THE MAGIC TOUCH (Historical Romance)

by KEYSON, PATRICIA

  Constance laughed. “Dear, dear, Eustace. I miss him dreadfully.”

  When her aunt’s laughter turned into huge sobs, and tears rolled down her cheeks, Hope leapt from her place and rushed over to hug her. “Dear Aunt, I am very sorry to cause you such unhappiness. I am afraid my impetuousness will be my undoing. Papa always says so. Please, have my handkerchief.”

  “Thank you. I know there is no need to apologise to either of you for my behaviour as neither of you is bound by propriety.”

  Beaumont walked over and rested his hand on her shoulder. “I think you have been holding back your feelings, Constance, and therefore have not grieved properly. I also think Hope would like to know what you will be doing about her indiscretions.”

  “Nothing, I will do nothing. You are a good natured and kind young woman, Hope. Your mother has brought you up well in spite of her casual nature. I adored my brother when we were growing up, still do, and I see your personality in him. He’s a good father to you, I have no doubt. If Eustace and I had been blessed with children I would have liked them to be as high spirited as you.”

  “Oh, dear Aunt, I will try hard to behave properly for the rest of my stay with you. But first we must find Edna and bring her back as she has been wrongly accused of theft and she told me her family depend on her for their livelihood.”

  “I suppose you will be gallivanting round the poor parts of London searching for her!” Constance chuckled.

  “I will search Edna out,” Beaumont said, “there is no need for Hope to leave here.”

  “No, Hope must go too. She has caused Edna to be sent away. She must go and fetch her back. I suggest you go and dress in Eustace’s clothes and go with Beaumont to find the maid. That way you will have no need of a chaperone. But before you change we will ring for Stevenson and see if he knows her whereabouts.”

  “We will try not to walk in the path of a carriage this time, won’t we Hope?”

  “What’s this? You did not mention a carriage.”

  “Hope almost stepped in the path of a carriage and fell to the ground when she was coming to ask me for my advice.”

  “You poor girl. Did you hurt yourself?”

  Hope had been trying very hard not to allow the pain in her arm to trouble her. In fact she had regarded it as punishment for what she had done. But as her aunt and Beaumont looked at her sympathetically tears formed in her eyes.

  “My dear girl.” Constance and Beaumont were immediately at her side, encouraging her to sit down and asking where the pain was worse.

  “I fell down with my arm beneath me. It feels bruised, but I’m sure it’s nothing.”

  “I insist you show me, Hope,” commanded Aunt Constance, now back to her sterner self.

  Hope reluctantly turned back the cuff on her sleeve and a livid bruise showed itself. Beaumont took her hand and inspected the injury.

  “There is no sign of a cut, but the discolouration and lump I can see tell me you must be in agonising pain.” His fingers ran over her flesh causing her to quiver. “But I’m hurting you,” he murmured. “And that’s the very last thing I wish to do.”

  “No, you’re not at all,” replied Hope, enjoying his touch and wanting it to last for ever. Then she was aware of her aunt’s gaze on her arm.

  “It does look tender, dear. I suppose it is impossible that you should go through all the adventures you have without suffering in some way.” Then Constance pursed her lips and asked, “Is there anything else I haven’t been told?”

  “Yes, Aunt, there is one thing.” Hope pulled the grips from her hair and tugged the hair piece out. “I had my hair cut short.”

  Constance shook her head. “I will go and lie down. I trust you, Beaumont, to look after my niece and bring both her and Edna safely home.”

  CHAPTER 12

  Having ascertained Edna’s address, Hope and Beaumont jostled their way along streets and narrow alleyways until they found it. Hope was amazed at the layout of the areas off the main roads. She had often wondered what the poorer areas looked like and now she knew. Dressed in Uncle Eustace’s ragged clothes, she tried to imagine what his thoughts might have been as he traversed these back alleys. And had Beaumont been with him? She longed to ask him, but her arm was throbbing, her heart was racing and she had myriad thoughts crossing her mind. Just as she was about to request Beaumont to slow his pace, he stopped and pointed. “This is it.” He raised his fist and rapped on the wooden door.

