“Thank you so much, Lady Morley,” Hanna said with a bright smile on her face. “I cannot wait to meet Lord Farnsworth. He sounds like a dream.”
“He is a fine young gentleman, and though he is just a viscount, his estate is grand, and his family is very well-connected. And if what I’m hearing is true, he will soon be elevated to Earl.”
“Earl,” Hanna sighed dreamily. “Can you believe it? I might become a countess,” she added as her sister squeezed her hand. “I know it will be wonderful. I can hardly wait.”
She noticed Emma standing beside her, her expression one of concern.
“We will find the right man for you as well,” she reassured her.
Lady Morley nodded. “Indeed. It is a shame that the baron I had in mind for you has run off with one of his maids while I was away. But it can’t be helped.”
“I daresay it was fortunate he ran away with his maid before he was introduced to Emma,” Harry commented as he stepped out of his study. “I beg your pardon for eavesdropping, but I could not help but overhear.”
“Your Grace, I had hoped to see you today,” Lady Morley said, curtsying deeply.
“I am glad you could come, and so soon after your trip to Scotland. I am very grateful that you were able to take on my sisters-in-law.”
“Of course, it is my pleasure. Anything I can do for the Duke of Sheffield. Although I must say, I was a little out of sorts when you did not consult me regarding your desire to marry. I had a conversation with your uncle not long ago when I dined at his home. Sir Richard mentioned nothing about your desire to marry.”
Arabella noticed how Harry’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “My uncle is not aware of all my personal engagements. Arabella and I had a brief romance. I wish her father hadn’t caught us in the library that day—that way we could have continued our courtship and romance a little longer.”
Arabella smiled. A few days ago, she might have taken his comment as a slight, thinking he truly wished her father hadn’tcaught them so that he wouldn’t have had to marry her. But now she knew he had only said it to give the illusion that there had been a courtship that lasted longer than half an hour before they were discovered.
It had been three days since Harry had kissed her, and while they had not spent much time together since, he had been warmer to her. He had kissed her again, not just once or twice, but four times. Once, his kiss had almost led to more, and she found herself hoping that, at last, their marriage might be consummated. But at the last moment, Harry had been called away.
However, she hoped that over the next few days, their relationship would develop in such a way that she might finally call herself a woman and not a girl. At the thought of it, her heart thundered, and her palms grew sweaty. She reminded herself of where she was.
“We are exceedingly grateful for your services, Lady Morley,” Harry said.
“I am honored to serve you.” Lady Morley then turned to Emma. “Lady Emma, do not fret, I shall think of somebody wonderful. I have someone in mind, but first I must ensure that the young gentleman is not otherwise occupied.”
This cheered Emma up, and she smiled widely. “Wonderful. I can hardly wait.”
“I will send a message to Hayward Manor this evening once I have made my inquiries. And if the gentleman suits, I can set up a meeting. And Lady Hanna, I will arrange a meeting between you and your gentleman as well.”
With that, Lady Morley excused herself.
Emma and Hanna grinned from cheek to cheek.
Arabella turned and smiled up at her husband. “Thank you so much. It was so kind of you to arrange this for us.”
“I promised I would, didn’t I? And I am nothing if not a man of my word.” He placed his hand on the small of her back, and she felt a delightful tingle.
Later that evening, Arabella was more than delighted when Harry joined her for dinner. He had promised he would, but she was still a little wary of his promises. However, they settled at the table, with her to his right.
When the servants cleared away their bowls of white soup, she looked up and rubbed her hands together. “I can’t wait to see what the main course is. You wouldn’t tell me.”
“That’s because I instructed them not to. I wanted it to be a surprise.” Harry clicked his fingers.
Two footmen entered the dining room, carrying platters covered with silver domes, and placed three of them in front of the couple.
Harry placed his hand on top of Arabella’s. She stared at it and then at him, willing her hand not to shake beneath his.
“I hope it’s to your liking,” he said with a smile and a wink.
Her mouth fell open as she felt the color drain from her face. “Hare?” she gasped, recalling the disaster at the wedding feast.
He chuckled. “I’m jesting,” he reassured her, running his thumb over the back of her hand.
