Author's Note: Thanks for all the favs, follows and reviews!
Chapter 22
"Pray, excuse me sir! I did not mean to take such liberty with your name. I'm afraid that the shock of seeing you and fear for your safety joined forces to separate my mind from my tongue!"
Executing a deep bow while catching his breath, John greeted the lady, "Such a liberty could only give me pleasure, Miss Smith," With a gentle smile upon his face, John said nothing for several seconds altogether, allowing his eyes to feast on the sight before him. Finally he found voice again, "Let me add, madam, it has been far too long since I last had the pleasure of seeing you."
Though extremely pleased to see him in return, Arabella was a little embarrassed by such an outburst, and struggled to regain her composure. Then, remembering the novelty of the situation, she found the presence of mind to ask the obvious, "I am happy to see you as well, Mr. Barrow, but this is such a shock. What is it that brings you here, sir?"
"Personal business, madam. I came to inquire after a friend. But I found that I had another friend in the neighborhood, and made plans to find her out," Looking down, John remembered his bouquet. Within view of all on the public street he presented his gift to Arabella, "Please accept this. It is the least I can do to repay you for making such quick work of my search."
What can be done with this man! Arabella blushed as she accepted her flowers, but loved him all the more for such unchecked exuberance, "And how have you been spending your time Mr. Barrow? Have your friends been keeping you occupied?"
"I've been at my business, the same as always Miss Smith. And I'm afraid that an overabundance of one has led to a shortage of the other. To make matters worse, what few friends I do have find that they must leave town."
"Oh, now that is sad, sir. But I am pleased to see that you have discovered England's excellent system of roadways, which affords the means to visit those friends who cannot visit you."
John was the happy recipient of Arabella's pointed observation. It delighted him to know that she counted him among her friends and that this visit was welcome. His pleasure increased when Arabella expressed the wish to introduce him to her aunt, though John still harbored a secret grudge against that lady for not receiving her heavenly reward on a timelier basis. Happy to do his service as a gentleman, John offered Arabella his arm, and with her hand resting lightly upon it was now prepared to follow her to the ends of the earth or, in this case, the end of a short street of shops. There, in a small apartment above the shop once belonging to her husband, resided the ancient but resilient Mrs. Flora Tillison. Arabella made the introduction.
"Mr. Barrow, I would like for you to meet my aunt, Mrs. Tillison. Aunt, this is Mr. Barrow, an acquaintance from town."
In a loud voice, which served to pinpoint one of the lady's maladies she answered, "Yes, yes, very well."
Arabella smiled fondly, "This lady has listened patiently to all of my worries these past several months, Mr. Barrow. She is the very best kind of confidant."
"Speak louder dear, I cannot hear you."
Her eyes continuing to smile, Arabella glanced archly at John before repeating herself in higher volume for the benefit of the older lady. That Mrs. Tillison still did not hear was evident, but she was pleased with the attention nonetheless. John marveled that Arabella had somehow managed to keep her gentle humor during this trying time, and observed the scene before him with pleasure. A sudden surge of emotion left him feeling almost giddy, reaffirming what he already knew. Oh yes, I love this woman!
Arabella glanced over and saw John looking flushed and foolish. What a thrill to know that she alone was the cause of it! Momentary happiness was drawn up short though, as she acknowledged the obstacles that still stood between them. Truth must be revealed before they could reach an understanding. He had yet to show trust in her, enough trust to tell her about himself. And her truth might yet drive him away. Dare she attempt a candid discussion with him now?
John saw the change on Arabella's face. Thinking that she might be displeased at such an overt show of affection, he had to wonder if it was the display, or the source of it that disturbed her the most. But even if it might pain him, he must have his answer before he left this place. Not wholly reliant on Mrs. Tillison's deafness (as she had shown him no particular favor in the past) John was hesitant about broaching the subject while seated next to that lady's bed. But he would soon be provided with an opening. Observing that her aunt's eyes had grown heavy with her efforts to keep company, Arabella suggested they continue their conversation in the parlor. Once they were settled, she ventured to be brave.
