Chapter 1 #2
“You’re one of the people responsible for what happened the night he died!” she cried, not caring that they could be heard. “If you hadn’t controlled his impulses, then maybe he could’ve gone home earlier and he wouldn’t have died!”
He still looked bewildered. But then comprehension dawned, and he peered at her.
“You’re Viscount Fairleigh’s daughter,” he murmured. “I seem to remember you at the inquest.”
Arabella snorted.
“You should’ve stood up and said that you played a part. Pa should’ve been stopped before…”
Her voice trailed off, and the words got stuck in her throat. She couldn’t believe this was happening to her. She had taken to shouting at strangers in the street. Maybe she really needed to be committed.
Tears pricked at her eyes, and she swiped angrily at them. The duke didn’t say anything for a moment. Then he reached into his pocket and withdrew a handkerchief, which he held out to her.
“Here.”
“I don’t want it,” Arabella hissed.
“Take a moment to compose yourself. We can talk once you have.”
She didn’t want to. She wanted to scream at him and accuse him of causing Pa’s death, but that would just make her look more insane.
Hartwood could easily turn it around on her.
Her emotions arguing with each other, leaving her mentally exhausted, she snatched the handkerchief from his outstretched hand and wiped at her face.
Her feelings were all over the place, and she couldn’t keep up with it all.
“You have my deepest sympathies for what happened to you, my lady,” he said quietly, his voice level and measured.
Arabella snorted, but he continued.
“I know you’re angry and you want answers, but there are going to be times when there are no answers. And, trust me, if I was suspicious about what your father was going to do, I would’ve done something to stop him.”
“But you didn’t,” Arabella snapped, lifting her head and glaring at him. “You were more interested in getting our money.”
“It’s how a card game goes. I did suggest that he stopped…”
“And you should’ve done! Then this…”
She was going to start crying. After struggling to do so for several days, it was coming out again. She turned away, burying her face in her hands. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go. Then she heard an awkward cough behind her.
“My lady…forgive me, I’m not aware of your name.”
“Arabella,” she whispered.
“Lady Arabella.” She hated how he said her name, like he was pouring honey. “I know your father had a debt to me, but I’ll forget it all if you just leave me in peace.”
She snorted at that.
“Is that your way of absolving yourself of guilt?”
“I haven’t done anything wrong!” He looked annoyed at her further accusations. “I’m not responsible for a man who has nothing to do with me!”
“You could’ve done something! Anything! Maybe even made sure he got home before someone…”
She broke off. Every time she suggested that someone else had been there when Pa had died, she was scoffed at and told that he’d been alone, and she should stop trying to find something that wasn’t there.
Hartwood would likely do the same, and Arabella was too worn out emotionally to hear that again.
Maybe she really did need to rest. She couldn’t do it properly, not when there were so many questions going around in her head, but perhaps…
No, she couldn’t do that. She had to continue and find out what truly happened. Pa deserved that, at least.
“Listen…” He touched her arm, but Arabella flinched and jumped back. He lowered his hand. “Perhaps I can help you?”
“What?” She thought she’d misheard him. “What are you saying?”
“I’ll help to ease the debt your father had with me for you. Then that will give you time to find a way to repay the most pressing debts your family has.”
Arabella wondered if she really had gone mad. She stared at him in confusion.
“What…are you trying to help me?”
“You have a financial problem, don’t you? And seeing as you believe I’m partly responsible…”
“I don’t accept charity, Your Grace.” Her voice was like ice as she glowered at him. “I am insulted you would even think that.
“I didn’t mean…” Hartwood pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Will you not accept any sort of help? I’m prepared to help you…”
“Why?”
He looked surprised at this outburst, and for a moment, Arabella thought he was going to answer it. Instead, he reached out and gently took the handkerchief from her fingers. Their gloved hands brushed, and Arabella bit back a gasp as she felt the warmth shoot through her fingers.
“I have something in mind that can help you,” he said, putting the small square silk into his pocket. “But it will require your cooperation.”
“What do you mean?”
“Are you going to the Earl of Hertford’s ball tomorrow evening?”
It took a moment for Arabella to remember the social event. She’d accepted it, even when she didn’t want to go, and then she’d forgotten about it. She nodded.
“I am.”
“So am I. We can talk more then. I’ll be sure about what I have in mind by then.”
“Why? What is it?”
But Hartwood merely gave her a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, and he touched his fingers to the edge of his hat.
“Good day, Lady Arabella. And, again, my condolences for what happened to your father.”
Then he turned and walked away, heading into the park. Arabella stared after him until he disappeared from sight. She was still reeling from what had actually happened. What had she just experienced? What was the duke talking about?
Whatever it was, it seemed that he had a plan for her, and Arabella had a feeling in her gut that it wasn’t going to be in her favor.