Chapter 13
It was a beautiful day, and Arabella was glad to be out of the house and in the sunshine.
They were in Twickenham at a park near the river, having a picnic as a group.
Lord Vaughn had organized it, and he’d invited quite a few of his friends.
Alastair and Edmund Hale had turned up, while Clara and Helena were sitting together talking as if they hadn’t noticed anyone else.
It was nice to see everyone seemingly getting on.
Although Arabella wished the same could be said for her and Philip.
Alastair had let her know about her brother attempting to confront him the previous evening, and Arabella was very embarrassed.
Philip had no right to do that. He might be her guardian now, but that didn’t mean he could dictate who she saw and what she did all the time.
And if he knew what she was up to, he was going to make sure she never saw Alastair again. Arabella knew she couldn’t blame him for that, given the circumstances, but the thought of not seeing Alastair twisted her stomach.
That surprised her more than anything. Why was she suddenly wanting to be around him?
He was helping her out as much as she was getting him out of an awkward situation.
In fact, she’d already had the first check written out to her by Alastair.
He’d sent it to the bank to deal with a chunk of their debts.
Arabella felt awkward thanking him, even though she knew she should.
If Philip found out about that…
“How are you doing, Lady Arabella?”
Arabella jumped, looking up to see Vaughn standing over her. He gave her an easy smile that seemed to light up his whole face. He was an attractive man. Arabella could see that. And he seemed to be quite successful in his own right. He could have any woman in the ton that he wanted.
So why did he seem a little too focused on her today? This was the fifth time in an hour he’d come over to see her. Arabella fixed a pleasant smile on her face.
“I’m fine, Lord Vaughn. I appreciate you keeping an eye on me, but I’m perfectly fine.”
“I just want to be sure, seeing as my cousin doesn’t seem to be paying attention.” Vaughn glanced to the right. “He seems more interested in bringing up past memories.”
Arabella didn’t need to guess what he meant by that, but her stomach still sank when she saw Miss Rosamund Linton talking to Alastair.
He seemed to be engaging, even though there was a chilly demeanor about him.
Not that Miss Linton had noticed. She was smiling at him and touching his arm, seeming to be laughing at what he was saying.
“I don’t think you have to worry about that, my lord,” Arabella said tightly. She reached for her glass and took a sip. “Are we playing games again later? You said something about doing plenty of activities today.”
“Yes, we are. And you’ll be paired with me again.” Vaughn gave her a slight bow. “We make an excellent team, don’t we?”
Arabella didn’t respond. She didn’t want to show her disappointment.
Once they arrived and set up, Vaughn had declared they would partake in several fun activities, and he’d put everyone into pairs.
The thought she might be with Alastair was dashed when Vaughn said she would be with him.
She’d barely gotten a chance to speak to Alastair all morning so far, especially with Philip nearby.
“Arabella!” Helena joined them, beaming down at her. “Would you like to go for a walk? It’s lovely by the lake.”
“I’d be delighted.” Grateful for a reason to get away, Arabella stood up. “I think I need to go for a walk again.”
“Why don’t I come with you?” Vaughn suggested. “You need a chaperone, don’t you?”
Arabella was about to respond, but Helena cut in first. “I think we’ll be fine, Sebastian. We’ll be seen by everyone at the picnic, and this is a walk for the ladies only.” She took Arabella’s arm. “Come along, we mustn’t dawdle.”
Arabella could feel Vaughn’s eyes on them as they walked away. As they moved out of earshot, Helena leaned over. “I thought you might need rescuing. He’s coming over to you quite a bit today, isn’t he?”
“You noticed as well?”
“How could you not? People are going to think he’s the one courting you and not my brother.” Helena nudged her. “I get along with Sebastian, but he’s not someone I would trust.”
Arabella frowned. “Why not?”
“I’m not sure. He’s always been kind to me, and he doesn’t treat me badly, but there’s something I can’t put my finger on.” Helena paused. “I also noticed how you looked over at my brother. Miss Linton’s accosted him again, and he’s struggling to get away. Even Edmund’s attempts aren’t working.”
At the mention of Miss Linton, Arabella felt a wave of sadness. She looked away, focusing on her feet treading through the grass.
“Forgive me,” Helena went on quickly. “I know things are not as you claim, but I can imagine it hurts a little to see him conversing with someone he’s trying to keep away.”
“What do you mean by that?”
The younger woman hesitated, and Arabella sensed her immediate nerves, indicating that she might’ve said too much. While she guessed what she was implying, Arabella gently pushed further.
“Helena. What do you mean by that?”
They stopped by the edge of the water, and Helena turned to her. She looked apologetic.
“Alastair told me about the arrangement you two made. I know he should’ve kept it quiet, but he ended up telling me in confidence. I confronted him about the sudden change and where it came from as it was all too surprising. He told me what you’d agreed on.”
Arabella wished that the ground would just open up and swallow her whole. This was embarrassing. What must Helena think of her now? Although from the way she was speaking, she didn’t sound offended or shocked at all.
She glanced over her shoulder, hoping that nobody had heard them. Thankfully, the rest of the group were at their respective blankets, carrying on as if there wasn’t an important conversation happening close by. Even so, Arabella felt like someone was listening in.
“I suppose you must think badly of me now,” she said quietly. “Especially as you know that I accused him of murdering my father.”
