by Aria Norton
“Monsieur Baudelaire was my tutor,” Helena replied.
“In what?” Luke questioned.
“Playing the violin.”
The man's eyes grew wide. “You wished to learn to play the violin? But, but...”
“But what?” Helena asked.
Nathaniel heard the warning in her voice and wondered if Luke had picked it up as well. Fortunately for him, he did.
“Only that I find it refreshing that a woman has stepped out of the constraints of society and pursued such a...” the man's eyes looked about as though he were scrambling to find the right words. “An interesting hobby!” he finished, evidently pleased with himself.
Helena smiled at Luke. “I'm so glad that you understand, Luke. Not many people would see it your way.”
Nathaniel felt as though someone had knocked the air out of him. Helena was smiling at another man, and it didn't sit right with him. Nathaniel needed to one-up what was just said, but what could he say? A spiteful idea formed in his head. His heart told him not to speak it, but Nathaniel went ahead anyway.
"I can truthfully say that 'tis wonderful when you have someone who is understanding by your side," Nathaniel began. "Beatrix is that person for me. Perhaps our friendship will turn into something longer-lasting."
He looked at Beatrix, hoping she could pick up that he was doing it for Helena's benefit.
Beatrix's eyes widened as she smiled, her grip on him tightening. “Oh, I would love that very much!”
Oh no. What had Nathaniel gotten himself into? Beatrix will never allow me to forget that I hinted at marriage. Inwardly groaning, Nathaniel turned to the only woman who's reaction he actually cared about. Was it his imagination, or was Helena sad? I think I see pain and disappointment, but I cannot be confident. Well, whatever he saw was gone in a flash when Helena grinned, taking Luke's arm. Nathaniel tracked the movement, narrowing his eyes at the tiny distance between Helena and Luke.
“I believe congratulations are in order, yes?” said Helena. “I am pleased for you and Miss Saunders.”
"But they are not the only ones with the good news, my dear Helena," Luke added. "Since we've heard such good news, would it not be wonderful to share our own?"
Nathaniel stilled. What good news was the man talking about? His heart pace increased, beating a tattoo of fear and apprehension as Nathaniel looked between the two. He shut his mind to what it was telling him. No, it cannot be marriage. There is simply no way it can be that. Helena said that she was not interested in getting married just yet. She had been sincere when she said it- I know it. Nathaniel held his breath, waiting to hear what Helena would say.
"I suppose we can share our news, Luke," Helena agreed solemnly. "It will not be kept a secret for long."
Nathaniel swallowed hard, breaking out into a cold sweat. Helena appeared reserved, morose almost. Maybe 'tis not what I think it is. Marriage should be a happy occasion! Perhaps my foolish mind is overreacting.
Luke cupped Helena's hand, covering it with his own. No, no, no. I do not like this one bit. Nathaniel wanted to tear their hands apart and pull Helena away, but he remained unmoving as he waited for Luke to speak.
“Well, I cannot give any the details just yet,” Luke grinned. “But an important announcement will be made soon. Quite soon. Helena and I are over the moon. Aren't we, my dear?”
Helena smiled, but it looked strained. “Yes, we're happy.”
Nathaniel felt the world drop out from under him, making him feel unstable. If not for Beatrix's vice-like grip on his arm, he might have stumbled and embarrassed himself.
Helena didn't meet Nathaniel's eyes, focusing solely on Luke. “Why don't we go, Luke? The midday meal is approaching, and Mama wished to see you today.”
"Yes! Of course, you're right," the man replied. "It was a pleasure meeting you both. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in London."
Not a word escaped Nathaniel's lips, but fortunately, Beatrix stepped in and made amends for his silence.
“Thank you,” she said. “Nathaniel and I hope to see you again.”
“Perhaps,” Luke answered. “Shall we go, Helena?”
“Yes,” came her quiet reply.
Nathaniel watched them walk off, unable to take his eyes off Helena.
“Do you now see what I was talking about?” Beatrix asked.
“Oh, hush,” Nathaniel ordered. “Let's go.”
The sooner he returned Beatrix and her aunt to their residence, the better. He needed to be alone.
Chapter 20
Beatrix couldn't stop smiling. The tide had finally turned in her favour, and she was pleased with the outcome of her plan.
“You certainly look jubilant, Niece,” said Aunt Tilly.
Beatrix was in such high spirits that not even her aunt's usual timid disposition was enough to annoy her today.
“I am rather happy, Aunt Tilly. 'Tis a beautiful day, is it not?”
