THE MAGIC TOUCH (Historical Romance)

by KEYSON, PATRICIA

  Back in the carriage, Hope gave the wrapped fan to Edna. “This is for you. Thank you for your help in choosing the dresses.” She was careful not to mention their illicit outing as she didn’t want the maid to think she was giving her a bribe to keep quiet.

  “Oh, my lady, I shouldn’t take that. It’s my job to help you and being taken to a proper dressmaker’s is more than I have ever dared dream of. You’ll be giving me ideas above my station.” Nevertheless, Hope was pleased to note that Edna kept hold of the packet. She trusted her aunt would be as happy when presented with the ribbon sash. Hope felt sure it was not too soon for her aunt to be edged out of mourning.

  * * *

  Quite excited at the thought of giving her aunt the gift, Hope could barely contain her impatience until dinner. She decided to write in her journal to help the time pass.

  In spite of a wonderful time shopping with Edna, at the back of my mind is the dread I feel as the twenty-first edges ever closer. I have said I will, as Richard, help Beaumont with the charity magic lantern show. My two biggest fears are that I will not be able to attend because Aunt Constance has made other arrangements for me or, worse still, that I am able to keep my promise and Aunt Constance is also there. Then there is the fear that I will be found out. How did I manage to get myself into such an awful muddle? The situation could not be worse. Edna is here now telling me it is time for dinner. I am at least optimistic my aunt will like her gift.

  “Ah, Hope, dear. Come and sit down and tell me all about your outing and then I will tell you about my visitor.”

  “It was wonderful, Aunt. We chose the most superb material...”

  “We being?”

  “Edna and I. We chose ruby red, dove grey with purple trimmings and a golden material.”

  “A word of advice, my dear. Familiarity with the servants is to be avoided. It may cause complications. Now tell me about the designs of your new dresses. Did you choose the latest styles?”

  Hope chatted happily to her aunt in spite of feeling a little vexed at the warning she had been given. She produced the gift which she had carefully wrapped and tied with a yellow ribbon.

  Her aunt opened the package and exclaimed on seeing the contents, “It’s a beautiful colour. Eustace adored primroses. I will wear it in memory of him. Thank you, my dear, it was most thoughtful of you.”

  As the meal progressed, Hope’s mind wandered yet again to her predicament. It wasn’t in her nature to deceive anyone let alone someone she loved. Should she tell her aunt everything? No, she would be sent away with no possibility of seeing Beaumont again and that she couldn’t bear.

  “I received a visitor today. Beaumont.”

  Hope nearly fell off her chair. She had been daydreaming, picturing him when their eyes had met after she had knocked his slides to the floor. She took a deep breath.

  “He asked for your assistance and I gladly gave it. He is giving a magic lantern show in support of the Female Aid Society on the twenty-first and has need of a pianist. He asked if you would be available and if I would give permission for you to attend. The venue is a church hall, somewhat different from the last venue he mentioned, so I have agreed to his request on your behalf. I hope that is acceptable to you. I will be accompanying you.”

  Hope could barely speak. Beaumont had asked for her help. She felt light-headed at the thought. Was he interested in her as more than a pianist? Surely there must be numerous people willing to play the piano for him and a good cause. But it wasn’t just that. Her light-headedness increased when she thought about him asking Richard for his help as well. Whatever was she to do?

  “Hope, Hope, what is the matter?”

  “Nothing is the matter. I am simply astounded that you are willing to allow me to help that man. You do not approve of him.”

  “He has his defects. One also wonders why at his age he hasn’t yet married and why he refuses to use his title, Mister. It is exceedingly odd. You are correct. I do not approve of him in many ways, but I approve of the good work he does which redeems him to a certain extent.”

  “I see.” She could think of nothing else to say.

  “I do believe you are suffering from a malady. I will ask the cook to prepare you a reviving herbal drink. Go to your room and Edna will bring it to you. I will send for the doctor tomorrow if you are still as ashen as now.”

  “I am fine, Aunt, there is no need to worry.”

