Devil of a Duke by Kathleen Ayers
Epilogue
Lady Arabella settled herself in the Dunbar coach and told herself not to cry.
Twinings. He's sending me to Twinings.
The estate was rarely used, in fact it was little more than a hunting cottage. She would be alone except for servants and one decrepit, eccentric cousin thirty years her senior. Not even her aunt would be there to comfort her.
“Arabella, I insist you buck up.” Lady Cupps-Foster settled in across the coach and sat back against the fine leather squabs. “One must learn to accept one’s fate.” She smoothed down her skirts. “Particularly when one is to blame for that ill –fated turn.”
“I am bucking up,” Arabella snapped. “How do you expect me to behave? He’s sending me to Wales.”
“Well, he’s forcing me to escort you. And I’ll stay with you. At least until you are settled.” Aunt Maisy pursed her lips. “My dear, Nick will forgive you.” She looked out the window. “Eventually.” She frowned. “I should speak to Peabody. Two of those footmen do not look appropriately clean shaven, and their livery looks rumpled.”
“How long do you think eventually is?”
“Well.” Aunt Maisy turned from her assessment of the Dunbar footmen. “Let me see,” she put a gloved finger to her lips, “your actions did nearly get his betrothed killed, so I would not expect he’ll forgive you anytime soon. It may take years before he allows you to come home.”
Arabella pulled at a loose thread on her skirt. “No, I don’t suppose he will allow me home for some time. And I didn’t mean for her to be hurt. I only wished her gone. How could he marry her? The daughter of a traitor. The traitor that—”
“Listen to me, niece,” Aunt Maisy snapped, her eyes hard. “I love you dearly, so I say this for your own good. Best you make peace now. Nick loves that girl, truly loves her. I thought never to see such a thing. He will keep you in Twinings forever if you do not see some sense. And I’ve no desire to visit you there."
Arabella felt as if she’d been slapped. A great gulp of air escaped her lungs, and she sat back in surprise at Aunt Maisy’s tone.
Her aunt hesitated a moment before reaching over to pat Arabella on the knee. “You must open your heart and move past all the ills done to you, real or imagined, for the path you are on now leads only to loneliness and disappointment. I beg you, give Nick some time, then make your apologies, sincerely, and he will forgive you.”
“And what of her?”
Aunt Maisy brow wrinkled as she mulled the question. “She is not to blame for the sins of her father, just as you are not to blame for yours. I loved my brother, Phillip, but he was a wastrel, without an ounce of sense. Your mother was worse. I’ve no doubt that things would have ended badly for them even without the assistance of the Marsh family. There may come a time when you will choose happiness over the honor of those who do not deserve it.”
Arabella looked askance. “I have never heard you speak thus.”
“Then perhaps,” Aunt Maisy settled the rug about her lap and feet, “’tis time I did.”
Arabella opened her mouth to speak and gainsay her, but Aunt Maisy had shut her eyes, her hands in her lap. The streets of London passed by the window, the coach gaining speed as they headed out of the city. She pressed her forehead to the cool glass of the window, thinking on her aunt's words and shut her eyes as they headed to Wales.
* * *
Thankyou for reading Devil of a Duke. If you enjoyed the story of Jemma and Nick, please leave me a review.
CLICK HERE FOR MY WICKED EARLColin Hartley, the Earl of Kilmaire is in desperate need of an heiress. And her money. He isn’t particular about his future bride, it’s a hand he seeks, not a heart. Colin’s still belongs to another. The only woman he’s ever loved jilted him to marry a future duke.
Miranda Reynolds was once the most sought after young lady in London, but that was before Colin Hartley ruined her. Now scandal has left her a spinster on a shelf, with only the most desperate gentlemen willing to court her. Keep reading for the next in the series MY WICKED EARL.
The Wickedsstarted with a chance meeting between the son of a marquess and a sassy vicar’s daughter. Claim your FREE copy of THE START OF SOMETHING WICKED and read how Robert Reynolds meets his beloved Madeline.
Have you met the BEAUTIFUL BARRINGTONS?
“Chemise. Stockings. Piano.” Those three words, uttered by the beautifully rakish Lord Welles, leave Margaret Lainscott speechless. His improper request, that she play the piano for him in her…underthings is as shocking as it is titillating. Welles is one of London’s most committed bachelors, known for his notorious dealings with women and his part ownership of one of London’s pleasure clubs. Welles is certain Miss Lainscott will not entertain his improper request despite the attraction burning between them.
A young lady such as Miss Lainscott would never ruin herself willingly, would she? START READING THE THEORY OF EARLS NOW.
To be notified on new books and my release schedule sign up for my newsletter at www.
