“He just needs a little push,” Ann added.
Lucy found this amusing. It did not take a great deal of thought to figure out what the situation really was. Beaumont had made it quite clear to her several times that it wasshewho was the object of his interest—not either of the Grayson sisters. But was it any of her business to correct the sisters’ assumptions? She thought not.
“And we were thinking it would be useful if you might agree to help us with this matter,” Ann insisted.
Lucy decided to play along. It was intriguing to see what they might have in mind. It was so obvious they had no interest in her personally but were only trying to use her. “Of course, how might I be of assistance?”
“You are so friendly, and everybody loves you.” Ann shifted in her chair as though she was uncomfortable with her false flattery. “And we thought you might know of someone amongst the servants who would have connections with the Brookdale staff. It would be so useful if we could find out Mr. Beaumont’s habits so that we might contrive an accidental meeting with him—if you understand.”
“And how do you think that would help? Certainly, if he wanted to ask for your hand in marriage, he would do so.”
They seemed blunted by her honest and obvious statement.
Charlotte smiled. “But what you do not understand is the persuasive powers of our many assets. We think he has not had the opportunity to fully discover our many charms. And if we were to get him alone, away from the distractions of his family, he would surely see which of us his obvious choice must be.”
Ann scowled at Charlotte for thinking it was she who would be chosen.
Lucy decided to play along with this deception. “I should be happy to help. Now, exactly what is it you wish me to do?”
Just then George came into the drawing room. It was clear he had just come from painting as he was in his work clothes and had smudges of paint on his face. He looked around and, seeing Lucy, went directly to her, interrupting, just as Ann was about to describe what they needed Lucy to do for them.
“Sisters, might I tear Lucy away from you for a moment? I need just a few words with her.”
Lucy turned to Ann and shrugged. “Excuse me, please.”
She stood and walked aside with George, happy to escape the sisters, but knowing they would not let her escape for long.
“Lucy, I just heard the news. Harold has accepted the position. And I must ask, what does this mean for you? Are you still planning to accept the position with Lady Harding?”
Lucy was thrilled he was asking her that question. “I am not. Your father has granted that Harold and I may continue living at the Manor until my brother is able to obtain a suitable estate for our use.”
“Then you intend to remain in Dorset?”
“I do. Harold has graciously offered to let me live at his estate as long as I wish. And in the meantime, he is supporting me with my writing.” Lucy could not believe she was about to say this, but she could not help herself. “And he plans to establish a substantial living on me if I should ever decide to marry.”
She could not look George in the eyes after she said that. It was such a brazen thing to say. He could not help but understand her meaning.
In fact, when she finally did look up at him, he seemed to be struggling with his own inner turmoil. She then said, as lightly as she could, “So you see, you may continue to count on me to model for you, from time to time—as long as it does not interfere with my writing.”
He just looked at her for the longest moment and then smiled and said, “I shall not paint you again until it is your official portrait as an established novelist. However, in the meantime, you still have your writing desk in the studio, and you are welcome to use it at any time.”
“Now, that is an offer I cannot refuse.”
Ann came over and, taking hold of her brother’s arm, asked, “Are you finished with our dear Miss Lucy yet? We need her for just a little while longer, and then you are free to carry on. May I?” she asked, taking hold of Lucy’s hand and backing up and pulling Lucy with her.
Lucy cast a look at George, and he smiled and winked at her and waved his hand at his sister, allowing her to take Lucy away.
Lucy’s mind was still swirling with her audacious announcement to George about her newly acquired living, but she was brought quickly back to the moment when she sat opposite the sisters.
“Now what we need from you,” Charlotte began, “is for you to see who amongst our staff have an acquaintance with any staff at the Brookdale Estate. And if there are any such folks let us know so that we may instruct them on what we need.”
“Can you do that for us, Lucy?” Ann asked.
It was little enough to ask, and Lucy hoped that by helping them she might establish a more-friendly relationship with the sisters. “Of course. Let me inquire around, and I will let you know what I discover.”
That seemed to satisfy them, and they immediately stood and went to refresh their tea without offering to do the same for her.
Chapter 25
