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Beatrice wondered if she’d ever grow accustomed to being with Daniel. A tangle of emotions arose within her each time they were together. Their betrothal seemed to have complicated her feelings because now she had hope for a future brimming with happiness. As she well knew, hope could be dangerous.
Her breath caught when their arms brushed as they walked side-by-side along a path in the extensive gardens of Banfield House. The autumn blooms and foliage were not to be missed and included chrysanthemums, freesia, hydrangeas, and winter jasmine. Caroline told her that Lord and Lady Banfield hosted a garden party in the late spring and early autumn each year to share the vistas with guests.
Lemonade and refreshments were being served and guests wandered the gardens at their leisure. The beauty of the flowers made the afternoon enjoyable, but Daniel’s presence made the outing so much better, just as it had at the musicale two days ago.
“Isn’t that a beautiful rose?” She stopped to admire a pale-yellow bloom.
“Indeed. Lord Banfield has a large greenhouse in addition to the gardens,” Daniel offered as he glanced about. “He considers himself quite the botanist.”
“As he should if all the flowers are his doing.”
This was the first gathering she’d attended without Caroline and Aberland. Caroline had declared she’d seen the garden one too many times and preferred to stay home and rest.
Since she and Daniel hadn’t yet announced their betrothal, Sally accompanied them and seemed to be enjoying the blooms as much as Beatrice. She trailed a short distance behind them.
Beatrice glanced at Daniel from beneath her lashes, searching for a sign that he was bored and would rather be doing something else. He was especially quiet this afternoon. Would she ever feel certain of him or would she always wonder if he regretted his proposal? Yet she couldn’t bring herself to ask for fear of learning the truth.
“Is all well?” Daniel glanced at her, his brow furrowed.
A small laugh escaped her. “I was about to ask you the same. Is something on your mind?” She gripped tight to her courage. “Have I done anything to upset you?” Like saying yes to your proposal.
He stared at her as if baffled by her question. “What would make you think that?”
She glanced about to make certain their conversation was private. Luckily, none of the other guests were nearby and Sally had paused to study some flowers. “I suppose I worry whether you’re having regrets.” There. She’d said what had been uppermost in her thoughts since the moment he’d proposed.
“Beatrice.” He turned to face her, meeting her gaze with an open honesty that sent her heart pounding. “Absolutely not. Are you?”
“No. It’s just—” How could she possibly explain how she felt? Her fear that he’d only asked her to marry him out of pity plagued her, especially in the middle of the night when all she’d been through returned to haunt her. Why would he wish to marry a ruined woman?
“What? Tell me,” he whispered. It wasn’t a demand as much as a plea.
She closed her eyes. This man could undo her with one look. How could she withstand such an assault? She hadn’t intended to tell him any of her thoughts, let alone ask if he was sure about them marrying. She didn’t want to seem as if she were in constant need of reassurance. But she was. She opened her eyes and saw only concern in his gaze. Not pity. That in itself was a relief.
“Are you certain you truly wish to marry me? I worry whether you feel you made a mistake when you proposed.” She forced herself to hold his gaze even as her stomach tightened in a knot.
“No. I know I haven’t. If I’ve done anything to cause you to think that—”
“Nothing of the sort.” If only she could silence her doubt. This was a time when her life seemed too good to believe, something her practical side insisted couldn’t be real. “I suppose part of me is waiting for my good fortune of late to take a turn for the worse.”
“Beatrice.” He glanced about before meeting her eyes once again. “I wish we were alone so I could show you how much I look forward to our marriage.”
Her heart turned over at the heat in his eyes. “I eagerly await it as well.”
“Excellent. Then we’re in agreement.” He took her arm and continued along the path. “In truth, marrying you is the only thing I am certain of at the moment.”
“How do you mean?”
He shook his head. “It has nothing to do with you or our forthcoming marriage.”
“Then what?”
“Hurdy paid a call yesterday.”
She halted abruptly. “And?”
“He’s not pleased that someone caused trouble at the brothel.”
“How did he even hear about it?” she asked as they continued forward.
“Perhaps he has someone watching the place who reported it, though I didn’t see anyone. The odd thing was that he mentioned everything except the fact that Mary escaped.”
“That is odd.”
“Though I suppose if Hurdy learned of everything that happened from someone in the brothel, they wouldn’t share that a woman, held against her will, escaped.”
“True,” she agreed. His comment made her wonder what else he had done that evening.
“The situation is beyond frustrating. I confess that the fact that Finch hasn’t been arrested makes me feel as if my efforts have failed.” He shook his head, his lips twisted with displeasure.
“Never.” She paused again in the middle of the garden path, her entire body stiff with outrage though she kept her voice low. “You have done more than the Runner to deal with Finch. I never imagined you’d do all you have, especially freeing Mary. What have the authorities done? Nothing.”
A smile slowly quirked his lips. “Thank you. Your belief in me helps considerably.”
“Who does Hurdy think he is, questioning you?” Indignation had her babbling, but she couldn’t help it. “He’s lucky you are involved.”
