Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Next morning, Robert evaded breakfast with the houseguests and went straight into a meeting with Jason Brown. Jason was proving invaluable as the new steward, and he hoped he would stay for many years.

The estate workers had cleared brambles from some of the lakeshore, so there was access, but other parts had been left wild.

"The brambles are a menace, as they grow so strongly that wildflowers beneath them are smothered. It will do no harm to pull some of them out. They will no doubt grow back quickly enough," said Jason.

"And the island?" asked Robert.

"It's surprisingly accessible. The little beach still remains, and the grove of trees needed little attention. It's full of wildflowers, and it's very pleasant."

"I'm rowing over there today. I think I'll take the estate boat rather than the one the children have renovated if that's alright."

"Absolutely, we've finished our work over there," replied Jason. "You'll like the island. It's very tranquil. Now, I'd best get off to Horton Hall to speak to Sir Joseph. If he agrees, I'll offer Judd Stephenson the position of lake keeper."

"I believe Sir Joseph will be happy for Judd, but I want to do him the courtesy of checking with him before you offer the position," said Robert.

"The cottage is ready for occupancy now. Let's hope it all goes to plan," replied Jason. He left Robert's study to go to Horton Hall after reporting on the week's estate business.

Robert had been distracting himself with business ever since that conversation with Arabella yesterday. He'd planned on talking to her about the incident with Rosalind but hadn't expected to find her there on his return from Harrogate.

He'd plunged straight in and explained, but had he been clumsy with his words? Should he have waited and thought more about what to say? As he'd waved her off in the gig, he'd had no idea if she'd believed him.

He'd been right. She had seen him at the exact moment that Rosalind fell into his arms. Had Rosalind thought that the physical contact would have such a powerful effect that he would be unable to resist her charms?

He smiled, remembering how his body reacted when he held Arabella's hand. Then those fiery sparks of desire, rising up from glowing embers of warm contentment.

He longed to hold her hand again and feel her body close to his, as he had at the Beehive Tavern and later on that lakeside walk. He felt a pang of fear that he might never get the chance again. If Arabella didn't believe him about Rosalind and her scheming, then they had no future together.

He collected his papers ready for his meeting with Dawkins. He would ask Dawkins to liaise with his lawyer in London about another French property, with an established vineyard, neighbouring his estate in Burgundy.

Most of the discussion, though, would be about Christopher Farrington, and so far, what the investigators had unearthed showed that he was manipulating evidence to his own advantage. The difficulty would be the time it took to disprove what he had supplied as written evidence.

Eventually it should be fine, as wrongfully misleading a court was a serious matter. It could result in imprisonment, and he hoped Christopher would rot in the Fleet prison.

The danger was that the judge would take the evidence presented at face value and make a ruling, which meant that Arabella would have to hand Henry over to Farrington. Even on a temporary basis, this would damage both Henry and his mother.

He had time to go down to the lake and take a swim. He hoped that a section of the lakeshore near the castle could be made an easy place to enter the water. He must set up a schedule for teaching Henry and Freddy. He'd promised them both, and he knew they wouldn't forget.

He didn't need a coat and would leave by the boot room door, avoiding all contact with his mother or any guests. As he sat to pull on his outdoor boots, he heard the sound of footsteps and looked up to see Simon towering over him. The look on his brother's face was far from friendly.

Oh, this is all I need this morning. I've managed to avoid Simon most of the time and maintained a veneer of politeness during the few encounters that mother usually engineered. I wish she could just accept that things will never be how they were before.

"Simon. You look as if there is something, erm, troubling you."

"I'll say there is. How could you? I would gather our things and leave right now, except for the fact that it would devastate Mama," Simon almost shouted.

Robert slowly pulled on his other boot, then stood to face his brother.

Simon continued, "This is intolerable, and I won't stand for it anymore. I don't know how you could do this to me. Actually, yes, I do. You have held it against me ever since Rosalind called off your engagement all those years ago." The volume of Simon's voice got higher with every word spoken.

Robert saw Mr Chalston's concerned face appear in the doorway, and he waved him away, indicating that all was well and that he didn't require any assistance.

