Chapter Twenty
Tristan stepped into the library, followed by Marcus, who closed the door after them. Tristan looked about the library double-checking that they were alone, he set the leather portfolio he was carrying on the large, round table in the middle of the room.
“Where should we hide them?” Tristan asked as Marcus set a foot-long, four-inch-high locking wooden box on the table beside the portfolio.
Tristan looked about the room, then finally nodded at the window seat.
“In there, if it is like the one in Arabella’s office, it has a secret lid,” Tristan replied. Tristan stepped over to the window seat and removed the large red velvet rectangular cushion, placing it on the floor beside him. Tristan pulled at the top experimentally, but nothing happened. Kneeling before it he ran his hands under the protruding edge, feeling a small metal button where the lid joined the wall. Tristan pressed the buttons and heard a soft click. He then pushed the lid up, revealing a long, deep compartment. At the bottom of the compartment were several old newspapers and what appeared to be a journal.
Marcus stepped up beside him and nodded, “That should do.” Marcus placed the box inside the window seat, then grabbed Tristan’s portfolio and placed it in next to the box.
Tristan covered the box and the portfolio with the old newspapers, then rose to ease down the lid. Marcus handed him the cushion, and Tristan slipped it into place.
“Here, this will make it less likely for someone to look inside,” Marcus stepped up to the window seat and set down a stack of books.
“Good plan,” Tristan nodded in approval.
There was the sound of the door opening and Marcus and Tristan spun to see Arabella glide into the library. Tristan’s breath caught in his throat as he gazed at her, she was a vision in a dark sapphire blue gown that seemed to make her skin glow.
“You are a vision, my dear,” Tristan said, walking towards Arabella.
Arabella blushed at the compliment as Tristan’s gaze swept over her.
“You look very dashing yourself,” Arabella replied, seeing that Tristan had shaved again. Tristan would shave every morning, but by dinner time, he’d have a shadow of whiskers again, not that Arabella minded; she thought the shadow of whiskers gave him a rakish look.
“Thank you,” Tristan replied, then using a fingertip tipped up Arabella’s head to steal a kiss.
“Yes, yes, enough of that.” Marcus joked.
“Ignore him, he is just jealous,” Tristan replied, dropping a kiss to Arabella’s forehead, then turned to give Marcus a scathing look.
“Then we shall have to find him a wife. Clara Waterhouse sent me a lovely letter the other day. She and her family will be arriving next week. We should invite her and her brothers over for dinner; she was very taken with Marcus,” Arabella replied as Tristan’s long fingers curled around her hand.
“What would you say if I agreed to your matchmaking? My father had been married for five years by the time he was my age. Thanks to Sir Howard, I have a fine house now with a bit of land and not one but two positions open to me. Do you think she would mind living in a respectably sized house instead of a mansion?” Marcus replied.
“Oh, for you, Marcus, I think she would happily live in a cottage,” Arabella replied, and to her surprise, Marcus blushed.
“I will take that as a compliment,” Marcus drawled.
“Don’t encourage him, he knows woman find him irresistible. Is everything ready?” Tristan asked ignoring Marcus.
“Yes, I checked with Cook a moment ago, and the food is almost ready. Baked chicken, herbed potatoes, vegetables, bread, and she also made apple tarts for dessert. I hope your friend does not mind simple fair.” Arabella stated. They were still on a strict budget as Tristan was still paying off several merchants to who they owed outstanding debts incurred by his family.
“Jules is a bachelor, and his father is an impoverished baron if memory serves. A well-cooked meal will likely make his week.” Tristan replied as Penelope swept into the library resplendent in a dark purple gown.
“Penelope, you look lovely,” Arabella said, earning a smile from her sister in law. “How is your headache?”
“Better, thank you. Your willow bark and chamomile tea worked wonders, though I am still feeling a bit on edge.” Penelope replied. “But my head is clearer after not being on that infernal tonic for three days.”
