Текст книги "An Accidental Affair"
Автор книги: Heather Boyd
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Текущая страница: 12 (всего у книги 18 страниц)
CHAPTER TWENTY
Merrick crept across his bedchamber and stared down at the sleeping woman strewn across his bed. To finally make love to Arabella, to have been her first lover, was a heady, exhilarating experience. One of her long legs was in plain view, not under the bedding, tempting him to return and make love to her all over again.
Yet he could not. Not until he had taken care of a few things first. He and Arabella had to talk about the consequences of last night. Merrick would never abandon her. Not when she made him feel things he’d longed for all his life.
In the early hours of the morning, when Arabella had succumbed to exhaustion, he’d imagined a pleasant fantasy of a life with her as his wife. He would be so good to her. She would never want for anything. The one difficulty that blackened their happiness was her determination to keep her freedom.
He sighed and leaned against the bedpost. He did have to leave today, but he wanted to be certain he could return. He hoped to convince her to visit with Grayling and his wife while he was away dealing with family affairs, and then they could continue what had only just begun between them.
She stirred as he sat on the edge of the bed. It was like watching his sun rise. She stretched beneath the sheet and blinked up at the curtained canopy, a contented smile playing at the corners of her mouth. His heart tumbled over, adding to his certainty that she was the one for him.
“Good morning,” he said gently.
Regardless of his soft tone and their passions of last night, she scrambled for the sheets to cover her body. “Rothwell?”
He perused whatever curves remained in view and then forced the memory of her passionate responses firmly aside. He couldn’t think clearly around her when he was aroused. Last night had been bad enough. She’d almost escaped him because of his befuddlement. But in the morning light, mussed from sleep and his lovemaking, Arabella was near to irresistible. A siren unveiled. He met her gaze and tried his best to keep it there. “I think, perhaps, we are beyond the use of titles. I would be pleased if you would call me Merrick.”
“Merrick,” she said softly, her lips curving into an inviting smile. No blush today, but her skin glowed with health and vitality. The siren had woken and he was powerless.
He leaned in and paused a moment before he brushed a light kiss across her lips. “Did you sleep well?”
When he drew back, Arabella was blushing. “I did, thank you. Could you please tell me the time?”
“Almost nine.”
She sat up suddenly, glancing around the room. “Oh no.”
Merrick sat back with a satisfied smile. The siren was adorable when she was uncertain. “Did you not factor the morning into your plans before you came to seduce me?”
She held the sheet tightly against her breasts, depriving Merrick of the perfect view. “I did not imagine I’d fall asleep. Usually I have trouble sleeping anywhere else but in my own bed.”
He smiled. “It can happen if one is properly sated. I can happily accept that I exhausted you.”
Another blush swept her cheeks and she glanced down. “You did that very well.”
Merrick slipped his finger under her chin and lifted her gaze. “You were untouched before you came to my bed. You should have been honest with me.”
Her eyes widened in panic and he tightened his grip so he was holding her chin firmly. He wanted nothing less than her complete honesty.
She quickly nodded. “I was, and I’d be grateful if you could keep the embarrassing discovery to yourself. I’m in your debt.”
“My debt.” Merrick stood, suddenly irritated by her attitude. The gift she’d granted him was beyond price. “I should be the one to be grateful.”
“I don’t understand. You seduce women every day.”
A bitter laugh slipped past his control. “Not respectable women like you. An honorable man would offer to marry you after such a night and the discovery he’d taken something so precious, but you don’t want that, do you?” He strode to the tall windows and threw the drapes wide, unnerved by how easily his own truths tumbled from his lips when in her company. If this continued, he’d be confessing the secret of his first boyhood fantasy.
The bedsheets rustled. “Last night doesn’t necessarily need to change things between us.”
He glanced over his shoulder and immediately wished he hadn’t. Arabella sat in a puddle of bedsheets, legs crossed and her shoulders bared to his gaze. Long strands of pale hair tumbled over her limbs, tempting him to wrap his hands in the strands and never let go.
“How many times have I wanted you and thought you disinterested? But you were not the woman of experience I imagined you to be. You were as innocent as any new bride come to her husband’s bed,” he said quietly.
A rush of color swept her cheeks at his observation. “Those days are behind me. I was a virgin. But that was yesterday.”
