THE MAGIC TOUCH (Historical Romance)

by KEYSON, PATRICIA

  “When did you see the physician, Aunt?”

  “Several weeks ago.”

  “And he said complete rest?”

  “Yes.”

  “My dear Aunt, you have been persevering with social activities because of me.”

  “I have, Hope, but it was not your fault. I have instilled in me a sense of duty. You were entrusted into my care and I did not wish to let you down. Now I will rest in my room. Prudence, I would like you to take on the running of the house. It does not require much thought on my part as Stevenson and the housekeeper have been here for many years. I simply request that you do not turn my home into a public library or school.” With a smile Constance kissed them both and left the room.

  “Poor Aunt Constance. I feel dreadful, Mama, especially as I haven’t been an easy guest.”

  “She has a stout constitution like your father. I am sure with rest she will soon be back to her former self. I believe she put on a brave face and didn’t grieve properly for Eustace.”

  “The Queen has also found the loss of her husband unbearable, hasn’t she?”

  “The trouble is when one finds an exceptional companion then the loss of that companion is almost more than one can bear. I simply can’t imagine life without your father. He is my other half and thus makes me whole. I hope that one day you too will find someone to love like that. Maybe you already have.”

  Hope could feel her cheeks growing hot. “I don’t know. I have spent so little time with Beaumont, yet when we are together I feel as though I can be myself. I don’t have to be the Earl’s daughter.”

  “I wish to meet him soon. If he proves to be unsuitable, well… I would like you to be guided by my opinion. Let us not even consider that. I am sure if you find him agreeable and stimulating company then I will too.”

  “But what about Beaumont? I am uncertain as to his feelings. One minute I think he likes me,” the passionate kiss vividly returned to her mind, “and the next he says he is unworthy and wants to leave London.”

  “He is certainly a mystery, but one we will get to the bottom of. Shall we visit him tomorrow?”

  “Is that quite right and proper, Mama?”

  “Definitely not, but do you think your Beaumont will mind?”

  * * *

  “Please excuse all the clutter,” Beaumont said as he waved his hand vaguely at his drawing room. He lifted a pile of magazines from the sofa and invited Prudence and Hope to be seated. “May I offer you some refreshments?”

  “If you feel it is not unseemly then a large whisky each would be very nice.”

  Hope’s spluttering at her mother’s behaviour turned into a bad fit of coughing. Her mother patted her on the back. Beaumont didn’t seem at all daunted by the request.

  “May I please have a cup of tea instead?” Hope asked.

  “Of course. I will ring for my housekeeper. Meanwhile I would enjoy hearing of your travels.”

  As Mama talked, Hope watched Beaumont. He appeared genuinely interested in the stories and listened raptly. When the drinks arrived the conversation turned to magic lanterns and slides.

  “When can we expect to hold the show for Constance’s servants?” Prudence asked. “As she is laid low we may have it when we wish, I don’t need to bother her with it.”

  “I am quite happy to do it anytime, but Hope wanted to make some slides to go with her own story, did you not?”

  “I did. I have written the story. When would it be possible to start on the slides?”

  “I have no appointments today. I will order luncheon to be served later, so shall we start now? These are the glass slides on which you paint. It is a very delicate process. This paint is of a special type and the brushes sometimes have only one bristle, like this one.” Beaumont held up a brush for the two women to inspect. “You may wish to use a magnifying glass for very small images. When the picture is dry we will put another piece of glass over it and join the two together.”

  Hope enjoyed the delicacy of the work and painstakingly tried to produce something of worth. It was far more satisfying than embroidery.

  “I have made a mistake with mine.” Prudence sighed with impatience. “I felt I was making progress. It is too fiddly for me. When I paint I like a large canvas and dramatic flourishes.”

  “Indeed, I am sorry. I can see that Hope is devoted to detail. This slide is quite perfect.” Beaumont held the slide Hope had painted up to the light and studied it. Hope watched him and he turned to smile at her.