“I don’t think he sees it that way.” Daniel’s amusement at her vehemence was obvious.
“What has he done other than watch the terrible things that go on?” Her gloved hands balled into fists. “At least you took action. Mary would still be there without your interference.”
He touched her hand briefly as if to soothe her. “Your words are the balm I needed. It’s nice to think you believe I made a difference.”
“I know you have.” She made an effort to calm herself, not wanting to draw attention from the other guests. “You need only look at me to know that.”
“As a matter of fact, I like looking at you.” His gaze swept over her, sending awareness prickling along her skin. “Each time I see you, I’m reminded of how blessed I am.” Then that heated gaze held on her lips.
“Daniel.” She glanced about as warmth rushed up her cheeks. She hoped no one heard their discussion or witnessed the way he looked at her—as if he wanted to kiss her.
“I’ve been so distracted that I failed to mention how lovely you look this afternoon.”
“Thank you.” She truly hoped he thought that. She wanted to be enough for him. To make him happy. She wanted to be deserving of this honorable, courageous man. To match his efforts to do something for others, regardless of the risk to himself.
She had an idea but would need assistance to execute it. That fact had her hesitating to mention it. He’d already done so much to help her.
Before she could decide whether to raise the topic, another couple approached them on the path. Beatrice recognized Viscount Chivington, who’d spoken at length of his travels at the dinner party.
“Chivington. Miss Penworthy.” Daniel dipped his head as Beatrice curtsied. “I hope the day finds you both well. May I introduce my companion?”
“I had the pleasure of making her acquaintance several days ago.” The viscount’s warm smile took Beatrice by surprise. “Good to see you, Miss Linfield.”
“And you as well, my lord.”
Chivington introduced the lady at his side, an attractive woman who fluttered her lashes as she smiled at Daniel.
“Isn’t the garden amazing?” Miss Penworthy asked.
Beatrice nodded politely as the lady continued speaking, but her attention remained on Daniel when the viscount stepped closer to him.
“Did you hear that Remington’s sporting two black eyes?” The viscount chuckled quietly, seemingly unaware that Beatrice was listening. He leaned close, his voice barely a whisper. “He says he was attacked by footpads and had to fight them off, but rumor has it that he fell down some stairs at a brothel with his pants down.”
“You don’t say?” Amusement colored Daniel’s tone, and Beatrice wondered what was behind the story.
Then much to her surprise, Viscount Chivington turned his attention toward her, paying her several compliments, much to the dismay of Miss Penworthy based on her scowl.
The conversation continued for several minutes before the couple moved on.
“Chivington seems rather enamored of you,” Daniel remarked.
“He was kind during the dinner party, though I confess that I was so distracted with worry over you that I’m not certain how well I carried on our conversation.”
“How nice to think I held your thoughts even in my absence.” His smile suggested he was teasing her.
Beatrice smiled but gave the viscount no further thought as her mind returned to their conversation before the interruption. “I know you’re determined to see Finch punished for what he’s done, which I would like as well. But I wonder if it would be possible to provide assistance to the women arriving in London to keep them from falling victim to one scheme or another.”
“That’s an excellent idea. Do you have something in mind?”
“I’ve been considering a few ideas, though I don’t have any specifics yet. Do you think it would be possible?”
“Why not? There is obviously a need. I would be pleased to help if I can.”
That he’d offered assistance only made her care for him more.
He smiled, admiration in his eyes. “Your father would be proud of you for continuing his efforts to help others.”
“I suppose I hadn’t thought of it in those terms. But you’re right.” Her feelings toward her father were complicated. Her entire life, she’d felt that she came second to everyone else in their village. Then when she’d learned he’d given away her dowry, it seemed to confirm that others mattered more than his own daughter.
Now, after what she’d experienced and the fact that she was compelled to try to keep it from happening to others, she understood him a little better. It was difficult to watch people in pain and not try to help.
Once again, hope nudged aside her worry for the future. She and Daniel might suit very well after all. If only she could shed the sliver of doubt that suggested her sudden good fortune couldn’t be trusted.
~*~
“WE HAVE A PROBLEM,” Pierre announced the next morning as he poured coffee for Daniel in the dining room.
“Problems before coffee?” Daniel frowned. “Your priorities are upside down.”
Pierre’s lips pressed into a thin line, a sure sign of his upset.
“I’m listening,” Daniel added, his concern growing.
“A man was watching the house this morning.”
“This house?” Daniel had difficulty considering such a possibility. “Who would bother?”
“Either that Finch character suspects you were the person who stole his money and helped Miss Adams escape...”
Unease settled over Daniel. Had he inadvertently led one of Finch’s men to his home? “Or?”
“Hurdy suspects you’ll interfere with the investigation and is having someone keep an eye on you.”
“How well hidden was this person?” Daniel asked.
“I spotted him, didn’t I?”
“Yes, well, your skills allow you to notice such things better than most.” If the stranger hadn’t bothered to take more care in his hiding place, it seemed as if someone wanted Daniel to receive the message that he was being watched.