Merrick could understand her willingness to throw propriety aside to experience passion, but what did that mean for him? Did she view him as a passing fancy? He had to know. “And what will you do now that your virginity has been taken? Bat your lashes at gentleman and invite them to your bed while expecting me to ignore your trysts without a word of protest?”
“No.” She fought to free herself from the bed and scrambled into his discarded banyan. “I’ll go on as I always have. I thought we were friends. You’re still friends with your previous lovers, are you not?”
“I am, but everything is different now. There is the slightest chance you could be carrying a child at this very moment. Did you think of that?” He was satisfied when her hand touched her belly. She appeared startled but not unduly alarmed that she could be carrying his babe. “I do not usually make mistakes in such matters, but with you I am utterly reckless. With all the half brothers and sisters I have, I can ill afford to continue that family tradition.” He set his hands to his hips. “What if I cannot forget last night? What if I cannot ignore the fact that I had you in my bed? I want you back there already.”
Her brow creased in a frown. “I…I’m sorry. It was my problem I sought to remedy, and I thought this wouldn’t change anything for you.”
He moved close to her. He needed to be near her again. In his arms would be better. “I cannot forget last night as easily as you will forget me.”
Her eyes widened. “I never said I would forget you. You’ve been so kind to me.”
“I’m not kind, Arabella. I’m in love with you.” At her silence, Merrick spun on his heel and headed for the door. “I’ll see your breakfast is brought to your bedchamber so we might say good-bye in proper surroundings.”
Merrick slammed the door behind him, appalled that he’d blurted out the state of his heart and received nothing in return. Devil take it. Pleasing Arabella last night had not been in his best interests. He couldn’t let her go. The idea was impossible.
He made arrangements for a breakfast tray to be prepared and then sat down on the staircase steps to await its delivery, pondering his next actions. He still had to order his carriage and gain Arabella’s agreement to visit with Grayling for the day before he could attend to family matters and then return to plead his case. In all he had at most an hour without interruption to get her agreement that marriage was the next logical step, or at least as something to consider.
Holland appeared before him, a deeply disapproving expression on his face. “Do you want the carriage brought up now?”
Merrick stared at Holland. “In an hour.”
Holland’s brows pinched together. “What troubles you?”
“Oh, everything. Go away, brother. I have no need of your counsel right now.”
“Suit yourself.” Holland’s eyes turned pitying.
“Wait. Be a good fellow and hurry that breakfast tray along.”
Holland rushed off and, a few minutes later, returned with the tray in his hands. “It goes without saying there are no secrets in a country house. I assume you would prefer to deliver her tray yourself?”
Merrick held out his hands and took the tray. This was what came of giving in to his yearnings for Arabella. He’d ruined a very proper lady. He plodded up the stairs, stopping when Arabella’s bedchamber door was before him. He juggled the tray and knocked, half expecting to be kept waiting a very long time. She bid him enter immediately, though it was with a voice so quiet he grew afraid he’d ruined everything between them.
Merrick slipped inside, making sure to lock the door behind him. Arabella had taken refuge on a crimson settee, still wrapped snugly in his silken banyan. He set the tray on the small side table and uncovered the dishes.
She leaned over immediately and took a warm fruit scone. “These are my favorites. Thank you.”
“You have your cook to thank, not me.”
He took one himself and moved to the very end of the settee. He might want to sit nearer and touch her body again, but he wasn’t sure of his reception after his sudden confession that he’d fallen in love with her. They ate in silence.
“No one has ever loved me before,” she said softly.
She’d been untouched for certain. The blood on his previously pristine bedsheets attested to that fact. A small wave of guilt swept over him. He could have been gentler. “I promise you will feel no further discomfort from now on.”
Her brow creased and she clenched her hands together. “You misunderstand. No one has ever told me they loved me. I’m not certain what you want from me.”
Her eyes were twin pools of confusion and he slid along the settee until they sat side by side. He took her hand in his. “There is nothing you need do if you don’t wish to. ’Tis the state of my heart, and I doubt it will deviate from its chosen path.”
“Surely there’s hope your feelings will pass. We’ve known each other for so short a time.”
He winced. “I’m told you cannot choose who you fall in love with, and I have discovered it’s impossible to fight it. You were happily married when we first met, and then I thought you might make a match with Grayling. I never dreamed I’d get a chance to know you better.”
