Putting on her silk stockings was an exquisite torture, and she was about to seek out Blake to assuage her need in any way possible when there was a tap at the door.
"Dinner's ready. Coming down?" Ellen Jerome asked.
"Yes."
"I wasn't sure you were up. I only just hauled myself out of bed. I'm exhausted. You look lovely. Good time last night, eh?"
"Yes, wonderful,." Arabella returned sincerely.
She struggled through dinner, but no one really noticed, since no one seemed to have a hearty appetite. They all availed themselves of the wine, however.
"A bit of the old hair of the dog," young Samuel Jerome said with a groan as the butler poured
"Not Arabella's problem or Blake's, I take it," observed Mr. Jerome. "They are a most abstemious young couple." He bestowed a warm smile upon them both.
They had not dared sit near each other for fear of what they might do if they so much as touched by accident. Now they risked meeting each other's gaze, and Arabella gasped. Blake's love for her was so apparent in his expression he might as well have shouted it out in front of the entire room.
She dropped her eyes quickly, peeping to the right and left to see if anyone else had noticed. She caught sombre Martin Jerome's mercurially silver eye for a moment. He only held her gaze for a second before casting a look at Blake, and bowing his head to concentrate on his food once more.
She saw Blake smile, and blew out a sigh. There was no need to be nervous. They were amongst friends.
At last the seemingly interminable dinner ended. Blake rose and moved to Mr. Jerome's side. "Might I speak with you on a personal matter, sir?"
The elderly gentleman looked surprised but pleased. "Yes, of course, my boy. In my study, if you don't mind?"
He said to his wife, "My dear, take everyone in for coffee and I shall be there in a moment."
Blake gave a small nod to Arabella. She trailed along behind the others and slipped into the study just after Blake and closed the door.
Mr. Jerome looked up in astonishment. When he saw Blake take Arabella's hand, he laughed heartily for the first time in many many months.
"So that's the way of it, eh? I'm delighted. Both for you. Only wonder why you didn't see it all before. Sit down, children, sit. And before you even try to defend yourselves, let me say that I've been most impressed with your nobility and decency, Blake. You've put up a brave struggle to deny your feelings. Allowed Arabella to spread her wings and find her happiness. But sometimes you don't need to look very far for it, do you, my dear?"
She shook her head. "No, indeed."
"I have to ask, though, just to make sure that this is all fair and above-board. This is of your own free will? Blake hasn't done anything to coerce you?"
She shook her head again, more vehemently this time. "No, not at all. I think I've coerced him. As you say, he's very noble. Too much so for his own good at times."
"Very good, then. Have you any questions for me?"
Blake nodded. "Only two. The first is how soon we should be allowed to wed? The second is if you would be so kind as to give Arabella away."
He beamed. "I should be delighted. As to the first question, it must be as your conscience and needs dictate."
"We hoped it could be as soon as possible."
"It's like that, is it?" he asked, a slight frown creasing his brow. "How long has this-" He paused. "No, I have no right to ask."
"We don't mind telling you," she said quickly. "Last night. I was all set to break things off with Adam Neville, who had hoped to offer for me. Blake admitted he loved me. I love him. Always have, from the moment we met. We've struggled against it for weeks, but never told each other. Now that we know, there seems little point in waiting any longer."
"Except that you're young. And you've had so many suitors-"
"I'm certain this is the right thing for me. I'm young, but sure. Blake is my soul-mate, my better half."
Mr. Jerome looked from one to the other, and saw their love for each other shining in their eyes. "Very good, then. I'm fully satisfied that all is well. Special license it is then. I would be honoured if you would both allow me to contribute the wedding breakfast, here at the house.
"Losing my daughter and only son was a tragic blow I never thought to recover from, but you've brought joy back into this house you're your love. You've both been a breath of fresh air for an old man and a sad home, and I'm very grateful."
"As are we. It would be an honour for us both," Blake accepted graciously.