Pierre took the compliment in stride as he set the coffee pot on the table. “He didn’t seem especially concerned about being caught at his observations.” Pierre returned to the kitchen as if they weren’t in the middle of a conversation. Apparently the valet expected to keep to his morning routine despite his announcement.
Daniel held tight to his patience, taking a sip of his coffee with the hope it would help.
Soon, Pierre returned with a tray then set a plate of steaming coddled eggs and sausage before Daniel.
“Is the man still there?”
“No. He left when he saw me staring back at him.” He shared a few more details before leaving Daniel to his meal, wondering about the identity of the man.
Daniel would put money that Finch was behind it. Though Daniel had known his battle with the criminal was not yet over, the stranger’s presence outside his home was an unpleasant reminder.
The time had come to dig a little deeper into Finch’s world and see what he could find. There had to be a way to put an end to the man’s illegal activities. The sooner the better, assuming Finch knew his identity.
He wanted to do this not only for Beatrice but for himself. To prove that he could deal with trouble should it come his way. Yet the thought gave him pause. Surely he wasn’t acting like her father and placing his own wishes above what was best for her. While he appreciated a man’s need to do good deeds, his own family should come first.
Putting an end to her demons would benefit them both, he decided with a nod. There was little time to be wasted.
~*~
“I THINK THAT’S A MARVELOUS idea,” Caroline said as she and Beatrice sat in the small sitting room off Caroline’s bedchamber doing needlework that afternoon. “What exactly do you have in mind?”
Beatrice was nearly finished with the christening gown she was embroidering but thus far had managed to keep it a secret from Caroline. During times like this, when she and Caroline were working together, she embroidered bonnets for the baby. They were practical and adorable as well, and Caroline already seemed thrilled with them.
“That’s the problem,” Beatrice said. “I know the need is great, but I’m not certain how to help.”
She’d told Caroline about her wish to assist those seeking positions who were new to London. An article in the broadsheet had confirmed just how many were flocking to the city to find work these days.
“Hmm. I see your point.” Caroline took several more stitches on an embroidery piece with three geese that she was making to hang in the nursery.
Beatrice heaved a sigh. “Perhaps I’m not the right person to start an endeavor such as this.”
“You’re the perfect person,” Caroline insisted. “Not only did you help your father for years with such things, but you also experienced the problem for yourself and know all too well about the lack of resources. Or should I say the lack of reliable resources? Don’t forget that you helped Mary as well.”
“The tasks I helped Father with were much different. And I didn’t help Mary find her position. Margaret did.”
“But without you, Mary wouldn’t have met Margaret. Life is often a series of connections. Someone who knows someone who knows someone else. Oftentimes, an introduction is all it takes.”
“I suppose I never thought of it like that.” In truth, she didn’t want to start a servant registry office. That wasn’t what she had in mind at all. But the idea of an introduction agency might be just the thing—a cultivated web of people willing to share resources. “The number of those who could use help is overwhelming.” She need only think of people standing in line at the registry office to know that.
“Why not focus your efforts on what would’ve helped you upon your arrival? Narrowing your scope might seem less than ideal, but you’d be better able to truly assist those few rather than providing less than adequate support to all.”
“That makes sense.”
She turned over the possibilities of what would’ve helped her when she’d first arrived. The noise and confusion of the city were so different than her small village that she’d been taken aback before she’d even started her search for work. Being overwhelmed after enduring the tiring journey to London had made her susceptible to the first friendly advice she’d received from a man handing out flyers at the coach stop.
She’d already determined she couldn’t offer assistance alone. Volunteers and paid help would be needed. If she didn’t find a way to fund her endeavor, it would come to an end all too quickly. But first, she needed to determine a few details.
“Do you remember we’re invited to the Collingsworth ball next week?” Caroline asked.
“I wasn’t certain I would go.” Beatrice didn’t want to disappoint Caroline, but now that she was betrothed to Daniel, attending a ball seemed unnecessary.
“But it’s the last significant event before I go into confinement.” Caroline frowned at her. “Please say you’ll come.”
“What would I wear?”
“That is never a worry when we have Margaret to aid us.” Caroline set the embroidery hoop on her lap. “Think of it. Having another gown made will give us an excuse to visit Mary at the dressmaker. We could see how she’s faring for ourselves. And attending the ball would give you a chance to meet other ladies. You could mention your new endeavor to them. What better way to spread the word about what you want to do?”
“True. That would be helpful.” How could she say no to Caroline? And having a purpose in mind when she was meeting members of the ton might make it easier.
“At the very least, it would provide a chance to ask other women if they would find something like what you have in mind useful. A way of testing the waters.”
Beatrice smiled at her friend as gratitude filled her. “What would I do without you?”
“I don’t intend for you to ever find out.” Caroline returned her smile. “I didn’t realize I’d be gaining another sister when Daniel brought you here.”
“Nor did I. I’m so blessed.” Beatrice’s heart felt so full, she wondered if it would overflow. More than ever, she wanted to find a way to give back even a quarter of what she’d received since she’d come across Daniel on that dark street.
