They were being followed. Alexander turned around and rode back towards Marcus, who was traveling behind the coach. They had taken precautions knowing that Dubois might be lying in wait, or have men follow them from the Abbey. Marcus took the rear, while Alexander rode up front. They also had an armed coachman and groom to help protect Arabella. He didn't believe the man was working alone. After all someone had to do his dirty work while he stayed at Asterley Park as an alibi. He would do his best to throw suspicion off himself, of that Alexander was positive. He would definitely try to get to Arabella before she got to the safety of the Park.

As they came to a bend in the rode shots rang out, and the horses bolted forward almost upending the carriage. Several men with scarves around their faces, came rushing out of the woods towards the coach. They were attempting to capture it. John coachman sped ahead as directed, while the groom fired shots at the assailants. Marcus and Alexander were able to unseat two of the men, and the groom shot a third one. The other two turned and fled. The Duke wanted to give chase, but it was more important to keep going. They needed get to the Park immediately to ensure everyones safety. He would send the constable back to collect the wounded man and hunt down the others. His main priority was getting Arabella to safety.

Arabella had just closed her eyes when she heard the gun shots. She started to get up to look out the window when the sudden thrust of the carraige sent her flying across the seat. She hit her head and blood started running down her brow. She was terrified, but not for herself. The men were out in the open. She at least had some safety inside. She tried to get up again, but the carraige was going too fast. She couldnt steady herself. Please God, she prayed, let them be okay.

The carraige finally rolled to a halt, and the door was flung open. It was Alexander. He climbed in and pulled her into his arms and looked her over for injuries. As soon as he was assured she was unhurt, his eyes rolled into his head and he passed out. It was then that she noticed he was covered in blood, his blood, Arabella screamed.

Marcus and the groom were the first to respond. They immediately carried Alexander into the house. John coachman helped Arabella down from the coach. People started running towards her, a women that resembled Alexander was crying, and trying to reach for him. An older woman held her back. In shock herself, Arabella barely noticed an older gentleman taking her by the arm, and leading her into the house. An ancient bultler was issuing orders to everyone around them. The man next to her was saying something, but Arabella didn't comprehend anything he was saying. She wanted to follow the men taking Alexander upstairs and stay with him. However, the man holding her wouldn't let her go. Instead he ushered her into a sitting room and guided her into a chair. A maid placed a blanket around her shoulders while another woman looked at her head. Why was she fussing with her head, thought Arabella. "Please Stop!" She cried. "I am fine, its just a scratch. I must go to him, I need to make sure he's okay." She got up and pushed everyone away from her, and rushed towards the door.

Just as she reached the door it opened. A tall man with sandy colored hair and blue eyes stood directly in front of her.

"You must stay here Arabella," He said. "The doctor is with Alexander now. Please, come sit down. It will do him no good if you work yourself into a state." He then tucked her arm into his, and walked her back to the chair.

"You have seen him then? How is he?" she begged, tightening her hold on his arm.

"He is stable," replied Malveen. "The doctor managed to remove the bullet, and has sewed up his wound. It's in God's hands now Arabella. But do not worry, Alexander is very young and healthy. The doctor said that as long as he doesn't get an infection, he should be fine in a week or two."

"Thank you sir." Are you a friend of the Dukes?" Asked Arabella.

"I've only known him briefly, as we just arrived in England. I am your uncle Arabella, my name is Malveen Dubious."

Arabella gasped and withdrew from the man. This was her uncle, the one trying to kill her? He was very kind, and he genuinely seemed to care about Alexander's condition.

Could this really be the monster who took Jemmy, and wanted her dead? Arabella was usually a pretty good judge of character, but she couldn't read this man. His eyes held no menace in them, and he didn't look like the sort of person who would kill someone. However, Alexander and Mr. Jones seemed quite sure he was the man trying to kill her. She shuddered at the thought and sat down.

Malveen Dubious was startled by her reaction. Why would his niece pull away from him, as if he had slapped her? Her face turned cold and the anger in her voice and eyes was undeniably aimed at him. Did she suspect he had something to do with the shooting of the Duke?

To diffuse the sitution, and not reveal to Malveen that they were on to him, the Count came forward and introduced himself.

"Arabella, Please allow me to ......his voice was cut off by Arabella's words."

"Grandfather!" Arabella cried and she threw herself into the Counts embrace.

"Non, mon petite, do not cry," he crooned. "Everything will be alright, you will see. We are all together now." He then took out his hankerchief and dried her eyes and handed it to Arabella. Then he turned her towards an older women who looked like her.

"Your grandmother is eager to meet you my dear," he said turning her towards the older woman.

Arabella's grandmother reached out, gathered her in her arms and hugged her tight. She began crying as well. She then led her to to sofa. She sat down and patted the seat next to her. Arabella sat down. She couldn't take her eyes off of the woman. Even at such an advanced age she was still quite beautiful. Her white hair was the color of snow. Arabella wondered if thats how her hair would look some day.

"Mon petite," she said, "You are the spitting image of your dear mother. I would know you anywhere. We are so blessed to have finally found you. There are so many things we have to tell you. So much time to make up for. I want to hear everything about the life you have led.

"Aunt Gisele," interrupted Malveen. "Might it be best if we wait until Arabella has had a chance to rest, maybe freshen up beforehand?"

"Dear me, where are my manners." Interjected the Countess. "Thank you nephew for reminding me. Come Arabella, I will show you to your room. Phillipe will you be so kind as to check on Lady Pemberton and the Duke. I will see to our grandaughters needs and meet you back here."

"Malveen, we will see you at dinner, oui?"

"It would be my pleasure Aunt Giselle," answered Malveen as he kissed his aunts cheek.

The Count sat back quitely watching the scene unfold. He prayed the Duke knew what he was doing. He also prayed he was wrong about Malveen. It just didn't make any sense. Malveen was not a greedy man. He was never unkind to a soul, not even the servants. No, he thought, there was something more to all this. He sighed to himself, then got up and left the parlour.