Arranged: An Array Series (Book #1)(55)

Ava raised her chin. “Oh, I’m sorry. That’s right. You’re Garrett Cranfield, the serious, no bullshit-taking older brother, who has no feelings.” Rising from the chair, she walked around me, striding toward her bed.

“Don’t be dramatic, Avie. It doesn’t suit you.”

“I’m not one of your men, Cranfield. So fuck off with your orders.”

She reached for her wrap off her bedframe and wrapped it around her shoulders, making her way toward the door.

“You didn’t speak the whole truth to me either, Avie. I had other plans with my so-called arrangement. You, on the other hand, were going to hand yourself to the wolves.”

“I’m not going to explain myself,” she decreed, placing her hand on the doorknob. Pausing, with her back to me, I saw her shoulders slump before she slowly shook her head. “Goodbye, Cranfield.”

And with that, she opened the door, exiting and closing it without a backward glance.





Ava





Chapter 23





“I must leave immediately,” I reported to George, finding him in the palace stables. Searching for him wasn’t hard; it was early in the morning, and the only people bustling around were the help. It was too early for anyone to go for a ride or run an errand, by a Lord’s standard. I’d noticed the Lords that occupied the castle were lazy and didn’t wake up until after noon, still drunk or weary from the night before. In Bampshire, men were up before the sun, working and getting their days started. Brushing his prized stallion, George peered over his shoulder at me, letting his brush fall to his side.

He raised his eyes heavenward. “Ava, if it’s about Garr, we talked about this. I told you that he isn’t going to marry her.”

“This isn’t about him. Look!” I shoved the letter I received moments ago from Mrs. Reynolds at him. Opening it, his eyes quickly scanned the message as he read. My stomach was in knots, my anxiety heightened at the contents. She reported that Papa was very ill and the doctors in town weren’t sure how to get his fever down or keep him from retching up his food. He’d been doing it for over four days.

He drew in a deep breath. “Did you just receive this?”

I nodded. “Yes, I came to you right away.” Throwing down his brush, he placed his hand on my back, pushing me toward the exit of the stables.

“Go get some clothes packed, and I’ll get the coach ready for you immediately.”

“Lucy and Miranda are already doing it.” I halted, turning on George. “Do you think it’s serious? I can’t bear the thought of—”

George placed a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t think like that. Your father is a strong man. He just needs a doctor who knows what he’s actually doing. Now, go make sure they are getting together everything you need.”

I hurried off quickly. This was never going to end. My life was never going to pan out. Now fate wanted to take not only my freedom away, but also put my father’s health at risk. My brain was exhausted from its constant racing and pondering of the future. When I got to my room, Lucy and Miranda were finishing up, throwing a few random outfits in a small travel bag, along with odds and ends.

When they finished, I hugged them both, telling them I would be back as soon as I could. They gave me well wishes for safe travels as I carried my two small bags. Crossing the grassy field to the stable, I watched as George drove a small carriage hooked to four horses toward me.

“I don’t want you traveling on horseback; you’re still getting back all your strength,” George stated, jumping down to load my luggage.

I didn’t argue. From my lack of sleep and eating, I didn’t have the energy to ride aside my own horse for four days. Movement to my right caught my attention, as four large men approached. I recognized them instantly; they were half of the Elite Eight.

I turned and looked at George. “No,” I snapped. George gave me a questioning stare and followed my gaze.

“You didn’t think you were going alone, did you?” he asked, eyebrow raised. “You know better.”

“Don’t you have other men that can come with me?” I scowled. It could be anyone else. I didn’t want to use Garrett’s men, nor did I want any more of his help.

George put his hands on my forearms. “He doesn’t know…yet, that I borrowed them.” Pulling me into his arms, he hugged me tightly, placing his chin on top my head. “The men are going to report to me when you stop for fresh horses, to let me know where you are. Once you’ve checked in on your father and are settled in, write me at once. I will be sending a doctor behind you. I’d feel more comfortable if one of my physicians takes a look at him.”

“Thank you,” I mumbled into his chest.

“Try and get some rest on your way there. Don’t trouble yourself too much. Your father will be fine, Ava.” After giving me one last squeeze, he released me, holding out his hand to help me into the carriage.

Settling into the black leather seats, I took a deep breath. George was issuing out orders to the men while I clasped my hands for strength, faith, and peace for no thoughts of Garrett.

∞∞∞

I arrived in Bampshire, safe and sound, thankful that the weather had been warm and sunny the whole way. It lightened my dampened spirits and made me determined to enjoy my visit home while nursing Papa back to health. Mrs. Reynolds greeted me with tears rolling down her cheeks as she ushered me into the house.