Disclaimer: I do not own Trixie or the Bob-Whites. No profit is being made from their use.
Chapter Four
Mess at the Ball
The next day proved to be a lovely spring day, so nice that the girls were allowed a stroll through the park. Accompanied by their lady's maids, the trio walked leisurely until they settled on a small park bench, their maids keeping a respectful but watchful distance away. Beatrix could not help but miss Jane. She was arriving later in the day. As the only young female in her home, it had been wonderful when Jane had been placed with her. Jane knew all the best gossip and was not averse to sharing it. As it was, the other maids paid her little attention, their focus solely on their mistresses.
"Look, Beatrix," Diana whispered to her, "isn't that Lord Frayne?"
A rush of heat flooded her face as she nodded. Her heart beat faster as his curricle approached.
"Beatrix, are you blushing?" Madeline asked with a smile on her face. "Perhaps I should arrange an introduction."
"You've been introduced?" Diana and Beatrix said together.
"Last season," Madeline explained. "He is a wonderful dancer."
"Are you interested in him?" Beatrix couldn't help but ask.
"No," sighed Madeline, "and Father would approve such a match if we had suited."
"Here he comes," Diana said with excitement. "Introduce us, please."
"Ladies," Lord Frayne said as he disembarked from his carriage, "it's a lovely day for a stroll."
"I agree," Madeline replied.
"Lady Madeline," James greeted her, "perhaps you would introduce me to your friends."
"This is Lady Diana Lynch and Miss Beatrix Belden," Madeline told him. "Lady Diana's father is the Duke of Wellington. This is Lord Frayne."
"Yes, of course," he nodded, "I have met him. He is a fine man."
"My lord," Diana bowed her head slightly.
"Miss Belden is the daughter of Viscount Belden," Madeline added as he looked inquiringly at her.
"And you Miss Belden," James turned his attention to her, "are you staying in London?"
"Only for the season, my lord," Beatrix said. "I am afraid not even the entire season at that."
"We must see that you enjoy your stay," he smiled and looked around the park. "Could I interest you in a ride through the park? It is the best way for a visitor such as you to see the sights."
Beatrix hesitated, unsure of the propriety of the situation with her brother's warnings running through her head.
"Go," Diana urged her. "It is an open carriage and quite proper. We will wait here for you."
"Please do, Beatrix," Madeline added. "You might not get such a chance again."
"Very well," she replied. "Lord Frayne, I would be honored to accompany you in your carriage."
"Excellent," he said as he offered her his arm. "We will make an afternoon of it."
Beatrix loved the feel of Lord Frayne's hand upon her waist as he helped her into the carriage. When he sat beside her, they were sitting so close their thighs were almost touching. She was sure that Brian would not think this proper, but when Lord Frayne smiled at her she no longer cared.
"A spin around the pond?" he inquired. At her pleased nod, he flicked the reins and took off.
"I much again thank you for saving me yesterday," Beatrix said appreciatively. "It was most fortunate that you appeared as you did."
"It was quite fortunate indeed," James agreed with a smile. "I had hoped to see you and have been rewarded."
"Is it reward enough?" She smiled back at him.
"A most wonderful reward," he grinned quite happily. "Perhaps you will save me a dance at the Summersville's ball next week?" The Summersville's ball was a grand affair that happened early in the season without fail. All of society would make a point to attend.
"Consider it done," Beatrix promised. Even as she spoke she wondered if she should tell him of her betrothal, but it would ruin the intimacy that had developed between, something she was reluctant to do.
"Most excellent," he said with satisfaction.
Lord Frayne proved to be an ardent suitor. He called upon Beatrix almost daily. Guilt began to rear its ugly head as his intentions became clear. Lady Wheeler had the difficult task of reminding Beatrix that she should be truthful with Lord Frayne.
The afternoon before the Summersville's ball, she asked to speak to Beatrix in private. When Beatrix entered the drawing room, she could tell by the expression on Lady Wheeler's face that she was going to be reprimanded.
"Please sit down, Beatrix," Lady Wheeler said gently but firmly.
"Yes, your grace," Beatrix murmured and sat on the small chair by the fireplace.
"I know, my dear, you have a difficult road ahead of you," she began with reluctance. "You have handled yourself with dignity and grace."
"Thank you, your grace," Beatrix said humbly.
"However, you have not been honest about your betrothal with Lord Frayne," she stated, "or am I presuming too much?"
"No, your grace," Beatrix said ashamedly. "I have enjoyed his attentions falsely."
"I fear you must be honest with him tonight," Lady Wheeler said gently. "He is a young man of honor and should be treated with the respect that is due him."
"Yes, your grace," Beatrix nodded, not raising her eyes to meet Lady Wheeler's pitying glance.
"That is all, dear," Lady Wheeler dismissed her. "You have much to do before we leave."
