“How did you plan to get the money?”
“I planned to make the money as a courtesan.”
Malcolm went a bit white.But his voice was gentle when he spoke.“Thank you for telling me.And Lord Leith, he is…?”
“My protector.At present.”
He smiled.“But it seems the man is looking for an elevation.To husband.”
Beatrice shook her head.“I only told him to say that.I hoped to convince you into thinking he was some kind of suitor.”
Her brother blinked at her.“No, Bea.Here we have another thing thatIcan see, but you can’t.That man loves you.”
“He says he does.But marriage—that is an altogether different thing.”
“No, Bea.He wants to marry you.I am not saying you should do it.But I am telling you what I see.”
She had no idea how Malcolm could know such a thing.He was much too confident in his abilities, as usual.
“It is no matter.At least not when it comes to Mr.Gordstone.I will offer him the money and hopefully he will leave.”
“But he’ll keep coming back.”
“Yes, he will.But it is all we can do for now.”
He nodded.She and her brother had reached the house once more.Beatrice felt grateful for him, even though she had been so vexed with him only mere minutes ago.
“I will see you at dinner,” he said, moving towards the farm.
“Malcolm,” she called and he turned around.“Thank you.”
He dipped his head in acknowledgment and continued walking.
And she headed into the house, determined to find Leith once more.
But as she walked by her father’s old study—herstudy, now—a shadow loomed over the hall.
“Miss Salisbury,” said a cold voice, “I would like a private audience.”
She turned, knowing who it would be.
Yes, she realized, looking into his chilling blue eyes.
Mr.Gordstone had finally found her.
Beatrice supposed that she could not avoid the man forever.
“Of course, as you wish, Mr.Gordstone,” she said, sweeping by him into the study.She seated herself in the chair behind the desk, gesturing for him to sit across from her.
“Miss Salisbury, I had not anticipated your arrival,” he said, remaining standing, looming over her.“But it is actually quite convenient.”
“How so?”
“You know just as well as I do that I am not here on a social visit.Or, at least, my social visit has a purpose.But it is a delicate matter to put to Eleanora herself.I had just resolved that I would have to stoop to address that bastard brother of yours, Mr.Brown.To speak to the boy, George, would have done no good.However, your appearance simplifies things greatly.”
Beatrice stiffened at his proprietary tone, but she was not surprised.She had expected no less from him.
“Well, delay your declaration no more, Mr.Gordstone.What is your request?”