“Oh?” Her hand landed on his thigh and the touch seared through his trousers.
He picked up her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles. “I am so glad you came to my door.”
She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I was never happily married, you know.”
Merrick drew her into his arms and held her. Such a sad statement and one he’d certainly heard from other women in society. But Arabella had hidden her misery better than most. If he’d had the smallest inkling, he’d probably have acted long before this. He rocked her in his arms, so grateful for the chance to be alone with her.
But he did not want her to dwell on the past. He wanted to make her happy now. He kissed her lips gently, and then deeper when she held on to him. “I have to go soon.”
“Back to London?”
“No. There is nothing I want in London now. I have to visit my half sister and decide what to do about another of my father’s illegitimate sons.”
“What’s happened?”
“His mother died and he’s been living with another half sibling, but she’s overwhelmed. We promised to take the boy away this trip and lighten her burdens.”
“Oh.” She sat up and grabbed his hand. “May I help in any way?”
He shook his head. He couldn’t take her to meet other members of his family and have her become more involved in his life. There was no need if she didn’t love him in return. “I’d like to take you to visit Grayling for the day before I go, and when I come back I was wondering if we might talk again.”
Her thumb caressed the back of his hand. “I should like that. I can be ready to go in an hour.”
He raised her hand to her lips one last time and kissed it. “Thank you, Arabella. I hate to go, but I have obligations that I cannot avoid no matter how much I wish to.”
She smiled suddenly. “That is actually one of your best features, Merrick. You never turn your back on your family or your friends.”
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
Visiting Lord Grayling’s neighboring estate and sipping tea on the lawn was a beautiful respite for a troubled mind. Arabella smiled as Grayling’s children cavorted on the lawn with hoops and brightly colored leather balls in the company of their new mother and doting father. The happy scene made her heart lighter, but she was aware she was feeling out of place. Matching Grayling with his lover, while scandalous and not without risk, had been the right thing to do. They were all so happy together.
Yet part of Arabella’s mind was as restless as a stormy night. She’d had a hard time conversing with her friends while she grappled with the concept of Merrick in love. And with her, no less. She’d never imagined him besotted with anyone, and she didn’t know what to say to him when he returned from his errand.
Grayling sank into the chair beside her. “You’re quiet today.”
“It’s been a troubling week or so.”
“So Rothwell mentioned.” Grayling took her half-full cup from her fingers and set it on the bench beside him. “He was a trifle vague about it all though. I trust he’s been on his best behavior?”
“Yes. He’s been a great friend to me.”
“Well, then. I am glad to know he’s lived up to your expectations,” Grayling said slowly. “He is a good man. Society doesn’t know the half of his character.”
But Arabella did and that’s what troubled her. Merrick had told her so much about his life, about his troubles with his family, and about his concerns for his half siblings’ welfare that her feelings were torn. She was drowning in instances of his good deeds, yet she couldn’t answer truthfully if she loved him in return. “I have seen enough instances of his kindness and generosity to believe you.”
Grayling sat forward, elbows resting on his knees as he watched his young family at play. “I worry for him some days. When we were young, he flitted from woman to woman without ever looking back or leaving hard feelings in his wake. When passions cooled, he could move on to a new lover without regret.”
“Some people are like that. They don’t feel deeply.”
“But he does.” Grayling shook his head. “I simply think he hasn’t found the woman who is meant for him yet while I’ve been blessed with love twice.”
Tightness closed Arabella’s throat. She had to clear it several times before she felt sure her words would not betray her. “Perhaps he’ll marry this season.”
“I hope so.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Now, while my delightful wife is distracted by the children, will you please tell me what you asked her advice on last winter? It’s driving me insane.”
She grimaced. She’d hoped he might have forgotten that business. When she’d met Rosemary during the previous winter, she’d seized the chance to ask some frank questions she couldn’t ask of anyone else. Grayling would never approve. “A personal matter.”
“You were my friend first.” He scowled. “At least I can be certain I’ll learn what it is before Rothwell does.”
Arabella faced the garden too. Merrick had been instrumental in seeing Lady Grayling’s advice put into practice. With Rosemary’s help, she’d been as well prepared as any new bride for what had happened in Merrick’s bed, and it still hadn’t been enough. She caught herself many times dwelling on what they’d done together. She’d been completely unprepared for how the experience had changed her. She could not stop thinking of Merrick today.
