THE MAGIC TOUCH (Historical Romance)

by KEYSON, PATRICIA

  “I have recently acquired some excellent old slides. It’s a story called The Ratcatcher. It’s very humorous. It will be part of my next show.” Hope noted that Beaumont’s eyes flickered with enjoyment as he talked about his pastime. Was that passion she read in those dark eyes?

  “Where will that be?” She shouldn’t appear so eager, but couldn’t help herself.

  “At Girton Green. I have been asked to present a number of shows while the fair is there.” He paused as if waiting for a reaction. There was a wall of silence from the guests. Hope wasn’t sure why. She supposed a fair was not a respectable venue for the guests presently being entertained at her aunt’s house. Perhaps Edna would be able to tell her what went on at fairs and why she might not be allowed to go. “The first one is next Wednesday evening at eight.”

  Was he inviting her? She couldn’t possibly go on her own, but she was tempted.

  “You must excuse us, but the ladies will now withdraw.” Constance stood and led the way from the dining room to the drawing room. She took hold of Hope’s arm as they walked through. “Did your dinner companion please you, Hope, dear?”

  “Very much. He is handsome, well educated, intriguing and thought-provoking.” Her heart skipped a beat as she recalled his sensuous lips and the passion in Beaumont’s eyes.

  “Good. I will ensure there are plenty of opportunities for you to get to know each other better. He is the youngest son of a viscount, a very good family. As you know Lady Padstock would have him betrothed to Isabella in the blink of an eye.”

  It was then Hope knew they were speaking of two different people. She didn’t have the slightest curiosity about The Honourable James Henderson, but Beaumont was a different matter. A different kettle of fish as Edna had said.

  Aunt Constance continued. “It would please me if you would play the piano and maybe one of the other ladies will sing for us.”

  Hope did as requested. She felt herself to be a competent if unexceptional pianist, but performed with enthusiasm. When the gentlemen joined the party she continued to play as she had no desire to converse with James and she didn’t expect Beaumont would wish to talk to her. The other gentlemen seemed as old as her father and were happy talking amongst themselves. She trusted her aunt hadn’t envisaged any of them as possible suitors for her.

  “Very accomplished,” a deep voice said from behind, startling her into faltering and playing the wrong notes.

  “Hardly, I’ve lost my place and will have to start again.” She felt flustered with Beaumont so close. “No, I’ll let someone else play for us. I should socialise.” Whatever was the matter with her she wondered as she scurried away to join a group of ladies near the fire.

  “Hope, you’re looking lovely. Quite the belle of the evening,” remarked a lady who Aunt Constance said knew Hope’s parents. “I trust your mother and father are enjoying the delights of the continent.”

  “I haven’t heard from them yet,” replied Hope. “I expect something will come soon. I’m sure they’re making the most of the time they have out there.” Thinking of her parents made Hope miss them more than she’d expected. If her mother had been near, she would have confided her fascination for Beaumont and asked her advice. He was the sort of person her mother would know how to deal with. She would have been captivated by the thought of his magic shows and wouldn’t have hesitated to visit and see for herself. Could Hope do that? She let out a sigh. Not on her own. She couldn’t go about London alone and her aunt would certainly not endorse a visit to entertainment at that particular venue, with or without a chaperone.

  Beaumont took his leave a few minutes later saying he needed some fresh air. Hope was sorry to see him go. He was blunt, but high-minded. Perhaps parcels of food for the poor people could be sent on a regular basis from this house, at least while she was staying here. She shuddered when she thought of Stevenson’s face. He’d tried to mask it, but he hadn’t concealed his contempt for the idea at all. Thinking of the servants, Hope couldn’t wait now to get to her room and unburden herself to Edna. She was developing quite a liking for the young woman.

  When all the guests had left the house, Hope approached her aunt. “Goodnight, Aunt,” she said, kissing her. “I’ve had a lovely evening. You’re a wonderful hostess. Please excuse me if I retire now.” She gave a little yawn and made herself walk slowly out of the room until she was able to gallop up the stairs unseen. A spark of an idea had crept into her mind.

  CHAPTER 3

  Just as Hope was despairing of missing Beaumont’s magic show, her aunt imparted some news.

