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“I am, Ara.” Joana nodded, linking their arms. “Come. You must tell me everything that happened at the picnic.”

“I will, but only after you tell me what’s bothering you.”

Arabella really was worried that Joana was only putting on a facade so she wouldn’t worry, but there was no way she wouldn’t worry about the woman she’d come to see as more than a friend.

Joana had been a constant companion for Arabella when she was trying to sort out her feelings for Edward, and had helped her settle in his home smoothly.

“I am well, Ara.” Joana sighed. “You worry too much. I was only disappointed by an outcome I thought I foresaw, but there’s nothing more to it.”

Her tone sounded final, like that was all she was willing to reveal, so Arabella didn’t pry, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.

In due time perhaps, Joana would open up. Arabella hoped so.

“I’ll accept that for now,” she told her. “But if you need any help or even someone to talk to, just know that I’ll always be here for you.”

She was shocked when Joana hugged her.

“You are an amazing friend, Ara,” Joana said, before pulling away from her.

“It’s only because you are, too.”

They giggled and continued their stroll.

“How are things with you and His Grace?” Joana asked suddenly. “I noticed how close you two are.”

Arabella blushed, not knowing what to reveal to her. It was true that they’d attained a new height in their relationship, but she wondered what seeing him again would be like in front of his family.

Would he still be the sweet man that had held her hand and kissed her breathless, or would he feign indifference?

She wondered if she had been too improper in admitting her feelings so easily for him. She’d done the same with the Duke of Green, and it had hurt her greatly. Edward seemed very different from the man who’d hurt her, but he was still a man.

Even if they proceeded to fully enjoy their marriage, wouldn’t he tire of her with time?

She thought back to how he’d sent her body to new heights of pleasure with his mouth earlier and blushed hotly. He was so experienced in the art of love that she feared she’d never satisfy him.

She felt a tap under her chin that pulled her out of her thoughts.

“Is everything all right?” Joana asked, concerned. “You’re as red as a tomato, so I can only assume you two have come to an understanding.”

Arabella blushed deeper, nodding.

Joana squealed, and soon they were hopping like two little girls discovering chocolate cookies.

“You must tell me everything,” Joana pressed. “We can talk while I pick up my medicine from the apothecary.”

“Oh, Joana, I’m so confused,” Arabella confessed.

“What about, Ara?”

“Everything. Edward. Us.” She sighed exasperatedly. “I don’t know where to begin.

“Start from the beginning.”

And so she did, feeling she could trust her friend to keep her secret.

“Wait… he married you to save your reputation?” Joana asked, her eyes wide.

Arabella nodded, biting her lip. “I tried to dissuade him, but he was adamant,” she added. “You know how he can be. And we had to concoct a plan, so our families wouldn’t know. He did all of this to help me—a lady he barely knew. All the arguments we’d been having were attempts to help all of you accept our eventual divorce in six months, but now…”