“Can I come in, darling?” Dear Mama. How very welcome she was.
“Oh, Mama, I have behaved appallingly when I should have been patient and understanding. Now I don’t know what to do.”
Prudence laughed and pulled Hope onto the bed beside her, giving her such a hug that it was difficult to breathe. It was comforting to inhale the sweetness of her mother’s skin. She felt safe and loved. After a while, her mother murmured, “Tell your mama what is troubling you. I’m sure we can find a solution.” She listened as Hope unburdened herself. Unsure whether she should disclose that she was falling in love with Beaumont, she held back some of the details. However, her mama could read her mind it would seem. “So, darling Hope, you have fallen deeply in love with Beaumont.”
“Oh, Mama, what shall I do? I hate to see him unhappy; I don’t want him to go away. I don’t know what to do.”
Prudence gently took her arms from around her daughter and stood up. She walked to the window and looked out. With her back to Hope, she said, “I may have the solution to the problem. I remember your father and Constance discussing someone. At the time I had no idea who it was, but I’m sure I’m right when I think of it now. I believe Beaumont is concerned with the sins of the father as mentioned in the Bible. Although in his case, it would be the grandfather. He was a tyrant who ruled his house with a rod of iron. Beaumont’s father did all he could to please him, but it was not to be. It would appear Beaumont has taken up the cudgel and is using it to beat himself. He feels guilty, it’s as simple as that.”
Hope considered her mother’s words and tried to work out what they meant. “So the problem is straightforward, is that what you mean, Mama?”
“Yes, I do. Beaumont is a marvellous man. He knows how to bring succour to people and he also knows how to enjoy himself. Remember how easily he took to our bicycling outing and how he was content to let us row? He reminds me of your dear papa in many ways. If only he were here now I’m sure he could counsel Beaumont. Unless...”
Hope sprang up. “What is it, Mama? You have a plan, don’t you? Please tell me.”
Prudence smiled. “We will have to convince him that he is needed.”
“How are we going to do that when he is going away tomorrow?” wailed Hope. The thought of his departure under such a burden of unhappiness distressed her beyond reason.
* * *
Edna pulled aside the drapes the following morning and Hope sat up in bed. It had been a very long night with little sleep. Today Beaumont was going away. For Edna’s sake she tried to be cheerful. The show yesterday had been enjoyed and she didn’t want gloom setting in.
“Which dress shall I lay out for you, Hope?” asked Edna, opening the cupboard to reveal the flourishing array of gowns.
Hope didn’t care what she dressed in: sackcloth and ashes would have done. But Beaumont was coming to say goodbye and she would dress up for him. “The ruby red, I think.”
“Are you sure it isn’t too dressy for a morning gown?” asked Edna.
“I trust your sense of fashion, Edna, but I would like to wear it today.”
“Very well. It is beautiful.” Edna fussed around with undergarments and soon Hope was transformed into a vision of loveliness.
At breakfast, Hope was surprised to see not only her mother already sitting at the table but also Aunt Constance. She skirted the table to kiss them. “How lovely to breakfast with you both,” she said, taking her seat.
“This morning I feel better than I have for a long time. I wanted some company,” announced her aunt. “While I was confined to my room I heard laughter and conversation from downstairs and I longed to join in. Dear Prudence and Hope, what a difference you have made to the household. It was so quiet and solemn before you arrived. The only other person to treat me without kid gloves after Eustace’s death was Beaumont. More and more I see what Eustace must have seen in him. He is a tonic.”
“Then you must tell him, Constance,” said Prudence, lifting her teacup to her lips. Over the top of it her eyes smiled at Hope.
“I will when I have the opportunity.” Constance cut into her bacon. “The show yesterday was fun. Is there the possibility of another one soon?”
“Beaumont is going away,” replied Prudence. “But I shall arrange a concert as you suggested if that is agreeable to you.”
“I am looking forward to it. Especially Stevenson’s performance.” Constance grinned and glanced up at Stevenson who looked as if he were almost going to smile.
After breakfast, Hope sat in the morning room chatting to her mother and aunt. She knew Beaumont would call soon and was feeling anxious. Perhaps she should excuse herself and go out into the garden so she could avoid him. Yes, that was the best thing to do. Before leaving the house she picked up one of Uncle Eustace’s books, although she was sure she would be unable to concentrate knowing Beaumont was close.
There was a slight chill in the air and Hope was glad of her shawl. Why had she bothered to wear the ruby red dress? But Mama had been very complimentary about it and had thanked Aunt Constance for introducing her to the dressmaker. Mama had such an easy way about her; she was very gracious despite her impetuousness. The birds were singing and the sun was making an appearance now. Her aunt’s garden was quite beautiful. Hope sat on a seat under a tree and waited for the time to pass, trying not to think how she would survive without Beaumont’s visits to look forward to. She opened the book to look at the illustrations of Pompeii and Herculaneum. A piece of paper fell out and, knowing it was quite the wrong thing to do, Hope smoothed it out. Having finished reading the unsent letter, she tucked it back inside the book, closed her eyes and became lost in thought.