Rising, Beatrix left the drawing room in tears. She knew Lady Wheeler was right. She had been wrong to lead Lord Frayne into thinking she was marriageable. It had been a temptation she had not been able to resist. That he had behaved quite honorably was an understatement. He had not tried to steal a kiss or touch her in any inappropriate manner. His intentions had been quite clear and it pained her to think he would cease his visits, but he would never go against her father's wishes. Once he knew of her betrothal he would look elsewhere for a wife. That thought was almost as painful as having to marry Lord Lytell.
When Beatrix entered the ballroom, she caught her breath nervously as she was greeted by a sea of faces. Most she had never met but there were a few friendly faces smiling at her. Most prominent were those of her brothers. Dressed in their formal attire, she couldn't help noticing all the glances they were receiving. She didn't realize she was causing a stir with several glances coming her way. With a beaming smile, she greeted her brothers.
"Beatrix," Brian kissed her cheek in hello, "I have missed you greatly."
"You can always call upon me at Lord Wheeler's," she rebuked him gently, "as well as you, Martin."
"Forgive me, sister," Martin apologized, "you are correct. I can only say in my defense that we, too, have been preparing for the season."
Turning to Diana and Madeline, both young men greeted the girls.
"Lady Madeline," Brian bowed slightly before her, "it is good to see you again, and you, as well, Lady Diana."
"We would see you much more if you did as you sister suggested and visited us, Mr. Belden," Madeline said with a blush upon her cheeks. "I know your sister would be pleased."
"Would you be pleased, as well, my lady?" Brian asked.
"Of course, Mr. Belden," she replied shyly.
"Then would you do me the honor of the first dance?" Brian asked her. "Perhaps it would make up for my neglect of so fine a lady."
As Madeline nodded in agreement, Beatrix could barely choke back a most unladylike snort. Little did he care that she, his own sister, might feel slighted by such an over sight. Her other brother, Martin, was also making sure that he was on Lady Diana's dance card.
"Perhaps I'll take a turn around the room," she grinned at them. "If my own brothers cannot dance with me, I'm not sure it would look well upon my popularity."
"Of course, we will dance with you," Brian assured her, chagrined at having been caught in his effort to dance with Madeline. "And remember, do not wander away from your chaperone."
"Of course, Brian," Beatrix rolled her eyes as she agreed with him. "Lady Wheeler would have my head."
"Just be careful of my toes," Martin teased her. "I still remember when you were practicing."
"Of course, brother dear," Beatrix said sweetly as she lightly stepped on Martin's toe. "Perhaps they weren't all by accident."
"What I must suffer for the happiness of my little sister," Martin sighed to no one in particular.
"Mr. Belden," Lady Diana giggled, "you should not say such things."
"Why do we not partake of some lemonade?" Madeline suggested tactfully.
Beatrix was still sipping her lemonade when Lord Frayne approached her. "I hope you remembered to save a dance for me, Miss Belden," he reminded her. "I have been looking forward to it with pleasure."
"You embarrass me, Lord Frayne," Beatrix replied. "I would never forget such a promise." She had also made a promise to Lady Wheeler. Let us dance first, she thought, and then I'll tell him. She had been anticipating this dance all week. She knew he might never speak to her again once he discovered the truth about her betrothal. He would certainly never dance with her again. One dance couldn't possibly be too much to ask for, not with her future staring so gloomily at her.
When James took her in his arms for the first waltz, Beatrix felt weak in her knees. With his hand upon her waist for support, she held fast to his shoulder as her hand clutched his other hand. So close that she could almost feel his breath upon her face, she knew she would never experience such bliss ever again. Then he smiled at her, causing her bliss to increase tenfold. Caught up in the excitement of the dance, it was easy to forget that he would never be hers.
"You dance as graceful as a swan, Miss Belden," James told her truthfully. In fact, he was having trouble concentrating on the steps as he held her. With her blue eyes shining up at him, he felt mesmerized and strangely breathless. He was beginning to think he was the luckiest man at the ball to be able to hold her in his arms like this. He decided at that moment to make certain that he would always be able to hold her close. It was time he took a wife. His uncle was most insistent on it. He had just never found the right prospect, until now. Relieved with his decision, he only hoped Miss Belden would be convinced as well.
"I'm sure my brother, Martin, would not agree with you, my lord," she replied. "He is fearful of an injury when we dance."
"I think I am glad I am dancing with you instead of Martin," James grinned at her.
"So am I," she murmured shyly, "so am I."
When the dance ended, James placed her arm through his and escorted her to her brothers. "Thank you for the dance, Miss Belden," he said. "I look forward to dancing with you again soon."
Beatrix gave her brothers a pained look before speaking. She knew she needed to talk to Lord Frayne but wanted away from their prying eyes. "Lord Frayne, could I be so bold as to ask you to take me for a turn around the room?" Beatrix looked expectantly at Lord Frayne. It wasn't the ideal time, but she knew she had to tell him immediately, before Lady Wheeler did.
