A Complicated Arrangement

Chapter 13

I shook hands with Mr. Jacobs (Isabelle's father) as I entered his home. All I had on my mind right now is seeing Bella. She can't ahake me off that easily.

"Lionel, my boy! What a surprise to see you here. I thought you left with your parents. What brings you here?" Said Mr Jacobs.

"Well, I came back. I'm here to make sure that my bride has a safe journey to my estate. It is my duty as her future husband to ensure that she is safe at all times."

That gained a smile from his lips. "I'm glad that you care for my daughter so much. But you cannot see her before the wedding. Not until I hand her off to you at the aisle will you see her. Don't worry, I have arranged for my best guards to protect her on the way."

"That pleases me, however, I still want to see to her safety. Allow me to lead the guards then. I will not seek her out but I can still ensure her safety."

I watched him intently while he rubbed his chin in wonder. He seems to be making a decision.

"As you wish Lionel. I will be with her to make sure that she does not see you." He said to me.

A servant walked and bowed before us. "All of the luggage is packed and loaded in the carriages, my Lord. Mrs Jacobs is already in a carriage. However, Lady Isabelle has not left her room."

"Good. I will get her." He motioned for me to accompany the guards.

I smirked as he left. My horse stood proudly before the party. I mounted it and positioned infront of the guards. Isabelle may have thought that she have won, but she could never say no to her parents. They will make sure that she comes.

'I do not want this anymore'.

Her letter kept on playing in my mind. I hate that she felt that way, but I am glad that I found the source of it.

*Flashback to the previous day*

Lana ran to her husband for help. Her face laced with worry.

"What is it my dear?"

"Come quick! It- it's Lionel. He is acting crazy. He just wrecked his room and he won't listen to me. I don't know what happen. Go to him now!"

Alan ran in the house in search of Lionel. The house was awfully quiet. He did not hear any furnitjre being damaged  or anything that hos wofe described. He walked close to the guest room where Lionel stayed and found him on the floor, bleeding.

"Lionel! What happened? Your hand is bleeding" Alan took out his washcloth and proceeded to wrap his hand to stop the bloodflow.

He gave him the dreadful letter. It was crumbled, but not torn. It was Bella's letter. His eyes widened as he saw her words. Now everything was clear. His friend was in pain. He looked up at the wall that Lionel had punched.

He patted Lionel's back. "Go. Leave now."

Lionel was confused.

Alan read his face. "You think that she will come back to you if you just sit here and mourn like a child?"

"I have lost her. You were right, she is a hard one to get. She does not want me either".

"You have not lost as yet my friend. Get up an do something about it."

"I can't. Her family will know that I am back and that I broke their tradition."

He scoffed. "Who said that I was sending you to her house? Amd besides, you always take what you want. Nothing stops you. And surely a petty letter won't stop you."

I rose at his words. He was right. This is not the end of it. "Who was you sending me to?"

"You said that Isabelle had a close friend. She probably knows why. You can probably start there and maybe she can help you."

I nodded. I had some suspicions about Elizabeth. Something was not right whenever I was with her.

After Lana bandaged my hand, I rode off to the Warner estate. Elizabeth's parents immediately welcomed me in after discovering that I was Bella's fiance.

I sat awaiting Elizabeth at the balcony where I requested to meet her alone. After a few minutes has passed by, she arrived in a fancy gown. A bit overdressed to be casually wearing at home. She seemed flustered upon seeing me. My brow raised when I noticed that she gave me the same look that every other maiden had ever given me. My suspicions rose about her.

Elizabeth's POV

He actually came to see me! I was jumping and dancing in my mind. I cpuld have swooned upon seeing him. He looked as dashing as always. Seeing him stare at me made me blush even more. Maybe Bella's letter made him give up on her. Having spent so much time with me these past days, he probably realized that he loved me instead. Ahhh! Finally!

Everytime Bella ignored his letters, I would seek him out and spend the day with him. She even agreed to not enjoy the great outdoors as she used to for he will kust sneak up on her like the other times when they were alone. It was easy finding him, he would always stalk her estate and I would always be there pretending to be visiting her. Then I would spend the day with him.

My breath stopped when he came closer to me. He held my hand out and placed something inside of it. I almost died with excitement. I looked down and it and opened the note. It was Bella's letter!

"Care to explain?" He said seriously.

"Oh my. I am sorry Lionel. Any girl is lucky to have you. I guess Bella is still not interested in marriage."

"That is not the answer that I was looking for-" he paused. He seemed to be pondering about something. Then he looked at me, I mean really looked at me. His eyes soften, his anger faded and he smiled at me. His whole expression changed and he smiled smugly at me.

Both hands was placed on either side of the wall behind me. "You are right Elizabeth. Any woman would be lucky to have me. I have realized that you have appreciated me from the start. I have seen the way you look at me. Would you like to be mine instead? Please tell me if I am wrong? Do you feel for me my dear?"

My face reddened before him. I sank into his chest feeling lifeless. I could not believe that this day would ever come. A few tears slipped out and I smiled.

"Yes, my Lord. I would love to be yours."

He bent his head and kissed my hand.

.....
What do you think?

Will it be Elizabeth and Lionel from now on? Or is Lionel just gone mad?

Read and see!!!