“He mentioned that as well.” Helena sighed. “I don’t blame you for thinking that way. I’d be in the same mindset if I had all the facts together. But while he can be an arrogant brat who likes to be in charge, he’s a good man. He’s just hiding a lot of hurt.”
“From what?”
“Anything, really.” She peered at Arabella curiously. “I know this is a fake courtship, but do you think it could… well, turn into something more? Just that I would prefer you as a sister than Miss Rosamund Linton.”
Arabella was flattered by the remark, but the idea of having something happening between her and Alastair that was romantic made her lightheaded, and she panicked slightly. Forcing down her worries, she took a deep breath and tried not to stumble over her words.
“Alastair and I are coming to terms with being friends,” she said.
“Even with everything going on, I can see him as a friend. He’s a good one; I can give him that.
However, I’m a realist. He doesn’t believe in love, and I want that very much.
I want to have love, a family, a future where I can be happy.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t fit with what your brother wants. ”
“Maybe it can happen?” Helena said hopefully, her eyes lighting up a little. “Perhaps you and my brother…”
“What about Arabella and me?” Alastair’s voice made both of them jump. He had walked up to them without a sound, and now he stood behind them. He gave Helena a lazy smile. “Sounds like you’re talking too much again, sister.”
“I just wanted to know…” Helena began.
“Do you mind if I talk to Arabella alone for a moment?” Alastair’s eyes flickered over to Arabella. “I haven’t been able to converse with her since we arrived. Not properly, anyway.”
Arabella felt her cheeks getting warm, and she glanced away. She wondered how much of that conversation Alastair had overheard. Even though she didn’t have anything to be ashamed of, she still felt embarrassed for him hearing any of what she said.
“Oh, I see.” Helena gave him a sly look. “You want a ‘private moment’ with your beloved, do you?”
“Helena…”
“I’m going.” Laughing, she stepped back and held up her hands. “I’ll leave you two to whisper sweet nothings to each other while you’re in plain view of everyone.”
Then she walked away, still giggling. Arabella couldn’t look up as Alastair moved to stand in front of her.
“What was that about?”
“Just Helena saying that she would rather have me as a sister.” She looked up, fixing him with a stare that belied her churning stomach. “I thought you didn’t care for Rosamund Linton.”
Alastair blinked. “I don’t.”
“Then why were you talking to her? I saw you, and it looked like she’d grabbed your attention for a while.”
He arched an eyebrow in what looked like amusement. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous.”
“What?”
“Well, you’re bringing it up. I would’ve thought you’d be aware that I didn’t want to be anywhere near her.” He spread his hands. “Do you think I can just openly ignore her and be abrupt with her in such a public place? I have to remember my manners, unfortunate as it is.”
Arabella felt like the wind had been taken out of her sails. Of course he wouldn’t be so crass in a public event. But hadn’t he done that when he said in a crowded room that he was courting her instead? It didn’t make any sense.
Then again, maybe he could pick and choose when to fight his battles.
Arabella absently placed a hand on her stomach. It felt like she was housing butterflies.
“Forgive me,” she mumbled. “I didn’t mean… I guess… I got a little too into the character.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, I’m flattered that you would feel some jealousy.” He winked at her. “It’s not something I’ve experienced before. It’s rather a… heady feeling.”
“Now you’re teasing me, Your Grace.”
“You’re very easy to tease, I’ve noticed.
” Then Alastair’s smile faded a little. A moment later, he surprised Arabella by reaching out and taking her hand.
“You don’t have to worry about anything.
I don’t believe in love, I admit that readily, but if I was going to be with anyone, it wouldn’t be with Rosamund. ”
“Wouldn’t you?”
“Why would I try to get out of courting her if I wanted to be with her? I’m not that cruel.” He tilted his head to one side. “The person I would have in mind would be a kinder, sweeter, more gentler creature but who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she wants.”
Arabella was a little distracted by his hand on hers. Even with gloves on, she could feel the heat, and it was making her fingers throb. She couldn’t bring herself to pull away, even though there were going to be plenty of people witnessing their interaction.
They were meant to be courting, though. She had to remind herself of that. It wouldn’t be seen as strange if two people supposedly in love were holding hands, albeit briefly.
Although that would never happen with Alastair. Not when he was the least romantic person she knew. That deflated her a little, and she had to bring herself back into the conversation. She attempted a smile but wasn’t sure if she got it out right.
“I’m sure whoever you choose is going to be a very lucky woman,” she said. “Should you ever decide to marry, that is. I hope you choose well.”
He smiled, and his eyes glinted at her.
“She’s become very close to me,” he said softly.
“What does that mean?”
Something prickled inside her, and Arabella thought she was going to forget how to breathe. That sounded as if he was dropping a hint toward her, and Arabella didn’t know how to respond.
Suddenly, there was a loud barking and the sound of running feet, followed by shouting.
Arabella turned and saw a large dog barreling down the slope toward them.
Before either of them had a chance to react, it jumped up and knocked into Arabella.
She stumbled back, and her foot suddenly felt air beneath it.
She was falling back. A scream escaped from her mouth.
Then, just as abruptly, she was grabbed by the wrist and pulled forward, knocking her off-balance. An arm snaked around her waist, and then she was falling the other way. The movement made her head spin, and a moment later, pain exploded in the side of her head.