"Mr. Barrow, I have often wondered about your mysterious occupation, but you've always been so agile as to sidestep the issue whenever I brought it up. Before I left town I heard rumors... but would wish to hear it from you. Pray tell me, what exactly do you do for a living, sir?"
John's face was down, and he appeared to be quite concerned with an old crack on a nearby table, his finger diligently tracing its outline. But there was a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I would advise you to attend only to those rumors which place me in the best possible light. This much I can say, I do not work against the law," His inspection of the crevice complete, John met Arabella's eye and he said with perfect gravity, "Besides, my telling you would of necessity place constraints on you Miss Smith."
"Sir?"
"If I tell you, you will have to marry me."
As Arabella blushed and quickly put her head down, John could not help but notice how very pretty she was with a bloom to her cheeks. If he had been more observant, he would have seen that she was flushed and angry. Arabella had not yet come to fully understand John. He had hoped to unburden his heart and secure her hand in one deft maneuver, and was fervently hoping that curiosity would get the better of her. To Arabella, this was yet another sidestep, and she was not pleased. How can I unburden my heart to him if he will not trust me? Is it possible he is playing me for a fool? John would have seen Arabella's disapprobation first hand had not Mrs. Tillison called from her room, signaling her need for immediate and sustained attention. Arabella suggested that John take his leave.
Chapter 23
Completely dissatisfied with the outcome of yesterday's interview, John came to call on Miss Smith early the next day. In retrospect, by attempting to be clever, perhaps he had only succeeded in being too flippant, too cavalier. He had apparently not come to the point. On the other hand, maybe she understood his meaning all too well, and had now been put in the position of having to refuse him. Why can I not just come out and ask her? John felt that a compass of some sort would be useful to guide him through such an uncharted land.
As he drew near, John was surprised to see that he would not be Arabella's first visitor, and wondered who it was that had come calling at such an early hour. Even from a distance Barrow knew that the lady could not be a neighbor, as such a degree of London fashion was normally not seen in this place. Then recognition dawned. Barrow was almost certain that he knew the figure beating a swift retreat from Arabella's door. But what possible reason could she have for calling there?
"Please, leave me sir!"
The door was opened but a crack, even so, John could see that Arabella was distraught. There had been an unsuccessful attempt to conceal recent tears, and her voice trembled with emotion.
"Good Lord! What has happened, Miss Smith?" John spoke from his heart. Then, realizing that he was selfishly giving way to his feelings when he could possibly be of use to her, he continued, "Please, whatever it is, let me assist you."
"You have done quite enough! I will let you do no more. Make no attempt to see me here again sir. If you mean me no harm, you must speak with my father when I return to town. Till then, you can have nothing more to say to me!"
John now understood that he somehow played a role in Arabella's distress, "Miss Smith, if something has been said... I am not entirely certain of my accuser, and am completely ignorant of the accusation. I entreat you, give me the chance to defend myself!"
Arabella, who could not be unmoved, wept fresh tears, "Please sir, this is how it must be. I beg you to leave me.." With a heavy heart she closed the door. Arabella's past had caught up with her.
Heartbroken, angry and confused, there was but one thing John knew with certainty. She did this! Upon arriving back at the inn, he found that the Countess had left for town, with all due haste, within the past half hour. On one hand he was grateful for the distance between them, as he was not now master of his emotions. On the other hand, he knew that he would close that distance on the morrow. Then there would be the devil to pay.
That night, when sleep finally came John dreamt of Arabella. After so many months of loving her with so little hope of return she had finally agreed to be his. Gathering her into his arms they were locked in embrace, as though two shipwrecked souls that would drown but for holding on to one another.
That next morning, the dawn was met by a somber gray mist, and the distance between Meryton and London saw early closure.
~~O~~
Author's Note: Arrgh, those two! They just can't catch a break, can they? So frustrating! Next up, what I fondly refer to as THE chapter. I'll post it in the next day or so.