A Complicated Arrangement

Chapter 12

The tea party was finally over. While Reena was extending her greetings and closing remarks to Elly and the other ladies, I was plotting an escape. But not from them, from him.

Lionel was outside awaiting my presence. He eagerly waited under a shady tree near the garden. I didn't know what to tell him. I'm sorry Lionel but I simply cannot join you for lunch anymore. I am meeting up with a friend to plan your wedding to her. Yea, that cannot work.

Reena waved at me from afar. She left already? I thought she was right next to Elly?

As if noticing my confusion, my dear friend explained, "You didn't notice when she told you goodbye Bella. You was in quite a trance. I think she did not discipline you because of where we are. It would make a scene infront of the other ladies." She giggled.

"Oh, I really didn't notice. That nanny of mine prefers manners so much that she would not even dare to make a public scene." I grinned.

"What were you thinking about?" Elly asked.

I sighed. "He is waiting on me. I wanted to hide and sneak away but it looks like I have to face him. He is right there. There is no way we can slip away... Unless," I smirked at my next move. I chuckled softly and wiggled my brows, whilst biting my finger. I almost forgot that I was in public.

She raised a brow with sudden interest. "I know that look. Bella what are you scheming?"

"Have patience my dear friend. You will see what I am about to do, and he will surely leave me alone. As a matter of fact, Elly, I don't know why I did not think of this earlier. Much much earlier."

As I looked at her face, dripping with interest and confusion, I motioned for her to start walking out with me. As expected, he joined us at Elly's carriage. Since Reena left with the only carriage that we traveled with, I was about to board hers.

"Good day ladies." He said, not taking his eyes off of me. I was not moved. "Sorry to intrude, seeing that we had planned to meet for lunch, I brought a carriage for us, Bella. But do tell me, how was the tea party? Did you girls enjoy yourselves?"

"Lionel, I don't think that you have formally met my friend. This is Lady Elizabeth. She lives at the estate after my home."

"Ah yes, the famous Elizabeth. Nice to finally meet you, I have heard about you."

Wait what? When did he hear about Elly?

She blushed. "How do you know me? And what news have you heard of me?"

"Mr Jacobs himself told me that you two are close friends. He complained that Bella did not give him a son in law because she did not want to be separated from you. I assure you are welcome to meet Bella at anytime at our home."

She cringed at the intention of our marriage. Time for me to act.

"I am glad that you finally got to meet her. Anyhow, do enjoy the rest of your day, Elly and I should get going." I stepped into her carriage quickly before he could protest.

"Have you forgotten about our lunch?" He asked.

"No, I have not. I am just not hungry. I am still stuffed from the refreshments at the party. It was delicious. But I shouldn't be so selfish, I forgot about Elly. You did not eat did you, Elly? Are you hungry? Maybe you can take Elly with you."

He paused for a moment to process my rejection. "Well, since you are so concerned, she can join us. Would you like to join me in my carriage Bella?"

"No thank you. I want to ride with Elly" I smiled innocently.

Within moments our carriage was following his.

"What was that about? Did you need to be so rude Bella? That was so awkward."

"Relax Elly. I noticed that he did not like my reaction any more than you did. Why should I be nice to him when I do not want him? Maybe my rudeness will chase him away." I smiled.

"So you are doing this on purpose?"

"Yes. The King family has very high standards, they will not welcome a rude girl into their home. You deserve to take my place."

...

We came to a stop atop a hill, with a table setup for two and two horses. Seems like he planned on having us ride them. It is common for youths in my generation to know how to manuever a horse. However, our families thought that Elly and I were a bit too adventurous to learn. We sneaked off to meet each other so often that they believed that teaching us horseriding would be like allowing us to run away more often. I giggled at the thought. They were right.

I stayed in the carriage when Lionel helped her out. I noticed her blush when he held her hand to take her out.

He offered me his hand to assist me out.

"Is it okay if Elly took my place? The ride has made me grow tired. I guess I will retire for the day." Without allowing him to speak, I motioned for the driver to take me home. "Have fun Elly! I will return your carriage when I get home. Enjoy!"

Lionel's POV

What just happened? I was looking forward to spending time with her and now this happened? She was not acting like herself.

I had planned to have a picnic overlooking the natural sight before us and go riding after. T'is why I chose these hills, its view is something worth seeing.

I glanced at Elizabeth. She looked in awe of the view. Atleast someone appreciated my efforts. Bella did not even looked impressed when she saw the horses or the view.

I had spent my day with Elly. She was shy and seemed quiet but I got her to finally talk while teaching her horseriding. She was a sloppy student at first but eventually did pick up the pace later that evening. She refused to ride without me accompanying her on the horse.

We had some good times together today, but I still couldn't take my mind off of Bella. I groaned realizing that I did not get the chance to offer another meeting with her. Now I have to sneak by her house somehow. It should be easy, she is almost always outdoors.

....

These few days passed without me getting a chance to meet her. Bella's parents returned home and she did not step a foot outside. I began writing her letters and she did not return them. I knew that she got them, I saw when the servant would take them to her room. Her window was always open. But whenever she glanced at it, I had noticed her throwing it aside, uninterested.

There was one time that she did return a letter. It was short and cold. It read, "I do not want this anymore. Please return home for I would not be coming to you anymore."