  “There is every need to worry. You are in my care and I will let nothing harm you. Stevenson, send for Edna to help my niece to her room.”

  * * *

  As she lay on the bed Hope pondered her predicament. If only she had someone to share her worries with. Should she confide in Edna?

  “Here we are, Hope. If you sit up and drink this I’m sure you’ll feel a lot better. I can’t imagine what came over you. You appeared perfectly well on our outing.”

  “Sit down, Edna.” Hope patted the bed. “I have done something terrible and it is only worry which made me seem poorly. I feel the need to unburden myself and you are my only real friend here in London.”

  “Oh, my lady, I can’t be your friend. We are from different worlds.”

  “I like you and trust you. If you regard me in the same way then we are friends.”

  “Whatever would Her Grace say!”

  Hope sipped at the hot, sweet-smelling drink. “She would warn me not to be familiar with a servant.” The two women smiled at each other and then Hope told Edna of her adventure and how she was to be at the show as both Richard and Hope.

  “My lady! Whatever will you do?”

  “We must think of a plan. You could go dressed as me.”

  “I can’t play the piano and we look nothing alike.”

  “I mean dressed as me when I am Richard. We are the same size.” They looked at each other and laughed. “I am absurd. You are a head shorter than me and our colouring is quite different.”

  “I will go and tell Mr Beaumont that my cousin Richard is indisposed.”

  “Then who will insert and remove the slides? I am afraid I have ruined the show. I could go as Richard and another pianist could take my place, but Aunt Constance will be there. It is all too complicated. It is impossible. Thank you for trying to help. Please leave me now. I will try to sleep.” As she closed her eyes she remembered what she had written in her journal. ‘The situation could not be worse.’ It was decidedly worse and there was no easy solution.

  CHAPTER 6

  When Hope awoke, she stretched and felt content. Her aunt had liked her ribbon sash gift and she had some new dresses to look forward to wearing. On what occasions she wasn’t sure. Then she sat up abruptly, causing her head to spin and a dull ache to snake across her head and neck. She was remembering the dilemma regarding herself, Richard and Beaumont. Of course, a simple solution would be to put away the masculine clothes she had acquired and dismiss Richard forever. Beaumont had no way of tracing him or connecting him with her. That was it! A good solution.

  It was then that Hope recollected her resolution to tell the truth whatever the consequences. Well, if she didn’t meet Beaumont as Richard, she would not be lying to him. But it was an unsatisfactory situation. She owed Beaumont the decency of an apology for Richard’s absence. She would have to dress as Richard, seek Beaumont out and explain that the twenty-first was an unsuitable date. Feeling calmer with the decision made, Hope took the opportunity of a little more sleep.

  The next time she opened her eyes, Edna was in her room drawing back the drapes.

  “Good morning,” Hope said. “I feel a lot better today. And look, the sun is shining.”

  “Hope, Her Grace has decided to take breakfast in the dining room this morning.”

  “My goodness, I’d better hurry.”

  * * *

  With Aunt Constance overseeing household arrangements, Hope was at a loose end. In her bedroom, she took out Richard’s clothes from the back of the cupboard she’d hidden them in. Now was the perfect opportunity to
call off the appointment with Beaumont. Dressed as Richard, she felt more assertive and was sure she could accomplish her objective. That was until she realised she had no idea where to find Beaumont! Her aunt would be the only person who could tell her and she couldn’t approach her in that respect. It would only lead to complicated questions. In her uncle’s clothes, Hope set off in the direction of the fair thinking she would find someone to ask there.

  Frustrated to find the main entrance of the marquee closed, Hope tried to find a different way in. A voice called, “Monsieur, how good to see you this fine morning.”

  Hope held her breath and turned around. It was the gentleman who had accompanied her to the fair. He might well come to her rescue. She returned his greeting. Then she noted with agitation that the man was beginning to walk away. “Did you enjoy the show?”

  “It was a fine example of a magic lantern programme. You were the projectionist, were you not? You did well, the pictures synchronised perfectly with the narration. Are you here for a further performance?”

