Disclaimer: I do not own Trixie or the Bob-Whites. No profit is being made from their use.

Chapter Seven

The Truth Is Revealed

The next few days were a fog for Beatrix. The social rounds were vastly increasing and she was growing anxious to hear from Brian. Martin and Lord Mangan always appeared at every function to watch over her. Lord Frayne had also kept his promise to Brian as he made a point to dance with Beatrix at every ball. He always chose a waltz, and he spent a good deal of time chatting with her while they danced. He could only go so far within the stricture of the social rules, she realized. More than one waltz would be frowned upon, especially since she was betrothed to Lord Lytell. Still, she had to suffer his attentions to Cassandra as she coped with other dance partners.

As James approached Beatrix to lay claim to the first waltz, he noted with relief that her brother, Martin, was standing protectively by her side, flanked by Lord Mangan. Although a rake of the first degree, Lord Mangan would not dare cross the boundaries with an innocent such as Beatrix. James felt his tense muscles relax when Beatrix smiled at him.

"Miss Belden," James said warmly and returned her smile, "I have come to make sure that you would not forget to honor me with a waltz this evening."

Blushing, Beatrix wrote his name on her dance card and showed it to him. "Lord Frayne," she murmured, "you have the first waltz, as always."

He nodded with a pleased expression before looking at Martin. "Have you heard any news from your brother?"

"No," Martin grimaced, "but it should be soon."

Beatrix felt herself pale at the thought of Brian's return. How could she bear it if the news was not good?

James noticed her demeanor and frowned. "Forgive me, Miss Belden," he apologized, "I didn't mean to cause you any distress."

"No intent taken, my lord," Beatrix said kindly.

"Perhaps a stroll around the room would ease my conscience," he suggested, holding out his arm. "Would you care to join me?"

Beatrix bestowed upon him a grateful smile. Their gaze met but for a brief second, a flicker of something passed between them. The intense moment they shared was fleeting, quickly gone before either could identify the emotions they felt.

As they walked casually about the room, Beatrix painfully remembered his quest to find a bride. "Have you narrowed down your choices for a wife?" she asked, a knot of dread forming in her gut.

"There are several possible candidates," James answered without enthusiasm. He held his breath as she looked up at him. "I think it would be wise to make sure I have exhausted all my possibilities before making a permanent decision." His words were spoken softly, and he glanced at Beatrix tenderly before adding, "Don't you?"

Heat spread through her face as he leaned close to her. "A wise decision indeed," she murmured in agreement. If only Brian would arrive soon, and with good news…news that would change her circumstances and her entire future.

Brian rode the last mile to his father's house, images of Madeline accompanying him. As he spied young Robert in the distance, his thoughts conjured up images of their children playing happily in the meadow. Would his own children greet him in such a way? His heart swelled at the idea, but he tamped it down, eager to confront his father. He couldn't help but grin however when Robert saw him and began running to greet him.

"Brian! Brian!" Robert ran toward his oldest brother. "Can I ride Champion? Please!"

"Are you glad to see me or my horse?" Brian laughed as he dismounted the chestnut gelding.

"Please, Brian," young Robert begged, "just to the house."

"Up you go," Brian said as he tossed him into his saddle, "but I'll lead. Champion may be tired, but he's still too much for you to handle."

"We've missed you," Robert said from atop the horse, "and Beatrix and Mart and Mama."

"I've missed you, too," Brian said with a smile. He looked ahead at his father's home. "Where's Father?"

"In his study," Robert told him. "He's been in a bad mood ever since you left."

"I wonder why," Brian said sarcastically as he frowned. If his father felt guilty for arranging his sister's betrothal then perhaps he would be easier to convince that it was a mistake.

As Brian and Robert were grooming his horse, his father joined them. "I'm sorry we had to dismiss the groom," he said as he watched them.

