Arrington's Claim by Frances Stockton

Author:Frances Stockton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing Inc.
Published: 2013-11-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

For the second time in as many days, Regan sat beside Ashton in a carriage bound for Thornton Hall. Lord Danford had ordered the packing of their trunks, while overseeing the organization of his own carriage and servants.

Lady Edgemere’s carriage and servants were following close behind their coach and six. She’d insisted on using her own, as she had social obligations and did not wish to intrude upon His Grace’s hospitality by using his carriages and servants.

“Mama, how are you feeling?” Ashton asked her mother. The Countess reclined in the opposite seat.

“Better, Ashton, I assure you,” Lady Danford said. “I’m tired, which isn’t all that unusual, right, Regan?”

“It is not.”

“There, you see, Ashton. I’m fine.”

“I am glad Regan will be with us at Thornton Hall. Having her watch over you is a great relief.” Ashton smiled at Regan and grabbed her hand.

“My husband trusted us to stay with Arrington,” Lady Danford said. “His staff will keep us all safe while he tends to his new marriage with Regan.”

“It’s a marriage of convenience, my lady,” Regan pointed out. “Only the Abcynians here in Bath know of our so-called union.”

Lady Danford looked at her, a smile forming upon her pink lips. “My dear Regan, it is not one of convenience. Arrington declared his intentions to my husband and arranged to send word to your parents after you took his hand before witnesses. To our kind, the two of you are married. It is binding.”

“We have not consummated anything. It’s not binding yet. He’s doing this for my safety and to avoid scandal.”

“I suspect your pairing will become a love match soon. The two of you will have my blessing. For now we should concentrate on what’s happened to Derek.”

Ashton rearranged her skirts. “Mama, Derek was killed by someone he knows.”

“I’m aware of the situation. Haden came to speak with me while the two of you were packing. He’d like to place the blame on Dr. Fielding and Alvina Prescott. But he suspects someone else was at Fielding’s last night.”

“I’m certain the Duke and Mr. Jackson will find the answers, Mama.”

“Let’s hope so, Ashton. Too much has happened already. I can’t understand why we’ve not heard from Lucien since this all started. He usually knows when to come to our aid.”

“Our Abcynian monarch would be here if he could. Perhaps he’s allowing Raybourne and Arrington to solve the situation,” Regan suggested. “My parents were supposed to visit him, along with Adriano and Jocelyn and their family. If they’re together in Africa, what’s happening here in Bath can’t affect them. Plus your father-in-law and mother-in-law should be safe in America with their youngest children. I dare say Garrick would come if he was needed, but they must be guarded too.”

“I hadn’t thought of that,” Ashton said. “By all means, they should all stay where they are. The Duke is right to issue so many protective measures.”

“He is,” Lady Danford agreed. “Arrington is the eldest of the Abcynians in England now. We will have to rely on him to make decisions for the time being.

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