Arabella stiffly curtseyed to the local prime minister and his guests. Her currently absent mother expected her to find a man at one of these ridiculous galas who would whisk her off, preferably onto his white horse, where he would proclaim his love and ask her to marry him. Glancing around the room under the guise of acknowledging everyone attending Arabella didn’t see anyone who fit the description.
At least her mother hadn’t felt it necessary to come and babysit her this time. The events the Duchess Eleanor of Bourrada attended were the ones that made Arabella wish she truly could disappear. Her mother tended to announce to the room her intention to marry off her daughter. Instantly a line of suitors would form, aching to be considered to marry into the Bourrada family; not caring one whit about her, the one they were falling in line to marry.
Tonight there would be the slightest bit of anonymity.
Quickly Arabella refocused on the people in front of her and not on her mother’s conniving plans, when a very serious looking man stepped in front of her and gave a haughty bow.
“Miss Arabella, I am pleased to finally meet you.” The man simpered.
Politely inclining her head Arabella gave a demure smile. Always so polite. “I didn’t catch your name sir.”
He leaned close, managing to make that look arrogant as well. “Your mother did not tell you I would be here?” He took her hand in his.
As subtly as she could she withdrew her hand. “Forgive me. My mother and I have been unable to sit and chat recently. We both have had very busy schedules. Please don’t take offense that she didn’t have a chance to let me know.”
“Ah of course. Of course. Then allow me to introduce myself.” Again he bowed. “I am the Marquis of Waltonbury. However, given that we will be spending much time together you may call me Lord Harrow.”
“I am gratified you would give me that particular honor.” Arabella forced herself to reply.
He held out his hand with an imperious flick. “And now we shall dance.”
Arabella bit her cheek. He didn’t even have the decency to ask. She could see why her mother liked him. Charismatic. Domineering. Arrogant. With a good command of the room. Instead of saying anything, since she wouldn’t be able to hold back her contempt, she nodded. One dance and she would have fulfilled any obligation her mother might have brought on her.
Thankfully the dance lasted only a few moments. Once he practically hauled her off the dance floor, she firmly made her excuses and stepped away. For a minute he looked like he was going to follow her regardless of her pointed refusal to stay by his side. What had her mother said to the man to make him so persistent. She shrugged slightly. Maybe he was naturally that way.
Slipping out onto the barely lit patio Arabella breathed a sigh of relief. A few minutes of fresh air and not feigning politeness would do wonders for her, hopefully. In fact, she might even manage to be nice to the rest of her dance partners if she could squeeze in a few minutes alone.
“Escaping?”
Arabella stopped her smiling at once. “I beg your pardon?” She turned to face the man standing just a few steps away.
“I saw the look on your face when you came out. Complete relief.”
“I…yes.” Arabella admitted. “It was becoming rather stifling in there.” His nod of agreement snagged her curiosity and she asked, “May I ask why you are out here?”
With the sparse lighting out on the patio Arabella could not quite make out if she had seen him before. From what she could see, if she didn’t know him she wanted to. He had yet to try and impress her with his title, family, or wealth. That might be because he didn’t know who she was. Oddly she wanted to keep it that way.
He gave her a soft commiserating smile. “I find I am in agreement with you. Stifling.” He didn’t move any closer, maintaining his distance. “Was it the heat or the company?”
With a pleased smile she shook her head. “If I admit to either I could get in trouble.”
“Who would I tell?” He asked, throwing out his arms in innocence.
“I don’t know you, so there is no end to the possibilities of who you could tell.” She pointed out.
“Good point. Any chance you will answer what brings you here?” He took a step forward. It was a small step but even that minor change brought him into the light. His dark wavy hair was in a controlled tousle that could have looked scruffy and messy, yet it gave him a relaxed look. There was no doubt in her mind that he had a powerful persona that drew plenty of attention.
“To this particular event?” Arabella demurred.
He nodded.
For someone who hadn’t introduced himself he was incredibly curious about her. Still, she felt compelled to continue the conversation, wanting to know more about him also. “My mother accepted on my behalf.”
“Ah. So you are an unwilling participant.”
With a shake of her head Arabella tsked. “There you are, trying to get me in trouble again.”
“Just trying to get to know you.” He motioned toward a nearby bench where they could sit and not be too close, for propriety’s sake.
“Without getting to know me.” In a mock scold she tilted her head to see how he would respond to the accusation.
“What?” The consternation on his face was echoed by the incredulity of his tone.
“You know what I mean.” She paused until he narrowed his eyes in scrutiny. “You have yet to introduce yourself.”
In a flash a grin appeared on his face. “I am not the only one who has failed to do so.” His knowing grin made her feel like a child caught sneaking a chocolate.
Straightening she archly defended herself. “I was just introduced inside. For all I know, you already know who I am and are toying with me.”
“That argument can go both ways.” Her mystery man retorted. “You may already know who I am and be acting the innocent. However, I must confess, this is the most entertainment I’ve had in ages. Meeting you has been a delight.”
Arabella shook her head. “I concede. Whether you already know or not, I am Lady Arabella Bourrada.” She thought about ignoring the formality of a curtsey but as she spoke she found herself dipping down out of habit.
The surprise that lit his sparkling eyes told her in an instant that he truly had not known.
“Lady Eleanor’s daughter. It is truly a pleasure.” He inclined his head.
“You know my mother?”
He chuckled. “Everyone knows your mother if she has anything to say about it.”
And still he had not told her who he was. She could stand it no longer. Regardless of how improper and impolite it was, Arabella insisted, “Who are you?”
Want to read from Lord Errick’s Point of View? Click here to read.
