Beatrice flicked her eyes to Algernon, who gave her a slight nod and the subtle wave of his fingers.
“Y-yes!” Beatrice agreed then managed a laugh as the wine finally started to calm her nerves. “Well, you are so handsome after all. Your brother of course spoke of your beauty, but I suppose I was not properly prepared.”
Then, as if realizing that her words were far too bold, Beatrice felt her cheeks grow hot as she quickly added, “Do please forgive me for my bluntness. I have been away from society for quite some time. I?—”
“Beatrice, please,” Henry urged, a slight chuckle in his voice as he reached out for her hand. “Do not apologize for your compliment. It is most kind. And as for your bluntness, it is a refreshing change from the usual worded dances of my peers.”
Beatrice took a deep breath, feeling her nerves start to settle a little more. She gave Henry a tentative but appreciative smile and allowed him to squeeze her hand.
He truly does seem kind. Perhaps it would not be so bad to be married to someone like him. I could see us being friends.
“You are quite kind,” Beatrice told him.
“And you are quite lovely,” Henry remarked, patting her hand before he pulled away. “And you are also out of wine. Waiter!”
At once a servant appeared with a decanter of red wine by Beatrice’s side, and he refilled her glass.
“Thank you kindly,” she said to servant. A blush formed on the man’s cheek at her words, and he bowed his head subtly.
“You are welcome, my lady,” he murmured.
“Oh, how sweet she is, brother,” Henry said, “Thanking the staff as such. Beatrice, you truly are a unique young lady. Please, tell us more about you.”
Beatrice turned her head quickly as she realized what she had just done. She had forgotten that it was not at all common for nobles to thank servants for all of the small, little things they do.
“I, well, um…” Beatrice stammered.
“I am sure Beatrice will be most willing to share her story at some point, brother,” Algernon stated, cutting off her attempt to make an excuse. “For now, perhaps we should allow her to eat and enjoy her dinner.”
“Actually…” Beatrice cut in, willing her nerves to stop jittering.
Algernon gave her a warning look as she picked up her glass and took another deep gulp. The spirit sluiced into her empty belly and immediately ran right into her head, giving her a sense of ease. She swallowed and did her best to give Henry a charming smile.
“I do believe that the work of servants is quite underappreciated,” she explained. “They are paid, yes, but they give up so much of their lives to care for us. I believe such a sacrifice should be honored with more than just money but with our appreciation as well. I find that when a person is appreciated, they not only feel better, but they also do better.”
A low rumbling came from Algernon as he tightened his grip around his fork. A sound that Beatrice comically thought sounded more like a growl than anything else, and she turned her smile toward him and dared a wink. His eyes widened in shock surprise, and he quickly glanced away.
“What a bold and beautiful thought, Beatrice,” Henry praised. “I must confess that I never gave such things much thought, but now that you have said so, I am most curious to discover if what you say is true.”
Henry then turned to Algernon.
“What say you, brother?” Henry asked him.
Algernon cleared his throat as his grip on his fork loosened, and he laid it down on the table, smoothing the prongs of it with his fingertips, before he seemingly forced a small smile.
“I say that I have not given it much thought,” Algernon confessed. “I have always found that when I give a command, it is followed, and I have not noticed much beyond that.”
“Well, perhaps we should both try Beatrice’s approach with the servants and see if we can spot any differences in their work ethics,” Henry suggested.
Algernon nodded as he flicked his gaze toward Beatrice, the look sending another flutter of butterflies through her stomach.
“Indeed,” he murmured.
To Beatrice’s relief, Algernon changed the subject. In a short time, her untouched bowl of soup was collected and replaced with a plate of poached fish. Again, with her host and possible husband distracted, Beatrice attempted to pick up her fork and eat. Once again, however, the moment she did so, she began to tremble. It seemed that wine was the only thing she could manage to take, so when the servant came forth to give the next course, the fish was taken away untouched and replaced with a mint-rubbed mutton.
“Pardon me for a moment, would you,” Henry insisted at one point.
After he left the table, Algernon looked toward Beatrice and placed his hand over hers. She jumped the moment he did so, surprised at the spark that had so suddenly run up her arm.