“I find you at last.” The voice shook Hope from her reverie. She turned to see Beaumont very close by. He had a serious look and seemed rather formidable today. “Both Prudence and Constance know I’m here. In fact it was their idea I came to find you. For some reason they found they had something important to discuss and couldn’t accompany me outside.”
Hope knew her mama had plotted the meeting, but the two of them colluding was more than she could understand.
“May I?” Beaumont indicated the grass next to her.
“Please.” As Beaumont settled himself she took a deep breath. “There is something you must read. But before you do so, I have a question. In what regard did you hold Uncle Eustace?”
“He was a remarkable man. He quietly worked to help people less fortunate than himself. He wanted no reward, not even praise. Your aunt was unaware of many of his good works. The one regret of his life was that he and Constance remained childless. If I were to mould myself on someone it would be Eustace.”
Hope passed him the note. “It is a note written by my uncle to you. Whether he ever intended sending it we will never know.”
Beaumont read aloud. “My dear friend, Mr Beaumont, I am writing with some words of advice. You have many virtues, but you have one major failing. You have taken onto your shoulders the sins of another man, a man you barely knew. You must cast aside the guilt you feel and concentrate on those activities you do best. I know you have worked hard to improve the conditions for your workers in your family mill and have already built bathhouses and almshouses. I am confident you will continue with this work as you have a worthy heart. If I had been blessed with a son I hope he would have resembled you. Yours in highest regard, Eustace.”
Hope watched his face as Beaumont folded the paper and handed it back to her. She was unable to determine his feelings. After an interminable silence he said, “He is right, as you were yesterday evening. My feeling of unworthiness is a fault I must overcome.” He took a deep breath. “And now, Hope, tell me your plans.”
Hope didn’t want to think of the immediate future when Beaumont would be away, but tried to sound cheerful. “I expect Mama and I will have some adventures before she returns to Papa and I will continue to teach the maids and anyone else who wants to join the lessons. Although, I did notice that quite a few of
the servants were reading the more difficult passages I had written on the pamphlet. Some are reasonably well educated.”
“Indeed they are. I wonder how we could help them.” Beaumont leapt to his feet and reached down to grab her hand and pull her up to face him. “A lending library at my house. That must be what I set up next. I have heard of it before where benevolent employers provide a lending library for their servants. What do you think, Hope?” He grabbed her and twirled her round in a foolish dance.
“I think it is an excellent idea.”
“My library won’t be solely for my own servants, but for the employees of all my friends and acquaintances.”
“Your house will be perfect. In fact…”
“Go on.”
“Nothing.”
“Please, I’d like to hear what you have to say,” Beaumont insisted.
“I had a similar thought when I visited your home dressed as Richard. It’s the ideal setting from what I could tell.”
“When I saw you looking round I imagined you despairing at its untidiness.”
“No, I liked the atmosphere very much. But it seemed as though the rooms could be put to good use and you have plenty of books.”
“I think the drawing room will make an excellent library. I never use it. Will you help me set it up?”
“I’d like that very much, but haven’t you forgotten something? You are going to Yorkshire later today.”
“Aah, now I have something to show you.” Beaumont pulled a letter from his pocket and waved it under her nose. “There is no need for you to read it, but the problems my manager was encountering have been solved. It is unnecessary for me to go now although I would like to visit shortly.”
“You could set up a library there for the workers.”
“Another good idea. I believe fate is working to keep us together. The receipt of the letter from my manager was timely. And having postponed my journey I have the opportunity to know you better by spending some time with you, if that will please you. I do not think your mother will disapprove. In fact I have a feeling she might view me as a potential suitor.”
“Shouldn’t I have a say in that matter?” asked Hope. It was more than she dared wish for, but she didn’t want to appear eager. Also, she was a little vexed that she might not be consulted on the subject. She was aware Mama and Beaumont were capable of anything.
“Of course you should,” replied Beaumont in an even tone. “Might this convince you?” Hope felt his breath on her face and his features became indistinct as he moved nearer to her. The touch of his lips was gentle yet passionate. She responded to him without a care in the world knowing she wanted to be with him forever. “My darling Hope. Forgive my forwardness. I know it’s contrary to decorum, but when I’m with you I can’t help my actions.”
Hope let out a ripple of laughter. “Dear Beaumont, you don’t observe protocol with anyone! You please yourself.” When no reply came, she felt foolish. What had she said to offend him now? His face had grown serious, but he didn’t distance himself from her. “What is it? What have I said that is wrong?”
Beaumont shook his head, his hair brushing Hope’s face. “Nothing at all! You referred to me as ‘dear Beaumont’. I am deeply moved and honoured.” His forehead lightly touched hers and it seemed as if a jolt of something powerful leapt between the two of them.
CHAPTER 14
The following days passed quickly in a hive of activity. Hope was exhausted by her physical labours. She had taken on the task of sorting Uncle Eustace’s books into some semblance of order suitable for the purposes Beaumont and she had in mind. Aunt Constance had been most willing for the books to be put to good use and was taking a lively interest in the process. Some of the time she got in the way and held up the process by chatting about some of the titles. Hope didn’t mind; she was delighted her aunt was drawn to the subject. It was good to hear her reminiscences, but it meant the task took a great deal longer than expected. As Hope climbed up and down the library steps to retrieve volumes, Constance took some of them from one pile and placed them onto the other without realising she was doing anything untoward. Prudence understood and at last managed to persuade her sister-in-law to take a turn around the garden.
