Beatrix could hardly follow what he was saying. Everything seemed to come at the pace of a snail. “A Season?” Was he truly offering to fund an entire Season for her?
“Have you had one?” he asked in a tone that said he didn’t like repeating himself.
She shook her head.
“Then you’ll have to be presented to the queen,” he went on. “Now, there is a matter of your dowry. No one can know any of your money is coming from me. Otherwise, there will be a scandal. We’ll only tell my sister the truth. No one else. Is there any recently deceased relation you can claim left it for you?”
Beatrix thought quickly. “My aunt, Lady Abigail, died last year. I saw it in the papers. She—”
“Excellent. We’ll need to work quickly.”
“Wait.” Everything was happening far too quickly, and she’d not agreed to anything.
She couldn’t. Even though she desperately wished to… “Hero, this isn’t right. I’ve done nothing to deserve anything else from you.”
She wasn’t sure if she imagined it, but it seemed he’d moved closer. She was forced to tilt her head back in an effort to hold his eyes.
“Beatrix, saving me has and will affect many others. Not only my family but possibly our country.”
She’d never thought of it that way.
But he was a general, after all, necessary for the safety of England.
His brows furrowed. “Honor will not allow me to leave you here while I return to luxuries that I am to enjoy only because you saved me.”
She pulled in a breath. “I don’t believe I’ve ever met a more virtuous person in my life.”
His face relaxed, and his mouth lifted at the corners. “I was just thinking the same about you.”
She was forced to look away for fear he would see the truth of the situation in her eyes.
She liked him.
She liked him even while she knew it was foolish to do so.
She liked him even though she warned herself against trusting him.
But he was clearly not offering himself to her. He wanted her to court other men, other lords.
Not him.
And it would foolish to want him either way. He’d told her he was bound for Asia in a matter of months. If she married, she would rather have a husband who stayed.
Was she truly considering his offer then?
She was.
She’d always wanted a family more than anything else.
But… “It cannot be this easy.” She’d struggled for so long. She’d lost hope. Was there truly a chance for her to find comfort? And perhaps love?
“As I said before, our meeting was not coincidence. Let me set things right. Let me help you. I’ll feel terrible for the rest of my days if you say no.”
She bit her lip and then smiled up at him. Perhaps, it was this easy. Perhaps, her life would be better.
She had one Season to live the life of a lady and even if she failed, it would be a year she’d not forget.
“All right. I accept on the condition of one Season and nothing more.”
∫ ∫ ∫
0 8
“This is the most exciting thing I’ve done in years.” Lady Beaumont, who’d already insisted that Beatrix address her as Val, was nearly bouncing in her seat as the carriage passed through Mayfair. “The property has three private chambers you may choose from, but you’ll likely choose the largest of the three. An upstairs and downstairs drawing room will be perfect for hosting guests...”
As she went on to describe the rest of the house, Beatrix looked over at Valiant’s slightly amused brother. Hero sat quietly at his sister’s side.
He’d allowed Beatrix one night in the rooms she’d procured in Westminster and Beatrix had spent half the night worrying and wondering if she’d made the right decision. She was twenty-five. At such an age, she was a spinster. Could she truly hope to marry well?
Hero had arrived at her rooms an hour ago. A team of footmen had accompanied him to carry her things. Valiant had been waiting inside the carriage.
The siblings looked alike though Val’s features were softer, more feminine.
Valiant had asked Beatrix about her life and both siblings had listened as she’d told the sad story about her impoverished family. She left out the details of how she came to London.
Valiant had given her sympathies with much emotion. Hero had remained silent, though his eyes had been full of compassion.
But then Valiant had changed the topic to all the many parties they would attend, the who’s who of London and which balls were a necessity. Eventually, Beatrix’s fears had calmed. Valiant seemed to know everything about the Season and promised to be with her along the way.
She wondered how often she’d see Hero, though she didn’t dare ask. She didn’t wish him to believe she had any hopes where he was concerned. If he’d wanted to court her, all he’d have had to do was ask.
But he hadn’t.
She’d thought about that last night as well. He’d said any man would want her, but apparently, he didn’t. That made worry and doubt settle over her again.
Perhaps if he did show some interest, she’d be more inclined to believe that others would.
“It comes furnished and staffed,” Valiant said. “So, you’ll need for nothing but a lady’s maid. I can help you choose one.”
“I already know who I wish to be my lady’s maid.” Joanna immediately came to mind. “I know a woman who was once a lady’s maid to a wealthy woman.”
“Splendid.” Valiant leaned toward the window. “We’re here.”
Beatrix watched the footmen unload her meager belongings and then let her eyes settle on the terrace that she would call home for the rest of the Season.
It was on a busy road with other terraces directly in the heart of Mayfair. The exterior was much like the rest of the lane. Dark brickwork.
Inside, she gasped at the beauty. It was not spacious, but it was lovely. Every wooden fixture shined. The foyer floor was marble. A crystal chandelier made light dance around the room.
She turned to Val. “Are you sure you don’t wish to rent the terrace out for money?”
