A Game to Tempt the Duke (Extended Epilogue)
One year later…
Durham Manor, London.
Arabella stood gazing into the ballroom, which was nearly filled to the brim. She could hardly believe that she was finally making her debut into society as a young debutante. The past year had been eventful, with Eugenia becoming her sister and friend, guiding her through the intricacies of life, and helping her come into her own as a woman. Arabella had grown older, wiser, and with her family united and happy, her heart found a sense of peace.
Now, she was stepping onto a new path. Perhaps this season would lead her to find her true love and live happily ever after, or maybe it wouldn’t. Her family had assured her that she was under no pressure to rush into a marriage. With her brother’s successful business ventures, they were financially stable, and there was no urgency to marry her off to the first eligible bachelor who showed interest. Arabella had seen her brother marry for love, and she wanted the same for herself. Whether it took three seasons or five, she was willing to wait for the right person.
“It’s going to be alright, you know. I’ll be right here by your side, and you’re going to shine,” Eugenia whispered, standing next to her.
Arabella smiled, reassured by her sister’s words. “I know. I’m just taking it all in. No jitters this time.”
“That’s the spirit,” Eugenia replied with a warm smile.
Together, they walked toward the ballroom. Eugenia had volunteered to present Arabella, and as her name was announced, Arabella couldn’t miss the proud and joyful look in her sister’s eyes. It gave her the confidence that the night would go well.
After a few dances, with sore feet and no gentlemen catching her interest enough for a second dance, Arabella began to doubt her earlier optimism.
“I don’t think this will be the season I find my prince charming, Eugenia.”
“Come now, it’s only been a few hours. Give it time. Besides, your dance card is full. Someone among them might surprise you.”
“I saw all of them when they asked for dances, remember? There was no spark with any of them.”
Eugenia chuckled. “Love doesn’t always happen at first sight, Arabella. Sometimes it develops over time, through conversations and shared moments.”
“Well, if the three dances I’ve had so far are any indication, it seems I won’t be finding love through slow conversations either. Now I understand why you remained single for so long. These men can hardly hold a proper conversation.”
“Ah, like teacher, like student,” Eugenia teased.
Arabella’s brother joined them, having returned from a business appointment. He exchanged affectionate glances with his wife before turning his attention to Arabella.
“You’ve arrived!”
“I promised I wouldn’t keep you waiting too long,” he replied, placing a gentle kiss on Eugenia’s forehead. His hand rested protectively on her pregnant belly.
Arabella couldn’t hide her eye roll at their sweet interaction. “Please, we’re in a public space. Show some restraint.”
“What’s indecent about a man showing affection to his wife and the mother of his child?”
Sensing she wasn’t going to win this battle, Arabella decided to leave instead. “I can’t bear to witness you two making eyes at each other. Tonight, I’d rather not be reminded of how single I am. So, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll step outside for some fresh air before the next dance.”
“Don’t go too far,” Eugenia called after her.
Arabella made her way to an empty balcony, grateful for the moment of solitude. She leaned against the railing, taking in the night air and trying to calm her racing thoughts.
“Be careful not to trip over the railing and fall.”
Arabella’s heart skipped a beat as she recognized that voice. She opened her eyes to confirm her suspicions, and indeed, it was Hugh Trafford standing before her. He had been away for over a year, working on his family’s construction business.
“Lord Trafford, you’re back in London! I wasn’t aware you’d be here this season.”
He smiled, his expression lazy and charming. Arabella felt something stir within her, and she realized it was the same spark she had felt before. It hadn’t been a silly crush after all.
“Somehow, I couldn’t imagine missing this season for anything. We’re nearly done with the estate construction, and I thought a break would do my men and me some good.”
“I see,” she replied. “Welcome back.”
“Thank you,” he responded simply, his gaze fixed on her in a curious manner.
“There’s something different about you,” he finally observed.
“What, have I grown more beautiful?”
He seemed to consider the question before snapping his fingers. “Not more beautiful, that’s debatable. But you’ve grown taller. Good. Any shorter, and the railing might have towered over you.”
Arabella’s eyes widened at his playful remark. “First you warn me about falling over the railing, and now you suggest I might have been dwarfed by it. Are you trying to start a quarrel, Lord Trafford?”
“Why would I quarrel with a damsel who came out here to escape a crowd of suitors stumbling over each other to dance with her?”
Arabella sensed his teasing tone. He had always been this way, taunting and provoking. He enjoyed baiting her brother, and it seemed he was treating her in a similar manner. After all, he saw Dorian as a brother, which would make her a sister by extension.
He was setting clear boundaries, making it clear that their relationship was purely platonic. Arabella appreciated his straightforwardness. It prevented her from harboring unrealistic expectations.
“Well then, if you’re here to rescue the damsel, your duty is done.”
He stepped beside her, and Arabella’s awareness of his presence intensified.
“You can call me Hugh, you know. Our families are close enough for us to drop formalities. And you? What do you think of Belle?”
There was something in the way he said “Belle” that sent a shiver down Arabella’s spine.
“It’s too common. I prefer my full name. It sounds more original, unique. Although, I suppose you’ve been Hugh your whole life, so you wouldn’t understand.”
“Ah, touché. I’ve heard you’re not one to hold back. It’s nice to see that’s true.”
“Why not? Are you in need of some sharp wit for your new estate? Count me out. I don’t plan on accompanying you. I doubt the living conditions there would suit me, considering you seem to have aged fifty years in just one.”
To Arabella’s surprise, he burst into laughter, a rich and hearty sound that filled the air.
She stared at him, captivated by the sight of him laughing. How many people did she know who could laugh so freely?
As he composed himself, Arabella averted her gaze, feeling strangely flustered.
“Ah, this season promises to be quite interesting, Belle. You’re a delight, and I knew you would be. I’ll leave you to enjoy the evening. Until we meet again, which I hope will be very soon.”
With a wink, he walked away as silently as he had arrived.
Arabella watched him go, her mind racing. What had just transpired between them?
As she pondered the encounter, one question stood out in her mind: What on earth was she going to make of all this?
If you haven’t already, please leave your review on Amazon
It is a lovely story and would have been great if your editors had proofread it properly.
Thank you for your feedback dear! I will try to amend this asap!❤️ I’m glad to know you enjoyed the story!❤️
Great story, even with the many duplicate pages. So what will happen with Hugh and Arabella (Belle)? I like them together.
Thank you dear! ❤️ Oh well, who knows…😉❤️