Page 49 of Everything a Lady is Not
“Did you not claim you wished quiet, Robin Redbreast?”
“Yes, I did. And for what it is worth, I like this place, too.”
Lucy peered at him until he maintained eye contact. “Mr. Beaumont?”
“Yes?”
“Why did your brother banish you?”
Henry’s humor evaporated in the space of a breath. He appeared to find sudden distraction in the landscape beyond the window. So abrupt was his shift of mood that Lucy was certain he would never speak. However, he heaved a sigh that seemed to deflate his angular frame. He cut grim eyes at her. “I suppose you deserve to know the truth.”
She became afraid to breathe for fear he would change his mind. “Only if you wish to confide.”
He nodded twice with a pause in between. “I am the product of evil seed and destined to fall. James reminded me of that fact every day of my childhood and removed me the instant he could.”
His quiet admission took her aback. “Evil?”
He appeared to force a smile. “Not to worry. Charlotte did what she could with me. Any hope I have is because of her, and now because of…”
When his voice trailed away, she crept into the silence. “I don’t think anyone isdestinedto fall.”
“Pardon me if I don’t share your optimism.”
His lack of details ignited within her a stream of morbid curiosity, but he seemed finished with the conversation. She turned again to the window, only to spy an auspicious manor coming into view.
“There she lies,” Henry said. A flicker of light had returned to his eyes. “Ardmoore Manor.”
Lucy recognized it from her visit a decade earlier. The carriage pulled onto the circular drive and stopped before the great house. A host of people fanned away from the door, driving her immediately into anxiety. Henry elbowed Hawes awake and opened the coach door without waiting for the footman. After stepping down, he extended a hand to her. She eyed the waiting crowd with reluctance. He leaned near.
“Come, Lucy. You are safe here in every way. Charlotte knows everything of your upbringing. We will protect you.”
She tentatively extended her hand, and he guided her down to the gravel drive. No sooner had she come to rest than a smiling woman approached. She wore a fine ivory dress that accentuated a lovely figure. Her hair and eyes matched those of Henry. Lucy immediately recognized her.
“Lady Sinclair?”
The woman’s smile broadened. “Lady Margaret. May I begin by noting how kindly maturity has treated you? I barely recognize the beauty you have become.” She shot Henry a hot glare. “Brother. Your description of Lady Margaret did her an injustice. She is very pleasing to the eye. Why did you fail to mention that tidbit, I wonder? I rather expected a she-wolf from your telling.”
Henry stretched his neck with apparent discomfort, still seemingly morose from his admission. “Lady Margaret, may I introduce my sister, Lady Sinclair.” He motioned to Lucy. “Lady Margaret Huntington, granddaughter of the Duchess of Ramsbury.”
Lucy curtsied before Charlotte caught her arm.
“No, my lady. You curtsy not to me, but I to you.” She dropped a graceful curtsy as if performing a well-practiced dance. “And you simply must use my Christian name.”
Lucy restrained a smile, already remembering how sweetly Charlotte had treated her on the previous visit. “Then you must call me Lucy, and never ‘my lady’. I am further from such a title than you can possibly imagine.”
Henry’s grin finally returned. “Ican imagine.”
She refrained from jabbing him with an elbow, not wishing to disappoint his sister or spoil the reemergence of his humor. Charlotte descended on Lucy and began pulling her toward the house while gushing enthusiastically over her dress, beauty, and graceful stride. She suspected Charlotte was telling pleasant lies for her benefit but found the sense of regard both overwhelming and wonderful. As they crossed the threshold of the manor, Lucy took in the familiar décor, a pleasing combination of finery and rustic antiquity. They moved toward the parlor with Henry a seeming afterthought.
“Do not worry, Lucy,” said Charlotte. “My husband is sitting in Parliament, my sons are away at school, and I have nothing but time on my hands. Henry and I will prepare you in no time in terms of manner, presentation, and accomplishment.”
Lucy nodded with gratitude and occupied the chair offered by Charlotte. Henry sat away from the intimate conversation at the edge of Lucy’s vision.
“Thank you,” Lucy said. “However, I fear we have no time for accomplishments.”
Charlotte shook her head. “Oh, no. We must include such training. The acquiring of accomplishments helps form a lady.”
Her brow furrowed with skepticism. “I apologize for harboring doubts, but what purpose do many accomplishments serve if they are only a façade?”
