Page 69 of The Legend of the Betrayed Duchess
Chapter 24
Charlotte and Ann were in Ann’s room scheming. How to capture Mr. Beaumont? They needed to get him alone—without his sister or mother and in a situation that did not seem forced. The meeting must appear to be accidental.
“Does he ever go into town?” Charlotte asked. “Perhaps we could meet him by chance on the street and then retire to a tea shop for a visit.”
Ann was leafing through a periodical as Charlotte lounged in a window seat. “Very difficult to arrange,” Ann said. “How would we know when he is to be in town? And most likely he would not be alone.”
“True…”
“Or we could call on him at home, saying we were out walking and you twisted your ankle, and might he assist us?” Ann suggested.
“Again, no guarantee his mother and sister would not be fussing over us. And would he not wonder how I walked all the way to Brookdale on a twisted ankle?”
“Might any of our servants be friendly with any of the Goodwin staff? Maybe we could obtain information as to Mr. Beaumont’s habits. Perhaps he rides regularly or plays whist on Wednesdays, or some such thing. That might allow us to cross his path accidentally when he might be without his mother and sister.”
“Or if he goes riding we might place ourselves in his path and feign an ankle sprain as you suggested and called upon him for his help,” Charlotte thought aloud. “That would appear to be even more of an accidental meeting.”
“Oh, that is an excellent stratagem.”
“But who might we approach on the staff to enlist as a spy for us?”
“Would Stevens know of someone?” Ann asked.
Charlotte squinched up her face. “Oh, he would never agree. He is far too strict. We need someone with less responsibility?”
“Mrs. Mead?”
“Again, too responsible.”
“One of the housemaids,” Ann asked.
Charlotte shook her head. “Too stupid.”
Then they looked at each other at the same time as they both got the same idea and said in unison, “Lucy.”
* * *
Harold was anxious to seek out his sister after the meeting with the Duke. He was still unfamiliar with the layout of the house, so did not know where to look except for the drawing room and their suite. He went directly to their rooms and found Lucy seated at a desk, writing.
“Here you are. Most fortuitous. I have some news concerning both of our futures.”
Lucy swiveled in her chair to face him. “That I should like to hear.” Harold explained the details of the Duke’s offer of employment. She listened carefully and was thoughtful when he concluded the news. “And is this something you would like to do?”
“Yes, I believe so,” her brother said. “Not that I really need to take a job for income. I am financially self-sufficient. But I do like to keep busy, and I believe you and I both need time to adjust to our new situations.”
“Then they would let both of us continue living here at Grayson Manor?” Lucy asked, appearing to have some concerns.
“For the time being. Eventually, I would like to buy property and establish that as our home. But it will take time to find the right estate, and I want to be sure I know exactly how I want to put my money to best use. Does that make sense to you?”
“I am a little concerned about the family’s reaction to my new status here. I believe the Duchess, Ann, and Charlotte are finding it difficult to adjust to my circumstances and I do not want to create contention in the family.”
Harold strode to the window and looked out over the estate, saying, “His Grace said he would speak to the Duchess about these matters.” He came over and took a chair next to Lucy. “I realize this is a big adjustment for you—and for me as well. But as I get to know you better each day, I find you to be warm and generous, and I cannot help but think that eventually, you will win them over.”
He stood up and gave her a kiss on the forehead.
Lucy stood, as well, and took her brother’s hand. “Then, if you accept this offer, I believe I shall write Lady Harding and decline her offer of employment. I would much prefer staying here and concentrating on my writing. In fact, I believe I shall write my publisher today and tell him to expect new work from me shortly.”
“And, with your permission, I shall return to the Duke and accepthisoffer of employment.”