  “You have many gifts, Hope.” Beaumont looked at her with admiration.

  “She is an eligible young woman, Beaumont, but is rather too unconventional for most suitors. I blame myself for that characteristic as I too am unconventional which is one of the reasons why I am leaving the two of you to your slides as soon as we have eaten luncheon. The other reason is that I could not spend a minute longer attempting to produce a useable slide. Your housekeeper will be present.”

  Even Hope was surprised that her mother was prepared to leave her alone with Beaumont at his house, but it suggested to her that she approved of him. Her heart fluttered when she thought of what might happen during the afternoon as they worked together in close proximity.

  “There is an exhibition which I desire to see, as does an old friend. I will return for you in the late afternoon, Hope.”

  Hope tried to slow her racing heart. A whole afternoon alone with Beaumont was more than she could have dreamed of.

  * * *

  Sitting at the small table positioned by the window in the drawing room, Hope and Beaumont worked in silence.

  “I failed to tell your mother that my housekeeper has the afternoon off. Was that very wrong of me?” His eyes twinkled.

  “Quite wrong, Beaumont.” Hope smiled at him and he took her hand and held it gently.

  “You are in safe hands. I would do nothing to harm you or your reputation.”

  “I know.” She didn’t care for her reputation or anything else. Hope longed for him to take her in his arms and kiss her as rapturously as he had before, but instead he simply raised her hand to his lips, kissed it then let her go.

  She continued with her intricate painting, but she was trembling now. His presence so close to her had an effect she was unable to quell. Did Beaumont feel the same?

  The afternoon passed pleasantly enough, but with no talk of feelings and no passionate embraces.

  Back at Aunt Constance’s house, Hope confided in her journal.

  Today has been extraordinary. Mama likes Beaumont. She thinks he is an “intriguing, kind and striking man”. She would like to get to know him better and has suggested we go cycling in the park. Beaumont says he will borrow two bicycles from friends as he already has one. It is great fun with Mama here and I no longer have to hide my activities.

  And do I now know what Beaumont thinks of me? Although we were alone together all afternoon, he didn’t attempt to kiss me and I didn’t try to kiss him. Maybe next time we meet I should do so and see how he reacts.

  I can’t wait for tomorrow. We are meeting Beaumont in Hyde Park where we will see if we have remembered how to bicycle, and have a picnic. It would be nice if the sun shone, but our enjoyment will not be governed by the weather. I think Mama will have too much fun to leave us alone again.

  * * *

  Lying on the grass under a tree watching the sunshine dappling the ground, Hope felt content. The cycling had been tremendous fun and the picnic delicious. Beaumont was sitting leaning against a tree trunk, his eyes closed with a cheerful expression on his face. Mama was walking round the pond in the distance.

  Beaumont opened his eyes and broke the silence. “Hope, we must make a decision.”

  “We must.” She felt sure he was about to declare himself, state that he had fallen in love with her and he would approach Papa on his return.

  “When will we hold the magic lantern show at Constance’s house?”

  “Oh.” She recovered herself quickly. “Whenever you like
.”

  “It must be soon. We will see if Prudence will agree to an evening this week.”

  “Yes, of course.” Why had she expected him to talk of anything else? The kiss must have been a mistake which he now regretted.

  “It looks as though your mother is in a hurry.” He indicated her returning figure then stood and brushed some bark from his clothes.

  “You must come, both of you. There are rowing boats to hire. They are such fun. Please say you’ll come with me.”

  Beaumont raised his eyebrows at Hope and together they rushed to catch up with Prudence who was already half way back to the lake.

  “I would like to row,” Prudence announced.

  “I would too,” Hope added.

  “Then I will sit at leisure and you can each take an oar.”

  On the way home, Hope recalled the relaxed atmosphere of their time together. Beaumont had been very good company. He hadn’t interfered in the wishes of her or Mama at all. In fact, he had enhanced their enjoyment by letting them bicycle and picnic. Many gentlemen would have insisted on rowing the boat, but Beaumont had merely sat back and let them take charge.

