Chapter-Two

The clock on the mantel ticked in a most tedious rhythm through the empty sitting room. Each click marked another irretrievable second of my life passing by, and one less moment I had until our looming departure to Sandson Hall. I dropped my sampler to my lap and glared at the small clock mocking me, as though it would do some good. It did none.

“There you are, Arabella.” The shrill tone of Mother’s voice commanded my attention. She had scarcely spoken a word to me since the ball, yet I suddenly favored the silence of the past few days to the wrathful glint in her focused regard.

I took a steadying breath, attempting to give nothing away. “I did not realize you were searching for me.”

Her jaw steeled as she moved to the window, placing her back to me. “I know you are aware of the reason for my vexation, so you need not act an innocent.”

My gaze dropped to the cream-colored rose I had been embroidering, dread pulsing through me. She must have discovered the truth about Papa’s and my encounter with Ruth. No wonder she was furious. I opened my mouth to offer an apology.

“Priscilla will be most displeased.” Mother gave a disbelieving shake of her head. “Not to mention the timing of it all is most inconsiderate.”

I closed my lips, unable to find a correlation between the timing of our chance meeting with Ruth and its effect on Aunt Priscilla. Could she be referring to something else entirely? I needed to tread with more caution.

Mother whipped her head toward me. “What have you to say?”

“In truth, I’m not certain what you are speaking of.”

“The Leavitts?”

I tried not to cower at the intensity of her stare as she started toward me.

“What of them?” To my great relief, I truly had no idea what Papa’s cousins had to do with anything.

Mother leaned over me, taking hold of my arm, her fingers cold and sharp on my skin. Her eyes bore into me, searching my features for any hint of deception. After what felt an eternity, her grip slackened. “You truly do not know?”

“Know what, exactly?”

Mother dropped her hand from my arm and straightened. “Your father has decided to send you to the Leavitts’ for the next several weeks, instead of allowing you to join us at Sandson Hall.”

“Papa’s cousins?” My heart leapt when Mother gave a brisk nod. “But we are set to leave any minute for Sandson.”

“I know.” Disgust coated her words, as though she’d mistaken my amazement for displeasure equal to her own. “I am in full disagreement to this arrangement, though your father will not hear a word of it.”

I swallowed, cautious to not appear too eager over the joyous news. In truth, had the revelation come at any other time, I would have thought it far from ideal, but knowing the Leavitts’ company could be more easily borne than the company I would find at Sandson Hall, I was obliged to consider myself most fortunate. This certainly had to be Papa’s reward for my silence regarding Ruth and his unwillingness to speak to me of it—accepting an eleventh-hour invitation to free me from the clutches of Mother and Aunt Priscilla.

Mother was watching me as I pulled myself from my thoughts. In an attempt to look more displeased by the news, I dropped my shoulders and released a small puff of air. “But what shall I do at the Leavitts for so long?”

Mother sat herself on the opposite end of the settee. “You shall be acting as companion to Mrs. Leavitt. Apparently, Mr. Leavitt believes your cheery spirit shall be just the thing to improve his wife’s ailing health.”

I set my focus on the embroidery sample on my lap, refusing to take Mother’s doubtful tone to heart. “And shall I go to Branbury straight from the Leavitts’ then?”

The exhale Mother released sounded more like a hiss. “Yes. It appears that is what your father intends.”

I gave a slow nod, realizing this providential development could be taken from me as quickly as it had been given. “But do you not oppose my going?”

“Of course I oppose.” The shrill tone altered Mother’s voice. “But as I have already stated, Charles will not hear me on the matter, despite my reasons. As if he has ever dictated your social arrangements to me before. It is most unlike him and utterly infuriating.”

“Mrs. Leavitt must be melancholy indeed, for Papa to be so determined.”

Mother huffed. “Yes. I suppose she must be. Though her timing is most inconvenient as is Mr. Leavitt’s lack of foresight to not send for some other young relation to cheer her. One less inclined to receiving invitations than you.”

I thought to mention Sandson Hall hardly counted as a noteworthy invitation, but I held my tongue, allowing the silence to settle. I would not risk her temper, nor my freedom.

“At least Charles was correct in one regard—your continued absence from London will ensure that you will not haphazardly encourage any more suitors while Lord Thorton is away.”

My throat constricted as I thought of Papa saying such a thing. Surely he only mentioned it in an attempt to appease Mother. Hadn’t he?

