Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Arabella smiled to herself as they walked down the path towards the village. Emma had discovered a sudden interest in education and had volunteered to help the Reverend Colbrooke with the lake project. There would be many hours investigating the flora and fauna of the lake and many opportunities for Emma to converse with the boys' tutor.

While walking into the village, Henry and Dash had raced so far ahead that she lost sight of them. She had been struck by panic, remembering the last time this happened, he'd almost been killed in a collision with a horse. She'd never known a child who had such exuberance, yet at other times, he was so studious she worried about him needing to play more.

This tutoring with Freddy Rathby might help him use up some of his boundless energy and increase his knowledge by learning new things. She reflected that her son had never struggled with learning anything. He loved books and soaking up facts and always wanted to learn more about history and progress with his nature studies.

She quickened her pace. "Emma, Henry's done it again. He's so far ahead that I can't hear his footsteps. Let's hurry along."

"Of course. We're nearly at the village. He'll probably be waiting for us on the green."

"I believe I'm starting to overreact. I know there were spies at Farrington Hall. Well, that sounds extreme, but I know Mr Christopher Farrington must have been paying some of the servants for information. When Henry climbed the old apple tree in the garden and fell out, badly bruising his body, I received a letter from Christopher remonstrating about my lack of oversight."

"That isn't going to happen here," assured Emma. "All our household has been at Horton Hall for a long time."

"I know, you're right. It's just that after the Duke of Montbury nearly collided with Henry that day, I've been on tenterhooks that Christopher will find out and use it against me."

Arabella listened for Henry but could only hear the birds singing in the trees. The face of the duke floated into her thoughts. She didn't push it away and realized with surprise that she had been savouring her memory of his features, especially those piercing blue eyes.

"I'll be glad when we find him again," Arabella said, shivering despite the warm day.

As they came to the village, they could see Henry with Freddy Rathby on the green, throwing sticks for Dash to chase … and the spaniel certainly knew how to dash across the green at high speed.

Henry looked happy and relaxed with his new friend. She had made the right decision, moving them to live with her family in the North Riding of Yorkshire.

And there he was again. The ever-present Reverend Nathaniel Colbrooke, standing outside the vicarage talking to one of his parishioners.

Emma's face brightened, and she nudged Arabella. "Look Nathaniel — sorry, the Reverend Colbrooke — is over there. As soon as we've been in the haberdasher's, I'll get a word. He may want me to go up to the castle with him to prepare the lessons."

"Of course. I might take Henry to the Beehive Tavern for a treat. We can follow you up to the castle later."

Arabella reflected that this might be true love between Emma and the clergyman as Emma seemed on the verge of abandoning the haberdashers to talk to him.

"Let's go and choose some ribbon for that old bonnet that your mother wants to renovate, it won't take long, and then we can find the Reverend Colbrooke," Arabella suggested to Emma.

I like it here, she thought. There is always someone talking to an acquaintance on the village green. The Beehive Tavern is a central place for people to meet and talk. The landlord makes everyone welcome, and so many posting inns are unpleasant places.

The door and windows of the haberdashery were painted a lovely shade of sage green. She wondered how such an establishment made a profit in such a small village, but Aunt Grace had told her that all the fine families in the area came to Mrs Cribbage's shop. It was far more convenient than a trip to York or Harrogate.

The bell jangled to alert Mrs Cribbage as they entered the shop. Arabella relaxed as soon as she saw the welcoming face. Mrs Cribbage recognized Emma with delight.

"Miss Emma. I'm so glad you called in. The new sprig muslin has arrived. I've got it in several colours."

Emma's face lit up, and she moved quickly to look at the bolts of cloth that Mrs Cribbage brought to the counter.

This was exactly the type of shop Arabella loved. Bolts of muslin and silk in new colours as well as traditional patterns, were on display. One of the walls was lined with ribbon and lace. She had time now to renovate her clothes, though less money than before for fripperies.

"Look Arabella," Emma called. "This shade would suit your complexion perfectly."

Arabella smiled at Mrs Cribbage and came to examine the cloth. She nudged Emma gently. "My dear, you need to introduce me."

"Oh, Arabella. I totally overlooked that. How will I manage in a London season if I can't remember my manners here at Montbury?"

Arabella laughed. "It comes with practice. You will be introduced to so many people in London that it will happen without your thinking."

"Very well. Mrs Cribbage, I'd like to introduce you to Lady Arabella Farrington, who is living with us at Horton Hall."