“Why, yes, it is. But 'tis no better than yesterday, or the day before that. We have been blessed with beautiful weather this summer. I remarked on this very thing to Mrs Loveworth just the other day.” Aunt Tilly peered at Beatrix closely, narrowing her eyes. “You were no happier these other days. Has something happened?”
Should Beatrix say something about her good fortune? I suppose I can mention a little of what transpired between Nathaniel and I.
“You might hear wedding bells soon, Aunt Tilly,” said Beatrix, her lips stretched wide.
“Oh, how lovely. Who is getting married? I assume they must be people you know well.”
Beatrix resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Why on earth would I be happy about someone else getting married?
“The person I speak of is me. I might be getting married sooner than I thought.”
Aunt Tilly's eyes widened. “Oh, my dear! Why, that's wonderful news, indeed! Who is the man?”
Was the woman saying this in jest? “Nathaniel Baudelaire.”
“Nathaniel?”
Why did her aunt sound so disbelieving? “Yes, Nathaniel. We were with him some days ago.”
“Oh, I know who Nathaniel is, Beatrix, but I'm merely...taken aback. I did not expect him to ask for your hand. ”
Beatrix stilled. She didn't like the sound of that. “Why would you find my words surprising?”
"Well, to be frank, I did not think you suited each other. Perhaps as friends, but not as a married couple. Of course, I am not experienced in such things; thus, I can be wrong."
Why, the miserable old rat! How dare she say something like that? Beatrix jaw twitched as she sucked on her teeth. Who knew that a timid woman could have such an opinion? I have half a mind to give her ears a-ringing! But I mustn't show her anything of what I'm feeling. She might demand I go home, and I cannot leave until Nathaniel leaves.
If Aunt Tilly could suddenly become bold in her opinions, who knew what else she might say or do? And if I go now, Helena might wreak havoc in my absence. There was every chance that the misunderstanding between Nathaniel and Helena could be brought to light and solved. If that happens, my plan to marry Nathaniel will go up in smoke. Beatrix sipped her tea instead, hiding her anger behind the dainty cup.
“Why not invite your lovely young man for tea?” Aunt Tilly suggested. “I would love to know more about the man who wishes to marry my niece.”
That sounded like a wonderful idea. Aunt Tilly is now making more sense. “I'll send an invitation to him to join us for tea tomorrow. Will that do?”
“Oh, yes,” Aunt Tilly agreed. “That leaves Cook ample time to put something grand together. Perhaps we can invite a few others and have them join in your good news.”
Goodness gracious, no! Nathaniel had not actually asked for her hand in marriage yet, he had only hinted at it. Beatrix knew it was solely for Helena's benefit, but she planned to use Nathaniel's statement to her advantage.
“That's not necessary,” Beatrix answered. “I'm confident Nathaniel will not want many people to learn of our g
ood news right now. He has yet to speak to his own family, and he is a traditional man. He prefers to do everything by the book.”
“Oh, if that's the case, I am more than pleased to receive him as our only guest. Send the note, and I shall speak to Cook right away.”
It didn't occur to Beatrix that Nathaniel would deny her. She knew that he had no performances tomorrow, and she had actually been thinking of a way to see him again and discuss the possibility of marriage. Papa always said I should strike while the iron's hot.
As Aunt Tilly went off to the kitchen, Beatrix quickly wrote a short letter and sent it with a footman, charging him with the responsibility of giving the note to no one else but Nathaniel. Beatrix didn't want Nathaniel to make an excuse about coming to see her.
“I know how he can be. He is currently moping about his house, and thinking about how Helena could have betrayed him.”
The knowledge made her smile. Beatrix had finally severed any lasting link between Helena and Nathaniel.
“I have Helena to thank for that! I only expected her to be courted during the Season. I never thought that she would agree to a betrothal so soon!”
The first official ball had not yet taken place, and already the woman was engaged. There had been smaller balls and events, but they were all preludes to the main event. Beatrix had not yet found out who would host the first ball, and wondered if Aunt Tilly would obtain an invite.
“It would be wonderful to walk into the ball with Nathaniel at my side, but the first ball is rather exclusive.”
Helena would undoubtedly be there with Luke, her husband-to-be. When would the betrothal announcement take place? The sooner, the better for Beatrix.
But Nathaniel is all mine now.
It was about time.
Beatrix sat at the front parlour window, waiting for Nathaniel to arrive. Fortunately, he had agreed to come, or she might have had to find an excuse to go to his house- with Aunt Tilly, of course.
"I have taken special care of my appearance today. I wonder if Nathaniel will notice?"
Perhaps not. Nathaniel would likely still be thinking about Helena and feeling down about the whole drama.