Watching me, Mother’s lips curved at the edges, and I cursed myself for not better concealing my quandary. “I am at least relieved to discover you were not aware of the arrangement, as Charles had assured me.” Mother’s eyes shifted between mine. “To think that either you would willingly deceive me would be unpardonable.”

Ever so slowly, I released the air I hadn’t realized I’d been holding in. “I knew nothing of the Leavitts’ invitation.”

A light knock sounded on the door, stealing both our attention.

Mother stood. “Yes, Harriston?”

The butler gave a slight bow of his head. “The coach is ready for you, my lady.”

“And have my daughter’s trunks already been hauled back inside?”

Harriston tipped his chin downward. “They are being moved now.”

“You presume to collect me when your work is not yet complete?”

He gave a small bow. “Forgive me, my lady.”

Mother just shook her head. “These Town servants are utterly remiss.”

I quieted my tongue, unwilling to risk provoking Mother further.

Mother’s regard returned to me. “Well, be certain to arrive at Branbury in time to dress for dinner on the first day of July.” She started toward the door but paused, looking back at me. “You must realize that Lord Thorton is likely your last chance at a match of that caliber. Do not forget it.”

Placing my sampler on the side table, I stood and faced her. “I know what is expected of me.”

Mother scrutinized me one last time. “I would certainly hope so by now.” Without another word, she walked fromthe room.

I took a moment to gather myself. When Papa walked past the door, indicating for me to join them in the entry hall, I followed obediently.

Mother tugged on her gloves. “I am of the mind to delay my departure so that I might at least see Arabella off.”

Papa hardly looked affected by her threat. “You shall do no such thing. I am more than capable of seeing to the task.”

“I believe we often hold different opinions, though mine don’t seem to matter as of late.” Mother shook her head, grasping her reticule. “I shall not pretend we are parting on good terms.”

“And yet, I implore you to enjoy yourself.” Papa sounded less than sincere. “Considering the guestlist, I’m certain Arabella’s absence will allow you to more fully enjoy your time at Sandson Hall.”

Mother pursed her lips and lifted her chin, moving toward the open door. “Farewell, Arabella. Charles.”

“Goodbye, Mother.” I stepped through the doorway after her, still in shock that she was climbing into the waiting coach without me.

“Farewell, dear,” Papa muttered, stepping behind me. We watched in silence as the coach rolled forward and down the street.

“Papa, I want to—” I glanced over my shoulder, only to find he was no longer there. Hurrying back into the entry hall, I caught sight of his retreating figure. “Papa?”

He paused and ever so slowly turned back toward me.

Despite his visible reluctance, I would not allow this opportunity to pass, not after all my futile attempts at obtaining a private audience with him the past few days. “I want to thank you for allowing me to visit the Leavitts. I know Mother was not pleased with your interference, but I am grateful for it.”

He gave a slight nod of acknowledgement and again turned to leave.

“Also,” I called, halting him a second time. “I was hoping you could offer an explanation as to why we were not to mention Ruth to Mother.”

Papa lowered his chin and rubbed at the bridge of his nose, as though the mere question exhausted him. “It is complicated, Arabella.”

“Yet, is it not reasonable that I should be made aware of the situation before I begin a correspondence with her?”

His eyes returned to mine. “I can say no more. I have sworn I would not speak of the Setons, and I’m nothing if not a man of my word.” He paused, indecision evident in his features. “That is why I must allow for this.”

“Our correspondence?”

“No. Not that. Though if you do write to Ruth, take caution to ensure your Mother does not intercept your letters.”

I nodded absently, my thoughts still on his previous statement. “If it’s not that, Papa, then what is it you are—”

His stern glare silenced me. “Do not make me regret my interference in keeping you from Sandson Hall.”

I swallowed. I had grown accustomed to Papa’s aloofness, but I was not used to his anger being directed toward me. “Forgive me.”

He considered me briefly then shook his head. “Now,” he said, his voice once again gentle, “go find some way to entertain yourself. I have work to attend to.”

Even after Papa disappeared into his study and closed the door behind him, I could not convince myself to move. Why had Papa been so harsh with me? And why had he sworn to not speak of the Setons? I had always supposed my parents had been friends with the couple, just as I had been friends with their daughter. But my memories were so vague, I hardly felt sure of anything anymore. With one last glance at Papa’s closed study door, I made my way back to the drawing room.

