Page 49 of Her Tiger of a Duke
“That is, assuming that Beatrice is his daughter.”
Owen faltered, and he almost tripped over his own feet. He had met both parents, and while her mother had seemed different each time they met, there was no denying the cruelty in her father’s eyes. It was more than disappointment, even if Owen had refused to see it. Lord Jennings had very little love in his heart for Beatrice.
And Beatrice had already sensed it.
“Who else could it have been?” he asked incredulously. He remembered how, not too long ago, Beatrice had mentioned some of the same inklings, but then, she had not fully expounded upon her thoughts. He had left her to consider her words and not pressed. But Owen saw no reason to stay quiet now—especially since it seemed the whole of London was discussing Beatrice’s parentage behind her back. “They were a love match, were they not?”
“Of course not. It was arranged, and they always told Beatrice that she would have the same, and she would find things about her husband to like. She never had the highest of hopes for her marriage, which is precisely why we were so pleased to see that she–”
Dorothy stopped, and Owen wanted her to continue, but then he saw where she was looking.
Beatrice was making her way into the forest alone, her dress dragging through the damp overgrown grass.
“I shall only be a moment,” he mumbled quickly, chasing after her.
He would not let it happen a second time.
“Beatrice,” he called. “Beatrice, what are you doing?”
“I am fine,” she laughed. “I shall only be a moment.”
“Beatrice, no,” he said sharply, reaching her and taking her wrist.
She turned to him in shock, almost dropping her mallet. The sensible part of Owen knew that he was overreacting, and that she would not go near the water’s edge, but it was greatly outweighed by his terrible imagination, which could only see the absolute worst.
“I have come to retrieve my ball,” she explained. “Those gentlemen tried to catch me off guard, and they succeeded. It is as I told you, I shall only be a moment.”
“Even so, might I accompany you?”
“I can see my ball from here. I am more than capable of–”
“There might be snakes,” he said, trying not to cringe at himself. “The grass has not been cut in some time, and that might lead to snakes, or rats perhaps.”
“I will survive if that happens,” she chuckled, before turning and continuing toward the tall grass.
Even so, he joined her. She was clearly not upset by the intrusion, which he was grateful for, but he knew he would follow her regardless. Letting her go off alone was too great of a risk.
“I shall not win now,” she huffed. “I thought I truly would, especially after I played so well in the beginning.”
“If it helps at all, I am very much impressed. You continue to surprise me, Beatrice. Had I known you enjoyed this, I might have offered to play it with you before.”
“And I would have liked it, but I only know that now I have tried. It might be best that we both try something new more often, for you never would have known about your passion for baking either.”
“Did the ladies like them…the biscuits I made?” he asked, suddenly very enthusiastic. “I hope they were tricked, at least.”
“They were very happy that I have found a husband who is willing to try things that I enjoy. I had never expected to find a husband that was interested in letting me continue my passions at all, let alone join me in them. I am most grateful to you for that, I hope you know.”
“I do. Your friends would never let me forget it, either. They are good to you.”
“Too good. I know that they mean well, but they tend to push for things that I am not certain that I am prepared for. Do you know what I mean?”
“As someone with a father who wanted me to be prepared for my title when I was all but seven, yes. I will say, though, that there isa difference between pushing for something, and simply wanting the best for someone you hold dear.”
Beatrice lined up her shot and hit her ball out of the woods. They made their way out once more, and he could see the smile playing on her lips.
“No snakes,” she quipped as they left. “Though I thank you for accompanying me all the same.”
“You are most welcome,” he replied, before adding. “Might I ask what your friends think is best for you?”
