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“You can do it as many times as you want,” Edward murmured, bringing a smile to her lips.

Arabella blushed but couldn’t help but smile up at him, basking in this newly discovered sweet side of him. There were so many sides to her husband that each new one he revealed had her falling harder for him each time.

He was just too perfect that she didn’t know what she’d done to deserve him. He held her hand and swung it between them as they walked their horses back.

The castle appeared in the short distance, and she sighed, leaning against him.

“What is it, love?” Edward asked against her hair.

“Is it so terrible of me that I’ve started feeling at home here?” she asked in a courageous burst of honesty.

Edward stopped them in their tracks and smiled brightly down at her. “It’s not terrible, love,” he reassured her. “I know my family loves having you here.”

Arabella folded her arms and tried for a mock hurt look. “Don’t you love having me here, too?” she asked, pouting.

He frowned and wrapped his arms around her, looking deep into her eyes. “I love having you here, too. Have I done anything to make you feel otherwise?”

She tried hard but failed to keep the pout on her face. He looked so worried that she couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her. Did he really care so much for her?

“I’m sorry, I was jesting.” She laughed, trying to pull away from him.

He tightened his hold on her and gave a lopsided smile that had her insides melting.

“You jest with my feelings, wife?” His fingers dug into her sides, making her reel with laughter.

“N-n-,” she answered, struggling against his hold.

He dug his fingers deeper into her sides, eliciting a shriek of laughter so loud that the birds flew off the trees.

“All right!” she cried. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

“You had better not,” he warned playfully. “Come. We’ve tarried too long. They must be beside themselves with worry by now.”

She nodded and commented on nothing and everything as they walked. When they neared the gates of the castle, she spotted Joana wringing her hands as she looked out. She noticed the woman stiffen as she caught her gaze and frowned, wondering what could have upset her friend so.

“Your Graces.” Joana smiled, startling Arabella with the transformation. “How was your picnic?”

Arabella tried to mask her surprise, deciding she’d ask Joana when Edward wasn’t around.

“It was delightful, thank you,” she answered.

“That’s wonderful to hear.” Joana smiled, her eyes darting around. “I had best be off now. Cook might need my help.”

Arabella watched her go, noticing her hurried, shaky steps. She frowned in concern. Had something perhaps happened between her friend and Peter?

“Edward, I have to go now,” she said, keeping her eyes on Joana’s retreating back. “Would you mind if we talk tomorrow?”

She didn’t notice the worried look on Edward’s face.

“All right,” he told her. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

She nodded, smiling shyly at him, and then took off after Joana. She spotted her turning down the hallway leading to her wing of the castle.

“Joana!” she called out, stopping the woman in her tracks.

Joana turned around with a bright smile on her face and skipped over to Arabella, as if she’d not been upset earlier.

“Are you all right?” Arabella asked, concerned for her friend’s well-being and hoping that her sincerity showed in her words.