* * *

I was so incredibly bored. Papa had spent the remainder of the day after Mother’s departure at Westminster, and I hadn’t said a word to another person besides our housekeeper and Leah, my lady’s maid, in nearly twenty-four hours.

My restless mind seemed incapable of needlework, so I placed my embroidery next to me on the settee and scrutinized the painting above the fireplace. I was never particularly fond of the piece. It was of the seashore—though that was not the part I disliked—with a boat painted in the background sailing away. It always left me with a disquieting feeling, as though I was being left behind at a place I’d never even been.

A knock interrupted my pondering. The door opened and Leah stepped inside.

“Yes?”

“Your father wishes to speak with you in the drawing room. He said the coach should arrive any moment.”

“Thank heavens,” I muttered, standing. “Do be sure to grab my sampler and the two books on my writing desk.”

“Yes, miss.” Leah was already in motion as I walked from the room.

The drawing room door was open, and I strode in to find Papa reading the newspaper in his wing-backed chair. I scanned his relaxed posture, and it eased me. “Good morning, Papa.”

He glanced up from his paper. “I thought you might enjoy a cup of tea before your travels.”

My eyes fell on the tea tray. “How thoughtful of you. May I pour you a cup also?”

He nodded and handed me the key that Mother typically retained, folding his paper and setting it on his lap.

I moved to the tea chest and unlocked the top drawer, retrieving a few of the leaves and locking it once again. “Would you prefer lemon or milk?”

“Lemon.”

Papa’s regard remained fixed on me while I readied his cup. “And how was your day at Westminster?” I asked, a touch self-conscious under his continued scrutiny.

“The Leavitts have written,” Papa said abruptly, disregarding my question.

I lifted my brow. “Oh?” I carefully handed him his tea.

“It seems Mrs. Leavitt is not well enough to travel to Dorset at this time.”

My chest tightened, and I took a seat with my own cup in hand. “But Leah said the coach will be here any moment to retrieve me.”

“Yes … well … I have secured you another invitation for the time being.”

“Another invitation?” I attempted to conceal my bewilderment. “Where to?”

Papa pulled his pocket watch out and studied it.

“Papa?”

When his eyes lifted, there was a peculiar flicker that left me unsettled. I raised my cup of tea to my lips, hoping it would calm the sudden churning in my stomach.

A knock splintered through the silence and Harriston stepped inside. “A Mr. Brundage and Miss Seton have arrived, my lord.”

My gaze shot to Papa so quickly that the warm liquid I was attempting to swallow was instead inhaled. I sought to pull in a breath, but the attempt was in vain, and a fit of coughs seized me.

“Are you well, Arabella?” Papa asked. I had just enough sense to nod.

“Is she choking?” Ruth’s voice only heightened my state of dread, realizing she and Augustus had been shown into the room.

Papa stood, and started toward me. “I believe she has just swallowed wrong.”

I held up a hand toward him, gesturing for him to stop. “A mo—ment,” I choked out in a throaty voice, rising to stagger toward the window. My coughing continued and my chest burned, making it impossible to right the rhythm of my breath.

“Lift your arms.” Augustus’s voice was humiliatingly close, and I refused to glance in his direction. After eight years without so much as a word from him, to have him find me in such a state was too much to suffer.

“I’m … well,” I said through more coughs.

“Still just as stubborn, I see.” There was amusement in his voice.

I contemplated piercing him with a scowl for teasing me in my distress, but it would not serve my purpose with a reddened face and tears streaming down my cheeks. Finally, out of sheer desperation, I lifted my arms to shoulder height. Augustus stepped behind me and took hold of my wrists, lifting them until they were straight overhead. Though his proximity did little to ease me, within moments my coughing ceased and bit by bit my breathing regulated.

Without a word, he released my wrists.

I lowered my hands to wipe at my eyes, unwilling to lift my gaze to his. “Thank you.”

Papa gave a loud clap of his hands. “Well done. I shall need to remember that trick.”

Augustus dispelled the heat engulfing my back by moving to a more suitable distance. “My father always claimed lifting your arms above your head like that opens up the chest cavity to allow for more air. Though I’m not sure of the truth in it, it has always seemed to work.”

“Well I’m glad you thought of it.” Ruth moved to my side. “That was awfully frightening to witness. And to think, if you’d not been here, who knows what could have happened.”

I straightened in exasperation. “A moment or two longer and I could have righted myself.” I compensated for the heat that now pooled in my cheeks by offering a tight laugh.

Ruth nodded, though it was obvious she was not convinced.