"I don't think you should be shouting in the house, Simon. The children's schoolroom is very close to the boot room. Let's take this outside."

He opened the heavy door, knowing this would be a tedious, unnecessary encounter, probably set up by Rosalind. He didn't want to be close to Simon, but he didn't want things to deteriorate either.

Once they were in the garden and out of earshot of the house, he turned to his brother. "There is clearly something I've done that has caused you great offence. To come up to me, shouting like that when I am your host and you are a guest in my house, is not behaviour I'd expect. So, tell me the crime I've committed, and let's get this over with."

"You know already, so I don't know why you're pretending you don't," Simon accused him.

"Oh Simon, I can guess it is something to do with your fiancée, who will have accused me of something, which there is no point discussing as you have already decided to listen to one viewpoint," Robert replied exasperated.

He stood, calm and decisive. He knew that he had nothing to defend.

"However, I am going to have to insist that you don't come and shout at me like that, making a scene in my own home," Robert added.

"Now, just a minute. Don't speak to me like you are my older brother," replied Simon aggressively.

"As I am your older brother, that is rather ridiculous." He stared at Simon and did not break eye contact.

"Now, wait a minute …"

"Simon, a few minutes ago, you came to find me, yelling at me about something I'd done to offend you. You caused such a scene that the butler came to investigate what was happening. You need to tell me in simple terms what the problem is."

"Mr Chalston came. I didn't see him."

"Well, you had your back to him and were in such an emotional state that I doubt you were aware of much going on around you."

"Rosalind says you made a point of waiting for her on an isolated path, insisting that she stopped and spoke with you, begging her to take you back," said Simon, finally getting to the point.

Robert couldn't help it; a hollow laugh slipped out, but he quickly regained control.

"Ah, we shine a mirror on reality. How clever. It didn't happen, Simon, at least not like that. I did meet Rosalind on the path from the lake, where it comes out of the wood and meets the moor. It is hardly isolated, as estate workers are often in the area. I left the boys at the lake, and on my way back to the castle, Rosalind accosted me. I can think of no other word for it," Robert told Simon

"I don't believe …" started Simon.

"You don't have to believe me. I really don't care what you think. I can prove that I left the lake and met Rosalind within minutes, and the Reverend Colbrooke can vouch for the time I left the lake, and Lady Farrington saw me meeting Rosalind while walking on the higher path to the village. So, I can hardly have been waiting for her. That much I can prove.

"I will add that she also seemed to stumble into my arms purposefully. It was very inconvenient and unpleasant. She told me she would like to resume our engagement. I don't know where that leaves you. As I turned her down flat, you probably don't need to worry," Robert added with a grin.

"Of all the …" Simon was struggling to get any words out and respond to what Robert had told him.

"I have no idea why your fiancée is so preoccupied with me, and I certainly no longer have any interest in her. I can tell you that I now know what love is. It has taken me a long journey to find a pure, radiant love, and I hope to marry within the year."

There, he had said it! He now knew he had found the place he wanted to be and the person he needed to spend his life with. Just talking with Simon and working through his feelings made everything clearer.

He realized that he'd been on a journey to love and had not been aware of it most of the time, but he recognized he had reached his destination.

Arabella, he thought. I nearly lost you after that moment with Rosalind. Robert took a swallow, feeling the dryness in his throat, before relief flooded his veins.

"If you have any influence, then tell Rosalind to keep her distance from me. I did not ask her to leave after this incident as she is your betrothed, and it would have upset Mama. I won't be that tolerant in future," Robert finished.

He always felt sadness that his relationship with his brother no longer existed. This conversation showed there was no hope for the future. He nodded curtly at Simon and strode towards the lake.

Only when he got to the wood did he realize he'd forgotten Mickle. It was too late to return for her, so he'd take the dog for a long walk later.

He heard voices, realizing he should have thought the boys would be working on their lake project. He called as he rounded the corner and saw they were already dripping wet. Nathaniel, Emma, and the boys waved a greeting.

As he turned, he noticed his sister Elinor and Lady Farrington sitting on a fallen log, heads close together over some paper. He'd expected to meet them later, and usually the lake was quiet at this time. He needed to get up earlier to swim.

