“I would expect no less, Lady Farthington.” Though she was unaware of Arabella and my childhood feud, I did care for her opinion. My own grandparents had died when I was young, and I had a great respect for older individuals. They had lived twice as long as I have, and theirexperiences had value. I paused outside the drawing room, curious what she would say.
Lady Farthington tugged on my jacket, and I leaned closer to hear her whisper, “There’s only one piece you really need. Don’t make her angry.” The last sentence wasn’t whispered, and each word was punctuated.
I couldn’t help myself; I laughed. “Youarebrilliant, aren’t you?”
“Not many appreciate that fact.”
Arabella appeared in the open doorway, dressed in a fetching pink gown with ruffled sleeves trimmed with lace. I wasn’t into fashion as some men, but I admired how the pink brought out the color in her cheeks and the style flattered her figure.
“Lady Farthington! I did not know you had arrived. Mr. Ashworth’s boisterous laugh gave you away.” She frowned at me before turning a smile toward her aunt.
I opened my mouth to retort, but no words came out. Arabella’s smile had become increasingly lovely. How had I never noticed the slight dimple on one side?
Lady Farthington pointed the end of her cane at Arabella’s legs. “You did not include the names of your guests in your invitation. That is an oversight I cannot abide.”
Arabella’s demeanor dimmed. “Forgive me, aunt. We’re so glad you chose to come despite my many failings. Dinner should be announced at any moment. Please come in and sit down.” She stepped aside, and I directed Lady Farthington into the room. I stole a look at Arabella as we passed, hoping she had not been truly wounded by her aunt. My level of concern was growing increasingly alarming. Something had shifted inside me, and I couldn’t quite find words to define it.
Yesterday’s near kiss had confused me as much as I had hoped it would confuse her.
As soon as Lady Farthington was seated in a sturdy chair on the end where it would be easier for her to stand from later, Mr. Delafield introduced her to Mr. Clodwick.
“He is my cousin,” Mr. Mason added from beside Clodwick, as if that somehow made the boring man much more exciting.
“What brings you to this part of Surrey?” Lady Farthington asked Clodwick.
I grinned, eager to see how this would unfold. I took a purposeful seat next to Arabella on the sofa—to her dismay.
Mr. Clodwick steepled his hands together as if he was some great philosopher. “For personal reasons, including an interest in the art and sculpture in the area.”
I blinked. Would he not admit that he had come with the express intent to marry Arabella?
Lady Farthington frowned. “Should you not have gone to London instead? They have the best museums.”
Mr. Clodwick did not flinch under her powerful scrutiny. “I have seen them. I am interested in private collections at the moment. Miss Delafield mentioned you are an appreciator of the arts as well.”
“I am.”
“I would be most grateful if you would allow me to see your collection.”
Her lips pursed together. “I shall consider it.”
So this is why Clodwick had insisted on meeting with Lady Farthington. Did he know about her connection to Mr. Hope? The family had spoken of it for years, so it was possible. Was he using Arabella to get to her aunt? If so, he was a complete dolt, and I wouldn’t let him get away with it.
A footman came in and whispered something to Mr. Delafield. “Ah,” he said. “Dinner is ready. Shall we adjourn to the dining room?”
I couldn’t resist prodding Arabella about Clodwick’s statement. As we stood, I bent over and whispered, “Will yourotheralmost fiancé not claim his true purpose for coming here?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean his undying affection for you.”
Her brows lifted. “And you would make such a claim?”
I thought of our near kiss again and gave her a devilish smile. “I already have.”
My words must not have charmed her, for she growled under her breath and stalked off to Clodwick’s side. I didn’t understand. I was transparent with my intentions and Clodwick was . . . well, Clodwick. Why did she keep pushing me away for that irritating man? Why did it seem that I had the perfect words to describe a book, but when it came to speaking to Arabella, I said all the wrong things?
Arabella sat between Lady Farthington and Clodwick, while I was forced to the other side of the table.