Without thinking, I glanced at Augustus. My breath nearly caught a second time at the striking man that stood before me. How tall he now was—though I was certain Lord Thorton was taller yet—and his hair had grown darker, a soft golden brown that nearly matched the undertones of his tanned skin. But his honey-brown eyes were the same, as was his delightfully irritating grin. “After eight years, how does it feel to suddenly reappear and be deemed my hero, Mr. Brundage?”

He only laughed, but the familiar sound, though now deeper, somehow set me at ease. No. It could not. Not after his neglect. I fortified the wall around my heart, assuring it would be impenetrable to his disingenuous charms.

“Can you believe, after all this time, we are together again?” Ruth’s question pulled me from my thoughts. “We shall have such a grand time these next few weeks.”

My stomach knotted, and I glanced toward Papa.

Guilt glinted in his eyes. “The invitation I was telling you of is to Fairhaven.”

“Fairhaven? You have begged an invitation for me to go to Fairhaven?” A slew of emotions coursed through me, but I had not the time nor the capability to sort through them.

“It seemed a feasible alternative after you and Miss Seton discussed your mutual desire to be reconnected at Lord and Lady Brimhall’s ball.”

My mouth hung open, and I could not convince it to shut. What would ever prompt Papa to do something so utterly insolent? What must Augustus think? Had he assumed I had been the instigator of the invitation? Augustus stood with a look of utter confusion on his face that confirmed my quandary. This would not do. I had to say something. “Mr. Brundage, I believe we owe you an apology. It is not Papa who typically sees to my social affairs, and I believe it is quite obvious he is unaware of the protocols.” I sent a corrective glance to Papa, who appeared to care little for my public correction. “It is one thing to beg an invitation from family or dear friends, but it is quite another to beg one from an old acquaintance.”

Augustus did not bat an eye at my affront. “Do not apologize. Though I admit I was … surprised to receive Lord Carter’s missive, I assured him we would be willing to accommodate you.”

My heart dropped at Augustus’s lackluster assurance, and I rebuked it for betraying me so quickly. It was precisely the reminder I required. “I hate to disappoint anyone, but I’m not certain Fairhaven is the best situation for me at present.”

Ruth took my hand in hers. “Please don’t refuse us now. I am entirely set on it. Besides, we have already sent word of your coming to Aunt Marina and hired a larger post-chaise for our travels.” Her pleas tugged at the piece of my heart she still held.

“Ruth, I do want to be with you. I simply …” My voice faltered, and I was unable to finish under Augustus’s unwavering consideration.

Papa cleared his throat. “Well, Arabella, I fear you must make a choice.” He now used his politician’s voice. “I have business to attend to and shall soon be retiring my duty as chaperone. If you prefer to join your mother and Aunt Priscilla, I can have a coach hired within the hour.”

I glanced back at Augustus, and one side of his mouth lifted in an uncertain half-smile. Surely, Augustus’s company was preferable to the company I’d find at Sandson Hall. Or was it? After all the heartache I’d endured, I hardly felt certain.

“To Sandson, then?” Papa said, taking an impatient step forward.

Even the name grated at my soul. “No,” I said softly, holding his gaze. “If Mr. Brundage is certain he can tolerate me for a time, I will accept his invitation.”

Ruth’s squeal of delight forced my notice from Papa’s contented expression just in time to brace myself against the force of her arms wrapping around me. “You shall not regret it,” she said in a hardly distinguishable pitch. “It shall be exactly as it used to be.”

It could not be, but now was not the time to say such things. Allowing the unseemly gesture only as long as was necessary, I placed my hands upon her arms and pulled back as though I was admiring her. “I’m certain we shall have a grand time.”

“Now that it is decided, you’d best be on your way.” Papa stepped forward with a hand extended to Augustus. “It was good to see you again, Mr. Brundage. Please give our regards to your mother as well as our condolences to your entire family for their loss.”

Augustus gave Papa’s hand a firm shake. “I will. Thank you, my lord.”

I studied Papa’s profile. How did he know of the late Mr. Brundage’s passing? He was not there when Ruth had spoken of it at the ball. Could it be that Augustus had mentioned it in his reply to Papa’s missive?

Ruth’s waving hand pulled me back to the present. “Goodbye, Lord Carter. I do believe I shall be forever indebted to you for allowing Bella to visit.” She glanced at me, a giddy grin upon her lips. “I still cannot believe it is true. Though we are standing here, in this very moment, I am waiting to wake and realize it was all a dream.”