  “I’m visiting friends this evening. You won’t mind entertaining yourself, I’m sure. We are on the committee of the Female Aid Society. You’d be quite bored among us older people I fear and I do not wish to discuss the nature of the charity with you.”

  Hope knew exactly what her aunt was referring to as she’d had long conversations with her mother about that particular organisation. It would not be a good idea to let her aunt know, she surmised, and remained tactfully quiet.

  “That’s fine, Aunt. You go and do your good work. You don’t have to spend all your time with me. I’ve plenty to be going on with. I will continue with my letters and I’ve got things to see to in my room.”

  As soon as Aunt Constance left the house, Hope picked up her skirts and ran up the stairs taking them two at a time. She summoned Edna and the two of them crept along the corridors to Uncle Eustace’s room. Edna held back. “I don’t think I should be here, my lady,” she objected.

  “It’s all right. You have my permission,” insisted Hope, not wanting the opportunity to slip by. She pulled Edna inside the room and closed the door quietly. “No one will know we’re here. And please do call me Hope now we’re on our own. I hate all this formal business. I’m not used to it at home. My family is unconventional and we don’t always do the correct thing. As you are aware my father is an earl, but I have no idea of all the etiquette. My mother was remiss in my education on titles and the correct forms of address.”

  “I understand, my la… Hope.” Edna shivered and not with the cold, Hope was sure.

  Quickly Hope started to strip off. Edna looked shocked and rushed over to her. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m changing into Uncle Eustace’s clothes.” She stood in front of the mirror. “I’m not sure if I should, but I want us to go out tonight. I want to see Beaumont’s magic show. The only way I can get there is if we go together. It’s at the fair on Girton Green. Do you know it?” In all the excitement she hadn’t asked Edna about the venue.

  “Oh dear, it’s not a proper area for you to visit. I can’t chaperone you, my lady, I mean, Hope.” Edna had turned bright red and her head was twitching. “I’ll lose my job and then what will I do?”

  “You won’t. I promise. If anyone finds out, I’ll swear I made you do it. I’m sure it will all be perfectly safe. Please agree to accompany me. I’m determined to attend even if I have to go alone.”

  Edna hesitated for a moment. “Very well, I’ll go with you, but I’m not happy, not happy at all.”

  Hope clasped both her hands. “Thank you. I’m sure we’ll be quite all right if we’re together.” She rummaged in the cupboards and found what she was looking for. With Edna’s unenthusiastic help, she presented herself in front of the mirror and the two young women gasped as a man and a woman were reflected in front of them.

  “It’s very lifelike, I’ll give you that,” grinned Edna. “You do make a convincing man. If I didn’t know it was you, Hope, I’d think you were a man. If you know what I mean.”

  Hope giggled and Edna joined in. “It’s not quite right. I need a moustache or beard.”

  “You can’t grow one! Perhaps we could fashion a moustache.”

  “Yes, cut a piece from my hair and let us see what we can make.” Hope took the hat off and pulled out a pin releasing a tress of hair.

  “Are you sure? I will need a sizeable piece.”

  “Yes, yes, cut
some off.”

  “I will fetch some scissors from below stairs as your embroidery scissors are not suitable for the job.” Within minutes Edna had returned and was struggling to tie the lock to make a moustache. “It’s impossible. It will never look real. I am quite sure you can pass as a clean-shaven young man.”

  “I suppose so.” Hope studied herself doubtfully in the mirror again. “You will have to cut my hair.”

  “Oh, no, my lady, that will never do.”

  “I will have to remove my hat and then my disguise will be uncovered. If you cut it unfashionably long then you will still be able to pin it up when I am back as myself. If you add some of the false hair pieces which Mama insisted I bring with me then no one will ever know. Only you.”

  “You mean you want it like The Honourable James Henderson’s hair. He wears his hair rather long although I think it suits him.”

  “Exactly like his. Now come along Edna, let’s get on with it.” The maid looked bemused as she carried out her instructions.

  As her long tresses fell to the floor Hope wondered if her impulsive nature would one day lead her into terrible trouble. Edna’s hairdressing skills were limited and it took a while for the two young women to be satisfied with the result.

