Free Marjorie Farrell by Lady Arden's Redemption Page B

noticed Gareth’s attentions, stole a glance at her cousin, who was busy sucking her wounded finger. There was no sign that Arden expected that this morning visit was any different. In fact, Arden looked ready to hurl her embroidery hoop across the room.
    Ellen and Celia exchanged amused, superior glances, and Mrs. Denbeigh sat next to her daughter and admired her progress.
    “You may well praise Celia’s work, Aunt,” said Arden. “She has a genuine talent for design and color, as I do not. I merely copy, while she creates.”
    “Yes, she always has had artistic ability, hasn’t she? It is too bad that crewelwork is not as appreciated as pastels and watercolors.” Mrs. Denbeigh picked up the latest copy of the Morning Chronicle , and proceeded to amuse the two cousins by reading aloud from the advertisement section.
    * * * *
    Gareth meanwhile was surprising both himself and the earl by making an offer for Arden.
    “Are you quite sure you wish this, Gareth?” asked the earl.
    “Why, it was your idea, my lord.”
    “Oh, yes, and I still think it is a good one. But I would want to know if you and my daughter have some feeling for one another.”
    “There certainly is strong feeling between us,” grinned Gareth. “She is not indifferent to me. I admit to feelings of attraction mixed with frustration. There are times when I wish to kiss your daughter and others when I wish to shake her out of her pride. But she moves me more than any woman I’ve known. And I do want a wife, and you a husband for your daughter. I cannot, of course, speak for Lady Arden,” continued Gareth, “but I do not think I am wrong in saying that there is an attraction on her side too. She may be unaware of it, however.”
    “I suppose a mutual attraction, albeit acknowledged, is better than nothing. And I am sure that she will find no man better suited for her temperament, Gareth. Anyone who was head over heels for her she would make miserable. She has had far too much power over those who love her for too long. The tenderness that one sees between Celia and Heronwood would only act against you.”
    Tenderness is something I would never associate with Arden, thought Gareth. And why am I choosing a woman so lacking in that quality? But it is too late for that question now.
    “I think that we will suit each other very well in the long run, or else I would not be offering. Believe me, I am not martyring myself, my lord.”
    “I should know you well enough by now to know that, Gareth. You are willing to take risks, but you do not make sacrifices. That makes you invaluable in the field and very welcome as a son-in-law,” said the earl, reaching out his hand to clasp Gareth’s. “Now let me get Arden in here.”
    “Wait a minute, my lord.”
    “Yes?”
    “What if she refuses me? It is not only possible, but probable, given her reaction to me,” said Gareth humorously.
    “I doubt she will, given that her Aunt Millicent is the only other option. And you can be sure that I will emphasize that.”
    “And if she still says no?”
    “Then, by God, I will order her to marry you.”
    “Although it surprises me to hear myself say this, I think that is the way to handle that, my lord. It may not be the best way to begin a marriage, but it may likely be the only way in this case.”
    “Do you think we are being too hard on her, Gareth?”
    “Perhaps. But since she herself has destroyed her other chances, what choice has she got?”
    “None.” The earl rang for Hoskins and asked him to summon Lady Arden to the library.
    * * * *
    When Hoskins arrived at the morning room door with the earl’s message, Ellen and Celia gave each other knowing looks, which were lost on Arden.
    “I wonder what Father has to say to me this morning,” she muttered to herself as she walked down the hall. “I have not said anything even vaguely insulting for days.”
    Her eyes opened in surprise when she saw Gareth. She had supposed him already gone, and her