  “Non, I am looking for something.” Hope could not bring herself to tell another lie, so she changed it to, “I should say I am looking for someone. Beaumont. Do you know if he’s inside?”

  “Let’s find out.”

  Hope followed the gentleman through a small gap in the canvas she hadn’t noticed before and stood in the tent which appeared very different without crowds of people laughing and chattering and filling it out. She glanced round thinking how wonderful it would be to see Beaumont. After her explanation, she would put away Richard’s clothes forever.

  “Good morning, Richard. How are you today?” Beaumont’s voice reached Hope, but hard as she searched, she couldn’t see him. “Over here, by the stage.”

  Hope looked and there he was looking wonderfully elegant. She hurried towards him and blurted out the reason for her seeking him out. When he seemed amused rather than put out, Hope nearly stamped her foot until she remembered that was not very masculine behaviour. “I thought I should let you know. No doubt you will be able to replace me. The person I came in with could ‘elp you out per’aps, monsieur.” With glee, Hope noticed Beaumont’s eyes darken and the smile on his mouth faltered. There, she’d given him a title whether he wanted one or not! Not wanting to be at the receiving end of his wrath, Hope retraced her footsteps and left, pausing only to bid farewell to the gentleman who had assisted her entry.

  On the way home, Hope wished that perhaps she hadn’t acted quite so impulsively. If only she’d been more regretful, she could have spent more time with Beaumont. But she couldn’t have kept up the pretence, she was sure, especially in view of the fact she felt ashamed now to be dressed in Uncle Eustace’s clothes.

  * * *

  When she arrived home, Hope tore off the clothes she’d been wearing and pulled the dress which had been her mother’s over her head. If only Mama were here. Inhaling the faint vestiges of her mother’s scent from the material, she drew a blank page from her escritoire and began to unburden herself in a letter.

  Dearest Mama, dearest Papa,

  Thank you for your package from Florence. I am very pleased to have received it as I was impatient to hear news from you. The drawings you sent are exquisite and I would like to have the one of the cathedral framed when we are home again. You are very talented, Mama.

  Pisa sounds delightful. And now you are travelling to Naples and going to see Pompeii. Is Vesuvius still smouldering? I hope to visit the British Museum and see the exhibition there if I can persuade Aunt Constance to go with me.

  She has been very kind and is introducing me to London society. We are great friends with Lady Padstock, Mary and Isabella. I am probably rather an embarrassment being unmarried at my age, but Aunt Constance is doing her best to rectify this. She has set her sights on James Henderson, more correctly The Honourable James Henderson. He is personable, but I am sure there are other potential suitors whom I would prefer, and Lady Padstock has high expectations of him for Isabella.

  Hope paused and chewed the end of her fountain pen. Should she mention Beaumont? No, not in a letter. She would tell her mother everything when they were together again. As she thought of him her heart beat a little faster and she felt giddy with joy as she considered meeting him on the twenty-first. It was only a short while away. She continued with her letter.

  Aunt Constance has accepted a request on my behalf. I am to play the piano at a magic lantern show for charity, I feel sure better pianists are available, but I am happy to oblige for a good cause.

  Papa, you need not be concerned with the following. I am having some dresses made in the latest style which is very exciting. Also we have been invited to a ball. I believe Aunt Constance will chaperone me as she feels that it is time for her to rejoin society after two years of mourning. She accepts invitations for tea and attends committee meetings, but this will be her first ball without Uncle Eustace. And James Henderson will be there which delights her. I am afraid I will let her down as etiquette at balls is far too complicated. Mama, why did you not educate me better?

  I have forgotten to tell you about Edna. She is my maid although she has not been a lady’s maid before. Without the experience she is perhaps not as competent as Ruth, but I like her very much. I do think of Ruth and trust that her parents have recovered from the influenza. I will write a simple letter to her and expect she can remember all I taught her. I gave her some of the books I had as a child to take home and I’m sure she will enjoy them. Aunt Constance has given me the run of the library here, but also let me look through Uncle Eustace’s special books which are mainly travel accounts and include Pictures from Italy by Charles Dickens. It is fascinating.