  “There, that doesn’t look too bad, does it? With and without my hat I think I look quite presentable. Now we’ve got to find something for you to wear.”

  “I’m not putting on his Lordship’s things,” demurred Edna. “It’s one thing you doing it, but quite another for me.”

  “I agree. Let’s go back to my room and see what we can find.”

  “First I must clear up all the hair. We don’t want anyone finding out what we’ve been up to.”

  At last they were ready to creep downstairs and let themselves out into the street. As they kept to the darker corners, no one paid them any attention and they gradually became bolder. Hope adopted a mannish air and lowered her voice, and Edna almost skipped along in her borrowed costume.

  “Are you sure you know the way, Edna?”

  Edna nodded vigorously. “Oh yes, madam, I mean, Hope, I mean, oh dear what do I call you?”

  Hope giggled before considering this important question. “Well,” she said, at last, “my surname is Richmond, so I suppose I could be Richard. Could you manage to call me that?”

  “Yes, Richard,” said Edna, solemnly. “See, I can! It’s quite a long walk, Richard, but I know all the short cuts. And I think I’m doing very well at calling you Richard, Richard,” she continued before breaking into laughter.

  * * *

  Growing in confidence they made their way to Girton Green. Hope was almost open-mouthed with wonder as they walked past all the shows. There were fortune tellers, prize fighters and medicine men, amongst other novelties. She would have liked to slow their pace and enjoy the atmosphere which was full of life, but she didn’t want to miss Beaumont’s performance. As they arrived at the marquee advertising the magic lantern show Hope pulled Edna into the shadows. “You do know we might bump into Beaumont, don’t you?” Edna nodded. “There will be no reason for us to worry about that, though, as he will not recognise you and he will certainly not know who I am.”

  Hope felt a rush of exhilaration as the surroundings engaged her senses. There appeared to be none of the good manners of the society she was used to; everyone was talking loudly and there was a lot of jostling. A man abruptly fell against her arm and she felt the coarseness of his clothes as she instinctively put out a hand to steady him. He laughed in her face and she recoiled slightly at the sour odour of his breath before he went on his way.

  Edna nudged her and together they looked at the pugilists getting ready for a bout of fighting. Hope was horrified, but couldn’t take her eyes off the men who were dressed, or rather undressed it seemed to her, in their underwear. She swallowed hard and gripped Edna’s arm, forcing them towards the marquee entrance.

  The first hurdle was gaining admission without paying as neither of them had money with them. It hadn’t occurred to Hope there would be a charge for admission. Next time, she must remember. Next time! That was something to think about, but for now she must concentrate on the present. From the main entrance, Hope spotted a gap in a curtain, dragged Edna through it, and nodded to some spare seats at one side. Edna headed towards them and Hope followed, letting out a breath that they’d got this far undetected.

  They sat bemused, unsure what to expect. The place was filled with people conversing loudly. Raucous laughter caused her to seek its source and in so doing, she noted everyone looked happy and carefree.

  Various smells assailed her nostrils, from the alcohol and tobacco to the soup and fried fish which pervaded the marquee from the stalls outside. Her mouth watered. Then Hope became aware of a presence she couldn’t account for, but if the prickling feeling on her skin was anything by which to judge, Beaumont was close by. She dared not turn her head and stared fixedly ahead, edging closer to Edna who put her hand timidly on Hope’s arm. As soon as the mellifluous voice was heard, the audience quietened and paid attention. The voice commanded attention with its hypnotic intensity. Of course, Hope knew immediately to whom it belonged.

  She was entranced. There was an air of expectancy as the marquee flap was closed and the area darkened. Then a sudden bright light appeared on the canvas. Images were projected and the audience was silenced as the show began. The first story which Beaumont told alongside the pictures had a moral theme, but the second was an animated comedy called The Ratcatcher, as promised at the dinner. She giggled when the rat dived into the sleeping man’s mouth, and received a sharp nudge in the ribs from Edna. “You’re a gentleman,” her maid whispered, “you may not giggle.” They both tried to stifle another fit of laughter. Then, much to Hope’s consternation, there were boos and hisses as an upside-down image appeared on the screen. She didn’t want to witness any fights which weren’t on the programme. As she looked around a little fearfully, she noticed the smiles which tempered the jeering.

