Page 5 of On a Midsummer Night
The lump in her throat brought tears to her eyes, and Beth grappled with her composure for several long seconds. Thankfully, it appeared no one had noticed for their attention was on Lucy.
“I don’t understand, Mother,” Lucy whispered. “What’s so special about Mr. Ramsgate?”
Uncle Charles put down the paper. “Mr. Ramsgate is a talented young man and one Great Western is determined to retain. Rumors are that American rail companies are attempting to lure him away, and marrying and establishing roots here will prove his loyalty.”
Lucy blinked. “So I’m to be bartered to him so he may prove his loyalty?”
With a snap of his paper, Uncle Charles pinned his daughter with a look. “He will be able to give you the sort of life you deserve, Lucy.”
“And we’ve decided he’d be a good match.” Aunt Meredith narrowed her gaze. “That’s all you need to know.”
Lucy hunched in her chair, her shoulders practically meeting her ears, and Beth’s spirits sank for the girl. She was always dictated to. Never allowed to determine things for herself.
Abruptly, Beth was angry. Angry for her cousin, who was not allowed to ask questions about the man her parents had picked for her. Angry that Henry would reappear after so many years away. Angry that she would have to watch him court her cousin when she’d never forgotten the taste of his kiss.
She angled her chin toward her aunt. “If I remember correctly, Oliver knew Mr. Ramsgate and invited him to spend a holiday in Bristol several years ago.”
Aunt Meredith’s gaze turned keen. “So you’re acquainted?”
“We’ve met before.” Beth shrugged, and the weight of reducing her connection to Henry made the motion difficult. “But as I said, it’s been several years. I don’t know that he would remember me.”
The words tasted like vinegar on her tongue. She didn’t know which was worse: Henry forgetting or remembering her still.
Her aunt considered her silently for several moments. She wagered Aunt Meredith was considering how much of a threat Beth was to Lucy’s chance of success with Henry. The woman had not been shy about uttering demeaning comments about Beth and her lack of fortune whilst amongst company. Her aunt’s pettiness had stung, but Beth understood that Meredith felt she was doing what she felt she must to further her daughter’s prospects.
As if Beth had any interest in competing with her younger cousin.
Aunt Meredith must have decided Beth was low risk for she nodded. “That is convenient news, for I’ve been invited to take tea with Mrs. Forschild this afternoon.” She glanced at Uncle Charles. “You know, she’s Lady Merridew’s younger sister.”
Uncle Charles did not respond.
With a small huff, her aunt met her gaze. “Because of my engagement, I won’t be here to welcome Mr. Ramsgate when he calls. But since you have an acquaintance with him, you can serve as a chaperone for Lucy.”
It was not lost on Beth that her aunt did not ask such a favor of her butorderedit. It was yet another example of how she was not seen as eligible or coveted as a bride as Lucy was. Beth endeavored to ignore the slight. She knew her worth and had yet to meet a man in London equal to it.
Lifting her chin, she smiled at Lucy instead. “Would that be all right with you?”
Lucy’s blue eyes went round, and her throat bobbed. “It would be a comfort to have your support.”
“Excellent,” Aunt Meredith declared, drawing their attention back to her. “Remember to mind your manners, Lucy, and welcome Mr. Ramsgate graciously.”
“Of course,” Lucy murmured, worrying her napkin under the table.
“I’ll select a day gown for you to change into before visiting hours. We want you to look your best,” her aunt continued, setting her teacup down with a distinct ting.
Lucy simply nodded.
Aunt Meredith pushed back her chair and rose to her feet. “Very well. I hope the visit goes well.” She glanced at Beth. “Please give Mr. Ramsgate my regards.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The idea of seeing Henry after he had absconded with her heart three years earlier both terrified and pleased her. What if seeing him rekindled all those emotions she’d worked so hard to forget?
But Beth had lost her naivety in those long years apart. She’d gained experience and self-confidence, and the Beth Henry had known then had changed in more ways than one. She anticipated showing him how.
Chapter Two
Henry couldn’t quite believe he’d arrived at the moment where he was paying a call to a young woman not because he wanted to, but because his career demanded it.
