Lady Beckham took a breath, scowling into the corner of the room. It was clear she considered the alternatives. “The truth would be a scandal,” she whispered, naming her own fear. “After all these years.” She fixed him with a look. “I will ensure that the children have nothing.”
He shrugged. “I have had nothing and survived it.”
“You forget yourself…”
“No, not I. This choice, Lady Beckham, is entirely yours.” Arthur bowed over her hand, then spun to depart. His step was lighter than it had been in a long time, for he felt he had cast off a burden. He would be free again, perhaps more penniless than Miss Carruthers anticipated, but his choices would be his own again.
And that was more than worth any price he might have to pay.
He would not dine with Lady Beckham on this evening, not when she was vexed with him, but he would go out. Such indulgences might soon be beyond his means, after all.
And if the cards showed him favor, if this sense of opportunity continued, he might begin to amass some funds for his shared future with Miss Carruthers. Could they create a successful firm together? In his current mood, Arthur believed it could be so, but he knew that he had to make the most of every moment to contribute to the prospect of success.
He had a quest and he could not wait to begin.
CHAPTER4
“Is it true?” Prudence appeared in the doorway of their shared chamber in her nightshirt. Her hair hung in golden waves to her hips, curling even though it was still damp.
“What did you hear?” Patience asked, guessing that her sister had heard a great deal.
Prudence shook her head, closing the door and flinging herself across the room. “Miss Grosvenor came to the shop, looking for you, and when she did not find you, she told everyone that Arthur Beckham had chosen you over her. Is it true?”
Patience nodded and Prudence squealed with delight.
“Good. I do not wish ill upon anyone but she is the kind of person who does not deserve to have everything she desires.” She fell back on the bed. “Especially a man like Arthur Beckham.” She sighed rapturously and Patience smiled.
“Perhaps you should wed him.”
“He did not choose me, but oh, Patience, he is so handsome and daring.” Prudence gave her a poke. “However will you tame such a man?”
Patience did not know.
Prudence sat up, fairly bouncing in her curiosity. “Do you knowanythingabout him?”
“Very little,” Patience was compelled to admit.
“Save that he is rich.” Her younger sister fixed Patience with a look. “I never thought that would be your sole consideration.”
“It is not.”
“Then why accept him?”
“Because…” Patience had no good reply for that and she immediately saw that her sister knew it.
“Because his wealth means that you will be able to buy as many books as you like, and read as much as you like, so long as you give him a son or two. Oh, Patience, you are predictable.”
“I might have fallen in love with him,” she had to protest.
Prudence laughed and laughed at the very notion. “You will never be guided by your heart, Patience. Always sensible. Always logical.” She rolled her eyes, then granted Patience a pitying look—albeit one filled with anticipation. “I am going to have to help you so very, very much.”
“Are you?” Patience could only be amused.
Prudence surveyed Patience. “Your hair. You must change your hair.”
“My hair is fine!”
“Your hair is acceptable, but you must choose a style that is less severe.” Prudence tilted her head to consider her sister. “Some curls would not destroy your concentration overmuch. And you will need a dress for the wedding.”
