An Acceptable Marriage (BOOK 5)

Chapter 8

"For there is no friend like a sister in calm or stormy weather; To cheer one on the tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands."

-Christina Rossetti

The carriage arrived at Bingham Park at a quarter to eleven and Arabella disembarked, bidding the Cook siblings goodnight and thank you before making her way inside the house. She found Alice in the drawing room where Nathaniel was playing the piano softly.

"Hello Arabella, did you have a nice time?" Alice looked up her journal where Arabella could see little pressed wildflowers sticking to the pages.

"Yes, thank you, it was lovely," she sat down next to Alice, peering at her sister's work. "Have Isabella and Richard retired?"

"Yes, just ten minutes ago, and Oliver's been asleep for ages. His ship leaves at half nine tomorrow so he must be out of the house by seven to catch the train to get to Portsmouth."

"It must be so tiring for him. I hope he's happy."

"As do I. You really think he's doing the right thing?" Alice folded her book and put it away, looking at Arabella worriedly.

"Oh yes, I am certain of it," Arabella replied stoutly. "I do not doubt Oliver's judgement."

"Nor do I, but he is young still and I cannot help but worry for him.

"You were his age when you and Nathaniel married."

"Yes, yes I know," Alice sighed. "As long he's happy."

"Well, I'm going to bed," Nathaniel stood, shutting the lid of the piano and yawning.

"Goodnight," Arabella smiled and Nathaniel waved as he left the room.

"So? How was your evening? I mean tell me more," Alice said once her husband had left.

"What about?"

"About Lord Cook of course, you're sure he's the one?"

"Yes," Arabella said, faltering slightly. "I mean, I don't know. How do you tell those sort of things?"

"I suppose you just know, it's not something I can explain, I think you just feel it."

"Well," Arabella chewed her lip. "I don't know. I really don't."

"And you want to marry him?"

"Yes!" Arabella's earlier joy had turned to ashes in her mouth. "I do want to marry him, I'm sure I'd be happy with him."

"Oh Arabella," Alice reached out and squeezed her hand. "You must be sure of this sort of thing. This is your whole future and you cannot be doubtful of your choice. You are still young, there is still time for marriage. Do not feel as if you must rush into anything. I don't think you should marry him if you are not certain. It would not be wise-"

"No, I'm sure," Arabella shook her hand free, irritated. "Do not tell me what to do, I am old enough to choose what I want." She stood up, wanting to get out of the house, to meet Frances and to forget about her doubts and uncertainties.

"Arabella, you are eighteen, you are young and there are-"

"Stop," Arabella shook her head. "I will marry him, it will be fine, I'll be happy."

"Enough," Alice snapped, looking at her sister fiercely. "You claim you are not a child yet you are acting like a spoiled four year old, listen to me!" She stood up and Arabella reluctantly met her gaze. "If you are sure, than marry him, go ahead, be happy, but if you have any doubts about it than consider them and act wisely. This is not a trivial matter, you must take it seriously."