"With only Champion here, he wasn't necessary anyway," Brian shrugged. He had not complained about the situation. He knew it could not be helped, but it had rankled him to watch his family do without. Things would change when he married Madeline and he wouldn't have to watch his parents struggle anymore.

"I'm glad you're back son," Viscount Belden slapped his son on the back. "It's been lonely here with just Robert and me."

"It is good to be home," Brian admitted, looking fondly at Robert. Then he remembered his reason for coming home. "Father," he said gently, "I think we need to talk."

"I think so, too," Lord Belden agreed with a sigh. "There are things that I need to ask you." He glanced at Robert waiting expectantly beside them. "But first of all, let's eat. I think both my sons are famished."

With a cheer, Robert led the way. One person Lord Belden hadn't dismissed was the cook. Brian had picked a good day. The delicious smell of steak and kidney pie had filled the home all day. The scent lingering in the air beckoned them as they followed the boy.

Brian bided his time with his father and Robert. It was difficult to maintain his focus on their conversation. His thoughts of Beatrix and Lord Lytell swirled about him. Finally, Robert was sent to bed and Brian could focus on the real reason he had returned home.

Lord Belden hadn't been fooled by Brian's casual demeanor. He knew his son quite well, and he knew that his son would approach him eventually. Taking the reins of the matter in hand, he broached the subject first. "I assume you are here to talk of Beatrix," he said bluntly.

"She's very unhappy," Brian told him, a flash of anger glinted in his eyes. "There was no cause to betroth her to Lord Lytell, especially now that I am to marry Madeline."

"Congratulations," his father said dryly. "You should have thought of that before you acquired such an outstanding debt."

"Debt?" Brian asked in surprise. "I have no debt."

"Then explain to me how Lord Lytell has a voucher signed by you," Lord Belden insisted, "a voucher in the amount of ten thousand pounds."

"Ten thousand pounds." Brian sat in stunned disbelief. "Is that why you agreed to their betrothal?"

"He threatened to throw you in prison," his father explained. "How long do you think you would have survived in Newgate?"

"I would never risk such a foolish amount," Brian vowed vehemently. "He's lying." While he was not a stranger to the gaming tables, he had always been able to control his wagers.

"It is your signature," Lord Belden stated, "with your seal attached."

"Why didn't you talk to me before agreeing to his demands?" Brian questioned his father furiously. "I could have sworn my innocence before him."

"Brian," Lord Belden said wearily, "I know you would have gone to prison for your sister and I know she would marry Lord Lytell for you. If I had spoken out, Beatrix would have been consumed with guilt while you rotted away in prison. You would have both suffered and the future of your younger brothers would have been ruined as well. I did not make this decision lightly. I am very aware of the character of Lord Lytell, but his actions would have destroyed our family."

"So it's best to only destroy Beatrix instead," Brian bit out angrily as he slammed his fist against his father's desk. "I'll find a way to prove he's a liar."

Lord Belden looked relieved and worried at the same time. "I have to admit I was shocked to see him holding the voucher. It was so unlike you, but regardless of how he acquired it, he still has it. We'll either have to retrieve it or prove that it's a fake."

"Lord Lytell is still in London?" Brian asked. At his father's nod, he continued, "Perhaps it would be best if you remained here. You might be able to gain access to Lord Lytell's manor while I inquire about him in London."

They had to locate that voucher. The only way to prove it was false would be to examine it closely. With their task assigned, they retired for the night to plan how to accomplish their mission.

Beatrix entered the ballroom escorted by her brother, Martin. Lady Madeline would join them later, accompanied by her parents. They were both on edge, waiting impatiently for Brian to return. Lord Lytell had not approached her again, but he had made his presence known. Tonight was no exception.

Martin felt Beatrix tense and looked at the focus of her stare. Lord Lyell was smiling straight at her. Clenching his teeth, he steered her into another direction. "Am I to be honored with another one of your dances?" he joked in an effort to lighten the mood.

Beatrix smiled at him gratefully. "If you promise not to complain about you aching feet afterward."

