Page 110 of A Well-Trained Lady

Mother’s glower did not veer from Papa. “She is going nowhere.”

Papa looked at me. “What say you to that, Arabella?”

“I am leaving.” My voice was weak at first, but Papa gave an encouraging nod, and I gathered my courage. “I will not marry Lord Thorton.”

Disbelief touched Mother’s features. “You certainly will. I will not allow you to ruin this family’s reputation, not after all the work I’ve done to right your wrongs. Besides,” she said, one corner of her mouth lifting ever so slightly, “have you already forgotten what I have in my possession?”

“Had in your possession,” Papa said coolly.

Mother’s gaze flew to him.

“Sit,” he said, gesturing her to the chaise lounge, “and I will enlighten you on how things are to be from now on.”

“I absolutely will not.”

Papa did not move, his arm still extended invitingly toward the sitting area.

“Perhaps you should do as Papa says.” Though my legs shook beneath me, it was not from fear but from the release of a great weight being lifted off me. “I believe it would be the wisest choice for all involved.”

Mother crossed her arms defiantly.

“Sit!” Papa commanded, his volume rising just enough to make Mother startle. With lifted chin, she moved past Papa, lowering herself onto the lounge without a word.

Papa gave a small shake of his head at her obstinance before turning to me. “Be safe, my darling.”

“Thank you, Papa.” I looked to Mother, whose eyes were fixed on the hearth. “Farewell, Mother.”

She did not turn around, nor did she speak.

Yet, for the first time in years, I did not care what she thought. With a lightened step, I moved to the door. “Oh, and Papa?”

He had just settled in the chair across from Mother. “What is it, Arabella?”

“Will you have Leah sent to me as soon as it can be arranged?”

“Of course.”

Mother did not move. “And where is it your maid should be sent?” she asked me, unable to conceal the curiosity in her voice.

“Fairhaven, of course.”

Mother spun in her seat, her look of utter shock sending a satisfied smile to my lips, and I hurried from the room.

Chapter Twenty-Five

“This is it.” My words seemed to blow past me as I slowed my horse to a trot, taking in the familiar sight of Fairhaven. My back ached from the hours atop the horse, though I was relieved it hadn’t taken quite as long as I had thought it might. Not even three hours with one break in between to have the horses tended to.

“We arrived just in time, miss.” Brown glanced upward at the sky. “An hour later and it’d be gettin’ dark.”

I smiled. “Yes. Now help me down from this cursed creature.”

The wrinkles around Brown’s aged eyes deepened with his chuckle, and he dismounted, moving to assist me.

When my feet were again on solid ground, I placed a hand on the horse’s sweat-soaked neck. “I do believe I may grow to like you yet.”

He whinnied, and I handed the reins to Brown. “You can walk them back to the stables. I’m certain the Brundages won’t mind.”

He nodded and led the horses in the direction I’d gestured.