“Beatrice, there’s no rush. I know for a fact Caroline would be disappointed to hear you’re even thinking about it.”
Beatrice nodded, but the thought didn’t completely allay her worry. Now there was not only herself but Mary—two unplanned guests who were disrupting Lord and Lady Aberland’s lives. The time had come to find a path forward.
“Tell me what you’re thinking.” Daniel reached for her upper arm with one hand, warming her even as his eyes held steady on her.
“I’m thinking I must make plans for my life sooner rather than later.”
“I disagree. You’re more than welcome to stay here. If you’d like, I can have a word with my brother to make certain—”
“There’s no need for that. The earl has been more than kind. But he and Caroline need to focus on the baby and all the changes he or she will bring.” As frightening as it was, it felt like the right thing to do. “As soon as I see Mary up and about and on her way, I’ll decide what to do. You’ve all been so generous, but I refuse to take advantage of that.”
“You’re not,” Daniel protested as he released her. “Why don’t we discuss this with Richard and Caroline?”
“Of course. We’ll do that soon.” But first, she wanted to form a plan.
The time had come to stand on her own, just as she’d intended when she’d left her village. Each day saw her more dependent on Daniel, Caroline, and the earl. That would make leaving harder, something she couldn’t risk, for it would lead to heartbreak. She need only look into Daniel’s golden eyes to know that.
Chapter Eleven
Daniel paced his study the following day, only to turn too quickly which caused a painful hitch in his side. He grimaced at the reminder of his wound and slowed his steps.
“Perhaps you should sit.” Richard’s dry tone held a hint of amusement that Daniel didn’t appreciate.
“I think better when I’m moving.” Daniel paused to scowl at his brother. Never mind that Daniel had been the one to request this meeting. “You do the same when you’re upset.”
“True.” Richard leaned back in the chair and folded his hands over his flat stomach. “But I must say I enjoy watching you do it instead.”
Daniel returned to his chair, only to realize that was exactly what his brother had intended. He didn’t care to think he was so easily manipulated. At least Richard had the good grace not to gloat over his success.
“Now then, why don’t we review the problem again,” Richard suggested. “I’m certain we can arrive at a logical solution. You’re concerned that Miss Linfield might do something rash?”
“Based on our brief conversation yesterday, I believe she’s planning on leaving very soon. Most likely once Miss Adams is better.” Something in the tone of her voice along with her determined expression had him convinced she intended to leave as quickly as possible.
“And that’s bad because?” Richard’s brow furrowed.
“She has nowhere to go!” Daniel bolted to his feet again and hissed at the sharp ache the movement caused. He placed a hand on his side, already wishing it gone. The injury was a nuisance. “Blast it all.”
“Surely she won’t leave until she’s decided where she’s going. I can’t believe she’d choose to live on the street rather than stay with us.” His affronted expression would’ve been amusing under other circumstances. “Doesn’t she like staying at Aberland House?”
“Of course, she does. She adores Caroline.”
“Have I offended her in some manner?”
“No, she simply doesn’t know you well.” Daniel sank into the chair again. “She doesn’t want to be a burden to the two of you.”
“She isn’t a burden at all. In fact, she’s already helped Caroline considerably with preparing the nursery. She’s delightful company.”
“I tried to tell her that, but it didn’t help.”
“Why don’t I speak with her and explain how much Caroline enjoys her staying with us?”
Daniel shook his head. “I don’t think it will make a difference. She’ll think I put you up to it.”
“You do realize she has the freedom to do as she pleases. If she wishes to go, there’s nothing we can do to stop her.”
“There has to be something.” Daniel had spent a sleepless night trying to think of a solution. He’d already been awake, unable to get comfortable. No matter his position, his side hurt along with the rest of his body, and his thoughts raced. He couldn’t release his worry about Beatrice for the life of him.
“If you were to guess, what do you think she will do?” Richard asked.
That was the issue. She’d only mentioned two possibilities. He couldn’t imagine her as a servant in someone’s home. She was a lady for goodness sake. Nor could he imagine her as some man’s wife. The very idea made him shudder. But it would be difficult for her to find a husband so quickly. Did that mean she intended to find employment?
Richard cleared his throat when Daniel didn’t respond. “What do you think she wants to do?”
The rephrasing of the question didn’t provide any answers. From what Daniel knew, she didn’t have a deep yearning to do any particular thing. It was as if she wasn’t certain where her place was in the world, a lost soul who didn’t belong anywhere. The realization made his chest ache in the strangest manner.
Her life had changed significantly in recent months. First the death of her father, then the news that she’d been left penniless, followed by the desertion of her betrothed. Next had come her arrival to London and the situation had worsened from there. No wonder she felt adrift.
“I still think marriage is the best solution.” Richard’s calm statement sent Daniel’s stomach churning and brought a choking sensation to his throat.
“She shouldn’t be a servant in someone’s home,” his brother continued. “She’s attractive, well educated, and has a talent for organization.