“That is wonderful, and you do look lovely,” Tristan added. He was happy to see Penelope in something other than dark grey. While society might require her and mother to wear black for a year after the death of her father, brother, and husband, it seemed cruel to honor men who had basically ignored her or used her for decades.
“Thank you, Tristan, and thank you again for inviting me to meet your friend and for letting the boys and I stay here till am well on my feet. I feel like after years of being in prison, I’m suddenly free. I suppose that sounds silly?” Penelope said, easing into one of the chairs.
“No, not at all. I too was a prisoner of a fashion to father and mother’s wishes. I was sent to a school I loathed, and only allowed to come home at Christmas, and that was only because father didn’t wish to pay to board me. And then after years of neglect, I was to marry whom he said to enrich him.” Tristan stepped up to Penelope and taking her left hand, gave it a squeeze. “We shall figure this all out together, all right, the four of us.”
“I would like that, you are a good man, Tristan, and a better brother than I deserve,” Penelope replied.
There was a brisk knock on the open door, and Buttons stepped inside.
“Mr. Jules Burns,” Buttons said, stepping into the room accompanied by Jules, who was dressed in a fine black suit and grey waistcoat.
“Ah, Jules, you made it and welcome. I would like to introduce you to my wife, Arabella Layden, and my sister, Lady Penelope Kenyon.” Tristan stepped forward to shake Jules’ hand, then turned to make the introductions.
Jules bowed before Arabella and then Penelope.
“Good heaven’s Tristan, you are a lucky fellow to have two such lovely ladies in your home,” Jules said, earning smiles from both Penelope and Arabella.
“You are very gracious, Mr. Burns, and welcome to our home,” Arabella said. Arabella was feeling nervous; tonight was her first dinner party, and she desperately wanted it to go well, especially since Jules was a friend of Tristan’s.
“Thank you, Lady Sizemore. As a bachelor I’m grateful to have received an invite. I normally eat at my boarding house or in a tavern, and I never have such lovely company.” Jules replied with a dashing smile.
“Dinner is ready, Ma’am,” Jessica, the kitchen maid, said with a quick bob.
“Thank you, Jessica, we shall be right there,” Arabella replied, and Jessica gave her a thin-lipped smile before hurrying away. Jessica was a timid, middle-aged woman who rarely left the kitchen and rarely spoke to anyone, it was nice to see her out of the kitchen.
Tristan offered his arm to Arabella as Marcus offered his hand to Penelope, then motioned for Jules to accompany them.
Tristan escorted Arabella down the long, candlelit corridor and into the dining room. The dining room was ablaze with white tapers, and a simple arrangement of early spring flowers created a charming centerpiece. The long formal table had been replaced with a much smaller table, from some place in the house, creating a more informal and intimate setting. On the sideboard, silver serving dishes shone in the candlelight, while the china place setting gleamed brightly. Everything was perfect, Tristan thought, absolutely perfect.
“Oh, Arabella, everything looks lovely,” Penelope gasped as Marcus escorted her to a seat on the left-hand side of the table and pulled out her chair.
“Indeed, my love,” Tristan escorted Arabella to the chair at the end of the table and pulled it out for her. She took it with a smile, as Tristan pushed it in for her.
“Mr. Burns, I thought you would like to sit beside Tristan on his right so you could catch up,” Arabella directed, and Jeremy stepped up to pull out the designated chair for him while Marcus took the chair between Penelope.
Tristan pulled out the chair at the other end of the table and flipped his tails out of the way as he settled into the chair, while Jules eased into the chair beside him.
Arabella nodded to Buttons and Davis to begin serving the food. She swallowed to try and calm her nerves and looked down the table to see Tristan smile at her warmly then lift his glass of wine to her. Arabella felt her nerves ease slightly her first dinner party was off to a good start at least.
