A Most Peculiar Circumstance

One would think that since Hamilton and Eliza only just got married, our mothers would be satisfied for a while, but instead they seem to have come to the conclusion that everyone needs to enter into the state of wedded bliss. Quite frankly, they've turned scary.

Theodore- Hello, Grandmother. You're looking more beautiful than ever. His grandma- You did have to inherit your looks from someone.

Arabella- Why you felt it was imperative for me to leave my house in a traveling trunk is still beyond me. You did see Zayne and Hamilton drop it, didn't you? Theodore- They told me to tell you they were very sorry about that. Arabella- Yes, I could tell they were dreadfully sorry, especially with all the laughter I heard through the one air hole someone considerately remembered to provide. I think gentlemen in general are deranged.

Honestly, he could be adorable, and at the moment she had the feeling he wasn't even trying.

I say, you look smashing this evening," Zayne strode over to her, took her arm, and began helping her up the walk, "That is a lovely gown, and what is the color of the hair you're currently sporting?

I can cry at the drop of a hat." "You find hat-dropping distressful?" "If it's a nice hat, and it has dropped in the mud, certainly. I could cry about that for days.

She was a lady, and ladies were prone to flirting every now and again.

My grandfather will adore you." "Because...?" "You're not normal." "I see we're back to trading insults." "I meant that as a compliment.

I would love to find Arabella alive. I would love to be able to see her beautiful face again and tell her how much I adore her, how much I love her. I dream about her every time I close my eyes, but then reality returns the moment I awake, and I know it’s my fault she’s gone.

She fascinated him. She was annoying and opinionated and bossy at times, but she was also... perfect for him. He wanted to know everything about her, wanted to sit beside her at the opera and watch her cry. He wanted to grow old with this exasperating woman and argue with her as they sipped tea on the porch. She would never bore him, and every day he spent in her company would be an adventure.

She looked at him for a long moment. "There really is more substance to you than you let on, isn't there?£

I was moving briskly. Well, until I realized I had a crazy lady chasing after me. Then I started to run.

What woman could resist a gentleman who was handsome, wealthy, and compassionate? Arabella

I should not have called you a menace. I'm afraid I allowed my temper to get the best of me, and I spoke out of anger." Arabella's eyes turned a little misty. "That's when the truth comes out the loudest.

Arabella tilted her head, and Theodore couldn't help himself. Her lips were right in front of him, and he needed to claim them. He settled his lips over hers and the world melted away.

You're becoming obessed," Theodore muttered, pushing Arabella out of his thoughts as best he could as he reached for his paperwork. She pushed her way right back in. Honestly, the amount of time Arabella spent in his head was enough to drive him mad. It was also making him short-tempered.

Is something the matter?” “I thought you’d prefer distancing yourself from Arabella. She just took to the floor with Mr. Sumner.” Theodore narrowed his eyes as he searched the crowd. Sure enough, Arabella was in Grayson’s arms, laughing at something the man was whispering in her ear. No one except him should be whispering in her ear. He took a breath and twirled Felicia around in circles, trying to get closer to Arabella. “What are you doing?” Felicia hissed. “I need to speak to Arabella.” “From what I’ve heard, she doesn’t want to speak to you. Eliza told me she’s beyond annoyed with you.” “Yes, well, I’m a bit annoyed with her at the moment, so we’re fairly even. When we get closer to them, I’m going to hand you off to Grayson and take Arabella.

That’s a wonderful idea,” Grayson interrupted. “I’ll come too. We’ll make a party of it.” Theodore’s vision turned a little red as he watched Grayson smile his too-charming smile at Arabella and then reach up to pull the beauty patch right off her face. Enough was enough. His feet went into motion without his even realizing it, and before he knew it, he was standing right in front of Arabella and Grayson. He reached down, pulled her up into his arms, and sent Grayson what he could only hope was a terrifying glare. “That is kind of you to offer, Mr. Sumner, but I’m afraid your services won’t be needed. I’ll take care of Arabella from now on.” He looked down into Arabella’s eyes. “We’re leaving . . . immediately.