Beaumont bowed and said, “Miss Lucy, might you and I have a word in private?”
Lucy cast a glance at George, but his attention was drawn away by the approach of Miss Priscilla.
“Of course, Mr. Goodwin. The window seat at the far end of the room should provide some privacy. But would you like to take some tea first?”
“Later perhaps. But I most urgently wish to speak with you.”
Lucy did not like the sound of that but said, “Very well.”
Beaumont offered his arm, and they went to sit in the seclusion of the alcove window.
Beaumont began with a broad smile on his handsome face. “Miss Lucy, I was overjoyed when I heard the news.”
“Oh, and what news was that?”
“About you and your brother reuniting.”
Lucy nodded. “I see… yes, it is a most delightful development. And it has totally changed both of our lives.” But Lucy was curious. “And how did you learn about this? It happened only recently, and it is not something that has been made public.”
Laughing, Beaumont said, “Ah… yes, as you probably know by now, rural Dorset has a gossip network that is more active and proficient than that of the wags of London. News moves faster and more efficiently than the London postal service. It is my contention that it is all run by our household staffs.”
Lucy smiled inwardly. So, Ann and Charlotte were correct in their assumptions about the interconnectedness of the servants countywide.
Lucy wanted to get on with this. “And what is it that you want to talk to me about, Mr. Beaumont?”
He settled into himself for a moment before speaking. “Miss Lucy, it cannot have escaped your notice that I have a deep and abiding interest in you. From the moment I caught a glimpse of you at the ball, I was enchanted. But there could never be the possibility of us meeting as equals—I the son of a Lord and you the daughter of field hands. My family would never allow such a match.”
The ugly truth of her parentage reared its head once again.
She interrupted him. “But I am still the daughter of tenant farmers.” She could not help but resent his attitude.
“But that has changed. Your brother is educated, respectable, and wealthy. He has become a gentleman. And, while he may not have a title, his elevated position takes you along with him. Now I can truly consider marrying you. Might I consider us now a courting couple?” He sat back as though what he said was obvious and seemed to be surprised that she did not immediately warm to his regard.
Lucy could barely contain her anger at his smugness and condescension. “Sir, while I can see that you believe you have bestowed on me a great honor, I, however, must respectfully decline your generous offer. I have no interest or intention of considering marriage at this time. I have only just been freed from a life of servitude, and I intend to use this time to resume the work on my novel. It is my wish to become a widely published author, and I do not wish to interrupt my progress by marrying.”
She looked at him sternly, but he only smiled.
“Of course, I understand. This has all been so sudden. You have not had the opportunity yet to contemplate the great honor I am according you to my offer. But I am patient and, nothing, if not persistent.”
“But I thought you were courting Ann and Charlotte. They are under the impression that you are to ask one of them to marry you at any moment.”
Beaumont burst out laughing. “Oh, no. I am afraid they delude themselves about that. Charlotte is fair enough, but Ann has a certain Lady Macbeth quality that truly puts one off.”
Lucy could not help but smile at that analogy. “But they have substantial livings attached to their betrothal. Is that not an enticement?”
“Do you mean to say that you do not as well? It has been rumored that your brother has granted you a substantial dowry. Is that not so?”
Lucy demurred. She was not about to give Beaumont any encouragement. There was no doubt where her heart was attached. And the promise of a walk with George later this afternoon might further her hopes.
“Mr. Goodwin, I am sorry if I have disappointed your expectations, but let me be clear. I am not open to your overtures and do not expect that to change no matter how persistent or patient you are. So, I suggest you change your plan and look elsewhere.” She felt she was very clear and very firm.
Again, he just smiled. “Miss Lucy, I thank you for your honesty. It becomes you. But I am not one to give up so easily.”
He stood up, bowed, and went to secure some tea and a plate of tea cakes.
Lucy looked for George, but he was occupied with Miss Priscilla. He seemed engrossed in a conversation with her and was smiling and laughing. However, the rest of the room was less settled. As Mr. Goodwin was being served tea, Charlotte and Ann were in a heated conference with the Duchess and, as they talked, they kept glancing over at Priscilla and George or at Mr. Goodwin. It did not take a stretch of the imagination for Lucy to guess what those three ladies were talking about.
Just at that moment, the Duke and Harold came into the room, back from their trip to town. Betsy’s face lit up, and she waved to Harold who went to join her. The Duke went to his wife and daughters and appeared to be drawn into their heated conversation. Lucy took a deep breath. Everything was moving so quickly, and it appeared that the tranquility of Grayson Manor was not soon to be restored.
