Page 24 of The Trials of Alaric
Chapter Ten
Bea went tosee her father after they returned from their walk. She collected his usual morning tray from a footman who was approaching the door at the same time and allowed him to open the door for her.
“Beatrice, my dear,” Papa greeted her by rising from his chair. “Have you come to take tea with me?”
“I came to ask you for something, Papa. But I would like to join you for tea. I shall send for another cup.”
She put the tray on Papa’s desk before requesting an additional setting from the footman who was waiting outside. She returned and settled into one of the chairs in front of his desk.
“Did you enjoy your walk on the beach?” Papa asked.
“I did. I think Ellie—Lady Eleanor Fairweather—is becoming a good friend, and I learned more about Lord Lucas and Mr. Redhaven.”
“Ah.” He inclined his head before asking, “I assume young Redhaven showed you the second clue?”
“Yes,” Bea admitted. “How did you know?”
“He asked me if it was against the rules. It is not, but I wonder if you have a reason for favoring him in this way.”
Bea could feel herself blushing. “He is the one who has made the most effort to get to know me, Papa, instead of assuming Iam a paper cutout of a fashion doll. Also, he’s the only one who has asked for my advice on his clues.”
“And you like him,” Papa commented.
It was a statement, not a question.
The footman arrived with the other cup, and Bea stood and busied herself preparing the tea. It gave her something to do, rather than meet her father’s eyes. He might have read her thoughts.Yes, I like him, but what has that to say to anything, Papa? I have committed to choosing from the men who win the trials. Who is to say he will be one of them?
It had been her choice, she reminded herself. And for good reason. She needed a husband, and soon, so he had time to learn what Papa could teach him.
Perhaps Papa did read her thoughts, for he said, “I wish I could give you more time, Beabea. Time to go to London or to a few house parties. Time to choose for love instead of practicality.”
She put his cup down beside him and gave him her hand. “I know, Papa. I understand. I hope you have more time—doctors have been wrong before. But we cannot take the risk. We need to safeguard Claddach.”
He clutched both her hands and kissed her on the forehead. “I am very proud of you, Beatrice Elizabeth Meave Collister.”
“I love you, Papa.”
He gave her hands a squeeze, let them go, and picked up his tea. “What did you wish to ask me?” he asked.
Bea returned to her seat and, following his example, picked up her own cup as camouflage for her feelings. “The boxing tomorrow, Papa. I wanted to ask if you would change it for another activity.”
“This is about Redhaven again,” he deduced.
“Yes, it is about Mr. Redhaven.” Bea heard the irritation in her own voice and deliberately calmed it again. “He was injuredin the shipwreck, Papa. He was exhausted by the end of the steeplechase. He almost fell from his horse. If he is hit in the head again tomorrow—Papa, we cannot take the risk.”
“A sensible young man would stand down,” Papa commented.
“There cannot be very many sensible young men, then,” Bea suggested, thinking of the men she knew, all of whom would rather die than admit to a weakness.
Papa laughed. “You have a point. Very well, Bea, I shall make a bargain with you. I shall change the activity tomorrow to something more within the capacity of the young man.”
Bea gave a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Papa.”
“And in return, Daughter, you will spend an equal amount of time with all your suitors and give them a chance to show you who they really are. Agreed? I want you to have as wide a choice as possible, not to set your heart on one man at the beginning. And it will do Redhaven no harm to have to work for your esteem.”
Bea thought about it for a moment. “I accept your bargain, Papa,” she said.
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