Chapter Two
Just then, a group of young debutantes passed Arabella and her cousin, making no efforts to hide their stares. One of them giggled madly behind her fan, causing the other three to follow suit. They exchanged lingering looks, casting sideways glances at Arabella as they whispered, not too quietly, to one another.
“The bride of the Ice Duke,” one of them said, giggling again.
“How fortunate that it is not us,” said another, unable to contain her laughter.
Arabella’s eyes flashed with indignation. She lifted her chin defiantly as she smiled sweetly at Victoria.
“You are absolutely right, Cousin,” she said. Her voice, though loud enough for the young women to hear, was light and her gaze fixed firmly on Victoria. “It is far more important to be witty, intelligent and thoughtful than it is to indulge in frivolous gossip.”
Victoria, having noticed the ladies as well, bit her lip and turned her head to hide a snigger. The young women, however, blushed a brilliant red and hurried off with their heads lowered and their fans covering their faces. Once they were gone, Victoria succumbed to her giggles.
“Well done, Cousin,” she said. “That is the very strength of spirit that I admire so much about you.”
Arabella gave her cousin a small smile. But her heart was heavy, despite the confidence with which she had spoken the words. She could defend herself perfectly well. But was she now doomed to spend her life doing so?
She was briefly relieved to see her parents approach her. They embraced her, offering their enthusiastic congratulations, but she was comforted by their presence, nonetheless. She stood close to her mother, allowing herself to relax as the countess struck up a conversation with Victoria about how lovely her pale blue gown was. However, the relief and light conversation was soon interrupted by an approaching figure. Arabella’s heart sank and she steadied herself. She held her breath, wishing she could hold her mother’s hand as she had as a young girl, instead.
***
After the brief conversation with Edwin, Adrian quickly grew tired of the social niceties that were expected between ton members and those who were announced as recently betrothed. He was desperate to return home and begin his plans to intercept any plots that Lord Pembroke might have to make yet another attempt to harm Edwin’s and Adrian’s connections and partnerships. But the well wishers kept coming, keeping Adrian trapped halfway between the church and the carriage that waited to carry him to his freedom.
Unfortunately, during his idle wandering in the direction of his family’s coach, he found himself in the direct view of the Earl and Countess of Colbrook, and the woman he was to marry. His betrothed did not notice him, but the earl did. He gave Adrian a grin and a nod, holding his gaze. Adrian sighed. He understood that he was now forced to greet the family. Yet his feet felt heavier with each step he took toward Lord and Lady Colbrook and their eldest daughter.
“Good day,” he said, bowing as stiffly as he spoke to the people who would soon be his mother – and father-in-law.
The couple returned the greeting with far more grace and elegance, but Adrian felt no shame. They were in a position to feel more positive about the arranged marriage. It was not their marriage, after all. They only stood to gain from the union. Adrian, however stood only to lose.
He quickly turned to Lady Arabella, giving her an equally tense bow. For the brief moment that their eyes locked before she performed a courteous curtsy, there existed a palpable air of mutual disdain between them.
“Hello, Lady Arabella,” he said coldly. “You look lovely today.”
In truth, he had not noticed her attire until that moment. It was a light pink gown with white pearl embellishments and matching gloves. Adrian did not care for any shade of pink. Nor did he care much for the woman wearing that particular pink dress. But he had to keep his thoughts disguised behind a wall of distant formality.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said, the iciness in her own voice as apparent as that which laced his. “I must say that you have quite the reputation for being a rather focused and dedicated businessman. And you certainly look the part.”
Adrian bristled. He recognized the subtle barb at his ruthless reputation, and he narrowed his eyes. He chuckled, ensuring that he met the eyes of his betrothed as he retorted.
“I am certain that many share such an opinion,” he said with a challenging glare. “It is fortunate that you say this now, with only such close company present. It is important for a wife to know her place, especially in public.”
Lady Arabella’s cheeks reddened, but Adrian could see instantly that it was not from embarrassment. The tension between them increased dramatically, and the dislike and disdain they felt for one another was palpable. Adrian’s eyes never left Lady Arabella’s as he waited for another biting remark.
Instead, the young lady turned on her heel and tried to stride off in indignation. But she tripped on the hem of her dress, stumbling forward. Her arms flew out as she tumbled toward the ground, a sight which from across the courtyard must have been a humorous one. But Adrian reacted before he had the chance to think. He reached out and caught the young woman, grabbing her before she fell to the ground, wrapping one arm around her waist. He pulled her close to him to help steady her. It was not until she was looking up at him with wide eyes that he realized what was happening.
