Miss Beckham then appealed to Patience. “Then you will come? I should so like to become acquainted with you, but do not wish to interfere with your plans for the day. Arthur is inclined to see his own objectives alone.”
“I am the heart and soul of consideration, as you, dear sister, know more than any other.”
Miss Beckham chortled. Mr. Beckham grinned, then he offered his hand to Patience.
She wished to accompany them more than she had desired any outing in a while. She looked over her shoulder and caught her father’s eye. He was watching the exchange from the threshold of his office and smiled when their gazes met. He nodded and made a shooing motion with his hand.
“I shall despise you forever if you ignore me now,” Prudence threatened beneath her breath, suddenly appearing beside Patience. Her bright smile made her expectation clear and Patience was pleased to introduce her.
She then left them chatting while she fetched her bonnet, gloves, coat and bag.
Riding in the park in the morning. Taking responsibility for naming a pair of cats. Goodness. Next, she would be leaving cards and making calls. The very unlikelihood of such a change in her priorities made Patience smile.
No, it was the prospect of Mr. Beckham’s companionship that made her smile. She hoped he did not know it, but looked back to find him watching her and guessed that he did.
CHAPTER6
Arthur Beckham was rapidly becoming convinced that proposing to Miss Patience Carruthers had been the cleverest choice he had made in considerable time. First, there had been that scandalous book, and then her recognition of it. Had he ever seen a young lady blush so becomingly? Yet even when she was obviously agitated, she remained adamant that the book must be returned. And she had the most curious habit of beginning a lecture when he teased her, as if she thought he was in need of education. She was unlike any young lady of his acquaintance.
Who else would have insisted upon a joint venture as the condition of her agreement? Any other lady would have tripped in her haste to accept his offer, but not Miss Carruthers. And those silvery eyes, so serious, so intently fixed upon him. He might have sworn she could read the secrets of his soul.
No wonder he was compelled to coax her smile. Though it might have been a ploy to distract her from her perusal, the reward was beyond measure. Her smile dawned slowly, honestly, gradually capturing her lips and then her eyes, as if each feature had to be persuaded to merriment.
He wanted to make her laugh aloud, just to prove it could be done.
In addition, he had been summoned to explain his choice by no less a personage than the Duke of Haynesdale and had been given advice for that encounter by the infamous courtesan, Miss Esmeralda Ballantyne. And their agreement had been made less than two days before.
His life promised to be one sequence of unanticipated adventures with Miss Carruthers by his side. Arthur could not wait to discover what surprise awaited him next.
He would have a surprise for Miss Carruthers by their wedding day, one that was guaranteed to win her approval. All he had to do was keep his quest a secret until the day they exchanged their vows.
That wound be nothing, compared to a ruse of twenty-two years.
The lady’s most recent blush was one that set his blood afire. Did she have any notion how alluring she was as the pink stole over her cheeks? Was she aware of how her lips parted, fairly inviting a kiss—and Arthur had a notion of just how he would kiss Miss Carruthers—or how her eyes shone, as brilliant as the shimmer of sunlight on a still sea? The prospect of exploring a volume of intimate advice with her was a most distracting notion.
It was a fine autumn day for a ride and he found himself particularly satisfied to have his betrothed seated on his left. Though she was careful to neither jostle against him nor even touch him, Arthur was keenly aware of her slender presence beside him. She smelled faintly of lily-of-the-valley and fresh linen. Her long coat was a deep blue that only made her eyes look more remarkable, and he could only admire her when he handed her into the carriage.
He knew Amelia was intrigued by Miss Carruthers and hoped they would find common ground. While his sister seemed to enjoy her lessons as he never had, he knew their mother wished she might have more companionship. Perhaps Miss Carruthers would not mind adding another sister to her collection.
For her part, Amelia frequently drew curious gazes. She was a markedly pretty girl and an heiress so he did not doubt that there would be interest in her hand when she had her season. Arthur was not in the habit of appearing with a female companion other than his sister, so he enjoyed the many inquisitive studies of his betrothed.
He felt fortunate indeed, a mood that suited him well.
“Does everyone always stare thus at you?” Miss Carruthers asked in an undertone when they were underway and Arthur laughed.
“I believe, Miss Carruthers, that they are staring at you.”
“Goodness. I had no notion I should wear my best for the day.”
“You look delightful,” he said firmly. “Never doubt that whatever you choose to wear is perfect, regardless of notice from those who have nothing better to do than gawp and gossip.”
“That is a lovely endorsement, Mr. Beckham, but I wonder if I can believe it.”
“Surely you do not accuse me of stating anything less than the truth?”
“Surely I do, for I was informed just this morning that you were in love with me.” She turned and gave him such a cool glance that Arthur was startled to momentary silence. “That was not my understanding of the basis of our arrangement.”
“You do not approve of marriages made for love?” Amelia asked, reminding Arthur of her presence.
