Page 79 of Beneath the Beastly Duke's Mask
In fact, he didn't see a reason to stay a day longer. All he would do was torture himself by watching Florian pursue Arabella. Instead of moving his things to the cottage, Henry would leave that very day.
Truman entered the room some moments later, his face dark with irritation. “I'm here to help you, sir,” he said.
“Why do you seem incensed?”
“Stewart has a unique way of saying and doing things,” said Truman, shaking his head. “What can I help you with? Shoes?”
“I would like you to help me pack, but not for the cottage,” Henry said. “I'm leaving the estate today.”
Truman's eyes widened in surprise. “What do you mean?”
“I've decided to leave today,” he explained. “However, I do not wish for everyone to know. I'll speak to Mrs. Cooper, but no one else.”
“Why do you wish to leave today?” Truman asked. “Is this not sudden? Everyone needs you here, sir.”
Henry smiled. “I doubt that. I have already explained things to everyone and given the books to the duke. Now, I need to give him the opportunity to be duke.”
Truman tilted his head. “What about Arabella?”
Henry stilled. “What about Arabella?”
Truman smiled. “Most of the servants are aware that there is something between you,” he said. “We all know you haven't acted on it or been inappropriate, but there is something. Most of us agree that Arabella is a good fit for you. She understands you best and makes you smile.”
Henry didn't know what to say. He hadn't expected to hear that people were aware of him and Arabella. He had believed he was discreet.
“I didn't realize anyone had noticed,” Henry said. “I do not know how to feel about that.”
“We're happy for you, Your Grace,” said Truman. “Not all of us are like Mirabel. Also, now that you're no longer a duke, no one will accuse her of trying to seduce you. You can be together without fear of baseless rumors.”
"You want Arabella to be with a scarred man with nothing to his name?" asked Henry. "Who cannot provide for her? That is not fair.”
“Does Arabella feel the same way?” said Truman.
“Iwill not do it to her," said Henry. "I will not give her the choice—it's too difficult to make. She deserves stability. For heaven's sake, she lost her parents not too long ago, and then Lord Kersey and Mirabel spread that vicious rumor about her. How much more should she suffer?"
Truman frowned. “But what will she think when you leave without a word? That isn't fair to her.”
Henry sighed, sinking into his bed. "I suppose you're right about that," he said. "I'll leave her a letter explaining everything."
“All except where you are,” said Truman. “I hope you will at least tell me. You shouldn't just disappear.”
"Fine, I am returning to my hometown," he said. "I might be able to find work on a farm. Fortunately, I kept myself active while here, or I'd be too soft for manual work."
Henry had thought it all through in just seconds; it was the only option he had. Working at Euston was out of the question, and he certainly couldn't go to Thetford. His hometown was the only other option because he was comfortable with the area. Hopefully, someone would take pity on him and hire him, and perhaps, one day, he'd save up enough money to have his own farm. It was what he had dreamed about as a child.
“Is this truly what you want?” Truman asked.
What Henry wanted was Arabella, but he couldn't have her without feeling he would ruin her life. It would be heart wrenching to leave her, but it would be worse if she chose him and decided it was a mistake. Leaving was better.
***
Arabella woke up the following day sensing something wasn't right with her world. Sitting up in bed, she looked around the room as she tried to understand the odd feeling making her so unsettled. She spied a propped piece of folded paper with her name on it.
She immediately recognized the handwriting—it was Henry's. Frowning, she slid out of bed and padded over to the dresser. She opened it, her heart dropping as she read its contents.
My Dearest Arabella,
By the time you read this, I will be gone. This decision did not come easily to me, but I know it's the best choice for us. I do not have the courage to tell you I'm nothing more than a commoner with nothing to give you. The old duke was not my father but a man kind enough to take in a fatherless child and give him a home and stability.