“Don’t tell me he knows too?”
When she winced, Grayling stood and walked a few steps away. “For goodness sake, why on earth would you tell Rothwell?”
She stared at his broad back, feeling nothing but friendship for Grayling and mild irritation that he wasn’t taking her silence well. “Because the matter wasn’t something that concerned you.”
He ran his hand through his hair. “Are you ill?”
“No.”
“Penniless?”
Now that was a question for another day. She did not know exactly how her finances stood at the present moment. She would likely need Gray’s assistance, or Merrick’s if they continued as friends, to discover where she stood if she did not want to deal with Farnsworth directly. “Not quite.”
He stared hard at her. “With child and the bastard won’t offer to marry you?”
The terrace door banged behind them and Rosemary hurried out, one hand held protectively over her growing belly. “Grayling, do end your inquisition and lower your voice. Can you not see our dear Arabella’s heart is already under siege?”
“What the devil!” He turned on his wife angrily. “You stay out of it. Don’t give me the business of it not being my business. If not for your interference then I might have been able to solve Arabella’s problem already.”
Rosemary’s lips firmed in a tight line, her eyes narrowed to slits. “Is that so?”
With no way now to deflect Grayling and a fight brewing between them over the misunderstanding, Arabella raised her hands to admit defeat. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, this is ridiculous. I will not have the pair of you fight over who is the better friend. I went to London with the intention of finding a lover, Gray. You certainly would not have helped me with that. I asked Rosemary’s advice on intimacy and she was kind enough to answer my questions. There, now you know it all.”
Grayling spun so fast to face her that he staggered a few steps. His mouth opened, then closed. He glanced between Arabella and his wife and then spun about again and left in a rush, heading for the stables.
Rosemary sighed heavily and sank onto the bench beside Arabella. “Maybe next time he will believe me when I say he doesn’t need to know. From what I’ve gleaned, he sees you as a sister. One never wants to imagine one’s siblings engaged in intimate acts.”
“Perhaps.” Arabella slumped. “What am I going to do?”
“I take it that Rothwell has turned your head around.”
Rosemary just might be the most perceptive woman she’d ever met. “I never said it was him.”
“My dear, you did not have to.” Rosemary shifted closer. “I have eyes enough to see a hungry man staring at what he wants to devour. It surprises me that Gray hasn’t guessed the two of you are involved. You have spent quite a few days with him alone and I’ve never seen a man so reluctant to leave a lady, even in the care of his friends.”
A smile tugged at Arabella’s lips as she thought of Merrick’s protracted leave taking. “He is protective.”
“I think with good reason. What haven’t you told Grayling about the season?”
“Quite a bit. I didn’t want to worry him.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“I don’t know that it would do any good.” She sighed. “I failed as a chaperone, was physically assaulted by my brother-in-law, almost forced into marriage with someone I barely knew and didn’t care for at all, then slept with a man who should have been wicked except he claimed to love me.”
Rosemary slipped an arm around her back and hugged her close. “A busy season.”
She glanced sideways. “Far more than I anticipated.”
“Life can be like that,” Rosemary said and then sighed heavily. “I see now why you were reluctant to tell Gray the whole story and why Rothwell has become protective of you. Are you all right?”
Arabella was about to answer when a large hand clapped over her shoulder.
“Who the hell seduced you?” Grayling demanded.
Arabella sat up at the anger in his voice. A hot flush had swept over his features and he looked fit to kill.
“When did you return?”
“Not soon enough,” he growled. “Now answer me. Who do I have to kill?”
Rosemary clucked her tongue. “Really, darling, can you not guess who might have a claim on Arabella’s affections?”
His gaze darted between them and then his eyes narrowed. “Rothwell? Damn him. I’ll kill the bastard when he returns.”
“Oh no, you will not.” Arabella wasn’t about to be bullied by Grayling. She was more than capable of managing her own intimate affairs. “Not when I asked him to.”
His eyes widened, and then his stare became quite unnerving. Was this what it was like to have a brother to answer to? All of a sudden he grinned. “This is perfect. He’ll marry you.”
Rosemary shook her head sadly and stood. “I’ll leave him to you, my dear, but if you need help banging some sense into his head, I’ll do my best.”
Although Arabella had never held back in prior conversations with Grayling, she wouldn’t have minded having Rosemary at her side for this one. “Excuse me?”
