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?”