  Edna answered his knock and appeared to almost faint when she glimpsed him and her erstwhile mistress. Hope bent forward and embraced the young girl. “You were wrongly accused and you said nothing.”

  “What could I have said?” replied Edna. “It would have been my word against yours. And I think very highly of you, my lady; I wouldn’t have wanted any trouble for you.”

  Beaumont raised his hat and said, “I think Hope has something to say.”

  “I’ve confessed to Aunt Constance. She knows what I did. That I dressed as a man in Uncle Eustace’s clothes. Her reaction has astounded me, but I think I’m forgiven or at least on the way to being. I begged that you be allowed to return to your job in her household and she is agreeable.”

  “I’m not sure about that,” began Edna.

  “Don’t let pride get the better of you,” cautioned Beaumont with the wave of his hand. “Think of your family. Employment brings in money.” He peered behind Edna into the darkness of her home. “How many of you are reliant on your wages? Too many, I’ll warrant. Why don’t you get your belongings and return?”

  “Do you mean I should come back immediately with you?” asked Edna.

  Hope considered the question. Edna had been wronged and she must not be bullied into submission. “Come when you are ready,” she said. “I’m looking forward to you being with me again. We will explain to Aunt Constance you will arrive soon.”

  Edna gave a broad smile and shut the door.

  * * *

  Back at Aunt Constance’s house, Beaumont waited while Hope changed into a dress. As she descended the stairs her head whirled. She’d had so many escapades in the past days and she felt quite disorientated. If only Mama were here, she thought. She told herself the tears which threatened were on account of the pain in her arm and the relief of Edna returning to the household, but in truth that was not the whole reason. Aunt Constance had surprised her with her reactions to almost everything during this sojourn with her. Uncle Eustace and she must have shared a remarkably close relationship; rather like Mama and Papa, she supposed. If only she could find a companion with whom she could experience that intimacy. Briefly, she thought of Isabella and James Henderson. Would they be close? Or would they perhaps marry and become distant with each other after a time?

  The sound of humming made her smile. It was Beaumont. Just like her aunt, he never ceased to amaze her. He must be a busy person, yet he had given no thought to accompanying her to persuade Edna back. And now he was awaiting her.

  “Thank you for helping me to make things right between myself and my aunt. I am indebted to you.” Hope grinned and gave a mock curtsy.

  “You are a terrible woman, Hope Richmond,” sighed Beaumont approaching her. “You haven’t even bothered to attach a hair piece.”

  Hope’s hand snaked up to her head and she gasped. “I forgot. Do you think it matters now that Aunt Constance knows I’ve been wicked and cut my hair?”

  “I don’t care what Constance knows or doesn’t know at this moment. My concern is what you look like.”

  “I thought you were of the opinion that short hair became me,” objected Hope, feeling a bit unwell at the thought of incurring Beaumont’s wrath.

  “That’s the trouble,” said Beaumont, his voice husky as if he were coming down with a cold. “It becomes you too well.” He came towards her, cupped her face in his hands and delicately brought his lips to hers. As she felt the bristles against her mouth, she felt sure she would fall to the floor. This was far more than she’d ever dared to
wish for. Thoughts of her mama, Aunt Constance and anybody else drained from her as she gave herself up to the ecstasy of Beaumont’s embrace.

  * * *

  Beaumont took his leave shortly afterwards and Hope was confident nothing on the whole earth could make her more happy than the thought of the kiss they’d shared. She fled up the stairs to her rooms and flung herself on the bed reliving over and over their intimate time together. It had been but a moment, yet it had seemed endless. There was no way she could keep the smile off her face and she felt it best if she remain in her room for as long as she could because if she met her aunt she was sure to give herself away. Bouncing off the bed, she examined her appearance in the mirror. Her eyes were shining and her lips were tingling. As she reminisced about why that was, she saw herself blushing.

