A Complicated Arrangement

Chapter 5

Isabelle's POV

I hurried back home before he could stop me. God I feel bad. I think I must have been too harsh on him. I was so cold. That is not like me. Urrgh! This is a mess. I must end this.

I pace in my bedroom thinking about my next move. Maybe I should tell mom how I feel, she would understand. But no, she still has to ask father. She is powerless in this situation. I don't want to anger him if he has to find out from mother, no. He should know first. I must talk to father before he does. I sneakily passed through the halls looking for my father. Every moment I see him, he is with him, and his  family. What a nuisance.

...

I glance at the clock. It is nearing supper now. Father always has sees to his best horses before supper. What a caring man he is, always loved his horses. I love them too. As a matter of fact, I adore them. I had wished that I knew how to ride them. If only father had allowed me to do it- stop it bella, concentrate on what I was going to tell father. I am running out of time!

Just then, I see a maidservant. I smile. "Hi. Do you know where my father is?"

"I am sorry Lady Isabelle. I do not know. But, would you like for me to find out for you?"

"Yes, please. And listen," I stopped her. "Do not let him know that I am looking for him."

A few moments later she returns reporting to be entertaining his guests at the stables. Guests my foot. Why haven't they left as yet?

I decided to telll him another day and just avoid them at all costs.

Lionel's POV

I have not been able to take this girl off my my mind. I will not walk away from something without completely knowing if she is really in love. But do I really want to find out that? God, I just met the girl yet I wanna crush any man who wishes to keep her away.

My thoughts were interrupted by the conversation at the dining room.

"I'm sorry Lord John, Lady Isabelle will not be joining us for dinner." Said the servant. "She has requested to eat in her room"

Oh. So she is hiding from me. I thought.

"That is absurd. She must be here. She never does this." John turns to us. "I do apologize for this. There must be a reason"

"Yes, my Lord. She complained of a cold. She was swimming in the river  again. I sent some herbs to her room."

He sighs and sgakes his head. "Not again"

"Quite a troublemaker you have there." I said.

"No, no. Bella is nothing like that." Lord John laughs nervously.

"Then tell me, please tell me what she is like. Maybe then will I think otherwise."

"Bella is adventurous. She likes the outdoors, she likes the fresh air and adores my horses. I think that the reason that she loves them so much is because she can't ride. I never taught her too." He says and sips his wine.

"Tell me more, sir. Why didn't you teach her to ride"

"Let's see. Because she is adventurous.  It is a blessing and a curse. She explores too much that I am afraid she would use my horses to go too far.  There are many dangers out there and I can't protect her from everything. She was once bit by a snake at that very same river but still swims there at this very day, says that it relaxes her."

He sighs.

"She runs off often. But I know where she goes. Her best friend, Elizabeth, lives at the next estate. They are never apart and always spend time together. Beautiful friendship they have." He laughs.

"They are so close that bella has been stubborn against marrying. She does not want to leave Elizabeth. And, as you can see, our Bella is a pretty one, so she stays out of the village. She attracts too many eyes. Afraid of someone taking her away from her friend. That is why she explores my estate and Elizabeth's so much, she doesnt go to town. She can get bored in this castle. But not to worry, she openly accepted the marriage. There is no problem"

Ah, it all makes sense now. She just wants to stay with her friend. Maybe she deliberately tried to sabotage this wedding? I need to make sure that there is no other man.

"So she has avoided men all these years? Does that mean that she has no male friends?"

John smiled. "You do not have to worry about another man in her life my boy. You will be her first to befriend her and marry her" he smiled. "Take care of my daughter. She is my gem. She may be a bit stubborn and free, but she the sweetest, most innocent girl I know. She is very caring and sweet. I am happy to welcome you to our family my boy."

"I am happy that you considered me a good suitor for your daughter."

After I ate, I excused myself feigning tiredness for an early rest. It is time to find my woman.