* * * *
Tristan leaned back in his chair, patting his mouth clean with his crisp white linen napkin; he turned his gaze to Arabella at the other end of the table. She especially looked lovely tonight in a sapphire blue silk gown with a matching ribbon threaded through her glorious hair. Arabella was truly a stunning woman, and he looked forward to spending the rest of his life with her. Arabella smiled at him, looking over the centerpiece of flowers and plates of treats that sat in the middle of the table. Tristan returned the smile as something inside his chest tightened at her smile, and he knew it was love. Perhaps tonight would be a good night to tell her he loved her.
Tristan wished he could thank his uncle Howard for bringing Arabella into his life; she was not only lovely, but intelligent, kind, and tender-hearted.
“It was a wonderful meal, thank you, Lady Sizemore,” Jules said.
“Thank you, Mr. Burns, but I did little other than plan it with Cook, but I will give her your compliments,” Arabella replied. “And please call me Arabella; you are an old friend of Tristan’s and one of Marcus’. And while Marcus is not a brother by blood to my dear husband, he is a brother in every other way that matters.”
“Oh well said ma’am and thank you I am honored.” Jules replied leaning forward to take another chocolate dipped biscuit from the plate in the middle of the table.
“Shall we adjourn to the library for a game of cards? The night is still young,” Arabella said.
“Perhaps another night, I am a bit tired. But it was a great pleasure to meet you. Mr. Burns. I hope you will visit us again,” Penelope said, rising from the table, as Buttons rushed forward to help her with her chair.
Jules, Tristan, and Marcus all rose as one, as Penelope stepped away from her chair.
“If Tristan invites me again, I will happily come back, not only was the food delicious, but the company and conversation were delightful,” Jules said, giving Penelope a beaming smile. It had not gone unnoticed that Jules had flirted with Penelope all night, and that she had been more than receptive to it.
Penelope blushed, then gave Jules a shy smile and a nod before stepping from the dining room.
“We shall all adjourn to the library then so we can talk,” Tristan said.
“After you,” Jules replied. He leaned over to pick up the plate of chocolates with an almost childlike grin of delight. “Sorry, they are delicious, and as an impoverished bachelor, I have neither the funds nor the reason to buy chocolate for myself.”
“A man after my own heart,” Marcus joked, grabbing the plate of chocolate-dipped biscuits.
As they headed towards the door, Buttons, Mitchel, and Jessica, the kitchen maid, stepped into the dining room from the kitchen.
“You can clear up now and thank Cook for an excellent meal,” Arabella said.
“Yes, ma’am,” Buttons replied, motioning for the others to begin cleaning up.
“Buttons, would you please join us in the library for a moment?” Tristan asked.
“Of course, Sir,” Buttons replied, then stepped forward to lift one of the candelabra from the table. Tristan held out his hand to Arabella, who took it with a soft smile.
Tristan lead the others down the corridor to the library, as they entered Peggy, the maid of all work dipped a curtsey as she finished lighting the wall scones in the library.
“Do you need anything else ma’am?” Peggy asked.
“A pot of tea please in ten minutes,” Tristan replied.
“Of course my lord,” Peggy nodded then stepped from the library closing the door after her.
“Buttons we are hoping you can help us. We have questions about what happened to some of the former staff.” Tristan said, motioning for Buttons to take one of the empty chairs before the shelf of books.
“Of course, sir,” Buttons replied, easing into the large padded leather chair.
Tristan helped Arabella into the other padded chair a few feet away, then motioned for Jules and Marcus to sit at the table behind him.
“Now, Buttons, do you remember the last time Mr. Vickers was here?” Tristan asked.
“Why, yes, it was about a year ago, before Mr. Keene came to work here. He was a nice fellow, quiet, polite, and a hard worker. If I remember correctly, he went out with Mr. Peters, the late lord’s valet. They were celebrating the fact that Mr. Vickers was recently betrothed to a governess.” Buttons paused, his face screwing up as if trying to remember. “Mr. Peters never returned home. A few days later a constable came to tell us that he had found dead in the Thames. We all just assumed Mr. Vickers had either met a bad end as well or been involved in his death somehow.”