They looked up and acknowledged him, and he walked over to join them.

Elinor looked at him with concern. "Is there something the matter Robert?"

"No, no, just an estate issue. I became so preoccupied by it that I forgot to bring Mickle out with me," he replied, not wanting to involve Elinor in his dispute with Simon.

"Have you offered Judd the position as lake keeper yet?" asked Arabella.

"Jason Brown is speaking with your uncle now, and if he approves, then he'll offer Judd the job today," Robert answered her.

"I suspect I shall return to one very excited Tabitha. There is no need for them to wait to be wed if the cottage goes with the job," said Arabella, smiling.

"I came across to ask what you were doing. You seemed absorbed in those papers," confessed Robert.

"We're writing clues for the treasure hunt based around the lake. It's best if there is a poem or a cryptic clue. Arabella has the skill of putting an idea for a clue into verse."

He picked up one of the clues and was impressed at the quality of the verse.

Where the otter lays her trail,

Where the kingfisher flies,

You might find a muddy pail,

Lurking among the treetops high,

Almost reaching to the sky.

"I'm impressed," said Robert, handing the paper back. "You have a talent for this, My Lady. This treasure hunt is turning into quite an event. It might even overshadow the midsummer ball. Mama is planning to organize one of her picnics,"

"She can organize those every day of the week for me," said Elinor. "I rarely have time to sit and eat and a picnic is just the thing. Mama excels at the art of picnics," she told Arabella.

"I haven't forgotten that I offered to row you across to the island. I assume you want to work out where to place clues there?" Robert asked them.

"Exactly," replied Elinor.

"We can ask Jason Brown to hide the clues on the morning of the treasure hunt," suggested Robert. "Shall we go now? I'll go and check with Nathaniel if it's convenient. I asked Jason to arrange for the estate boat to be brought round. Ah there it is."

He went to discuss the practicalities with Nathaniel, and soon, two boats set out onto the lake. Robert rowed the estate boat with Elinor, Arabella, and the boys. Nathaniel rowed Emma across in the Avalon.

The boys helped push the boat out onto the lake, and then Robert helped them to jump aboard. They were already wet and full of excitement. Henry trailed his fingers in the water, and he noticed Arabella, obviously feeling the sun's heat on her straw hat, did the same. The water was fresh and cool as the boat moved slowly forward.

"The water is so clear," Arabella said, splashing her fingers in a fan movement on the surface. "Often, these lakes seem green and sludgy."

"The stream flows into it over there and then out at the other side," explained Robert. "I think the flowing water makes a difference."

"I can see the shadows of fish under the water. Look," Arabella pointed out, "those reeds there are exactly the sort of place to find a giant pike."

Henry and Freddy leaned so far over that she tugged their shirts to pull them back. He really did need to start those swimming lessons.

Robert asked if the boys would like to help pull on the oars, and they sat one on each side of him, getting the rhythm of the strokes surprisingly quickly.

Arabella and Elinor had screamed, then burst into laughter as the boat rocked when the boys moved gingerly across to sit with Robert. This felt like family, and suddenly, he knew with certainty this was the family he wanted in his future life.

He looked with affection at his sister, bringing up Freddy alone while Colonel Rathby served with the Duke of Wellington in Belgium. She'd brought Freddy back to Montbury so he could grow up part of a family, with the support of her strong and capable mother. His mother exasperated him on many occasions, but she supported her daughter solidly, and her love for her grandson was evident to all.

And there was Arabella, her face filled with laughter, relaxed and happy, trailing her hand in the water as the boat moved gently through the water.

At this moment, all his troubles and cares were banished. If I could row more slowly, I'd try to make this moment last forever, he thought, aware of a warm glow of contentment as he sat in the boat.

He smiled, looking down at the heads of the two boys, who were trying so hard to help him move the oars. It will take a little longer this way, but they are learning, and that's important.

When they got to the island, he tied the boat to a willow tree, noting for a moment how the branches dipping down to the water reflected back in the sunshine. He showed the others the image projected on the water. "It's so beautiful," said his sister. "I think I might come over one day and try to paint it. It would be a beautiful watercolour, and it's so long since I painted anything."