After the introductions, Arabella enjoyed looking at the silks, velvets, and muslin, and now that there was peace in Europe, the range of lace had extended greatly.

"This one is from Venice, and this is from Belgium. We haven't got the French lace back yet, but my supplier tells me it will be here for next season," Mrs Cribbage told them.

"Can you save this light blue muslin and this dusky pink for my mother to look at?" asked Emma. "I think we shall buy both. I'll ensure that Mama calls in the next few days."

"Of course, Miss Emma," assured the haberdasher.

As they left the shop, with assurances to return soon, Emma made her way to speak to the Reverend Colbrooke, and after waving at the vicar, Arabella went in the direction she had last seen Henry and Freddy.

"Henry," she called and, as always, breathed a sigh of relief when he emerged from the tavern courtyard with Freddy close on his heels.

Another figure followed Henry around the corner, and she gasped when she saw the Duke of Montbury with Dash walking to heel beside him.

This is quite ridiculous, she thought. It's as though he not only takes my breath away but also freezes my thoughts. Every time I meet him, I feel tongue-tied as if I'm going to stumble over my words.

He was rude to me and apologized. I've nothing to feel anxious about.

She kept walking towards them, thinking about how she needed to put one foot in front of the other and appear graceful and poised.

She bobbed the usual curtsey in greeting. "Your Grace."

"Lady Farrington," he said, bowing, blue eyes rising to meet hers.

She stopped, rooted her feet to the spot, and smiled in greeting. "Have the boys been good?"

Why on earth did I say that? It's nothing to do with the duke whether my son is good or misbehaves. He'll think I'm concerned about Henry's behaviour.

"We've had a pleasant time looking at the horses in the Tavern stables. I had to prevent young Henry from applying for the job of stable hand. They have a vacancy now that I've poached young Jim to work at the castle."

"I'm sure he enjoyed that. He loves horses. He's very capable with them, in fact."

"Do you ride?" asked the duke with interest.

"I do. It's one of those great pleasures in life. I'm looking forward to riding across the moors here."

"Perhaps we could ride together one day?" he suggested, almost casually.

Arabella felt her heart beat a little faster and hoped that her face wasn't flushing. "I'd like that," she said quietly.

"I'm aware you've only seen me fall from my horse," he said, laughing. "But I am quite an accomplished rider. There are some lovely riding trails around the Montbury estate, and I'll be happy to show you."

"Mama, Mama, Lord Robert says that spaniels are the best dog breed. They have a litter of puppies at the castle, and he says he'll show me."

She smiled her thanks. "Henry, I believe you should call his grace the Duke of Montbury and not Lord Robert," she corrected gently.

"Oh no," said Robert, putting his hands in the air. "Absolutely not. I've told Henry he can call me Lord Robert. Freddy calls me Uncle Robert, and it will be easier for them both to use my name."

"What a beautiful village," she said. "It's quite magical. I always think of it as a scene from a fairy story. Perhaps Monsieur Perrault visited Montbury Village?"

"You know the stories of Charles Perrault?" he asked in surprise. "I grew up with those, but then my nanny was French."

"Mais non," she replied, "seulement en traduction … I was given the book of translated stories as a gift by my husband."

She felt dizzy for a moment, remembering the day that Edward had given her the book. He'd always been surprising her with small gifts and had given her such joy. That was the past, and she could take it out and remember those lovely years whenever she wanted. She realized with surprise that she had mentioned a memory of Edward's without the usual cloak of grief which usually overcame her at such times.

"We should ask Nathaniel, Reverend Colbrooke, to cover those stories in his lessons," added the Duke of Montbury. "So many of them are set in woodland scenery, and I think the boys will enjoy them."

"A good plan," Arabella added, "which reminds me that I need to speak to my cousin before I take Henry to the tavern for a treat."

"Can I make a suggestion? Freddy has been a very good boy, occupying himself while I interviewed a new land agent. He deserves a treat. Can we join you at the Beehive?"

She nodded her agreement and hurried to speak with Emma.

"We can join you," said Emma.

Nathaniel nodded his agreement. "I'd be glad to join you. The boys can do some observations of nature on the way to the castle. I suspect I have gained another pupil," he laughed as he pointed to Dash. "He is such a well-behaved dog that he's welcome to join Henry for any of our lessons."

After a pleasant time at the Beehive Tavern, where they feasted on caraway seed cake and lemonade, they returned to the castle.

The Reverend Colbrooke and Emma led the way, followed by Henry and Freddy. Arabella was in awe of how the Reverend Colbrooke asked them searching questions about botany and wildlife without either of the boys seeing this as learning. He had true talent as a tutor.