Tristan nodded, while behind him, Marcus wrote down what Buttons had said in a notebook.
“And my mother had a personal maid, an older woman. I think her name was Petunia. Do you know what happened to her?” Tristan asked.
“Yes, sir, that was rather odd if truth be told. Petunia went out on an errand for her ladyship, and she never returned. It was most peculiar as one of the footmen, named Barlow, went with her. Neither of them returned to Hasting’s House. As they hadn’t taken their things, it was obvious they hadn’t simply left employment,” Buttons stated.
“That is odd, do you remember when that was, Mr. Butler?” Jules asked, looking up from his notebook.
Button’s, frown deepened. “I would have to check my diary to be sure of the date, sir, but it was not long after Mr. Vickers and Mr. Peters were lost. It was all very odd; they were all very reliable workers and people.”
“That is more than odd,” Marcus commented.
“Indeed, four staff members gone in a short period of time is rather alarming,” Arabella added.
“Do you know if my father called the constables about their disappearance? Or if my father contacted them?” Tristan asked. He grabbed a high-backed wooden chair from beside the wall and carried it over to the table to join the others.
“I believe his lordship did; her ladyship was most distraught at Petunia disappearing.” Buttons replied.
Jules frowned and wrote something down in his notebook, “And this happened about a year ago sir?”
“Yes, it was in January, if I remember correctly.” Buttons replied.
“Hmm, I will have to look into that, see if I can find who was assigned to investigate and what they found out?” Jules stated.
“Now, Buttons how, did Mr. Keene come to work here?” Tristan asked.
“Yes, it was about two months after Mr. Vickers disappeared. His lordship was having a difficult time with the accounts. I would bring in his afternoon tea, and he would be cursing as he went over the accounts. He would be complaining that things were not adding up or that funds seemed to be missing.” Buttons paused. “His lordship had gone to a club and fallen ill, and that was where he met Dr. Fletcher. Dr. Fletcher recommended Mr. Keene.”
“He met Dr. Fletcher at a club?” Tristan asked.
“How odd, do you know which one by any chance, Buttons?” Marcus asked.
Buttons shook his head, “No sir, I don’t, only that he fell ill and then that Dr. Fletcher brought him home. Her ladyship was most vocal about his lordship suddenly falling ill, claiming that he must have eaten something bad. His lordship had been rather healthily, before that. Her ladyship was going on and on about his lordship never becoming ill, and that it was odd for him to suddenly have an attack.”
“For the first time, I think mother was correct about something, please continue, Buttons,” Tristan said.
“Dr. Fletcher gave her ladyship a tonic of some sort to settle her nerves. Then he said that he thought her ladyship needed a companion to keep her settled, as she was hysterical. The next day, Miss Miriam arrived and began insisting that her ladyship take a tonic daily to settle her nerves. Two days later, Mr. Keene came to work here, also recommended by Dr. Fletcher.” Buttons replied.
“Well, that settles one question,” Marcus drawled.
“Rather convenient timing, wasn’t it?” Arabella commented.
“Did my father continue to keep Dr. Fletcher company?” Tristan asked.
“Indeed, Dr. Fletcher became a regular guest of his lordship. He also continued to prescribe her ladyship the tonic for her nerves, as she was too excitable. His lordship always agreed with the doctor.” Buttons replied.
“I don’t know about excitable, but temperamental for sure,” Tristan added, earning a derisive snort from Marcus.
“Sometime around then, his lordship started acting well odd,” Buttons added.
“Odd, what do you mean odd?” Arabella asked.
“His lordship started to become forgetful. The other thing is his lordship stopped seeing his regular doctor, Doctor Donnelley. And his lordship even started drinking again.” Buttons stated.