“Tis his own fault for allowing himself to feel any affection for a woman like her. Of course, I do not blame him entirely. I know how cunning women can be when they put their minds to it.”
Take herself, for example. Beatrix had created a plan, executed it, and was now reaping the benefits.
“Simply put: the best woman won.”
Nathaniel arrived with eight minutes to spar. He is early even when nursing a hurting heart. Beatrix had Aunt Tilly usher him into the parlour while Beatrix sat on a chair looking pretty in pink.
“Nathaniel,” she said, getting to her feet. “How wonderful to see you. Please, take a seat.”
“Beatrix,” he said simply. “I trust you're well?”
“Quite well,” she answered, holding out her hand.
Nathaniel took it limply in his but didn't kiss it as she had hoped he would. Instead, he shook it! This is not a good start at all but 'tis only the beginning. By the time Nathaniel leaves my presence, I'll have achieved what I set out to do.
Hiding her disappointment behind a smile, Beatrix gestured to a seat beside hers. Aunt Tilly sat closest to the door, as per the agreement. Beatrix had charmed her aunt into spending more time away from them than in the room, giving Beatrix time alone with Nathaniel.
“Thank you for inviting me to tea,” said Nathaniel.
"Oh, do not mention it, my dear man," Aunt Tilly insisted. "It's an absolute pleasure to have you here. I enjoyed our walk through Hyde Park and mentioned to Beatrix how lovely it would be if you came to pay us a visit. Is that not so?"
“Yes!” Beatrix readily agreed. “Aunt Tilly found you to be a lovely young man. A cut above the rest- is that not what you said?”
“That is precisely what I said, dear. Now, if you would excuse me, I shall have the tea brought to us.”
Nathaniel stood up when Aunt Tilly did, only sitting down when the woman left the room. Beatrix took a moment to observe him, noting his drawn face and dull eyes. What is it about Helena that has caused him to mourn her? I would think that the knowledge of her betrayal would anger him and push him to look elsewhere, but it's abundantly apparent the woman is still on his mind. Beatrix would have to work harder to take Nathaniel's mind off the woman.
“Thank you for accepting our invitation,” said Beatrix. “I know that you are not feeling particularly ready to see people right now.”
A pained expression crossed Nathaniel's face. “A distraction is preferable to being alone with my thoughts.”
"Oh, I know," she simpered. "I'm so glad that we can be of some help to you during this difficult time. I feel so angry every time I think about what Lady Barclay did to you. She fooled you and humiliated you to that man. Only a person of her class would do such a thing. Could we have expected any less?"
Nathaniel looked away. “I allowed myself to be taken in by her despite my better judgement. 'Tis my fault alone.”
“Oh no! Do not blame yourself, Nathaniel, please. You are not at fault, do you hear me? How can an honest man possibly understand the wickedness of others? Lady Barclay took advantage of your good character.”
“That's not so,” Nathaniel denied.
“Of course, it is! If not for her, you would not be experiencing these terrible emotions.”
Nathaniel turned to her, smiling weakly. “You have always been a good friend, Beatrix.”
“I will always be your friend,” she promised. “And if you choose to, I will always be by your side.”
Nathaniel's eyebrows creased for a moment, and Beatrix thought he would say something but Aunt Tilly chose that moment to return with the tea. Beatrix groaned inwardly. I will have to teach Aunt Tilly about correct timing.
“I hope you are at least peckish, Nathaniel,” said Aunt Tilly. “Cook has put together a lovely spread- sandwiches, cold meat, fruit, and cake.”
Nathaniel smiled. “That all sounds delicious, Miss Tilly. Fortunately, I am a little hungry.”
“Splendid! Beatrix, please pour some tea for our guest.”
Beatrix stood up, trying her best to appear graceful as she held the teapot at a precise angle, and poured the liquid into a rose-patterned cup. Oh, why didn't Aunt Tilly use the bluebell teacups? Nathaniel prefers blue, not pink! At least, if the food was good, Nathaniel would not mind the pink. What sort of teacups had Helena provided? Beatrix imagined the woman had many sets and could please any visitor.
“May I put a few treats on a side plate?” she asked, handing Nathaniel his tea.
“A piece of cake and a few sandwiches will suffice, thank you.”
Beatrix chose that moment to look at her aunt, widening her eyes as she looked at the door. Aunt Tilly gave a minute nod of her head.
"Oh, I have just remembered there is something I must do," the older woman exclaimed. "If you would, please excuse me? I shall not be long."
Nathaniel stood up again, sitting once Aunt Tilly closed the door behind her. Beatrix gave Nathaniel a chance to eat something and take a sip of tea before launching into her reasons why a marriage between them was the perfect arrangement.