The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1769

Louisa hurriedly ushered her into the house.

"Are Grandma and Grandpa here, and Uncle and Auntie too?"

Arabella had noticed on the helipad that there were two more choppers, both belonging to her uncle. But why were there two? Did Uncle and Auntie come separately from Grandma and Grandpa? Why would they do that??

"Yes, they're all here, just waiting to see you."

As Louisa led Arabella into the main house, they bumped into Eunice. Eunice immediately stepped forward and gave Arabella a gentle hug.

"Good to have you back safe and sound." She patted Arabella's head and then glanced at Romeo, "You made it?"

"Aunt Eunice." Romeo greeted her with the respectful affection of a younger family member.

Eunice smiled and nodded, "Stay for dinner tonight. Your Grandpa and Grandma are here along with your uncle. It'll be lively with everyone around."

"With all that's happened at home, I'm sure there's a lot you want to tell Bella. I won't stay, I'll join you all for the new year dinner."

Arabella was puzzled.

"Alright," Eunice said with a smile, lifting her red lips, "but at least have some hot cocoa before you go, someone?"

A servant immediately brought over two cups of hot cocoa, placing one in front of Romeo and one in front of Arabella.

Louisa held Arabella's hand, expressing warm concern, and as she spoke, tears of sympathy began to fall.

Arabella hadn't revealed the true faces of Serena, Erik, and Martha to the family because, firstly, there wasn't enough evidence, and secondly, the matter hadn't been significant enough to cause a stir like it had now, which was necessary to make the family give up on Serena entirely.

Thirdly, she feared her parents would be heartbroken, as they were now, after all, they had raised Serena for eighteen years.

"It's all our fault." Louisa began to embrace Arabella, then suddenly remembered something, "Right, we must call the doctor to check Bella, she's been hurt."

The doctor carefully treated Arabella's wound and rebandaged it. Arabella thought to herself that the bandaging was adequate and let it be.

Afterward, Louisa and Eunice asked Arabella about the details of her kidnapping, along with some past events.

Seeing they had more to discuss, Romeo excused himself.

"I'll walk you out," Arabella offered as she stood up.

Romeo knew she was worried about her family asking for more details about the 'triangular zone', which would cause them distress and guilt.

So he said, "Sure, then Aunt Eunice, Mrs. Collins, I'll be off now."

"Romeo, don't forget to come over for the dinner." Louisa said invitingly, "I'll have your portion prepared."

"Thank you, Mrs. Collins," Romeo replied, then nodded to Eunice before picking up Arabella's coat, which was draped over a sofa, and helping her into it, careful not to let her catch a chill as they stepped out.