Started drinking again? You mean father stopped drinking? That seems unlikely; he always enjoyed his spirits.” Tristan shook his head in disbelief.
Very true, sir, but Doctor Donnelley had warned his lordship that if he didn’t stop drinking, his stomach complaints would worsen.” Buttons paused. “His lordship was even told to change his diet. He had started to follow Dr. Donnelley’s orders as the stomach pains he suffered from were severe. His lordship told me that he was worried as a friend of his had an attack of apoplexy and had been confined to his bed.”
“So his lordship was trying to improve his health, then he began to behave oddly? How was he acting oddly?” Arabella asked as she tried to understand what had happened to Tristan’s father.
“Indeed, ma’am. His lordship started to get forgetful, and he started losing things. He also constantly complained that the accounts wouldn’t add up, that the numbers seemed off. That was when he asked Mr. Keene to take over the accounts for him.” Buttons replied.
“That explains some things,” Tristan exchanged looks with Marcus and Arabella, who both nodded in turn.
“Didn’t my brothers also have a valet? Do you know what became of him?” Tristan asked. Things were starting to make sense now, but the question was, why was his family targeted and by whom?
“Yes, sir, a Mr. Casper Fullerton. He was a nice man, hardworking and very jovial. Everyone liked him. One night, he went out on an errand for Sir Allister and never returned. It was the day after your father died, sir.” Buttons said.
“That is more than odd. And Mr. Keene just became the valet to the younger lord Sizemores, as well as seeing to the accounts?” Jules asked.
“Indeed sir, it was odd. The young masters argued about hiring a new man of business but Mr. Keene and Dr. Fletcher talked them out of it on more than one occasion. Sir Richard especially was for hiring a new accountant and would have very loud arguments with Mr. Keene, who kept insisting that they could not afford one or that bringing a stranger into the house would upset her ladyship. who was I mourning. Master Allister as the eldest always had the last word and would side with Mr. Keene saying he didn’t wish to argue anymore.” Buttons stated.
“That is very interesting.” Jules said.
“Can you tell us if anything else odd or unusual happened?” Tristan asked.
“Yes, sir, master Allister was only Earl for a few weeks before he also began acting oddly.” Buttons replied.
“In what way was his behavior odd?” Arabella prompted.
“He began to get headaches daily and complained that he couldn’t sleep at night and that your father’s ghost was following him about. He began to drink more and earlier in the day, and he started shouting at the servants. It was most odd as Master Allister had always been so even-tempered and courteous.” Buttons shook his head sadly.
“What about Richard? Was he acting oddly as well?” Tristan asked, something odd had happened in the house and he wanted to understand what had happened so he could ascertain why.
Yes sir. He had been interested in a certain young lady. Her ladyship was sure he was going to propose, and then suddenly he stopped seeing her. He wouldn’t go out, and if his friends came to call, he would have me send them away. It would just sit in his dark room and complain that his head hurt.” Buttons replied.
“Thank you, Mr. Butler, you have been very helpful. Is there anything else you believe we should know, or that caused you alarm?” Jules asked.
“Well, it isn’t really my place, sir but, Cook said she would find Mr. Keene in the kitchen on more than one occasion. You know that she doesn’t like people in her kitchen.” Buttons added.
“Did she mention what he was doing by chance?” Arabella asked.
“Cook thought she saw him putting something in his lordship’s food on more than one occasion. But when she questioned Mr. Keene, he said she was only imagining things.” Buttons replied.
“Thank you, Buttons, you have been very helpful. No, would you know by any chance the name of Father’s solicitor?” Tristan asked.
“I’m not sure, sir; his lordship never met the man here, but I think I remember seeing some correspondence from him. It was a Mr. Bell and a Mr. Culpeper, no a Mr. Cannon, I believe.” Buttons frowned. “It was something with a canon and three balls on the emblem; I remember seeing the symbol on a letter.