Before Lord Frayne could answer her, she felt a hand upon her shoulder. The sudden angry looks on her brothers should have been her first warning if not the paleness on the faces of Lady Diana and Lady Madeline. She turned to see Lord Lytell staring down at her.
"Miss Belden," he greeted her with a bow, "I think perhaps a dance would not be presumptuous of me."
"No." It was all she could manage. For the second time in her life, she felt like she might swoon. Lord Lytell mistook her no for agreement and led her to the dance floor. Still in shock, she followed, too numb to protest. She feebly registered the puzzled look on Lord Frayne before she walked away.
"I have been remiss in not speaking with you sooner, Miss Belden," Lord Lytell remarked. "I do hope you forgive me."
"Yes, my lord," Beatrix replied in a shaky voice.
"How have you enjoyed you season in London?" he asked.
"It's been fine," she said, trying to stop the repulsion she felt from his touch.
"I was not happy about your travel to London," Lord Lytell admitted sternly, "but since Jane is with you I am sure you will be safe."
"Yes, Jane," Beatrix nodded.
"Jane is still with you, isn't she?" Lord Lytell said intensely. "She will still be your maid upon your return?"
"She intends to stay in London, my lord," Beatrix replied.
"London?" The grip on her hand tightened painfully. As part of the marriage contract, Beatrix would have to provide her own lady's maid. All had assumed it would be Jane. "Just exactly where in London?"
Beatrix's eyes grew wide with fear. She realized with certain clarity exactly why he signed the marriage contract with her father. Lord Lytell wanted to marry her to get to Jane. What would he do now that Jane was not part of the bargain? Panic began to make her heart pound furiously.
"Tell me, Beatrix," he whispered menacingly. "Tell me or I can make things most difficult for you later. Do you understand?"
Beatrix understood perfectly. If she didn't get away from him soon, she feared she would be sick in front of everyone. As he squeezed her hand even tighter, the room began to spin around her.
"An actress," she gasped, "Jane plans to become an actress."
Across the floor, her brothers and Lord Frayne were watching them dance, her brothers with disgust while James was clutching his hands tightly at his sides. The look of fright on her face was evident. Only James did not know the cause of it, but even so, his protective instincts went on alert as she determined that she was scared of this man.
Brian could no longer watch the scene before him, his helplessness at being able to protect his sister filling him with despair. He gave Martin a silent order to stay close and stormed angrily out of the room, wanting a moment to restore his composure. Madeline, torn between fear for her friend and concern for Brian, hesitated with indecision. Noting that Lord Frayne was ready to defend Beatrix, she quietly followed Brian out the door hoping that no one saw her leave the room.
As the dance ended, Lord Lytell escorted Beatrix back to her brother Martin. He looked smugly at Lord Frayne before speaking. "When you're my wife, I will be looking to many more dances with you, Miss Belden." He kissed her hand as he left.
James looked disbelievingly at Beatrix. He could not possibly have heard correctly. She was betrothed to Lord Lytell? It was unimaginable. Perhaps Lord Lytell, merely wanted to stake his claim as a suitor for her hand. Then he knew. When Beatrix's tear-filled eyes met his, he knew. He had never beheld anyone with such misery on their face. He was sure that misery was reflected back on his own. Speechless, he could only return her bleak look.
"James," she whispered shakily, unaware that she had called him by his given name, "a turn about the room, please."
They had taken a few steps before James finally became aware enough to speak. "It is true, is it not?" Those few words were most difficult and he could feel Beatrix tremble beside him, her hand upon his arm.
"Yes," she gasped weakly, "I should have spoken sooner."
"You should have," James agreed, "but I can understand your reluctance." He began to quake with anger, not at Beatrix, but at whoever could do such a thing. Surely not her father, Lord Belden had a reputation for a fine and respectable man. What would have caused him to betroth his daughter to such as Lord Lytell? It was clearly evident that Beatrix was afraid of the man. He shuddered to think of her life with Lytell.
"Can you forgive me?" Beatrix looked pleadingly up at him.
It took all his strength of will to maintain his honor. If only he could take her away somewhere and hide her. He felt a tug upon his heart. Surely, the shame upon her family from such an action could very well be forgiven, but she was not asking him for the help that he so longed to give her. She was asking for forgiveness, something which flowed to abundance in his heart along with a new emotion he had never felt, a quite painful emotion, the depth of which he could not understand or comprehend.
"You are forgiven," he said tenderly. "I would not have you sad on my account."
"I have enjoyed your company these last few days, my lord," Beatrix admitted. "It will bring me great pleasure to keep them in my memory."
