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“Let us discuss the paperwork shortly, Larke,” Guy said. “For now, my betrothed and I shall take a turn by the lake to discuss our future.”
That seemed to satisfy her parents, but while Arabella left to dress for the outdoors, someone entered who was definitely not satisfied: Sir Walter, looking cross.
He’d be even more cross when he learned of the letter Guy had sent that morning.
“What are you all so happy about?” Sir Walter asked.
Mr. Larke released another broad grin. “More celebration, for my daughter’s wedding will take place in sixteen days.”
Sir Walter’s mouth pinched sourly. “You were here to court our Matilda, my lord.”
“I’m afraid I got distracted.”
“After the care I have taken of your sisters, this is the thanks I get?”
“Oh my dear, dear Sir Walter,” Guy said. “I promise, you will shortly get all the thanks you deserve.”
“Easy now, Sir Walter.” Mr. Larke slapped that man’s shoulder. The movement upset his parrot, who muttered her complaint. “Lord Hardbury was promised to my daughter when he was still in petticoats. Your Matilda is a fine girl, but she doesn’t offer what we can. Put that aside and join us in celebration.”
Sir Walter wriggled away from his host’s arm. “I shall seek my refreshments at the village inn,” he grizzled. “The company is better there.”
Chapter 14
Ten thousand times Arabella had walked the path toward the lake, but this was the time she’d remember: when her life unraveled, when her half-baked plan crumbled.
Beside her, Guy was restless, like a horse on a windy day. He shoved his gloves into his pockets and, with his bare hands, tore a branch from a tree, stripped off its twigs and leaves, and whacked at things as they walked.
“You wanted me to be silent,” she said.
“It’s clear you and your father don’t get along, and arguing only makes matters worse. You were trying to take control and for you that means starting a quarrel.”
Arabella had no response to that. Guy knew things about her now that he had not known before.
“Do you always attempt everything on your own?” he asked. “You’re really not used to having someone on your side, are you?”
She had a sudden memory of herself and Oliver hiding from their tutor, smothering their giggles as they huddled together under Papa’s desk. As soon as the chance came, they had burst out into the garden and run away—only to run right into Papa. But he hadn’t been cross. When they confessed their naughtiness, he had laughed, then taken them each by the hand and guided them through the garden to show them an owl’s nest.
Papa laughing and taking her by the hand? Impossible. That memory must be fabricated too.
Guy did not seem to expect an answer, and he did not speak again until they turned onto the white gravel path that circled the lake.
Well?” he demanded. “What is your clever scheme?”
“What makes you think I have a scheme?”
“You always have a scheme.”
“I always have aplan, which is an entirely different matter.”
He whacked a shrub and kept walking. He would have to end this now. If only they could suspend the decision and simply take a stroll together as two people without a history, not as two people with decades of being forced together against their will.
“But I suppose my plans don’t matter,” she said. “As we shall have to end the engagement.”
He said nothing.
“If that’s what you want,” she added.
“Is that what you want?”