"I promise," he vowed with a smile. "Let's join Lady Diana before Lord Mangan catches her eye."

"As if that were possible," Beatrix teased. She felt her heart beat a little faster as she saw Lord Frayne join the small group, but then she noticed Cassandra at his side. It didn't help when Cassandra smiled welcomingly at her when Martin and she approached.

"Beatrix," Cassandra said, genuinely delighted to see her, "it's been so long since we've chatted, too long."

"It has, hasn't it?" Beatrix agreed. She halted at the glance Lord Frayne bestowed upon her. Confusion and uncertainty caused her stomach to tighten. It was as if he were able to see only her.

"Miss Belden," he smiled, looking intently into her blue eyes, "I had hoped you would be joining us."

"Lord Frayne," Beatrix smiled shyly back at him, aware of Martin's interested pose as he watched the two of them.

"I do hope you will save the supper waltz for me," Lord Frayne said hopefully.

"Of course, my lord," Beatrix nodded. "I will mark it down."

The music was beginning to start. Martin offered his arm to his sister. "I do believe the first dance belongs to your brother," he grinned, and then smiled at Lady Diana. "I hope I am still able to dance after this, but if not, perhaps you will offer me comfort, or at least comfort for my feet."

As Beatrix glared at her brother, Lady Diana smothered a giggle before answering. "Perhaps you may not live through the dance, Mr. Belden, not if Beatrix has her way."

Beatrix remained silent until the dance began. Then she smiled adoringly at her brother. "Thank you, Martin," she said, a shimmer of tears glistening in her eyes, "I know you only tease to make me forget."

Martin turned a dull red. She was right. He had been trying to keep her occupied, not only from thoughts of Lord Lytell but from thoughts of Lord Frayne as well. "I want you to be happy, Beatrix," he said. He looked meaningfully at her. "I don't want you to be hurt by anyone."

"What do you mean?" Beatrix asked carefully.

"Lord Frayne must take a wife," he said bluntly. As she reddened he softened his tone, but continued on. "He cannot afford to wait much longer. I realize there may be affection in that regard, but he will maintain his father's legacy whatever the cost. He will marry, and while I don't doubt his sincerity, he is casting his nets wide. Do you understand?"

"You mean Cassandra," Beatrix said, meeting Martin's eyes with a bleak expression. "I understand," she said, her voice almost a whisper. Strengthening her tone, she added, "She would make him an excellent duchess. I am aware of his need to find a bride soon. You don't have to worry, brother dear, but thank you anyway. I will try to guard my heart."

Martin sighed in relief, his brotherly duty done for the night. He had not wanted to upset his sister, but he needed to make sure she understood the situation. As Lord Frayne danced by with Cassandra, he felt Beatrix tense. He groaned inwardly. By the expression in her eyes, he knew she had not guarded her heart carefully enough.

As the dance ended, Martin escorted Beatrix from the dance floor. They had barely halted when Lady Madeline entered, accompanied by her parents, Lady Belden, and Brian. Beatrix grasped Martin's arm in nervous anticipation. Brian's eyes gave nothing away as he walked toward them, Lady Madeline on his arm.

"Brian," Beatrix said worriedly when he came to stand by her side, "what have you to tell me?"

"Beatrix," Brian squeezed her hand, "I can't tell you right now. Not here. There is a lot to discuss and plans we need to make."

Beatrix bit back tears of disappointment. Brian was not smiling nor was he relaxed. She glanced at Lord Lytell, who raised his wine glass back at her and smiled. She heard the soft laugh of Cassandra as she chatted with Lord Frayne. She could see the pity in Lady Diana's eyes and the concern in Lady Madeline's. She felt her brother's protective gazes upon her. She could sense Lord Mangan and Lord Frayne's curious stares. The pressure was too intense, too stark, too real. She had to escape. She had to plan her own way out of this mess. With a barely contained sob, she fled from the room.