Chapter 82

Just when Matthew thought that his world had come to an end, Arabella staggered into a halt. She turned around abruptly, her face drained of all colors as if she'd just seen a ghost. Before he could make out what made her so scared, she whispered frantically,

"Matthew, that's my mother!"

Matthew's gaze roved over the place and he immediately spotted Viscountess Winthrop across the lawn, strolling with her maid.

"Come, quick!" He took hold of her arm and propelled her away from the place. She offered no resistance, stumbling after him across the lawn, past the entrance gate and onto the sidewalk. It must be his lucky day, because just then, a hackney conveniently passed by. Matthew hailed the vehicle and as soon as it pulled by, Matthew opened the door and Arabella jumped into it.

"Go home. I'll come to you later and explain it all."

And as Matthew watched the vehicle receding into the distance, he sent a big, huge thanks to Heaven for the timely intervention of fate.

*****

It wasn'