  Yesterday Aunt Constance told me that she would like you, Papa, to have Uncle Eustace’s pocket watch and it is now in my care. It will be a lovely reminder of your dear brother-in-law.

  Hope stopped again. She didn’t want to write anything further about Uncle Eustace’s possessions. She would confess face to face. The silver pocket watch sat on the escritoire next to the blotter. A watch would be a useful addition to her disguise. She shook her head. No, she would not go out in Uncle’s clothes anymore. But then again…

  I am already looking forward to your return and hearing more about your travels. Maybe one day I too will have the opportunity to explore the continent.

  Your loving daughter, as always, Hope

  “It is time for luncheon, Hope,” Edna announced, after knocking gently on the door.

  “Will I do?” Hope asked as she stood and smoothed down her dress. Edna was smiling sheepishly. “What is it, Edna? Tell me, what’s wrong?”

  “It’s your hair again. It’s difficult to get it to look natural at this length.”

  “I think you have been doing it very well. I doubt that anyone has noticed with the added hair pieces. Certainly Aunt Constance hasn’t remarked on it. I’ll sit here at the escritoire and you can see to it.” A picture of Beaumont flitted into her mind and she recollected his long, dark hair curling over his collar. Bringing herself back to the present, she noticed Edna glancing at the letter. “I’ve written to my parents.”

  “It’s beautiful.”

  Hope laughed. “My writing is terrible. I have been in trouble many times for my untidiness.”

  “But, my lady...”

  “What is it, Edna, what’s wrong?”

  “It’s beautiful to me because I can’t write at all. Not one word, not even one letter of the alphabet.”

  Hope was sorry she’d been thoughtless. There she was complaining about her untidy scrawl and Edna was unable to write at all.

  “Would you like to learn? I could teach you while I’m here. I taught my maid at home. She was able to read and write a little, but now she can write letters and read simple stories.”

  Edna looked wistful. “It’s more than I could wish for.”

  “Then we’ll start after luncheon if Aunt Constance is otherwise engaged.”

  “I have already b
een asked by Her Grace to pack up His Grace’s clothes for distribution.”

  “Then that’s what you must do and you will have a lesson another time. In another life I would have chosen to be a governess. Now, if my hair is acceptable I’ll join my aunt. Thank you, Edna.”

  Hope cantered down the stairs excited at the thought of helping Edna to read and write. Should she let her aunt know of her plan? Sometimes she could be difficult to fathom. Whilst Hope was sure Aunt Constance’s intentions to help the poor and needy were well-founded, she thought perhaps it was on a more physical level such as giving them food and clothes. Also, she probably did not consider Edna to be needy as she was providing her with employment, a roof over her head and food for her stomach.

  “May I ask you something?”

  “Of course, my dear. What is on your mind?” Constance cut her pork and stabbed at it with her fork.

  “At the wonderful dinner you hosted to welcome me to London, you…” here Hope had to be careful not to mention Beaumont, “…told Stevenson to distribute the leftover food to the underprivileged. Is that practice continuing?” She could feel the butler’s cold stare like an icicle on the back of her neck, but she ignored him.

  “Yes, it is. Not every day as we are quite a frugal household. And I am spending some time with Edna this afternoon sorting through your uncle’s belongings in order that some of those may be given away. Eustace hated to see anyone cold or hungry. It upset him greatly.”

  How very satisfactory to hear of the food distribution. Hope couldn’t wait to impart the news to Beaumont. Perhaps she could risk mentioning his name. “Does Beaumont know of your donations?” Constance raised her eyebrows. “What I meant is, you and he conversed about it, I remember. Giving the leftover food to the poor.”

  “That is so. And yes, Beaumont knows what happens here. We talked about it when he called to discuss the charity.”

  “So Beaumont supports the fallen women? Oh, what I mean is the charity organisation, the Female Aid Society.”