Grayling tucked his hands behind his back and began to pace along the flagstone squares. “I should be furious, but there is an easy way out of this situation. I don’t want to lose my best friend, but if he doesn’t propose to you then I’m going to enjoy hurting him. The two of you will simply marry and that will be that.”
“We’ll do no such thing.” Arabella sighed and collected her cup and saucer to put them on the tray for a servant to take. “I don’t intend to marry. Excuse me, I’d like to visit with the children again before Merrick returns.”
“Merrick now, is it?” Gray teased.
“Oh, keep quiet.” She turned toward the house. “It’s not like you’ve never been in a similar situation,” she muttered.
“I’ll have you know I didn’t expect to marry again so soon,” Grayling reminded her as he blocked her escape. “But a very good friend threw the perfect woman at me and I had a second chance to have a fulfilling life. You deserve to be in love.”
Rothwell had claimed her perfect, but she didn’t think that true. There were many things she would change about herself if she could. “It’s not the same. I don’t have the faintest idea of whether I love him.”
His eyes narrowed at her admission. “There’s nothing to stop you being as happy as we are. You just have to be brave enough to jump.”
She sank into a chair. “I’m not sure I am ready to marry again.”
“Then that is an impediment only you can overcome. Rothwell has proven he’s a man of honor by protecting you as he did. I’m not entirely happy about your affair, but only you can decide whether he’s worth the risk of loving.” Grayling leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “If he makes you happy, Bella, then tell me what have you got to lose? You have my blessing, if that helps. Augusta would approve, too, I think. She always had a soft spot for him.”
The casual mention of Grayling’s first wife, Augusta, once her best friend, brought tears to her eyes. She had missed Augusta desperately these past years and longed to hear her opinion. But Arabella was alone and had to make all decisions about her life without help. Only she could decide whether what she had with Rothwell was love or something far less.
~ * ~
When Stanton Harold Hall came into view, ice formed in the pit of his stomach. For the whole of the trip to collect his youngest half brother, he’d missed Arabella and now feared what she’d say to him about the addition to their outing. At his side sat his father’s last mistake, a boy of eight years whose mother had recently passed and needed a home. The boy would live with him from now until he was old enough for schooling. He touched Danny’s shoulder gently. “Dry your tears and be a good lad while I collect Lady Farnsworth.”
Young Danny sniffed miserably but nodded. “I will, sir.”
“Good lad.” He glanced at Holland’s worried face. “Once the carriage and horses have been seen to, take him for a stroll about Grayling’s gardens. Grayling won’t mind and the boy won’t be in the way there while you await us.”
“An excellent idea.” Holland ruffled the boy’s hair as Merrick left the carriage. “We might even be able to rustle up a sweet cake or two if we ask nicely.”
The pair had grown closer by the minute during their journey. He had hoped young Danny would bond with one of the others, but perhaps Holland was the best choice for a motherless boy. It would mean the child was about the town house more often rather than the stables, but at least there he could be kept watch over and would adopt the mannerisms of a gentleman more quickly.
He grinned at Grayling’s butler, Cunningham, as he passed through the impressive double doors of Stanton Harold Hall and then glanced around the dim interior. Grayling strode forward to meet him at the door. “Grayling.”
“Bastard,” Gray muttered. “Come with me. We need to talk.”
Merrick quickly looked for Arabella but didn’t see her anywhere. Although he wouldn’t be comfortable until he’d laid eyes on her again, he reluctantly followed Gray back outside and onto the lawns. When they stopped beside a shady tree, Merrick caught Gray’s arm. “What’s going on?”
“I should ask you the same thing.” Grayling drew closer and Merrick was astonished to see his hands curl into fists. “I won’t allow you to toy with Arabella’s affections.”
It was on the tip of his tongue to deny he was involved with Arabella, but this was his best friend. Her best friend too, and she’d clearly confided in him while Merrick was off on family business. “I won’t pursue her if you’re so set against us.”
“But you’ll ruin her.”
“Not intentionally. Unfortunately, she’s against marriage.”
Grayling frowned. “I cannot understand why. Farnsworth treated her well from all I saw.”
Farnsworth had neglected her, paying no attention to her opinions from what he could discern. Merrick would not make the mistake of doing the same. “I love her,” he said simply. Being apart for the whole day and worrying about how she fared was a new experience for Merrick, though not unpleasant.