Papa returned her smile, but it was tainted by sadness. “Well, I am pleased to oblige you this time.” With one last lingering glance, he moved to me. “Enjoy yourself, my darling,” he said before leaning in to place a kiss upon my cheek. He lingered by my ear, and I thought he wished to say something, but then he pulled away.

My eyes searched his, but whatever it was, he had already hidden it away. “Take care of yourself, Papa.”

“You also.” He gave one more hurried nod before walking from the room.

Drawing in a deep inhale, I looked to the others. “Do not look so worried,” Ruth said, unable to conceal her excitement. “You shall love Fairhaven.”

I forced a shaky smile and stepped forward. “Shall we depart, then?”

“Oh yes, let’s do.” Ruth bounced toward the doorway at a quickened pace. She glanced over her shoulder in the threshold to make certain I was following her, and I took a few hurried steps to catch up.

When Ruth disappeared, Augustus cleared his throat behind me. “Bella.”

I stilled at my name on his lips. “You must not call me that, Mr. Brundage.” Hesitantly I turned toward him. “We are no longer children, and seeing as we have not retained our friendship the past several years, it would be most appropriate if we were to use formal address.”

The hurt that pulled at his expression pricked my conscience, but what else could he expect? It was the truth of it, and by no fault of mine.

“Forgive me, Miss Carter,” he said, amending his error. “I simply want you to know that I was under the assumption you were aware of our invitation. I would not have presumed to come, otherwise.”

“I have no doubt of that,” I said, cynicism seeping into my voice, despite my best efforts.

Augustus released a heavy breath. “Well, it is not yet too late to change your mind. I know that you don’t wish to disappoint Ruth, but she will come to understand.”

“If I did not want to come, I would not have agreed to it.” I paused, not certain I wished to ask the question looming in my mind. “Unless it is your preference I remain behind?”

He hesitated. “No. I don’t believe it is.”

I lifted my brows. “Very reassuring.” His chuckle followed me as I started forward again. “Mr. Brundage?” As I faced him, my heart attempted to lodge in my throat due to its ridiculous thumping. I swallowed down the lump, but it only lodged in more firmly. “Your family is not aware of what transpired between us just before you left Bath, are they?”

The corners of his mouth twitched. “What exactly did transpire between us, Miss Carter?”

My whole body grew hot and my face pinked from his apparent amusement. “You very well know what—”

“Are the two of you coming?” Ruth stepped back into the doorway, and I startled, clasping a hand over my chest. “Is something amiss, Bella?”

I took to clearing my throat. “No. Not in the least.”

Ruth’s gaze flitted to Augustus and his shameless grin. “Forgive me if I interrupted you. I thought you two were right behind me, so I was talking endlessly to no one but your butler.” She glanced behind her into the entry hall. “And one of your maids.”

I stepped with her through the threshold. “What is it you were saying?”

“Oh, nothing really.” She swatted at the air between us. “I was simply waffling on again. You know how I have a tendency for such things.”

I glanced over at Ruth, suddenly overcome by the realization that Ruth was here with me. I took hold of her arm, not wishing to conceal my delight. “I adore your waffling,” I said, pulling her close.

“I am relieved to hear it. Though you must promise to inform me if your opinion changes on the matter.”

“What a thing to say. As though I could ever tire of you.” I noticed Leah awaiting my directions on the lowest step. “Come along, Leah.”

“Yes, miss.” She moved to step and thudded onto her foot, apparently forgetting the stair between her and the ground level.

“Careful there.” Augustus reached out to steady her by the arm as she teetered forward.

Her cheeks were ablaze as she took in Augustus’s handsome face. “Forgive me, sir.”

Augustus gestured for her to go on ahead. “We all misstep from time to time.”

The lovely pink of her cheeks instantly made me regret Mother’s recent hire. There was no need to have such a young, pretty thing for a lady’s maid. “Make haste, Leah,” I said, unable to curb the harshness in my voice. “And do be more careful. You shall be of no use to me if you break an arm.” I nearly winced at how much I had sounded like Mother.

Leah’s shoulders caved and her eyes dropped to the floor before she hurried out the door ahead of me.

I offered my curious onlookers a tight smile knowing it would do me no good to appear distressed by my overreaction. “Shall we?”

With only a touch of hesitancy, Ruth stepped through the door, but Augustus looked behind him in the direction where Papa had disappeared. “I suppose we must.”

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