“Well, that is a start at least. Now, one final question: do you know by any chance who owned the house before Father did? I was never home, and when I was Father and my brothers never spoke to me about anything of consequence.” Tristan asked.
“Of yes, it was your grandfather. He gave me my first position here when I was fifteen. I was a footman, but that was some forty years ago.” Buttons replied. “Your grandfather purchased the house from a lord Harrison if memory serves.”
“Lord Harrison, that name is somehow familiar to me, but I don’t remember where I heard it from,” Arabella added.
“I’m sure it will come to you in time,” Tristan said softly, earning a nod from Arabella. Then he turned back to Buttons. Do you have any other questions, Jules?” Tristan turned to look at his friend.
Jules shook his head. “No, not at the moment. Thank you Mr. Butler, you have been very helpful.”
“Thank you, Buttons, you may go now,” Tristan stated
“Very good, sir. Please call me if you need me.” Buttons rose stiffly and walked from the library, shutting the door after him.
“That was interesting,” Marcus stated after turning to look at his friends.
“Indeed, it was very informative, and it gives me something to think about. I also have some information for you as well, about this so-called Dr. Fletcher. I didn’t have all the facts earlier, but when we talked but I think you will find this interesting and a bit alarming.” Jules stated, flipping through his notebook.
“What did you discover?” Tristan asked.
Jules looked over at Arabella and then back at him, giving him a questioning look.
“Whatever you have to say, you can say before Arabella; I keep no secrets from her,” Tristan stated.
“Of course, I had my men look into Dr. Fletcher and they could find no record of a Doctor Fletcher ever having attended Oxford, Cambridge, the Royal College of Physicians or the Company of Surgeons. I’m waiting on replies from the University of Edinburgh but I feel he is not actually a doctor.” Jules said.
“Hell not a doctor, then what was in the tonics he was giving your father?” Marcus snapped.
“I agree I wish I knew as well.” Tristan stated.
“I might be able to help I have a sample of what Miriam has been giving to your mother. I thought perhaps the Yard might be able to have a chemist analyze it.” Marcus stated.
“I would be happy to; I’d like to know as well. Something sinister happened here, is happening here.” Jules replied.
“You should tell Jules what the boys saw,” Arabella prompted.
“You are right, it is time to share everything we know.” Tristan replied. Several minutes later Tristan and Marcus had related everything they had discovered to Jules who had scribbled it all down in his note book.
“Is there anything else you think I should know?” Jules asked.
“Yes at Avondale the previous accountant of Sir Howard Sizemore was murdered.” Arabella added.
“Murdered, good lord tell me everything you know,” Jules stated.
With a sigh and a nod Tristan began, it took him several minutes to recount everything that had happened at Avondale. But when he was finished Jules sat back in his chair muttering to himself.
“This is not a coincidence Tristan someone has it in for your family, and I need to tell you the rest of what I learned about Dr. Fletcher,” Jules let out as there was a knock on the door and Buttons entered pushing a tea trolley.
“Thank you, Buttons,” Arabella said, rising to take the tea trolley.
“You are welcome, Ma’am, and I remembered the name of the solicitor, it was Balls and Canon,” Buttons stated.
“That is good news, and thank you again Buttons,” Tristan replied.
With a nod, Buttons stepped from the room as Arabella began pouring tea for everyone. Jules took a cup with a nod.
“Now I have some interesting information for you. Tristan, you told me that your father had a heart attack in his mistresses’ bed. I learned that wasn’t true.” Jules set his cup of tea down. “My investigators learned that your father first met Dr. Fletcher in a gaming house that caters to members of the business class. Your father had been invited by a man he met at a party. The man’s name we could not ascertain, only that he’d been invited to the gaming house. While he was playing cards, your father suddenly became ill; one of the men at the table happened to be Dr. Fletcher. Dr. Fletcher told everyone there that your father was having a heart attack and directed that your father be placed in a carriage so he could be taken home.”