With her palm pressed against his chest and his hand firmly on her waist, they stood staring at one another. For the first time, Adrian noticed how green and expressive her eyes were. Her light brown hair was beginning to fall into her eyes after the startling tumble, and her cheeks were flushed. She was breathing heavily, which Adrian thought might have been from delayed fear. But he realized that he was breathing harder than usual, too, and he felt rattled.
They stepped away from one another with matching looks of sheepish awkwardness. The unexpected awareness left Adrian flustered. And from the flush in Lady Arabella’s cheeks, she had felt it, as well. She quickly brushed her skirt, lifting the offending hem off the ground with her delicate, trembling hands. She gave him a tight smile and curtseyed.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said. Her voice was stilted behind her attempt at a polite smile as she averted her gaze.
Adrian took another step back, returning to his previous stoic expression.
“Of course, Lady Arabella,” he said stiffly as his jaw tightened again. He wanted to be unaffected, or even humored, by what had just transpired. But when the tension in his face began to cause it to ache, he realized that neither was the case. Much to his chagrin.
***
Victoria stood shaking her head as her cousin, aunt, uncle and soon-to-be cousin-in-law parted ways with awkward parting words. Arabella, in a fit of wrath at the man she was soon to wed, stumbled over her skirts, creating a most tense and awkward moment. And yet Victoria had noticed the way the couple had looked at one another once the duke rescued her cousin. She was sure that there had been a flicker of bonding between them. What if Arabella’s fears were unfounded, and she truly had found a man she could grow to love?
She did not see the handsome, red-haired gentleman staring at her until she turned to try to find her mother. His blue eyes were locked onto hers, his deep blue suit matching the shade of his eyes, which were wide and sparkling as they met hers. She blushed, glancing away, thinking that the man would simply nod and be on his way. When he approached, however, her cheeks turned pink, and her heart fluttered in her chest.
“Good day,” the gentleman said bowing. “My name is Edwin Sinclair, eldest son of the Baron Sinclair. I do not believe that I have had the pleasure of meeting you.”
Victoria giggled, feeling her cheeks grow warmer by the second.
“It is lovely to meet you, Lord Edwin,” she said. “My name is Victoria Brookfield.”
The baron’s son smiled warmly and dipped his head.
“You possess as fair a name as you do a countenance, Lady Victoria.”
Victoria’s heart was racing. It was all she could do to suppress an uncharacteristic bout of giggles.
“That is very kind of you, my lord,” she said. She was thrilled that such a handsome gentleman was speaking to her. But she found that she hardly knew what to say.
Fortunately, the baron’s son seemed to be comfortable speaking precisely what was on his mind.
“I cannot recall seeing you at past ton gatherings,” he said. “However, I can say with certainty that I would love to see you at future ones.”
Victoria giggled again, unable to continue overpowering the rising giddiness. The man was bold, but not forward in a rude manner. He was direct and honest, and Victoria appreciated that.
“I will be attending all the balls set for this season,” she said. “And I believe that with the exception of one, Mother and I will attend the dinner parties and picnics, as well.”
Lord Edwin smiled again.
“Then I shall make it a point to be in attendance, as well,” he said. “Although I must make time to see all the opera performances this spring and summer.”
Victoria’s heart stopped. She adored the opera. And while Edwin Sinclair had not been the first gentleman to approach her with an interest in socializing with her at ton events, he was the first who had openly expressed a mutual affection for the art form.
“There is naught I adore more than a splendid opera,” she declared.
Lord Edwin grinned at her, studying her with his sparkling blue eyes. She thought he was going to say something else. But just then, her mother approached, raising her eyebrow at Victoria and looking at Lord Edwin, who introduced himself to her, with curious interest.
“Delighted to make your acquaintance,” she said, curtseying as Victoria had.
The baron’s son bowed.
“I assure you, the pleasure is mine, Lady Brookfield,” he said.
Janice looked at her daughter with an expression of delighted approval. Victoria blushed, but she noticed that she had not stopped smiling.
“Lady Victoria, it has truly been a delight speaking with you,” Lord Edwin said, giving her another bright-eyed, warm smile. “And I cannot wait for the next chance to do so once more. However, I must excuse myself. Farewell, my Ladies.”
Victoria sighed as the baron’s son excused himself from them, watching him as he reluctantly walked away. She was instantly intrigued with the gentleman, and she hoped that they would speak again soon. In fact, she hoped most of all that he would invite her to attend the opera with him.
“Victoria, dear cousin,” Arabella said, surprising her by approaching when Victoria was not looking, her voice pulling Victoria from her woolgathering. “You seem quite smitten with the gentleman who just walked away.”
