Page 19 of Defying the Earl
Before she knew it, though, the evening had passed surrounded by chatter from both Ladies as they discussed the merits of the various single gentlemen they were acquainted with.
“The problem, my dear,” Lady Charlotte declared, “Is that we don’t know the younger gentlemen personally. We might know their mothers or grandmothers but not them. It does give us pause. How are we to guide you?”
Beatrice laughed. “I was just thinking the same, as a matter of fact. I thought perhaps we ought to alert the solicitor and he could begin researching.”
“Bah,” Lady Frampton demurred. “A solicitor will only know about holdings and bank accounts.”
“That will at least help us know if a man is interested in me for my inheritance or for my person.”
“But dear, even a gentleman with pockets to let can be a kind spouse.”
“How would you know, Lottie?” Lady Frampton asked disparagingly. “Beatrice has the right of it. She wouldn’t want someone who’s less plump in the pocket than she is.”
“I’ve had friends, Frampton,” Lady Charlotte countered stiffly. “Some of whom were great heiresses and are quite happy with their lot.”
“Perhaps,” was all Lady Frampton would allow before she turned her attention back to Beatrice. “Since courting is such a public affair, you’ll need at least one new riding habit and some walking gowns and at least one more spencer. Some daygowns and another ball gown, too. And what shall you wear to Braxton’s supper?” Lady Frampton took a breath before nearly growling, “That boy should have given us far more notice.”
“More notice that he was going to put me into a compromising position with such a wager?” Bea asked with a laugh. “If he had given us notice we would have surely knocked some sense into him.”
This finally lightened the mood with laughter all around and they were able to retire for the night with a little less tension vibrating through the house. Despite the nervous excitement, Beatrice was able to sleep quite soundly and was surprised to be awoken very early the next morning.
“Lady Charlotte says as you are to hop to it, my lady,” the maid whispered. “It’s to be a long day of shopping before his lordship returns for the courting, don’t you know?”
Bea had to laugh. She should have known word would have spread to the entire household and even the servants were in on the adventure.
“Thank you, Susan. I wish she had warned me we’d be getting up with the birds,” Beatrice grumbled even as she did as she was bidden, submitting herself to the maid’s efforts to tame her hair. She must have been more restless in the night than she had realized. Much of it had escaped the plait she had braided it into before retiring.
“I’m to come with you to lend you countenance,” Susan declared proudly as she helped Bea rummage through her wardrobe in search of what to wear on the shopping expedition. “We ought to pick something that’s easy enough to get in and out of since you’ll likely have to be measured at the modiste. You haven’t been to one in Town since you’ve come up this time, have you?”
“No,” Beatrice admitted. “Or rather, we did stop in to one yesterday, but we were able to take something that had already been made. To be honest, I thought my gowns were sufficient.”
“I’m sure they were before this development.”
Beatrice sighed but didn’t argue with the maid’s selections. She was certain she had the appropriate amount of vanity and was a little excited about getting new gowns, but she dreaded the actual excursion. Bea had heard how haughty the London modistes could be and had no desire to be subjected to such treatment, no matter if it was for a good reason.
But with Lady Charlotte and Susan to “lend her countenance” no doors were closed to Beatrice. Lady Charlotte, with her sweet smile and firm tone, had every shop owner they encountered eager to serve them and accept her coins. Of course, Bea thought, it was clearly evident that Lottie did not have an empty reticule. That made all the difference.
Not to say that Beatrice’s pockets were ever to let. She never spent the allowance she was given from the interest growing on her inheritance. She had no need to, except for the few times she needed new gowns.
“Ought we to visit the bank, my lady?” Beatrice asked when they regained the street after the last shopkeeper had bowed them out. “I will need to arrange to have these bills paid.”
“Not at all, my dear,” Lady Charlotte replied firmly accompanied by her pleasant smile. “These are a gift from my sister and me. You have served us well, and it was our selfishness that kept you with us for so long. We ought to have done this years ago.”
“Oh, no, my lady, there is no need, I promise you.”
“There is every need, Beatrice, don’t argue.” As usual, Lady Charlotte was all smiles but stated her view in such a firm tone that it brooked no dissension. Bea admired the older woman’s abilities in that regard immensely. She knitted her lips together to stem her protests. She certainly couldn’t argue on the street.
“Wasn’t it lucky that they had that lovely walking gown ready immediately? It should be delivered in time for you to go out with Braxton this afternoon.”
“I wonder who it was intended for,” Bea worried. “I hope I don’t encounter her.”
“Oh no,” Lady Charlotte trilled. “They wouldn’t do that, surely.”
Beatrice wasn’t convinced but she didn’t argue. She also couldn’t say she was sorry she was going to look so well when the earl called for her.
Chapter Ten
Nathan’s heart actually stuttered in his chest. He never would have thought such an occurrence was possible, and he wondered if he ought to call the family physician. Beatrice was a vision in a lovely feminine colour he couldn’t name, although he was certain his aunts would call it aubergine or some other silly thing. He didn’t care what it was called, it perfectly complemented the young woman’s complexion and if anything, enhanced the curious intelligence in her gaze as she watched for his reaction to her appearance.