  Then she heard a commotion coming from downstairs and shortly afterwards there was a loud knock at her door. When she opened it, Molly stood there jumping from one foot to the other. “Please, my lady, Her Grace asks that you come downstairs immediately. Begging your pardon.” Molly bobbed her head and hurried off.

  Oh dear, thought Hope. What have I done now?

  As she entered the drawing room she could not believe her eyes. “Mama!”

  “Hope!” Her mother held her arms wide and Hope rushed into them.

  “Is it really you? I thought you were still in Italy.”

  “I wrote to tell you I was coming back. I expect the letter will turn up sometime. Let me look at you.”

  Hope stepped back and self-consciously tried to tidy her hair.

  “It suits you. Your aunt has told me a little of what has been going on. It seems that your stay in London has been more exciting than you could have wished.”

  “I have so much to tell you, Mama, but where is Papa? Is he here with you?”

  “No, he was invited to give some lectures which meant we would be staying away for much longer than we’d planned. I thought it was a good opportunity to return home and see you. And to ensure Constance would be willing to give you a home for some time longer.”

  “I am very pleased you are here.” Hope glanced at her aunt, trusting she hadn’t hurt her feelings. “Aunt Constance has been wonderful of course, but I have missed you.”

  Constance smiled. “Let us have tea and then I will leave you, Prudence, to catch up on all your daughter’s exploits. I wanted to introduce her to some of the most eligible men in London, but I am very much afraid she has befriended someone most unsuitable. As well as being older than she is, he is… how shall I put it… unconventional.”

  “How fascinating.” Prudence took her daughter’s hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

  * * *

  “He sounds exciting, this Beaumont without a title. I am very much looking forward to making his acquaintance.”

  “Please, Mama, don’t make too much of him. I have told you about him because I like him and we share many interests, but Beaumont and I are friends only and he is travelling to Yorkshire soon for business.” Hope felt herself colouring as she remembered their kiss. Would they have kissed if they were only friends?

  “As you will be staying in London longer than expected he has plenty of time to come back and for you to get to know each other better if I find that he is a suitable beau for my precious daughter. We must attend one of his magic lantern shows. I am pleased Constance hasn’t been too concerned with the correctness expected in London society and has allowed you a certain amount of latitude.”

  “She has been astonishing and I think she is starting to recover from her grief. They must have been a wonderful couple. I didn’t know Uncle Eustace very well, but I wish I had as he was much concerned about the poor and went about in ragged clothing to find out about their lives.”

  “Really? That I never knew. He was a remarkable man and they truly loved each other.”

  “And poor Papa had to battle in order to marry you.”

  “Yes, he was expected to marry a neighbour’s daughter. She was an earl’s daughter like you, but as unlike you in personality as anyone could possibly be. But your dear father and I met at a ball and fell in love. Of course, I was quite unsuitable being the daughter of an untitled gentleman. Your father is determined when he thinks something is worth fighting for and finally we were allowed to marry and eventually I was accepted into the family. I think Constance grew to like me when we knew each other better.” Her mother paused. “I am very pleased to be here and know that you are well and enjoying yourself. We felt guilty about our wonderful trip when we thought of you.”

  “I expect I will have plenty of opportunity to travel, but at the moment I am more than happy.”

  “We must write to your father and let him know. Now tell me more about how the maids are doing with their learning. And have you heard from Ruth at all?”

  After answering her mother’s question and telling her about the maids’ lessons, Hope went to her room and reached for her journal. She had much to write about.

