“Oh, I did not realize you might hear back so soon.”
“She wants me to start in a fortnight.”
Both Lucy and George stared at each other, as though each was expecting the other to say something significant. Finally, George asked, “And you are going to take the position?”
Lucy did not reply right away. Her heart was racing, and she kept hoping that George would say something to try and dissuade her from accepting the offer. But he did not.
“Why would I not? It is a most attractive offer, and I would be elevated from a part-time scullery maid to a full-fledged lady’s companion. And I believe I would be appreciated in ways I am not now.”
“Do you mean to say you still have not been offered a salary for the work you do?” George asked.
“Mrs. Mead managed to find me a small wage for my work in the kitchen, but your mother has not offered me even ha’pence.”
George hung his head in shame. “Oh Lucy, I am truly sorry. If I controlled the household purse, you should be well compensated. But I do not, and even though I have spoken to both my father and mother, it seems they disregard my suggestions.”
Lucy was aching with regret but had to say, “Then I must accept Lady Harding’s offer.”
George looked extremely pained. “Oh, Lucy…” It appeared to her he wanted to say more, but instead, he turned toward the window and stood with his hands clasped behind his back. And he said softly, “I do not know if I can stand being separated from you, my dearest Lucy.”
Lucy’s heart raced with anticipation. Might he have more to say?
Then he turned back to her. “I shall be truly sorry to see you leave us, but I certainly understand why you must.”
Lucy’s heart sank. He had accepted her leaving. She had no choice now. She must accept the offer and move to London.
Chapter 20
Never in the Grayson family were so many hearts filled with hope as the carriage headed toward Brookdale Estate. That is with the exception of Matthew, George, and Betsy. Matthew hated dressing up and going out for dinner. Betsy saw no reason whatsoever whysheshould attend as there would not be anyone of interest for her to meet. And George was despondent over Lucy’s news of her leaving Grayson Manor.
George was also plagued by his mother and father’s insistence that he should marry soon. He regretfully realized that the only woman who could truly claim his heart was Lucy—but an alliance with her was an impossibility. As the carriage rumbled its way toward Brookdale, George struggled in his mind with what his options were. Fact: he did need to get married relatively soon. Fact: he had met no one else in all of Dorset that caught his attention, let alone his heart. Fact: Priscilla was just about the only lady he had met that came anywhere close to meeting his parents’ requirements for a suitable bride and who he found at least a little attractive. She was from a good family and brought with her a substantial living, which would delight his parents no end. Therefore, he decided that he must use this evening to more genuinely acquaint himself with Priscilla and see if there might be any possibility of an attachment.
The two eldest sisters were already nervously fanning themselves in anticipation of a significant evening. Each thought they would be the one asked to accept Beaumont’s hand in marriage.
The carriage arrived at Brookdale, and the family was greeted by the butler who helped them out of the carriage and led them into the large sitting room where Beaumont, Priscilla, and their mother were already seated by the fireplace.
Beaumont stood as they entered. “Good evening, Your Graces, and ladies. George, welcome, old man. Might I introduce you to my mother who was absent at the picnic the other day? Lady Goodwin, The Duke and Duchess of Sutherland and their charming children.”
“So pleased,” Lady Goodwin responded.
She was a matronly lady in her fifties, with a wig that was just slightly askew, giving her a somewhat drunken appearance. But in all other ways, she seemed to be a pleasant lady.
Ann and Charlotte jockeyed for a prime seat near Beaumont, and they fell quickly into conversation with him.
George approached Miss Priscilla who was seated near the fireplace working on a piece of embroidery. She looked up as he approached but did not greet him. He realized she was still cold to him after he brushed her off at the picnic.
“Miss Priscilla, how lovely to see you again. I fear you might have taken my last visit here as an affront. But let me say in my own defense that I was distracted by my work awaiting me and I must apologize for acting ungentlemanly toward you.”
Priscilla’s eyes immediately lit up as she put down her work. “Oh, Mr. George, I am most grateful for your apology as I did, indeed, take your behavior toward me as an affront.”
“Then I hope I may make it up to you this evening. I trust we might be seated at the table near each other so that we may converse more fully.” But he felt his heart sink even as he uttered those words and thought of his dear friend, Lucy.
“I shall make certain that we do.”
George sat next to her, and they conversed until dinner was called.
As they headed toward the dining room, both Ann and Charlotte rested their hands on top of Beaumont’s outstretched arms as he led the way. George similarly offered his arm to Miss Priscilla.
The dinner was characterized by the usual, polite and non-confrontational conversation. Beaumont tried to converse with the whole assembly but was repeatedly drawn back into intimate conversations with Ann and Charlotte who were to his left and right.