Emma helped the boys gather specimens of leaves so they could compare the different species in their lesson later that afternoon.

Dash walked beside Arabella and Robert at the rear of the group. "I'll be glad when I can take my new dog out with me wherever I go," Robert confided to Arabella. "He enjoys a long walk, but he would have been unable to wait patiently at the tavern while I had my meeting. It won't be long. Mickle seems to be a fast learner."

"Dash is a gentle dog. He's always been Henry's best friend, though I suspect Freddy may soon step into that role," replied Arabella.

"He's very well trained. I am so sorry I snapped at you that day in the forest. I rarely take a fall from my horse and my pride was hurt."

"I think you have already apologized. It's forgotten," she said softly, appreciating his words.

Dash returned from retrieving a stick that Robert had thrown for him. The spaniel sat in front of them on the path, panting a little with his tongue lolling out of his mouth.

Arabella leaned forward to tickle his ears at exactly the same moment as Robert moved to do the same. His hand brushed against hers, and at that moment, she felt tingles down her spine.

Did his hand linger a moment longer than expected after they collided? She needed to steady herself but found herself lost for words again.

"I do apologize," she heard the words echoing as if from a distance.

"No, no, it was my fault entirely," she murmured. When she looked towards Robert, she thought she saw a questioning look in his eyes. She ignored his expression and decided the best plan was to continue chatting brightly to cover any embarrassment on both sides.

Robert continued to gaze at her as if he was searching for an answer in her eyes. "If Mr Perrault was writing this scene, then I suspect he would mention that the heroine's eyes were reflections of all the colours of the forest. The day we first met, I was convinced they were jade, and then, earlier today, I wondered about emeralds, and now I see forest shades."

Once more, Arabella felt herself rooted to the spot, unable to move or speak.

Whatever is happening to me?

She saw Robert glance up the woodland trail as the others had turned a corner and were out of sight. He bowed before her, never breaking his gaze into her eyes, and reached for her gloved hand.

A racing excitement pulsed through her body, and she told herself she was too old for this feeling. Those days were surely behind her now.

She didn't pull away as he placed a gentle kiss on top of her hand.

As his lips brushed her gloved hand, she felt a trembling spread up her arm, spreading throughout her body. Her nerves felt alive and on fire, even though the silk had separated his lips from her skin. She drew in a breath, leaning into the moment and feeling that tingle of excitement deep within as she heard his voice.

"Forgive me," he said, his voice sounding hoarse. "For a moment, it seemed as if we had stepped into a fairy tale. You certainly would make an enchanting heroine in one of Monsieur Perrault's stories."

"Well, I don't plan on falling asleep in this forest and being La Belle au bois dormant," she said as she gently withdrew her hand. "I suspect Dash is wondering why you haven't thrown him another stick, and the others will begin to wonder where we are."

Robert bent to find a stick and threw it to the waiting spaniel, who raced away.

As they continued their walk to the castle, along the lakeside, they heard squeals of delight and found Henry and Freddy showing Emma the wooden boat they planned to repair as a project.

The lake sparkled in the sunlight, and Arabella wondered if she had imagined the scene with Robert. He had returned to being the attentive duke, pointing out features of interest.

The wooden boat looked basically sound, though weatherworn, and both boys were excited about the prospect of sailing on the lake.

As soon as they arrived at Castle Montbury, the duke bade them farewell. "I must go and tell the ground staff about the appointment of Jason Brown as the new steward and land agent."

He smiled at Emma and Arabella. "Sir Joseph was very generous in suggesting Mr Brown. I shall ask Mother to invite your family to join us for an evening at the castle to say thank you. And you, too, Reverend Colbrooke," he added. "We have guests for a house party arriving today, and it will be good to look forward to at least one evening where I know there will be friends."

He bowed and left them to make their way to the schoolroom.

"An evening at Castle Montbury. There might be dancing," said Emma excitedly. "I hope you will dance with me," she told the Reverend Colbrooke.

Arabella thought the reverend would likely happily dance with her cousin for the rest of his life. She was beginning to doubt that Emma would ever have a season in London, and she suspected there would be wedding bells in a few months' time.

As they approached the schoolroom, they met Elinor, who had been looking for them. "I was hoping to find you," she said. "I wanted to escape the furor in the house with all these guests arriving."

"It sounds like a large party is arriving. You're going to be busy," said Arabella sympathetically, remembering her own days as a hostess.