“Then propose.”
“I’d rather not have her think it’s because you demanded it, if it’s all the same to you.” He shook his head. “I do have a special license at home.”
“Then use it.”
“I intend to. I was actually on the hunt for a bride while I was in London. I had whittled down my selection to three when Arabella sought my protection. Do you have any idea how fast a man can lose interest in other women once he sees an opportunity?”
“To seduce her? You bloody bastard.”
“To get to know her without society watching.” Merrick shrugged. “I don’t know why you’re so put out with me. It’s not as if I’m trespassing on your territory. Oh, and did I criticize you for marrying your governess, who when I met her the first time went by an entirely different name?”
Merrick was well aware that the current Lady Grayling had an entirely murky past that no one ever brought up in conversation. Eventually he hoped Gray would confide in him.
Grayling scowled. “That was different.”
“You’re correct. The situations are as different as night and day. I will not rush Arabella with an offer of marriage when she is uncertain she wants more. When I do marry, I don’t want to feel my bride chose me because she must. Now, may we return to the house so I can say farewell properly to your charming wife and children? It will be dark soon and I want to deliver Arabella home to Winslette where she’s happiest.”
Gray pressed his lips together and then gestured toward the house. They returned without speaking. Merrick wasn’t unduly surprised about Grayling finding out he’d slept with Arabella. It was reasonable that she’d confide in him. He just didn’t like Grayling’s assertion that they had to wed or else.
They found the ladies in the conservatory, children running around them and squealing. Arabella smiled shyly, fingers twisting at her waist. “You’re back.”
He nodded. Although he ached to touch her, Merrick concluded that being too forward in front of friends might embarrass her, so he reluctantly kept his distance. “A small difficulty. I’ll explain in the carriage if I may.”
“Of course.” They chatted a bit longer and then it was Arabella who claimed it time to go. “I’ve been away so long and there is much to do.”
Lady Grayling took her arm and led her toward the entrance hall. “There always is. Remember what I told you to do tonight. Come back and see us soon. Bring Rothwell with you for a longer visit if you like.”
“I will.” Arabella kissed her cheek, her cheeks burning quite red. “Until next time.” She stole a glance at Merrick before rushing toward the carriage.
“Rosemary,” Grayling growled. “Now what did you tell her to do?”
His wife looked anything but contrite. “An additional lesson. Nothing you’ve not had experience with.”
Merrick glanced between them. “Have I missed something?”
Lady Grayling laughed as her husband followed Arabella out the door. “You did, but hopefully you won’t feel so neglected after tonight is over. Good night, Rothwell. Please don’t keep my friend waiting.”
Puzzled, he joined Arabella in the carriage. Holland and young Danny were already seated with her. He quickly performed the introductions and then turned to Arabella. “What lesson did Lady Grayling have to share?”
“Later.” Her face flamed. “Much later, in fact.”
As the carriage left Grayling’s estate, sniffling drew his attention. The boy was still upset, and Merrick was at a loss as to how to comfort him. Arabella suddenly leaned forward and took the child’s hand in hers. “Partings are always hard, Danny.”
The boy nodded, his weeping eyes locked on hers.
Arabella smiled. “When we get to Winslette, you must help me pick a room for you. You may have any unoccupied room for your own tonight as long as you are careful with my possessions.”
Danny’s eyes darted to Holland.
Arabella released him and sat back. “Even the one beside Holland’s. I believe it is unoccupied too, so you are in luck.”
The boy sat back as well and seemed much more at ease. Had he merely been worried he’d be left alone on his first night away from all he’d known? Merrick wouldn’t do that to the boy. He’d lost his mother to illness a few weeks past and it was clear he mourned her.
Arabella caught his eye and he smiled at her. She truly was good to comfort a boy she should never have paid notice to.
Holland cleared his throat. “Shall I inform the men we return to London tomorrow and have the carriage prepared for an early start?”
The return trip would take three days, and then he’d have nothing to look forward to but the boy’s care. Arabella made no protest and extended no invitation for him to stay. He studied her face, looking for signs she disagreed, and saw nothing to give him hope. He nodded but he wished he didn’t have to go. Arabella was all he could think about. He might very well need his brother’s stubborn nature to make him leave her and Winslette behind.