  The next images were about travel and there was no narration from Beaumont as the pictures were accompanied by a piece on the piano. Hope was glad of a short respite from listening to Beaumont so she could ponder on what she’d seen and heard. It was enchanting and she felt as if she were in a magic world, which of course she was, she realised. This time she managed to hide her burst of delight.

  At the end of the show there was much applause and the two young women joined in enthusiastically.

  “I think we ought to leave now, Richard,” Edna said, as she stood up.

  “Yes, we must make our exit without delay.” Squeezing through the crowds Hope tried to stop herself from apologising, but also to keep her eye on Edna. As she glanced back she bumped into someone and heard a clatter of glass.

  “My goodness!”

  It was Beaumont. She had knocked some of his slides to the floor. Being this near to him she was aware he smelt clean and fresh, not of alcohol or tobacco even though she knew he took whisky. Desperately wanting to look into his eyes, she dared not in case he recognised her. But why would he? Then she remembered he’d extended a tenuous invitation to her to be here. Briefly, she pondered the thought that he had been looking out for her. That was a ridiculous notion. Taking a deep breath she stopped herself from speaking immediately and when she did try out her manly voice she found she was also unexpectedly speaking with an accent.

  “I am veery soory. ‘Ere allow me to ‘elp you.” Even to herself, Hope sounded as if she’d had a bump on the head.

  “No, please, you’ve done enough damage.” But Hope was already bending down and their bodies collided. When she was upright again, she was conscious of Beaumont regarding her closely, the one thing she’d tried to avoid. His eyes registered puzzlement when they caught hers and Hope scurried outside, longing to escape without further mishap.

  Out in the fresh air Hope collapsed against Edna and laughed. Tears streamed down her face. “Did you hear me?”

  �
��I did, my… Richard.” Edna started laughing as well. It was only when Hope realised people were staring and making comments that she managed to pull herself together. “It eez time for us to go ‘ome, my dear. Come along.” She tucked Edna’s arm through hers and tried to walk in a masculine way without appearing to be hurrying.

  Hope felt the evening had been a success. She’d ventured out into London as a man in the company of a servant and had visited a magic show where she’d passed herself off as a stranger to someone she’d recently been seated near at a formal dinner. Quite an achievement, she told herself.

  “Do I know you?”

  Hope’s self-congratulations choked in her throat as she looked up into the dark eyes of Beaumont. His mocking look put her off balance and she leant heavily against Edna who obviously wasn’t expecting to have to catch her mistress. The two of them toppled towards Beaumont who put out his arms to steady them both. “I trust you two haven’t been drinking too much. The ale they sell here is very potent.” Again Hope was aware of his magnetic eyes burning into hers. She knew if she opened her mouth to speak again now she would reveal herself to him. His eyes narrowed and he inclined his head towards Hope. “Have you a sister with whom I’m acquainted, I wonder. You look like someone I know and I smell her scent on your skin, too.”

  “I expect that’s me,” spoke out Edna. “I like a nice rose scent. It’s common enough.” She tugged at Hope’s sleeve. “Come along, Richard, it’s time we were going home.” She nodded at Beaumont. “It’s my distant cousin’s first visit to England from France and he’s anxious to take in the wonders of London.”

  “Come back here on Saturday afternoon and I shall give you both an insight into the magic shows.”

  Edna pulled at Hope’s arm and tried to entice her away, but she was reluctant to leave the gentleman who had created feelings in her she had never known before. On the one hand, she felt she had to trust her aunt’s judgment, at least to some extent, and avoid him, but at the same time some invisible thread drew her to him. She felt on the upsurge of an adventure and knew one false move could put an abrupt end to it. His eyes had held hers and for a moment Hope thought he’d recognised her. Also, she’d made the mistake of not washing off her scent. Most gentlemen only smelt of tobacco. Whatever anyone said about him, someone like Beaumont would never put up with a shameless woman who pretended to be someone she was not. She was sure he had a strict code of what was acceptable.