He could see what she meant, even in the water, the different greens merged together, appearing and disappearing as the water rippled at the water's edge.

Arabella stood gazing out towards the other boat, which moved slowly towards them. Her image reflected on the water's surface in the same way, clear, then merged with the silvery surface. He wondered if she'd sensed him looking at her as she looked towards him with a smile that lit up her whole face.

I think it might be all right. She must believe me about what she saw with Rosalind. It was a lot to ask, as he had held Rosalind in his arms, but he had told Arabella the truth and knew that, at some level, she must recognize that.

"It's so beautiful here," she said, pointing into the distance. "You can see the tower and battlements of the castle and the high hills beyond."

He stood beside her, basking in the closeness, following her gaze. "We should walk to the top of that hill one day. You can see the dale, as we call it, all the way down the valley, and it's a magnificent sight."

"I'd love to," she said, turning to face him, almost, but not quite touching. "This island is a very special place. Did you come here often as a boy?"

"All the time. Even when I was older, it was a place to escape in the school vacation. Simon and I made a den over there, under that oak tree. We used to climb all the trees and watch what was going on at the castle. Endless, wonderful summer's days."

"It's important to have those memories. I've become quite an expert on memories in the last two years as I've tried to keep Henry's father alive in his memory," she said quietly.

"Memories spent on this island are some of my best ever. A place where I could escape from the constraints of society. I wonder why I stopped coming over here. It must be ten years since I rowed over just to sit and look at the view."

"A place where you can be alone, without adults directing you all the time, is going to be a special place to grow up," agreed Arabella. "I'm glad Henry has this lake and island in his life."

Without thinking, he took her hand, which had been almost touching his, and traced a pattern across her palm. He heard a whisper of a sigh as she felt the gentle movement of his hand on hers.

They were almost alone. The boys and Elinor were busy on the other side of the island, and the Avalon was still nowhere near shore.

He saw her eyes widen a little as she responded to his touch. He felt a pang of excitement and hope when she did not take her hand away.

She believes me about Rosalind, he thought with relief. We're back to that comfortable, special place we had before.

"Forgive me," he said, taking his hand away. "It seemed such a perfect moment. The sparkling water, the memories, and you standing here next to me. I feel this compulsion to take your hand whenever we are together."

"It is not unwelcome," she said, turning to look at him. "I know there is something between us. I'd never expected to feel close to anyone again. It's very difficult to find the words to explain," she said hesitantly.

"My dear Lady Arabella Farrington, we are courting, I believe. I shan't make an announcement, but our friends and families will surely notice our closeness."

He held her gaze for several seconds, his heart beating more rapidly, a flow of strong love circulating through his body. He took her hand in his and raised her fingers to his mouth, his lips brushing the top of her hand, relaxing into the warmth of this moment.

Arabella met his gaze, and he knew she felt the same strong thread pulling them together. His heart almost melted as her eyes met his, and he heard her soft voice.

"I'd be happy with that." She smiled as he took her hand in his and raised it to his lips again.

He stood next to her, so close he could hear her breath, as they stared at the lake. He needed to remember this moment and add it to those special memories they had been talking about a few minutes ago.

He forced himself to talk about an everyday topic; his heart was gladdened by knowing that Arabella welcomed his attention and had given him the benefit of the doubt about Rosalind.

"The island is a surprisingly good place for swimming, too. The water is quite shallow in this part of the lake. I thought the boys might like a swimming lesson, so I've come prepared."

"I'm sure they would love to. The weather is so hot they dry off quickly in the sun." She turned to call Elinor and the boys to come over.

"I forgot to say, and it is a shame to mention it in such a lovely setting, but my solicitor is riding over from Harrogate today, and I've sent a note over asking that you and Sir Joseph join us for a meeting. My mother has invited your family and the Reverend Colbrooke to supper."

"I can't say I enjoy legal meetings," admitted Arabella. "But I welcome the support."

"It's quieter at the castle with the houseguests going to Harrogate spa for an overnight stay," Robert told her.

"I'm glad. I'm not sure I could come out of the meeting and be sparkling in conversation. I shall go and find Freddy and Henry."