Page 34 of On a Midsummer Night
But if you are sent away, Henry will be by your side. That knowledge was enough to keep her panic at bay until she remembered that Henry could also lose his position at the railway. Swallowing down her fears, Beth dropped her hand under the table to clasp Lucy’s. She had meant to comfort her cousin, but her fear eased as well. It would all work out as it should.
Ithadto.
The day passed slowly. Beth entertained visitors with Lucy and Aunt Meredith, clenching her teeth in annoyance as her aunt continued to insinuate that she was their poor relation. Only Lucy’s pained glances and the reminder of the happy future with Henry awaiting her stayed her tongue.
In the late afternoon, she excused herself and escaped to her chamber. There she wrote a long letter to her parents about Henry, about what had occurred between them three years ago in Bristol and the rekindling of their affections now. A happy tear trailed down her cheek as her pen wrote out the question of when they would be able to visit London for a wedding. Beth wished she could tell them her happy news in person to share her delight with them but knew they would sense that Henry had won her whole heart even through her written words.
She was marrying Henry. He loved her and was as intent as she was to grasp the future together that had once eluded them. And Beth was older now, matured and grown, and felt more prepared to be a wife—Henry’s wife—than she had been three years ago. For now, she knew who she was and could rest assured that Henry respected and admiredthisBeth as much as she did.
When she finally walked down the stairs to join the family in the parlor, she held her head high. No matter what her aunt and uncle thought of her engagement to Henry, it wouldn’t change how they felt about each other.
She had just stepped from the bottom stair into the entrance hall when the butler swung the door open to welcome a guest. Oliver stood on the stoop, his gaze immediately landing on her. Something about his appearance made her want to cry—not with tears of despair, but of hope. Of celebration.
Oliver held her gaze as he handed his coat, hat, and cane to the butler before winging out an arm to her. Before they reached the entry to the drawing room, he paused, causing her to halt. His blue eyes sparkled as he stared down at her.
“So you’re marrying him.”
Her cheeks went hot. “He told you, then?”
“Even if he hadn’t, I would have known. You glow, Bethkins.” He kissed the crown of her head. “And so help him if that light is ever extinguished.”
For a moment, Beth buried her face in his chest, finding comfort in the steady beat of his heart. When she finally stepped away, she dropped her voice and said, “They’ve invited Henry to dinner tonight to encourage him to propose to Lucy.”
Beth covered her mouth with her hand to keep from laughing when Oliver rolled his eyes.
“Well, this should make for a diverting evening.”
Without waiting for her reply, Oliver escorted her into the room and greeted their aunt and uncle. Beth went to stand by Lucy’s side to observe them welcome her brother with fawning regards. And it was hard to blame them. Not only was Oliver witty and gregarious, but he had a way of causing one to feel like the only person in the room. As if every word that fell from one’s lips was interesting and noteworthy. Beth used to think he patronized people until she grew older and realized her brother invested his energies in others because he cared. There was no artifice in his actions. While Beth had no patience for fools, Oliver’s patience was boundless—buthewas never the fool. Beth reminded herself of this now as he chatted effortlessly with Uncle Charles and Aunt Meredith.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Lucy whispered hoarsely in her ear. “What if they’re successful in pressuring Mr. Ramsgate to propose?”
“They won’t be, dearest.” Beth patted her hand. “You told him you didn’t wish to marry him, and he won’t let your parents convince him otherwise.”
“You’re right. Of course.” Lucy released a long exhale, a touch of color returning to her cheeks. “It’s so hard not to worry.”
“I understand why you’re worried, but don’t be. Everything will be well.”
Lucy’s puckered brow told Beth she might have said too much, and she pivoted about until her cousin no longer had a clear view of her face.
A familiar cologne abruptly met her nose then, and she tensed, her gaze darting to the door. And there was Henry on the threshold, his gaze roaming about the space until it collided with hers. And across the space between them, Beth felt his regard, as tangible as a touch.
“Ho, Henry!” Oliver exclaimed, walking across the room to clap him on the shoulder. “I was wondering when you would arrive”—he gave Beth a pointed look—“and save me from this lot.”
“Excuse me,” Beth said, ramming her shoulder into his side. “I’m stellar company.”
“You are, indeed,” Henry whispered, the hint of a smile on his lips.
Heat rushed up to her neck and across her cheeks at his words, but her brother’s snort yanked her gaze to him.
“Lud, the two of you are ridiculous.”
Beth laughed at his disgruntled expression—until Aunt Meredith’s voice interrupted.
“Mr. Ramsgate, how good of you to join us.” She wrapped her arm tightly around Henry’s. “I was disappointed you did not dance with Lucy last night at the Weatherton ball, but it didn’t appear as if you stayed long.”
Henry dipped his head. “I did not, ma’am. I had a busy day yesterday, so I left earlier than is customary. I’m sorry I missed the opportunity to pay my regards to Miss Lucy.”
“Well, we’re happy you were able to join us this evening. It will be much less of a crush, and you and Lucy will have plenty of opportunities to converse.” Aunt Meredith darted a look at Beth, and her smile turned predatory. “Would you be so kind as to escort her into dinner?”
