For the first time in a long time, Beatrice had awoken that morning on her own time. No bells, no shouts or demands for her attention. She’d slept long into the late morning. Still, she startled as she had awoken. For a moment, she did not know where she was, and then the memory of the night before came flooding back to her.
Before she could feel too startled, though, Mira had entered with breakfast tray and a welcoming smile; inviting Beatrice to sit up so that she might break her fast in bed. Her eyes had grown wide as Mira had lifted the cloche and revealed three poached eggs, a rack of toast already buttered, a rash of bacon, two sausages, pan-fried fish, a bowl of strawberries, crumpets, and clotted cream.
She was halfway through the small feast when Mira announced that Algernon wished to see her, and he informed her that Henry would be arriving that evening to have dinner with them when he would introduce the two and explain that they would be married. Beatrice had grown anxious the moment he’d told her, but now, as they stood side by side and waited in the foyer for this mystery brother, Beatrice wagered that Algernon was far more nervous than she was.
Finally, the moment arrived when the butler, Mr. Portnoy, opened the door, and Henry arrived. Beatrice was a little caught off guard with how handsome he looked. Though not as settled into his features as Algernon was, Henry still had a charming smile, a good head of dark hair, and his light sage green eyes seemed kind.
“Henry, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Lady Beatrice Cooper,” Algernon stated, starting the introductions. “She is to be a guest in our home for a short time. Lady Beatrice, may I introduce my brother, Lord Henry Fitzroy.”
Henry’s bow was low and respectful as Algernon made the introductions, and Beatrice could not help but blush. After all, it was the first time a gentleman had ever bowed to her.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Beatrice,” Henry answered politely, taking her hand.
“The pleasure is all mine, Lord Henry,” Beatrice answered in kind, curtseying as he placed a chaste kiss on her knuckles.
“Please, any friend of my brother’s must call me Henry,” he invited, giving her a charming smile as he offered her his arm.
Beatrice blushed, taken aback by how charming he was. How could such a man struggle to find a bride?
“Then I must insist that you call me Beatrice, Henry,” she replied with a kind smile. “I am so curious as to find out more about you. Your brother has done nothing but sing your praises since we have met.”
Henry raised an intrigued brow as they entered the dining room and looked toward Algernon.
“Is that so?” he mused, helping Beatrice into her seat. “I find that rather surprising after the last conversation we had.”
“Brother,” Algernon’s voice was sharp and deep as he said the single word, commanding respect from everyone in the room. Beatrice tensed as she looked from one brother to another, noting the tension roiling between them.
“As a friend of my brother’s, you must often have to forgive his brutish nature,” Henry said, breaking the tense silence as he turned his head toward Beatrice and smiled.
“Oh…” Beatrice stammered, feeling her own nerves start to jitter as she was put on the spot. She glanced toward Algernon, who only subtly nodded in encouragement.
“Y-yes, well, you know. Some brutes can be, um, worthy of adoration, I suppose,” she stammered.
Henry let out a loud bark of a laugh, and even Algernon grinned at her words.
“Well said, Beatrice,” Henry praised, raising his glass toward her. “I am glad you are here.”
Beatrice smiled timidly, raised her glass, and was relieved when Algernon steered Henry toward the subject of investments. With their attention elsewhere, Beatrice had a chance to think about how long it had been since she had sat at a proper dining roomtable. She tried to recall which utensil was used for what and what glass to drink from first, but she could not remember.
As the first course was served, a cream soup of mushrooms and minced meat, her hands shook as she reached for the most rounded spoon—praying that it was the correct one. As she dipped it into the bowl of savory smelling soup, though, she shook so badly that it caused the silver spoon to clatter relentlessly against the China bowl.
“Is all well, Beatrice?” Henry asked.
Beatrice instantly winced at his voice, hating that she had drawn his attention. She glanced up and felt her entire face grow warm as she found not only Henry’s eyes but Algernon’s studying her intently.
“Y-yes, for-give me,” she stammered, silently cursing that her stammer was growing worse.
She drew in a shaky breath, released her spoon, and reached for her wine glass, praying she didn’t spill it.
“Auggie, what have you done to this poor girl?” Henry joked, looking toward Algernon as Beatrice drained her glass.
Butterflies took flight in Beatrice’s stomach as Algernon studied her intently. His deep, forest green eyes held no disappointment, yet still there was a coldness to his look that made Beatrice gulp.
“Not a thing,” Algernon said, his deep tone calm and steady. “Perhaps it is your presence that is making her nervous, brother.”
Henry turned to her, his smile soft and kind as he focused his sage green eyes on her blue ones.
“Is that true, Beatrice?” he asked, his tone teasing. “Does my presence make you nervous?”