“Well, since I am wed, the apartment belongs to my husband. He never rents it out.” She looked around and smiled. “I had to beg to have it for your use and he only relented when I mentioned asking my father for one of his properties.”
“Is that so?” Hero asked from behind them.
When the butler reached for his hat, Hero dismissed him and kept it in his hand. He’d dressed in a dark blue jacket and tan trousers today. He looked like the average lord. Beatrix’s eyes were once again drawn to his hair as he tried to settle it with his fingers, though it was already perfect. She wondered if he simply did it out of habit. She wanted to know what his hair felt like.
He was still looking at his sister. “Beaumont doesn’t rent out the property?”
Valiant shook her head. “No. He allows his family to use it when they come to visit.” She looked at Beatrix. “His mother and sisters visit and never call ahead when they do. Now, they’ll stay with us, which is no inconvenience.”
Beatrix could understand.
“Let me show you the rest of the house,” Valiant said.
“I’ll leave the both of you to it then,” Hero said from the door.
“You’re leaving?” Beatrix asked before she could stop herself.
“Yes, I’ve a few things to see to.” When he finished speaking, he stood still, as if waiting for her permission to leave.
Valiant dashed up the stairs. “Let me go see if the maid is unpacking her trunk properly.” She disappeared around a corner once she reached the top.
Beatrix turned back to Hero. “Do you participate in the Season?” It was the only way she could think to ask if she would see him again.
“I have a few obligations because of my family and rank.” He walked over to her then and lowered his voice. “You’ll do well with my sister. You’ve nothing to fear.”
Was her fear that clearly written on her face? She was usually better at hiding it. “I’ve never met the queen.”
He took her hand in a shocking move and gave it a squeeze. “It won’t be terrible. Your name will be called. You’ll present yourself, she’ll acknowledge you in some way, and you’ll move on. She won’t ask you detailed questions or pull you into a conversation on politics or any other topic you planned to study with all those books you took from the library.”
Beatrix laughed. “I wanted a job at Westminster Palace. I thought it best I know a thing or two before I applied.”
“Very wise, but by Season’s end, you’ll never have to worry about work again.”
“I am not afraid of work,” she whispered. “But yes, it would be good to not have to worry. You believe it possible?”
“I know it to be.” He smiled at her. “If you’ve need of me, my sister knows how to find me.”
“Why would I need you?” she asked.
He let go of her hand and took a step back. She immediately regretted the words.
“I mean, is there something I’ve not thought about where you would be required?” Even that question sounded terrible.
He chuckled. “Likely not.” He took another step and then another. “Be well, Beatrix.”
“You as well.” She had to keep herself from walking him to the door. When it closed behind him, she had to stop herself from rushing to the window to see him away. There were servants about and while they’d be working for her for the next few days, they undoubtedly reported to Val. The last thing she wanted was the woman to think her swooning over her brother.
It was best she set her sights far lower than the son of a duke.
∫ ∫ ∫
0 9
Hero found his father sitting in the garden. He had a cane in his hands and a smile on his face as he tilted his head to the sun. He was paler than the last time Hero had been in England. It was hard to see the father who’d once chased his children across the countryside as he was now. It was as though his very life were being leached from within. Doctors could not find the source for his ailment and after two rounds of bloodletting. his father had refused any more of their services— to Hero’s great relief.
Looking at his father, he noticed a ray of light had broken through the clouds, as though the sun beamed just for him. A final gift from heaven. The light that surrounded him had such a striking presence that Hero wondered if he could feel it and hold it if he reached out.
As he made his way to his father, Hero ensured he made as much noise as possible so that he wouldn’t frighten him.
His father looked over and his smile grew.
“Hero. Come sit with me. It’s so good to see you.”
Hero settled down by his father. “How are you feeling today?”
“No worse, no better.” Ayers’ blue eyes were glassed over. “You’re up extremely early.”
“Habits of my profession. What about you?” Asher had long since taken over the running of the dukedom and all their father’s many businesses and land interests, all so their father could rest easily.
“I couldn’t sleep.” Ayers looked away.
They both stared at a bush that was just starting to bloom with beauty. The April days would bring life to London gardens in time for the garden parties. He would have to attend any that his sister took Beatrix to, at least for the first few weeks or so to ensure all went well.
He’d been unable to sleep either. He’d stationed guards at Beatrix’s apartments just to make certain that no harm came to her while she slept. Then he’d had to see her this morning for himself and make sure she’d made it through the night unharmed.
That his father hadn’t slept well worried him. He didn’t have to wait long for his father to give a possible reason why.
“I had a visit from Lord Murray the other day. Did he tell you?” his father asked.
Hero nodded. “He mentioned the meeting. I hear you would like to see me as Foreign Secretary.”
“I held the position once. I would like to see you settled.” Before Hero’s eyes, the Duke of Ayers transformed to the powerful being who had made other men tremble. “I was very proud of you when you bought your commission for the military, but when I’m gone, you will become your brother’s heir. You need to wed. The both of you do.”