  CHAPTER 13

  Hope couldn’t contain her joy. Not knowing quite what to do with herself she sat at the escritoire and wrote in her journal.

  It is a most thrilling time. Beaumont will be here shortly to set up the magic lantern in the rearranged servants’ hall. I have been busy finishing the slides for my story and I am surprisingly pleased with them as this was my first attempt. Beaumont has not seen them all and I wish for him to find them pleasing. There has been a great deal of anticipation amongst the servants. Mama has ordered refreshments for the interval and even Stevenson seems to have a little spring in his step.

  And what is more I have written an article and sent it to a magazine. After much deliberation I sent it in my own name rather than a masculine pseudonym. I long for it to be accepted. I feel as though all sorts of doors are opening for me.

  The only fly in the ointment is Beaumont’s departure to the north. I wish he could be dissuaded from going, but I doubt that is possible. Mama will leave me too as soon as she is satisfied Aunt Constance is completely recovered. Thus far she has remained in her room which worries us. I do not relish the thought of both Mama and Beaumont deserting me, although my aunt is good company when she is well.

  I gave Edna and some of the other maids another short lesson this morning and they are quick at learning as well as being delightful company. They chatter and giggle all the way through, but learn more quickly that way I think than if I made them be silent and serious.

  Of course, not all the servants are illiterate. Stevenson has professed he learned his reading and writing skills from the butler some time ago, and I have observed the housekeeper reading from a newspaper. I even witnessed a short conversation between her and the cook in French. To my shame, it surprised me. I must be more open-minded.

  * * *

  As Hope surveyed the transformed servants’ hall she gave a sigh of satisfaction. Mama was seated on the front row of chairs and there was a gentle anticipatory chatter from the servants who had all been given leave to attend. Stevenson sat on the back row listening for any call to duty from the bellboard. Hope sorted her music at the upright piano in the corner. She had wanted one of the servants to play, but they had all been too shy although she knew one or two of them were competent.

  Beaumont walked to her side. “Ready?”

  “Yes and thank you, Beaumont. This is a marvellous undertaking.”

  “Let’s begin.” He indicated to Molly to turn out the last of the lamps when everyone’s attention was taken by a commotion at the door. Constance swished into the room, nodded at Stevenson, smiled at Beaumont and Hope and sat in the vacant seat next to Prudence.

  The show began and by the interval any anxiety Hope had been feeling was gone. The enthusiasm of the servants for the stories Beaumont had shown had been overwhelming and she was particularly pleased with the reaction to her own story. The kitchen maids served a selection of drinks, bread and cheese and little groups gathered to discuss the show.

  Hope was surprised there were so many people present. She knew her aunt had an enormous house and extensive grounds, but she hadn’t met all the staff. Some she recognised, of course, but she would like to find out who the others were.

  As Hope meandered through the gathering she heard Edna say, “I recognised you, Molly. I’m sure one of the slides had you in it.”

  Molly blushed and nodded. “I thought so, too. Will I be famous, do you think?” The two friends giggled together and helped themselves to some of the food.

  Other servants were poring over the pamphlets Hope had made depicting the story. “It’s lovely to be able to have these as a reminder of the show.”

  “I’ll never forget it for as long as I live,” breathed one of the other maids. “I’ve heard about the magic lantern shows, but I could never afford to go to the music hall or fair and see one.”

  Hope felt her cheeks burn as she recalled she’d entered the premises without payment. But perhaps the show they’d put on today compensated for that indiscretion.

  Everywhere she turned, Hope heard compliments flying about the performance. It was most rewarding.

  Stevenson approached. “My lady, may I express my gratitude for the show. The servants needed to be lifted out of their gloom. Since the death of His Grace, a certain melancholy descended over the house. Until you arrived, that is.” He gave a cough and made to walk away.

  Hope gave him a wide smile. “I fear my presence has unnerved everyone. I seem to bring chaos.”