"Indeed, I suspect my time will not be my own in the days ahead. Mama has so many events planned, and I've offered to help plan a summer ball. I'd like to spend some time with the boys and show you the schoolroom. I have a surprise for the boys and Reverend Nathaniel, too."

The schoolroom had been made into a true learning environment. Elinor had made sure there was a large globe, a small library of books, and tables to sit at.

"I didn't want it to have desks. The boys are too little for that, in my opinion. I am hoping Freddy will enjoy learning. He is very enthusiastic so far, so the signs are good," said Elinor.

"It's the loveliest schoolroom. Thank you so much, Elinor," said Arabella

She noticed that Reverend Colbrooke looked stunned at the thought that had gone into the room.

"I haven't finished," said Elinor in an excited tone. "Follow me. We can let the boys run around the garden for a while, and I have something to show you all."

While the boys raced around the garden near the house playing a new game they had invented called buccaneers, Elinor led them to the far end of the garden.

"You'll remember this place," she said. "Well, I've had it transformed. Step inside … This used to be our garden pavilion, and it had fallen into disuse. Now you have a garden classroom, away from the hustle and bustle in the house."

Arabella stared in wonderment. The wooden classroom looked like a laboratory with benches and places to examine and sketch specimens. The terrace outside had been made into a place where the boys could sit outside and work with Reverend Colbrooke.

"I know I might have gone over the top," said Elinor. "I just want Freddy to enjoy learning. He is always happiest if he is outdoors, so a garden classroom makes sense."

The Reverend Colbrooke stepped forward. "This is the best classroom ever. We can work here most days, and it is so close to the path to the lake. The boys will love working here. I'm going to fetch them now, and we can get started."

"I shall assist in preparing the lesson," Emma said enthusiastically.

"Let's leave them and go and take tea in the garden," suggested Elinor. "No one will find us there. I could do to escape for a while."

Arabella began to relax as a maid brought tea to an outside table in a secluded garden area at the back of the castle. Large hedges surrounded what seemed like a perfect garden room, filled with the scent of roses and honeysuckle.

"What a beautiful place," said Arabella, looking around in wonderment. "I could stay here and never leave."

"It is my favourite place in summer," confided Elinor.

"You have a fountain too. It's perfect," agreed Arabella. "Now tell me about this summer season that your mother is planning. You have house guests, too?"

"We're going to be full of guests until the summer fair. The first ones arrive today," replied Elinor.

"But you seem worried," remarked Arabella.

"My brother Simon arrives today. My brothers have not been on speaking terms for many years."

"That must be difficult for your mother," mused Arabella

"It's difficult for us all, but the reason that Robert cannot bear to see Simon is understandable."

"I hope it resolves for your mother's sake," said Arabella.

"The real problem is that a woman who was Robert's betrothed has also been invited," explained Elinor.

Arabella put her teacup down quickly, concerned she might drop and break the fine china.

Robert had a fiancée ... Surely not?

"He is engaged to be married?" queried Arabella, hoping she had misunderstood.

"It's a long story and not really mine to share. I can say that Robert was engaged and, as the wedding day approached, his fiancée ended their engagement and announced she was marrying another suitor."

"Humiliating and cruel," whispered Arabella. "And he loved her?"

"Oh, very much, and left the county for London soon afterwards as he could not bear to be here with all the memories."

An image entered Arabella's mind of a young bridegroom, in love and looking forward to marriage, being humiliated by his bride and losing his brother in the process. She'd never once had second thoughts in the weeks leading up to her wedding to Edward.

I remember how the joy, the excitement, had filled every day. Edward would have been devastated if I'd changed my mind. I suspect something inside him would have died; certainly, it would have changed after such a blow. Her heart filled with compassion for the duke.

"And she is part of the house party?"

"It seems so. My mother always liked Rosalind Seymour, now the Duchess of Wyndale. It is going to be difficult for Robert."

"At least you have this beautiful garden hideaway to escape to," commented Arabella.

"There is no way the guests will find it. I can be private here," agreed Elinor.

Elinor was clearly worried she might have shared too much of their family secrets, so Arabella changed the subject. "Tell me about the events your mother has planned. You mentioned a summer ball?"

"That's the highlight of the Castle Montbury summer season. And it's a good idea. Robert and I suggested to Mother that she bring her house party closer to the village fair. It's strange, as mother always thought she was helping the village by having a group of guests visit at this time. But the village saw it as Mother being aloof and not joining in their summer fair. This year, we've persuaded Mother to combine her ball with the summer fair."