Hero’s heart was troubled but not from the fear of marriage. “Could you not speak so frankly about your death? I beg of you.”
Ayers’ eyes softened. “It is close, Hero. I’d be surprised if I see my birthday next month. I see no point in lying about it.” He shook his head. “Your brother, he’s changing, you know. My… ailment, he’s not taking it well. I’d imagined taking over would change him, but he seems to be getting cold, at least to those who are not family. You, on the other hand, everyone loves. It would be easy for you to wed, perhaps even before I go.”
“Is that your wish?” Hero’s heart set a pace that made the rest of him jitter. He didn’t plan to marry, but if his father insisted… How would he keep his promise to his mother, father, and the honor with which he was named?
“Don’t rush into it on my behalf,” Ayers said with a frown. “Your sister already did so.”
“Are you no longer happy with the match?” Hero asked. “She seems quite content with it.”
His father sighed. “Yes, content, but she’s not given him an heir and if she doesn’t soon, I fear what may happen.”
Hero wondered at those words for a moment. Valiant and Beaumont had been married for three years, which was more than enough time for his sister to have given Beaumont at least one child. He knew what could become of his sister if she didn’t have a child and soon.
The marriage could grow unpleasant and quite inconvenient for any man, much less one like Beaumont.
He wondered if his father felt any shame at Valiant’s inability to get with child. It would reflect poorly on the family, but more so, he wondered how Valiant felt about it all. She seemed well, but was she presenting the family with her true self or with the smiles she gave to strangers?
Hero asked, “Beaumont’s ambition hasn’t changed, has it?”
“He wishes to be Prime Minister,” his father said. “Though everyone fears what would happen if he were given such power.” He tapped his fingers on the cane again. “Look after her for me.”
“You know I will. We all will.” He was surprised Asher and Lore hadn’t said anything to him since his return home. There seemed to be so much he was missing when he was away.
It was almost enough to have him seriously consider taking Lord Murray’s offer.
“Have you found Hatcher?” Ayers asked.
“Not yet, but he was seen around the docks from what Asher tells me. I’ll find him.”
His father nodded. “Good. Good.”
The light was soon cut off by clouds, and a chill filled the air.
Ayers gained his feet slowly. “I believe I’ll go in now. Perhaps read a bit.”
Hero stood and moved to offer his father his hand, but the duke shook his head and carried himself inside.
Once he saw his father situated by the fireplace in the library with a book and rang for a maid to bring him tea, Hero departed and once again set off to find Hatcher and the men who’d wronged him.
∫ ∫ ∫
1 0
Beatrix looked up when Hero walked into the breakfast room.
“Sorry I’m late,” he said as he glanced around at those who’d gathered at Val’s home that morning. His eyes settled on her and stilled before he glanced toward Lord Beaumont.
“Lord Hero,” the earl said as he gained his feet. He grinned at his brother-in-law. “My, I can’t imagine the last time I saw you.” He turned to Valiant, who sat on the other end of the table. “When last did I see him, Val?”
Valiant smiled prettily at her husband. “It has been over a year. He returned for Twelfth Night in January and then left.”
“Yes.”
Beaumont chuckled. “A year then. How have you been? Please, do sit. You know our other guests, do you not? Lord and Lady Yates. Though I suspect you’ve not met Lady Gillingham as of yet.” Lord Beaumont had not been told about Beatrix’s connection to Hero and it would remain that way.
Beatrix stood and curtsied. She nearly smiled when she realized it was her first time doing so. “My lord.”
“Lady Gillingham.” He bowed. While he didn’t smile, there was knowing in his eyes.
He’d dressed in a dark jacket, dark trousers, and white linen that matched the cravat around his throat. Her eyes greedily took him in.
It had been nearly a fortnight since she’d seen or heard from him, though she supposed that was partly her fault. She’d not had reason to call on him, and he’d had no reason to visit her while she’d been alone in her residence or even when Valiant came with instructions.
Valiant had filled Beatrix’s days with lessons to refresh her mind on what she’d learned as a girl but had never actually put to use. She knew how to set a table and which of the silverware to use with which course, but she had no experience in engaging in conversations with lords or other ladies.
Today had been designed exactly for that.
The first of her new clothes had arrived, and Valiant had thought it time Beatrix met her dearest friends, Lord and Lady Yates, and also Lord Beaumont himself.
Beaumont was darkly handsome and perhaps just a few years older than Hero. Perhaps, thirty-three or thirty-four. His hair was full and curled fashionably with pomade. His eyes were a deep rich brown. He had an air of natural goodness and seemed to treat Valiant very well.
Hero was positioned in the chair between Beatrix and Lady Val. “Lord Beaumont, I’ve been here for some time. I’ve not seen you at any of the family dinners.”
Beaumont chuckled. “Oh, did Val not tell you? I’ve been quite busy. My properties align with Lord Yates’, as you know, close to Wales. We are old friends and what have you. There is a mine close and the owner wished to build a canal through our land. What say you to that?”
The Perfect Lady (Valiant Love) (A Regency Romance Book) Page 5