  “On the contrary, we have noticed a distinct change in Her Grace since your arrival, even though she has had to retire to her rooms again. It is good to see her with us this evening. Initially I feared your presence would upset the household, but I was quite wrong. You have lifted everyone’s spirits.”

  “I trust attending this evening won’t be too much for her.” Hope was worried now and glanced over at her aunt. She seemed to be at ease and relaxed chatting to her sister-in-law and Beaumont. Perhaps she really was improving in health.

  At the end of the show Constance stood and clapped her hands together for silence. “From your reaction I think you have all enjoyed the magic lantern show.” She was interrupted by a burst of applause. “I would like to thank not only Beaumont and my niece, Lady Hope, for their work, but also my dear sister-in-law, Lady Richmond, for giving permission in my absence. I have an idea that we shall have monthly entertainments.” Again cheers and clapping stopped her briefly from proceeding. “Possibly a concert next month. I have caught some of you singing as you work and I believe there are some pianists amongst you. Stevenson, I will leave you in charge of the arrangements.”

  “Yes, Your Grace. I could possibly demonstrate my skill with the spoons.”

  Some of the maids tittered behind their hands before they started clearing away the dirty china.

  Hope could barely contain herself. “Beaumont, thank you. It went better than I could have wished and I am very pleased Aunt Constance felt well enough to join us.” She watched her aunt and mother as they left the room to return upstairs.

  “It was very satisfying and it seems your aunt has decided she will follow our example and provide entertainment for members of the household. Some households hold a weekly dance, but best not to run before we can walk.”

  Hope’s feelings were out of control. She wanted to reach up and kiss his luscious lips and run her hands through his hair. She longed for the feel of his body against hers, but she could do nothing except talk. “When are you leaving us?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  Hope felt Beaumont’s hand take hers and her body felt like blancmange. It was such a light, delicious touch, it meant the world to her. Instilled with confidence, she began, “Beaumont, before you go, would you please tell me why you are a man with no title? Do you merely mean that you are not a nobleman? Because if t
hat is the dilemma, I assure you it isn’t always deemed to be a bad thing. My own mother came from an untitled family and not even Aunt Constance frowns on that now she’s acquainted with her.”

  Beaumont stared at the wall behind Hope for a long time and she feared she would not obtain a reply. She fidgeted while she waited. He’d dropped her hand and she was sure she’d offended him. Just as she was about to apologise and change the subject, he said, “Anyone who is a lord, an earl or any other sort of noble must behave with dignity and set a good example. I believe that to be true of all people.” His eyes were upon her now and she was mesmerised by both them and his words. “I have been privileged. I have never gone cold or hungry and I have always had a roof over my head. Because of that, I should have helped those who have far less.”

  When he paused, Hope jumped in.

  “Beaumont, of course you’ve helped people. The poor are always uppermost in your thoughts and see how you have brought not only enjoyment, but also education to the gathering of the servants today. Also, I know you have donated money from your magic lantern shows to charities and then there are the food parcels you regularly send out, not to mention...” Hope trailed off as she regarded the unhappy expression on his face.

  “It is not enough,” he asserted.

  “Well then, what would make it enough?” demanded Hope. She couldn’t bear to see his tortured soul laid bare like this. He was a good, strong man with much influence. Why on earth would he think he wasn’t worthy?

  “If I thought I was indispensable, I suppose.” He gave a forced laugh which tore through Hope’s heart. “But that makes me self-regarding.”

  “Which in turn makes you unworthy? Beaumont, it appears you have lessons to learn as well as give.” Hope could so very easily have told him in truth that he was vital to her, but intuitively she felt he had to find that out for himself. She strode from the room before he could see her much too-bright eyes.

  * * *

  Hope wasn’t sure if she was more cross or upset. It was a puzzle to her why Beaumont should regard himself as he did. There must be more to it than he had divulged. Perhaps she shouldn’t have stormed off as she had. A knock at her door interrupted her thoughts.