“So that is how they met, I had been wondering,” Tristan commented.
“It gets worse, the story that your father had a heart attack in his mistresses’ bed was not accurate. He was found in the arms of a woman, the wife of a marquis, at a card party. Your father and the woman’s husband fought, and your father was injured. Dr. Fletcher was also there; he intervened and had your father placed in his carriage. He apparently died in the care of Dr. Fletcher.” Jules stated.
“Hell, but why was I told my father died in his mistresses’ arms then?” Tristan demanded. He was confused and furious, but above everything else, he wanted answers.
“I am guessing it was done to ruin the name of your family,” Jules replied.
“Damn, this isn’t good, Tris,” Marcus said as he reached for one of the last biscuits.
“No, it isn’t. Thank you, Jules, for all you have done. Can I ask you to come to my father’s solicitor, with me tomorrow morning? I know it is a lot to ask, but I have the feeling I shall need all the help I can get tomorrow.” Tristan asked, looking over at Jules.
“Not at all. A crime is being perpetrated against you and, apparently, against your family. Besides, I owe you and Marcus my life. If not for the both of you, I’d be dead and buried in India.” Jules replied.
“Wonderful, I shall pick you up at nine thirty then? With all that is going on, I have the feeling I shall need someone in authority to vouch for me,” Tristan asked.
The mantel clock struck nine thirty, and Jules finished his cup of tea.
“I had better go and thank you for dinner,” Jules said, getting to his feet.
“It is I who owe, you my thanks, at least I know the truth now of how my father died.” Tristan rose, to offer his hand to Jules who gave it a hearty shake.
“I will see you out, Jules. I asked Jeremy to have the carriage ready after nine to take you home. And don’t say no, you will never find a hack on this street as it is all houses,” Marcus rose and gave his friend a smile.
“Thank you, Arabella, for a delightful meal, and please give my regards to Lady Penelope,” Jules said.
“You are most welcome, and thank you for helping Tristan,” Arabella said, rising and stepping up to Tristan.
“It is my pleasure,” Jules replied, then with a nod, he followed Marcus out the door.
Tristan pulled Arabella into his, arms and she wrapped her arms about his waist holding him tight.
“Thank you for tonight, it was a wonderful dinner, and for your help with Jules and the accounts. I don’t think I would have figured it all out as quickly as we have if not for you. You are wonderfully clever with figures. “
“You are very welcome, and I was happy to help. Since Sir Howard’s death, you are the only person to look at me and see me as something more than a silly female. You don’t know how much that means to me, to be valued, to be seen truly seen.” Arabella replied, looking up at Tristan.
“I have been waiting for the right moment to tell you this, and it never seems to come, so I will just say it. I love you, Bella. I think I fell in love with you that first day, when I saw you in your garden with the sun shining on your hair. Then the more time we spent together, the more I fell in love with you.” Tristan brushed tendrils of hair behind Arabella’s delicate ears, and he felt her tremble.
“I am glad you told me because I love you too. I fell a little in love with you to in that moment. You were so handsome and so honest with me. And then every day afterwards I fell a bit more in love with you.” Arabella replied.
“You do, oh, that is splendid.” Tristan felt joy suffuse him, he was loved, truly loved for what felt like the first time in his life.
“It is still early, I want you to take me upstairs and make love to me. And not to stop as we have before. I want you to truly make me your wife, but I want us to be cautious as I have no wish to become with child yet, if that is agreeable with you?” Arabella said softly.
Tristan nodded, “Oh yes, my love. I have some French letters upstairs that we can use.”
“How clever of you,” Arabella murmured. She caught Tristan’s hand and began tugging him toward the door of the library.
Tristan laughed softly. “Easy my love we have all night.”
“True, but in the agreement, you agreed that when I wished to make love you, would oblige.” Arabella teased.
“Well then, I had best comply, it is a binding contract after all,” Tristan replied with a wicked smile as he followed after Arabella.