Page 43 of Defying the Earl
“Thank you, my lady,” she answered with a grin.
“You were remarkably popular again tonight. I saw that Braxton only got to dance with you once and only for part of that number at that.”
“He didn’t seem over eager to pursue me this evening,” Beatrice answered, trying not to sound disappointed.
“Foolish boy. Preoccupied with other matters. I suppose he considers his government assignments to be important and I likely ought to think so too, but this is a life matter. Surely that ought to take precedent for once.”
“It was always supposed to be temporary,” Beatrice pointed out quietly.
“Bah,” Lady Frampton replied. “Don’t be a goose.”
“Now Frampton, dear, don’t give poor Beatrice the rough edge of your tongue. None of this has been her fault. It’s that foolish boy.”
“Well, his chance is nearly up,” Lady Frampton complained.
They were finally home and Beatrice was able to escape to her room. She quickly wrote a note and ran down to the butler to see to its delivery.
“Could you have a footman take this to Lord Braxton? It doesn’t have to be tonight, but early in the morning should be fine.”
“I will see to it, my lady,” the butler agreed.
Bea was so wound up she had trouble falling asleep and then slept much later than usual in the morning. She cracked her eyes open with a low moan when a maid came in with a tray for her.
“Lady Frampton says as you have to hurry, my lady. Lord Braxton has called and is asking for you.”
“What time is it? Have I slept until the afternoon?”
“No, my lady, it’s ungodly early according to Lady Frampton, but she says as to hurry anyway.”
Beatrice blinked herself to wakefulness and scrambled from the bed. He must have received her note and come right away. Nerves tightened her midsection. That was a good thing, wasn’t it? Or perhaps he wanted to deal with her straight away to avoid any misunderstandings. Either way, the maid was right. She had to hurry.
The tray only had a slice of buttered toast and her morning chocolate, which was good. She was too nervous to eat anyway. Before long she had her hair up in a simple chignon and a pretty but practical gown was settled over her. One last sip of the chocolate and she was out the door, hurrying down to the receiving room.
Both of Nathan’s aunts were haranguing him, but they fell silent when Beatrice entered the room. Lottie’s grin was wide and even Lady Frampton gave her a nod of approval.
“Braxton wishes to speak with you, so we’ll be in the library. The door will remain open,” Lady Frampton concluded firmly even as she swept from the room with her sister in her wake.
“Thank you for coming so quickly,” Beatrice began, surprised by Nathan’s expression of confusion.
“Were you expecting me?” he asked with a frown.
Bea opened her mouth but closed it without saying anything. It didn’t matter. He was there.
She waved her hand in the air as though to erase her previous words. “Lady Frampton said you wished to speak with me?” Her words were a statement, but she said it like a question.
Nathan stepped closer to her, clasping one of her hands in both of his.
“I have been such a nit witted fool, Bea. Don’t marry Henley. You were meant for me. I swear to you, I’ll make up for all the mistakes if you’ll only say yes.”
“Say yes to what, exactly?” Even though her heart was nearly bursting out of her chest, Bea needed to be certain they were speaking on the same topic.
“Marry me. Be my countess. The mother of the next Earl of Braxton. I swear I’ll spend the rest of my days ensuring you don’t regret it and making up for my foolishness from the past.”
“But why, Nathan? I thought you didn’t find me acceptable.”
“You were always acceptable. It was I who was not. I knew it two years ago. I should never have left you behind at that wretched house party. But I had to do the king’s bidding. I was sure you would understand.”
“I didn’t, though, Nathan. You left with no explanation and fairly broke my heart. I was determined to remain a spinster after that.”