“The fresh air will do us both good,” she declared, taking Constance’s arm. “Also I want to ask you about your dressmaker. Do you suppose she has the time to make a gown for me? I will need something special for the concert. Most of my clothes are still in Italy.” Prudence steered Constance from the room, turning to raise her eyebrows at her daughter.
“Thank you,” mouthed Hope, smiling broadly. It seemed to her that she had a constant smile on her lips these days. She wiped a hand across her forehead and rearranged the piles of books.
It was a hard job to consider which works would be more suitable for the factory workers and which for the more educated servants. It was easier to discern the needs of the unschooled. The contents of Uncle Eustace’s library had nothing suitable for them. Hope decided she would devise her own books. It would give her a great deal of pleasure to do so, but she despaired of having the time and energy to fulfil the undertaking. To her surprise Edna entered the room. She was a welcome sight.
“Have you come to help?” Hope enquired.
“I still have unexpected duties. Mr Stevenson and the cook are taking an inventory of various things to ensure we have enough provisions for the concert.”
“Is it an awful lot of extra work for you all?” asked Hope. She hadn’t considered the implications for the staff. Now she was horrified at her lack of thought.
“Oh no, my lady, we are quite excited by it.”
“I am Hope, remember?”
Edna looked about her. “I wasn’t entirely sure you were alone. Outside your rooms I think I should call you by your title.”
There will always be this divide, thought Hope. There would never be a time when people addressed each other by their Christian names with no consideration of what position they held in a household. She noticed something in Edna’s hand. “What have you there? Is it for Mama or Aunt Constance? If so, they are in the garden.”
“No, Mr Stevenson said it’s a letter for you.” Edna handed Hope the envelope and hurried off.
Glad of a brief respite, Hope sank into a chair and opened the stiff white envelope. The writing was unfamiliar to her and she couldn’t guess who had communicated with her. It took at least two readings for her to comprehend the information in the letter. When she did, it required all her will power to stop herself from screaming aloud and running around the room. Her article about the importance of literacy for the magazine had not only been accepted, but there was a payment as well. She would willingly have forgone the emolument just for the pleasure of seeing her work in print and knowing someone thought it was good enough to be included in a publication. It would be unseemly to return the money, so she would put it towards the lending library.
The contents of the letter gave Hope renewed vitality and she tackled the job in hand with fervour. By the time her mama and aunt returned, she had sorted the piles of volumes she would like to keep. Now she had to find a way to transport them to Beaumont’s house; it would be his job to take them to his factory.
“I shall ring for tea,” said her aunt. “You seem to have disturbed quite a bit of dust from the shelves, Hope. It will be a good opportunity for a thorough clean in here.”
“I don’t wish to give the maids more work,” said Hope. That had not been her intention at all. “I believe they have additional labour because of the concert.”
“Nonsense,” said Constance. “They always cope admirably.”
Stevenson appeared at the door. “Excuse me, Your Grace, but you have a visitor. Lady Padstock has arrived with her daughter.”
“We shall come at once,” said Constance. “Please serve tea in the drawing room.”
After greetings all round the women were soon comfortably seated.
“I have been hearing rumour
s from my lady’s maid that some very strange events have occurred here,” Lady Padstock said, before sipping her tea.
“Strange?” Constance asked. “Possibly not the word I would have used. My niece and Beaumont have simply opened my eyes to possibilities I would never have thought of. I can say with all honesty that I am happy and that my dear Eustace would be delighted with my new found happiness, the magic lantern show, the reading lessons and the lending library we are setting up together.”
Hope grinned when she heard her aunt include herself so closely.
“Now, my dear,” Constance continued, “I heard a rumour myself. It is that Isabella rather flouted etiquette at your ball and danced almost every dance with James Henderson.”
Isabella blushed and looked down at the floor.
Lady Padstock puffed out her chest. “Indeed, it is true. However, I have some news for you. That is the reason for our visit. The Honourable James Henderson has asked for Isabella’s hand in marriage.”
Hope smiled at Isabella. “I am delighted and wish you and James a long and joyful union.”
“I am delighted too.” Constance fiddled with her wedding ring. “I wish you all the happiness Eustace and I shared, but if you only have half you will be blessed.”
Hope’s mama rose and kissed Isabella on the cheek. “It is wonderful news and I too wish you every happiness.” Seated again, she added, “It worked then.”
They all turned to her.
“I mean dancing with him for every dance worked. Possibly one should not follow the rules of etiquette. What do you think Hope?”
“Oh, Mama, I don’t even know what they are because you have never taught them to me properly. You have let me be unchaperoned with Beaumont, but nothing terrible has occurred.”
“Oh, my dear, is that true?” Lady Padstock looked alarmed.
THE MAGIC TOUCH (Historical Romance) Page 13