  Mama and I have talked at length and still have plenty to tell each other. She has told me something of the impressive galleries and buildings they have seen and made me laugh when she described characters they have come across. I told her she should have been an actress and she looked wistful and said that it is what she would have most liked to be, but how unsuitable it would have been. Seeing that look of longing in her eyes has made me think that maybe she will let me follow my desire to teach. She is enthusiastic about the lessons I have been giving the maids and says she will join me in the servants’ hall next time I take a class. What will Stevenson think to that? It has been a wonderful day and to make it perfect I received a letter from Ruth.

  Hope paused to re-read the short letter from Ruth which was adorned with crossings out and smudges.

  Dear Hope,

  I trust this letter finds you well and in good spirits. Mother and Father are both well now and the rest of the family have not cort the influenza. I wud like to return to you as soon as you go home if that wud be akseptible. Is my speling good?

  Ruth

  Hope smiled affectionately at the letter before resuming writing in her journal.

  It is marvellous Ruth has the confidence to write to me and I will make sure she receives the praise she deserves although it might be quite a while before I return home. My feelings are mixed. I would like to spend some time with Mama and Papa at home, but on the other hand, by staying in London I may have the opportunity to see Beaumont if he returns as Mama suggests he might. How I long to spend time with him.

  A repeated tapping on the door stopped her flow of thought. Had Molly come to tell her Beaumont was awaiting her downstairs?

  When the maid entered all thought of Beaumont flew from her head as it was Edna, not Molly, standing before her.

  “Edna, how delighted I am to see you.” She went to her maid, took both her hands and smiled. “Do you forgive me?”

  “There is nothing to forgive. I have enjoyed more excitement since you have lived here than in the whole of the rest of my life.”

  “I think that may be an exaggeration, but we have enjoyed some stirring exploits together. My day is complete now you have returned. The other great event of today is that my dearest mama has come to stay.”

  “All the way from Italy?” Edna’s eyes widened.

  “Yes, but she will be returning to re-join my papa after her visit here. She would like to meet Beaumont and attend a magic lantern show. Oh, Edna, I can’t stop talking about him.”

  “If you will excuse me for saying so, I believe you are taken with him. Possibly even a little in love with him.”

  “I think you may be quite right.” Hope sighed.

  “Have you told your mother about everything? Your hair and dressing up as Richard?”

  “Indeed I have and she has taken it all very well. She also told me she always wanted to be an actress.”

  Edna’s hand flew to her mouth.

  “It’s quite shocking, don’t you think? E
dna, you must keep that information to yourself. As Aunt Constance says, we wouldn’t want Lady Padstock to hear.”

  “No, I won’t say a word, you can trust me.”

  “I know I can. You didn’t say a word about why you had Uncle Eustace’s clothes. You protected me and for that I will always think well of you. Now how would you like a reading lesson?”

  “That would be very nice.”

  “I will go and find Mama as she would like to join us. Do not be shy with her, please. She will be a great help to us. We will see if Stevenson welcomes her into the servants’ hall.”

  The two women giggled together before Hope went in search of her mother and met her on the landing just as she was about to descend the stairs.

  “Edna has returned and I am going to give her and the other maids a lesson. Would you join us?”

  “I would be delighted.” Her mother looked at her then at the banisters and before anyone could say ‘Stevenson’ they had both clambered onto the banister and were shooting downstairs, squealing as they went.

  “I believe I arrived first, Hope.” Prudence smoothed down the skirt of her gown and pushed a tendril of hair behind her ear.

  “Next time, Mama, I will be first.”

  “Never!”

  * * *

  Hope sat quietly at the dinner table as her aunt and mother talked of mutual friends and acquaintances. Her thoughts ran to Beaumont. What was he doing at this moment? Was he thinking of her just as she was of him? When would she see him again? She would tell him of this afternoon’s lesson and introduce him to her mama who would fall under his spell. Her aunt’s voice brought her to the present.

  “It is delightful to have you staying here, Prudence. With the company of you and your enchanting daughter I am sure I will soon be back to my former strength. Meantime my physician says I must rest. I will not be entertaining or making calls, but please regard my home as your own and entertain as you see fit.”