James stopped short. He grasped her hand and kissed it. "Beatrix, do not forget me." His voice became low and husky. "I know I shall never forget you." With that, he turned and left, leaving Beatrix to stare longingly after him.
Lady Pendergal pursed his lips in a frown. She remained that way for several minutes. Although she was not a personal friend of Lady Wheeler, she was aware of things around her and she had taken note of Lady Madeline leaving the room. Sighing, she knew she would be shirking her duties if she did not inform Lady Wheeler of her daughter's escapades, be they innocent or not. Quietly, she made her way to where Lady Wheeler and Lady Lynch were seated.
"Lady Pendergal," Lady Wheeler nodded as the dowager stepped forward.
"Lady Wheeler, Lady Lynch," she acknowledged both before continuing. "Could I speak to you in private, Lady Wheeler?"
Knowing the countess' penchant for gossip mongering, Lady Wheeler said, "I am sure you can tell me in front of Lady Lynch."
"Very well," she said with a frown. "Lady Madeline left the ballroom over fifteen minutes ago. I fear that something ill may have happened to her."
"Do you doubt my daughter's honor?" Lady Wheeler demanded.
"These things happen, your grace," the countess replied knowingly with a smirk. "It would behoove you to take such things seriously."
"Let us go find her then," Lady Wheeler said as she stood. "Let us all three go find her."
Lady Lynch rose and patted Lady Wheeler's arm. "I am sure all is well, but we do not want any cause for gossip."
"Of course not," Lady Pendergal agreed, without trying to hide the amusement on her face. "I do hope there will be no cause for such tonight."
Lady Madeline had surreptitiously gone in search of Brian. Every dowager had strategically located themselves in a position to stop any dalliances from occurring. If she were caught alone with Brian, she would be ruined and have to withstand her father's fury. Still, she knew that he had been quite distressed when Lord Lytell had appeared at the ball. He had wisely departed before his anger had made him do something they all would regret. Now, she needed to find him and offer what comfort she could. She sighed a breath of deep relief when she made it out of the ballroom. Quickly, she began searching the nearby rooms in hopes of finding him.
She saw him before he realized her presence in the sitting room. He was standing with his back to her, gazing out the window into the darkness. "Mr. Belden," Lady Madeline whispered loudly.
"Lady Madeline," he acknowledged her entrance, "you should not be here."
"I won't stay long," she assured him. "I just couldn't let you suffer alone."
"I am not the one who is suffering," Brian said stiffly, trying to keep his emotions under control.
"I know you love Beatrix quite dearly," she reminded him. "She will need your strength in the upcoming days."
"I fear I will let her down," he said ashamedly. "I cannot bear to face her."
Madeline took pity on Mr. Belden and stepped toward him. Boldly taking hold of his arm, she led him to the large ornamental couch. "Please, if you will, sit with me," Madeline urged him. "Maybe I can help you."
"You are a most wondrous help, my lady," Brian smiled bravely. "I am glad you are such a good friend to Beatrix."
"And you are a most wondrous brother," she said sincerely.
Brian scowled and put his head in his hands. "If I were so wonderful, I would find a way to stop this marriage."
His despair resounded deeply in his voice. As his body shook with emotion, Madeline laid a comforting hand upon his arm. She was unused to any outward display from a gentleman. She realized his anguish was as deep as her own. Beatrix was like a beloved sister to her. She had cried many a tear for her and could not stop them now.
Brian heard her distress and grabbed her hands in his. "Beatrix would be angry with us for suffering so."
Sobbing, Madeline shook her head. "She is so brave," she gasped. "I could never be so brave." She dissolved in tears once more.
"Oh, Madeline, you are brave." Brian placed an arm around her shoulders and drew her to him. Stroking her hair, he tried to console her. "You have put on a brave face for Beatrix everyday she has been in London. You have indeed made her trip a happy one."
Brian's words only made her cry harder. "I ache for her," she sobbed deeply.
"Madeline, please," Brian implored her, "do not upset yourself. It will break my heart."
"I fear you heart is already broken beyond repair," she said with a tremor in her voice.
Brian tucked a loose curl behind her ear and attempted a smile. "You could very easily break my heart as well," he whispered softly.
"I could?" Honey's voice was low and seeking. Her eyes searched his, darting back and forth for an answer.
"Always," he said softly, "it has always been that way." He leaned down and kissed her gently, wanting to show her the depth of his feelings for her.
When he pulled back, she laid a hand upon his cheek and said, "For me as well."
"Oh, Madeline," Brian cried hoarsely.
This time the kiss was not gentle. He pulled her closely to him and let her invade his senses. Running her fingers through his dark hair, she eagerly returned his kiss. They fell backward on the couch in a heap of passion. She had never been kissed so thoroughly before, just a peck by a shy suitor in the parlor. It felt like heaven, no, like the earth and heaven were spinning circles around her. And she didn't want to stop.