"It's a good idea. It should bring together the castle and the community," said Arabella.

"I hope so. It also means that Freddy can be part of the summer fair without sneaking off to it, as we always did as children. This year, the Montbury stables are going to put on pony and trap rides."

"That's a wonderful idea," enthused Arabella. "Henry will enjoy that."

"I rather hoped that Henry might join Freddy and help with the pony and trap rides," suggested Elinor.

"I know he'll love to do that," agreed Arabella.

"And we will also have a musical soiree and other events. I hope you and the Thraxton family will join us here as often as possible," entreated Elinor.

"I'm sure Aunt Grace and Uncle Joseph will be delighted to accept any invitations."

"I wonder, and I'll understand if you say no, but would you and Emma help me with planning the summer ball? I married the colonel at quite a young age, and I have little experience in planning such an event. I suspect you have far more experience than I do at organizing a ball," Elinor asked her.

Arabella thought back to all the balls she had planned at Farrington Hall. She enjoyed seeing the hard work and planning coming together on the evening of the ball.

"I'd be delighted," she assured Elinor. "I'm sure you have far more experience than you realize. I suspect organizing small boys is as taxing as planning a ball. If you have an experienced house staff at Castle Montbury, then planning should be easy.

"We are lucky. There is Mr Chalston, the butler, who is very efficient. He used to be batman to my husband, the colonel, before he became too old for army service. We also have Mrs Slater, the housekeeper, who keeps the household running smoothly."

"Let's think about the sort of ball you are imagining and how we can make it happen," said Arabella.

"Then you'll really help me?" asked Elinor with amazement.

"Of course," said Arabella, finding she was quite excited by the prospect of organizing a ball. It would mean she sometimes saw the Duke of Montbury, and she was still trying to work out her mixed feelings towards Robert.

***

I can't imagine the day when I will no longer read Henry a story at bedtime. It is my favourite part of the day.

Henry loved the adventure books, and his favourite was Barnaby the Buccaneer.

"Are you still angry with Lord Robert, Mama? I think he is sorry for being cross when he fell off his horse," Henry asked, surprising her that he noticed these things.

"No, I'm not angry with him. He said he was sorry, and I've forgiven him," Arabella reassured Henry.

"I'm glad, Mama. I like Lord Robert. I hope we see more of him, and he says he'll help us to renovate the boat," Henry told her.

"Then I'm sure he will," said Arabella.

As she watched the candle flicker, she worried that Henry might get too attached to the duke. It could be devastating to the child if he lost another father figure. He had Sir Joseph, the Reverend Colbrooke, and now the Duke of Montbury to guide him.

For a second, it flashed through her thoughts that she dreaded her own association with Robert ending.

She gave Henry a small kiss and nodded to Tabitha to take over. The nursery maid must have realized Arabella felt sad as Tabitha reached across and touched Arabella's arm as she passed. They had been through so much sadness and then the drama of escape together. Tabitha was now a friend as much as a servant, and they had grown up together at her parents' home.

"Look after yourself," whispered Tabitha. "Find a quiet corner and a book or write some of your poetry. I don't think you've taken any time for yourself since we moved to Horton Hall."

"Thank you. I think I might do that," agreed Arabella.

"I can look after Master Henry tomorrow if you would like a day to yourself," Tabitha suggested.

She put her hand over Tabitha's arm and nodded her thanks, feeling tears welling up in her eyes at the kindness. She knew she was lucky to have good people around her, and sometimes she almost forgot about the shadow of Christopher's threats.

As she looked for a quiet corner to write, she reflected that she thought about Edward less these days. Memories of happy days together were always close, but the traumatic days of illness and death seemed further away.

As she took up her quill pen in a candlelit corner she let her thoughts drift. A heavy weight of sadness filled her body as if her legs and arms had transformed to lead. On the road ahead, even taking a tiny step might be a gigantic effort, and she felt exhausted.

Could she face heartbreak again? Love and loss were so closely entwined in her life.

Deep down, she knew she risked heartbreak if she became close to Robert – but realized with surprise that the growing connection between her and the duke might be worth taking that risk.

Green eyes like the shades of the forest. She nibbled the end of her quill as words flowed, and her pen scratched a pattern on the page.

Strong Soft Leaves

Green growth in the dark night,

Daphne, changed forever,

All alone, shining bright.

Softly growing, braver

Strong bark, covered by leaves,

Long roots reaching down

Soft tendrils of love weaves

A verdant, enchanting emerald gown

Luminous, lovely, brightening light.

By Lady Arabella Farrington