments such as these. By the time she’d returned to her room, the ache had settled, and Arabella spent the next few hours perfecting her lakeside sketch to further calm her roiling mind. The stress of the party and dealing with Milton must have gotten to her, making her vulnerable to dangerous memories, embarrassing as it was.
The afternoon ticked by, her mood improving by the hour. The sketch was coming along nicely, and she was confident that a lovely painting was in the works upon her return to London. She would have to be sure to visit the site a few more times to catch the entirety of its beauty. Arabella was just about to set her drawing aside for the day and ring for some tea when a knock sounded on the door. “One moment,” she called and set down her work.
Upon opening the door, she was confused to see a young footman behind it, a folded note in his hands. “I have instructions to give this to you, m’am,” he said, holding out the note.
She took it with a tentative thanks and closed the door, turning the paper back and forth. “Oh!” she gasped as something purple slipped from the folds and tumbled in front of her feet. “How peculiar.” She picked up the sprig of lavender, twirling it in her fingers, before setting it down on her bed and unfolding the note.
