Page 82 of The Duke Who Claimed Her

“And do not tell me what I can and cannot—” Her words were cut off by his kiss.

He caught her by surprise, but she accepted it, nonetheless. She took it fully, opening her mouth, her heart, and her soul to him. It was a kiss that confirmed all that had been said, showing not just their love but their passion. It sealed their marriage as true and proved its future beyond question.

As to what that future might hold? Arabella put that thought away for later. For now, she lived in the moment, lips pressed, tongues dancing, two becoming one. That was their marriage: two souls, one mind, and happiness found in the most unlikely of places.

Chapter Thirty-One

By the time they got home later that evening, Arabella was almost at her limit. She had felt her body weaken during the ride, and the only reason she had not succumbed to sleep was that she wanted to savor the moment for what it was.

She sat with Caspian in the driver’s seat of the carriage; her father was still locked away inside. She had her head rested on his shoulder, and he had one arm around her as if he meant to never let her go. She found safety and protection in his arms as he gently guided them home. She had never felt more at peace, and she did not want to miss a single second of it.

Alas, when they climbed from the carriage and wandered inside, Arabella’s desire to climb into bed and put this day behind her was quickly denied. The manor was full of people, and they converged on her and Caspian the moment they stepped through the doors.

“Good God!” Lord George Cavendish cried as he strode toward them. “Caspian, you look as if you have just been dragged by your feet behind a horse!”

Caspian had one arm around Arabella, and he held her close. “You ought to see the horse.”

“What happened?” It was the Dowager next, and she pushed through the staff with urgency. “Lord Cavendish told us as much as he could⁠—”

“Which was not a lot, truth be told,” Lord Cavendish cut in. “It is hard to get all the details when the storyteller rushes from the house as if it is on fire. Caspian, what happened?”

“Arabella! Caspian!” Timothy came next, and he ducked between their legs before launching himself at the two of them.

Arabella dropped to her knees and pulled Timothy into a hug.

“Was somebody worried about me?” she chuckled as she held him.

“I thought… I thought…” He sniffed back tears.

“Caspian told me how brave you were,” she said as she pulled back. “I might have been able to use your help. Next time,” she added with a wink.

His face grew determined. “I will.”

Caspian ruffled his hair. “I see you managed to coax Timothy out of his hiding spot.”

“It took some doing,” the Dowager sighed. “He was buried in like a tick.”

Timothy beamed. “Caspian told me to hide.”

“You did very well,” Caspian laughed.

“What happened, Caspian?” Lord Cavendish demanded. “Lord Witherington kidnapped Arabella? I saw the papers he wanted you to sign. Where is he?” He looked past them as if expecting Lord Cavendish to walk through the doors. “In chains, I hope.”

“We let him go.” Arabella stood up, but she kept a hand on Timothy’s head.

“You did what?”

“It is a long story,” Caspian answered for her. “And one I will gladly tell you all. But tomorrow…” He looked from his cousin to the Dowager to the staff, who all milled about the foyer. “For now, I want to apologize to you all for what you went through tonight, as well as thank you each for your bravery. Such a thing ought not to have happened, but you all handled yourself with aplomb.”

“We are just glad you are not hurt, Your Grace,” Mrs. Robertson said.

“As I am glad that you are not too,” Caspian said. “And George, where is Mr. Tibbs? And the rest?”

“We went for the local constable as soon as you left,” Lord Cavendish said. “They are right now on their way to the local jail. Tomorrow, you will need to see to their arrest. I will join you.”

“A task I relish. Speaking of which…” Caspian looked back towards the front door. “George, before you return home, I ask that you take the carriage parked outside and lead it into town. There is a passenger bound inside who needs attending to.”

“A passenger?” Lord Cavendish asked. “Who…” He trailed off when Caspian looked at him. “Ah, I see. Yes, I believe the local jail will have room for one more.”