“Actually,” Henry replied, giving her one of his charming smiles, “I was trying to convince you to allow me to escort you to one of the season’s balls. As you have not yet attended an English party, I thought it would be best to show you how fun they can be.”
Tension tightened Algernon’s tendons as he instantly thought of the dangers such an outing could provide, and when he looked toward Beatrice, he knew by the way her gaze dipped to the ground and her head bowed slightly that she too was wary of such a thing.
Instinctively, his hand pressed tighter against her back.
“We were indeed discussing such a possibility,” she said reluctantly after a moment. “However you did promise me that I would have time to make my decision, and I have not had suitable moments to find an answer yet.”
“You do have time of course,” Henry readily agreed, “There is the annual Summer Bloom Ball at the Royal Gardens in nine days. The guest listislong however there is plenty of space to have a moment of privacy if you should need it. Aside from that, the flowers and statue work there are positively gorgeous, and I know you would love them.”
Tension etched across the small space between Beatrice’s brows as she drew her lower lip between her teeth and nibbled. Algernon was torn between reaching for her mouth, not wanting her to harm the delicate flesh of her lips with her worry, and speaking for her. However, as they walked, he reminded himself that this was a good sign that Henry wanted her to go with him. After all, this was precisely what he had wanted, had he not?
“I suppose I should like to see such beautiful gardens,” Beatrice hesitantly agreed. “And such space as you describe would benice to have for my first outing if I were to indeed begin to feel overwhelmed.”
Henry eyes twinkled as a genuine smile spread across his face.
“That is the spirit,” he encouraged. “And think of the fun you and I could have preparing for it! We could wear matching ensembles. I could help you design the most beautiful gown, and with the seamstresses and designers I know, they can have it made with expediency. We would be the couple to look at and be adored, surely!”
Jealousy shot through Algernon as a beautiful, tinkling laugh poured from Beatrice’s lips, no doubt amused over Henry’s vehement enthusiasm for matching ensembles. Her reaction seemed to urge Henry further into an overdramatic explanation.
“Everyone could wonder who you were, where you came from, and we could leave it a mystery,” Henry exclaimed giddily. “We could have them begging us for your name and story and simply turn our noses and go to the dance floor, showing them that you are meant to be seen, not known.”
“Oh, my!” Beatrice laughed. “That sounds all rather melodramatic, do you not think?”
“What is life without a little drama, sweet Beatrice?” Henry answered, bumping his shoulder lightly into hers as he grinned from ear to ear.
Even as Beatrice let out a soft giggle, Algernon could see still a bit of reticence in her eyes as she turned her head from Henry to him.
“What do you think?” she asked.
Do not go. Stay here. With me. Where it is safe.
Algernon so badly wanted to say those exact words. However, if he did, he feared he would drive a wedge between her and Henry. It was a good thing that Henry so obviously wanted her company. It meant that he truly was giving Beatrice a chance, and that was everything Algernon had been hoping for.
His thoughts were selfish, he told himself, and inappropriate.
“I think it is your decision,” Algernon said, his tone sounding strangely soft, even to himself. “And from the way Henry makes it sound, you could end up having a very pleasant time.”
For a moment, Algernon could not read her expression. It was almost as if she was disappointed in him- as if she had been hoping that he would be the final decision maker and tell her not to go. Then suddenly a smile spread across her face, and the light returned to her eyes a moment before she turned her head back toward Henry.
“Very well then,” she agreed, and as Henry all but crowed with joy, Algernon felt something wither inside himself.
“Only if you promise to make it as enjoyable as you say you will,” Beatrice warned. “You must truly be my escort. I would prefer not to be abandoned with so many people I do not know. And if I feel as if I have had too much excitement for the evening, you do not try to change my mind but allow me to go home.”
“I swear it, sweet Beatrice,” Henry hurriedly replied. “You and I are going to have so much fun. I shall reach out to favorite seamstress and designer tomorrow, and they will meet us here, so we may begin styling our ensemble immediately. I was thinking we should align with the flower theme. Gorgeous blooms embroidered into pastels. Fabric flowers at our shoulders. Oh, we could fasten them to your hair!”
Algernon pressed his lips shut as his brother excitedly rambled on. He could not speak. Not now. For if he did, he knew he’d demand Beatrice not go. It was too soon after Simeon’s visit. So many things could go wrong. Yet despite all of that, Algernon reminded himself that this was precisely what he had wanted and why he had forced himself to go to that awful auction that fated day he met Beatrice.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
“Algernon.”
Beatrice said his name tiredly. She knew he had not meant to make the midday walk tenuous. He wanted Henry and her friendship to grow, so certainly the gruff way he’d chastised his little brother no doubt came from a deep-seated sense of responsibility.
Right?
“This is not necessary,” she said with a sigh.
Seated across from her, Algernon’s head remained bowed over her hands in her lap, but his eyes drew up, and he raised a brow as his mouth remained in a grim line.