Victoria looked at her cousin, still wearing her soft, reflective smile. Arabella’s knowing smirk reminded her of such, yet she continued grinning.
“I believe you need a new pair of eyes, Cousin,” she said, blushing even as she jested. Arabella was right, of course. She longed to know more about Lord Edwin Sinclair.
***
“You have heard about the new advances made regarding censorship, have you not?” Julian Cooper was asking Adrian, whose attention had once more wandered in the direction of his betrothed. He noticed that she was talking with another young lady, but that she would frequently look his way, as well. He had tried to distract himself by speaking with Lady Arabella’s father about recent developments in Parliament. However, the woman who was to be his wife and her flushed cheeks kept distracting him.
Adrian gave the earl of Colbrook a brief nod, forcing himself to redirect his attention.
“Yes, I have,” he said. He was carefully measured with his responses, knowing that what he said, and did not say, could affect the future relationship he was to have with Julian Cooper. But with Lady Arabella so constantly drawing his attention, it was difficult to even focus on the earl’s words.
When the churchgoers finally began to disperse, Adrian felt relieved, thinking he could finally return home and retreat to solitude. But once more, his hopes were dashed. This time, by the last man with whom he would ever wish to speak.
“Your Grace,” Sidney Pembroke said, sauntering over to where Adrian and Lord Colbrook stood. His smile was warm enough. But his eyes were cold and menacing. “Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. I admire your ability to find such balance between your business and personal interests.”
Adrian bit back a snarl. To anyone else, Lord Pembroke’s remark would sound innocent and genuine. But Adrian heard the veiled threat beneath it, and it angered him. However, with the father of his betrothed standing just beside him, he knew better than to show his displeasure. He simply offered a tight smile, bowing with a hurried bow to indicate Adrian’s desire to leave the church.
“Thank you, Lord Pembroke,” he said, pretending as if there were no secret words between them. “I shall pass along your well wishes.”
Sidney’s eyes gave Adrian a sneer, one which nearly cost Adrian his composure. But as if by magic, Edwin appeared, looking down his nose at Sidney. He did not say a word, allowing his suspicious expression to speak for both Adrian and Edwin himself. But words were not needed. Sidney seemed to understand the silent gesture of solidarity. He narrowed his eyes before bowing slowly, giving another insincere smile.
“Good day, gentlemen,” he said.
Adrian and Edwin exchanged solemn, wary looks as the man walked away. The message was clear though. Sidney was surely up to something, given his unspoken barb about Adrian’s marriage. But what could it be?
***
Arabella slipped away to the library of her family’s townhouse upon their return from church. Her mother and sister were busy discussing preparations for the wedding, and Arabella was happy to allow them to proceed. Even if she was more certain than ever that she did not want to marry the duke, she was just as sure that her fate was sealed. The least she could hope for was some quiet time with books. Reading always calmed her mind and helped her settle turmoil.
She turned the pages of The Lady of the Lake by Sir Walter Scott, one of her favorite poetry volumes, allowing her fingers to trace the familiar lines of the book, taking comfort in the artistry that was Scott’s incredible talent. She was so lost in the words that her mother’s knock startled her. She looked up, wide-eyed to see the countess’s concerned expression.
“Arabella, darling,” she said softly, approaching her daughter and taking in the pensive tension that had settled in Arabella’s shoulders. “Are you well?”
Arabella nodded, knowing she was lying, and knowing that her mother would know that she was.
“I am well, Mother,” she said, her voice shaking. “I just thought I would read for a while.”
Rosalind Cooper’s brow furrowed, dismissing her daughter’s lie and sitting beside her.
“I know you are distressed about your wedding and marriage to the Duke of Norenshire,” she said. “Many young ladies are nervous about such matters, especially in arranged marriages. No one could blame you for such worries, but I believe you will find that there will be nothing as bad as what your mind conjures for you to fear.”
Arabella nodded. She sensed the comfort her mother offered to her, even with her carefully chosen supportive words. But it did not resolve her desire to cease the plans for her to marry the Duke. And even though she knew nothing would ever bring a halt to that plan, she still felt disheartened that her parents did not see just how miserable the situation made her.
“What shall be, will be,” she said. She might have sounded resigned, if not for the defiance she felt. She would find herself consigned to a chill marriage with an even chillier duke. Yet, she resolved not to endure it with equanimity. Years of carefully cultivated decorum had taught her to restrain her words, but she would not suffer in silence regarding her disdain for her impending fate. “I am quite certain that my fears will bear out precisely as I anticipate.”