Page 56 of A Scandalous Bargain
Chapter 10
Thomas felt a bit strange to be out in public, particularly at church, which he only went to periodically, but it was the only way he could think to see Beatrix. Today was the last day the banns were read for her sister—who wasn’t really her sister—and he’d been hoping Beatrix would be there. He was glad to see that she was and had spent a good portion of the service stealing glances in her direction. She sat several pews in front of him, and as far as he knew, wasn’t aware of his presence.
“I’m so glad you invited me to accompany you today,” Aunt Charity said as they strolled from the church after the service. “Even if I don’t fully understand your motives,” she added in a whisper.
His motive was singular: to see Beatrix. And determine if his impression from the other night, that she’d been telling him goodbye, was correct. He needed to know if their…whatever it was had reached its conclusion. Of course, he would reveal none of this to his dear aunt.
“My only motive is that I wished to get out of the house.”
“Well, I am happy to accompany you wherever you’d like to go.” She exchanged looks and smiles with others as people gathered in the vestibule. “Do you mind if I speak with a few ladies?”
“Not at all.” Thomas would take the opportunity to hopefully talk to Beatrix. He tried not to make eye contact with anyone as he lingered near the wall and watched for her.
She came out finally, followed by Lady Gresham and Sheffield, who were arm in arm. Behind them were his parents, the Earl and Countess of Aylesbury. And after them, some of the rest of the family. They’d come en masse, apparently, but then they were a large family.
Thomas caught himself frowning. He doubted he’d be able to get any time alone with Beatrix.
Except something magical happened. Her gaze met his. Surprise flashed in their hazel depths, followed by a question.Why are you here?
Thomas gave a tiny shrug and, barely inclining his head, moved toward the corner. She did the same. A few moments later, they met.
“I’m surprised to see you here,” Beatrix said.
He surveyed her from head to toe, appreciating her smart sage-green walking gown trimmed in a blue so dark, it was nearly black. She looked elegant, and the ensemble made her appear taller, perhaps because of her high straw hat with its trio of feathers. “I was hoping to see you.”
“Oh.” A smile teased her lips. “That’s nice. This is, er, strange.”
“Because it isn’t dark and you’re wearing a gown?”
“Nor are you in a mask. It’s like we’re normal people.” She laughed softly, and he joined her.
He glanced around, knowing they wouldn’t have much time alone. Furthermore, they hadn’t been officially introduced, so they oughtn’t be talking at all. He got straight to his purpose. “I saw you leaving your father’s yesterday afternoon. What happened?”
She blew out a breath, and he could have sworn he heard the barest whisper of a curse. “It was an abysmal failure.”
“Tell me.” Even before he heard what transpired, Thomas wanted to pummel the man into the ground.
“It’s a very long story, beginning with my revealing my identity to my half brother at the masquerade.”
“You did?”
“I had to. He was going to speak to Rafe about courting me.” She made a slight face, scrunching her mouth.
Thomas wondered if he was going to have to pummel her half brother too. “What did he say?”
“He was remarkably supportive, if you can imagine that. He said he would accompany me to see our father, so we arranged to meet at his house.”
Thomas had a hard time imagining it, actually, but was glad. “I saw Lady Gresham was with you as well.”
“I was trying to be proper.” Beatrix let out an unladylike snort. “Not that it mattered. The duke has no interest in getting to know me or in reestablishing any kind of relationship. He was rather cruel about it.”
Yes, definitely a pummeling. Thomas flexed his hands. Not that he would actually commit violence. He couldnot. “I’m so sorry, Beatrix,” he said softly, aching to smooth the agitated lines from her forehead.
A weak smile lifted her lips. “It was a dream I should have known would never come true.”
Thomas’s hand curled into a fist. The man had ruined Beatrix’s dreams. Just as Thea had ruined Thomas’s.
He was running out of time, and he still needed to ask about the future of their friendship. “I wondered if you planned—”
