Page 27 of Bluebell’s Fate

“I’ll sleep on the floor before I allow you to leave,” Bell exclaimed, and that was likely what would happen. She’d gladly give up her room for a few nights if Rose could stay. How long would it take to put the blue room to rights?

“Well then, let’s go meet your new husband, Lady Bluebell Payne.” Rose nudged Bell in the side and took her arm to guide her to the carriage.

Rose’s husband, Mr. Frederick Hastings, handed her up. “It’s good to see you again, Bell.” He smiled at her. “I believe I’ll walk the rest of the way.” He kissed his wife’s hand and winked at her.

Bell smiled back at him in return. “Thank you, Frederick. It’s good to see you as well.” She felt like she could be friends with Frederick, but she’d never truly been given the chance. Her mother didn’t approve of the match Rose had made, and so they never prioritized visiting the happy couple.

Rose tucked Bell beside her on the seat. “Now, who is this man you’ve married?”

Bell could feel heat rise from her chest, and land in her cheeks. She looked at her hands folded in her lap. “His name is Mr. Nathaniel Payne.”

The clopping of hooves filled an awkward silence.

“And?” Rose prodded.

Bell sighed and met her sister’s eyes. “And we are married. I’ve been given a comfortable home, and I’m currently trying to learn how to run it.” She forced a smile.

Rose pierced her with her gaze. “You know more about running a house than you give yourself credit for. Besides, I am here now. You’ll find your feet in no time.” She squeezed Bell’s hand. “Is he a good man, Bell?”

The last thing Bell wanted was for her sister to worry about her; in many respects, Nathaniel was a good man. “He is, I believe,” she said carefully. “Though I cannot say I know him well.”

Her sister’s eyebrows flew up on her forehead, but then Rose schooled her features. Had her mother not told Rose the nature of their marriage? “What do you know about him?”

Bell pulled her lips between her teeth and thought. “I know he is a second son, but his brother passed away some time ago. His parents live in the big house. He enjoys his grandmother. He eats his supper at precisely six o’clock each evening, and he does not sit idle.” She left off that she knew he would not likely be a faithful husband.

“That is the dullest list I’ve ever heard, Bell. Surely you, of all people, can paint him in a more interesting light than that. Has he made his way into any of your stories?” Rose waggled her eyebrows playfully.

A lump formed in Bell’s throat. “I haven’t had any stories since I left my woods, Rose.”

The next thing Bell knew, she was wrapped into an awkward hug. Rose rubbed circles on her back, and Bell’s tears flowed freely while they jostled down the lane to Cairnsby Cottage.

Chapter Eighteen

An unfamiliar carriage was parked next to the stable. Who would be visiting Cairnsby Cottage? Nathaniel picked up his pace. He entered through the back door and wound his way around the small worktable, straining his ears to decipher whose voice was chattering away in the small parlor. He couldn’t place it. He closed his eyes and listened next to the door.

“The fountains were exquisite works of art, not pools for bathing like my husband wanted to test out.”

Another voice, male this time, came next, “You can’t tell me it wasn’t tempting. But my favorite part was the food. I’d go back just to be fed.” He laughed.

Nathaniel pushed through the door. Upon his entrance, a tall gentleman with blonde hair stood, and helped the woman beside him to her feet. Bell also stood.

“Good evening, Bell.” Nathaniel walked over to stand beside his wife. The closer he came to her, the more he noticed light drain from his wife’s eyes. His heart twinged.

“Good evening, Nathaniel.” She dipped a curtsy. “Allow me to introduce you to my sister, Lady Rose Hastings, and her husband, Mr. Frederick Hastings.”

Nathaniel turned to face his new relatives.

Mr. Hastings bowed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Payne.”

“And you.” Nathaniel returned a bow. He turned to Lady Rose. She speared him with a glare so icy, he feared he might catch a cold. Bowing again, he swallowed hard. “Lady Rose, welcome to our home.”

His sister-in-law arched one haughty eyebrow and dipped the smallest of curtsies. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, Mr. Payne.”

For some reason, that proclamation sounded ominous. It made Nathaniel want to square his shoulders and stand a little taller. “We are relatives now, are we not? Please call me Nathaniel.”

“Very well, Nathaniel.” She sat on the small sofa again.

Nathaniel turned around and scooted a chair closer to his wife. “To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?”