Page 75 of A Night of Forever
Isobel squared her shoulders. Silently she hugged the warm, new hope to herself and agreed out loud with Marisa that a strong cup of tea was needed.
—
While Arend waited for Maitland to return from the bank, he sent letters to Hadley, Christian, Sebastian, and their friend Philip urging them to meet at His Grace’s house as soon as possible. Portia’s uncertain condition meant that Grayson needed to stay in London to be with his wife.
When he’d sent the messages, he refused Brunton’s offer of food, and paced the drawing room.
The emotional turmoil in Isobel’s eyes as she’d fled to Portia’s bedside haunted him. But he’d done the right thing. This would keep both of them safe.
He closed his eyes and tried to get Isobel’s image out of his head. Once they caught Victoria, he could take the time to sort out his feelings…if Isobel would give him another chance.
He opened his eyes and stared out the window into the back garden. Autumn leaves covered the ground, turning the grass brown and hiding what was beneath. But when spring returned, the trees would be green once more. The grass would be clear for all to see.
Couldheshed his leaves and start again?
He was so lost in that thought that Maitland’s entry into the room took him by surprise.
“Brunton told me the ladies are with Portia.” Maitland held up an empty glass and pointed, brows lifted, to the brandy.
Arend nodded.
“Grayson must be beside himself with worry,” Maitland continued, pouring the drinks. “I don’t think we should expect him to help us in Deal.”
“Agreed.” Arend crossed the room to take his glass from Maitland’s hand. “You’re certain that’s where she is, then?”
They took seats by the fire.
“There is no other lead,” Maitland said. “Deal is a strong one. She has been consolidating her inheritance. However, having now seen the documents, I’m positive Lord Northumberland’s will was forged. I suspect he left Victoria nothing, and she made sure that will never saw the light of day.”
That possibility had never occurred to Arend. He felt like a fool. “So everything should have gone to Isobel.”
“With the exception of a few minor bequests, yes,” Maitland said. “Speaking of Isobel, how do you propose to convince her not to come to Deal?”
Convince her? He didn’t have a hope in hell of convincing her. “I shall simply tell her.”
Maitland laughed. “Oh, you have a lot to learn. Women like Lady Isobel do not like to be told what to do.”
“I’m telling her whatnotto do.” And she’d want to stay with Portia and Marisa. “You wouldn’t let Marisa run into that kind of danger.”
Maitland stretched his legs out. “Would I not? Marisa will insist on going with us, and I won’t try to stop her. I believe she has a right.”
If Maitland had punched him, Arend would have been less surprised. “Are you not worried about her safety?”
“Of course.” A muscle in Maitland’s jaw tightened. “I worry about her safety every day. However, she is one of Victoria’s victims, and I cannot deny her the chance to be there when we catch the woman. Will you deny Isobel?”
“It’s too dangerous.” But Maitland’s reasoning gave him a moment’s indecision. Victoria had changed his life. No one would stop him from being present when she was caught. By marrying Isobel’s father and then killing him, Victoria had also changed Isobel’s life. How could he deny Isobel the very right he refused to deny himself?
“For her, or for you?” Maitland smiled. “I’m not a fool. The tension between you in the bank this morning was unmistakable. I recognized it—and its cause—from personal experience. When I first realized I was falling in love with Marisa, I was as terrified as a young boy facing his first boxing match. You are trying to find reasons to push her away because she makes you feel things you’d rather not.”
Chapter 17
Arend shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Maitland was right, of course.
“Are you saying I should let Isobel come with us? I thought you were not sure of her.”
“I’m not,” Maitland said. “That is why we should take her. Better to keep our eyes on her. Your eyes, to be precise—so be your usual irresistible self and win her back to your side.”
Arend curled his fist tightly round the glass. “I don’t believe she’s an enemy.”
