Free THE MAGIC TOUCH (Historical Romance) by PATRICIA KEYSON Page A

will be an asset to the programme. Are you all right, Constance? You seem a little distressed.”
    “ I think the time spent in Eustace’s rooms this afternoon tired me more than I thought it would. My head aches a little. I bathed my eyes, but I’d like to sit here a while. Why don’t you escort Hope around the garden, Beaumont? She’s still got a pallor about her and you remarked it was a shame for her to have been cooped up in her rooms.”
    “An excellent suggestion,” smiled Beaumont. “If Hope is agreeable.”
    “I am aware it is not the done thing for my niece to be unchaperoned, but I can think of no alternative with this pain.” Constance clutched her head and closed her eyes. “I’ll get your maid to bring your shawl. It’s fresh outside.”
    Hope had no choice but to obey her aunt. Then she grasped what Edna’s appearance could mean. Oh dear, it was too bad. Why hadn’t she thought about it before and gone to fetch it herself? Edna came into the room and gasped when she caught sight of Beaumont. He came towards her and took the shawl she was holding. “Thank you. I remember you, of course, but I don’t know your name.”
    “Really, Beaumont,” chided Constance , raising her head and frowning at him, “you shouldn’t be so free with the servants.”
    He grinned at Edna. “You remind me of someone’s cousin.”

CHAPTER 7
    The fresh air revived Hope a little and she enjoyed the chance to walk in the garden. A short time ago she would have given anything for an opportunity such as this: to be with Beaumont strolling among the flowers and trees in her aunt’s garden But she was in awe of him now as the unexplained secret hung between them. Although she felt unnerved by the situation, he probably did not. Nothing appeared to confound Beaumont. She stole a look at him. He ran his hand along the bark of a tree, tracing its intricate pattern with his fingers. For one flighty moment, she wished to change places with the tree bark. Then he spoke. “Are you coming to the Female Aid Society benefit to please your aunt or are you interested in the work of its members?”
    “I wish to know more of it. Mama sometimes attended meetings, but I never have. I am willing to help anyone less fortunate than I am.” As she spoke, Hope felt enthusiasm coursing through her; the same feeling she’d had when she taught Ruth to read and write and when she contemplated doing the same with Edna. The thought of Edna reminded her of the conversation prior to this walk in the garden. She would not mention it, unless he brought it up. The discussion could continue about the disadvantaged.
    “More than anything I should like to help people learn to read and write. Those two occupations give me such pleasure. I can’t bear to think of anyone not knowing the joy of the written word or of letter writing or composing other works. My dreams are to teach and one day to write a book.” There, it was out in the open. He would surely laugh at her aspirations. When she looked at him, he was gazing at her with a serious expression.
    Beaumont took her hand. “Such soft skin, Hope , and such sweet scent. Rose, isn’t it?” This wasn’t the response Hope had expected, but she couldn’t deny it was agreeable. “Your aims are admirable. I’m sure you will achieve them.”
    The moment was broken by the hurried arrival of Edna. “Hope, no I mean my lady,” Edna glanced at Beaumont, “Her Grace told me to come into the garden and tell you it’s time to go in now.”
    “How is she, Edna?” Beaumont asked.
    “She has a strong constitution, but I think she has been brought low by thoughts of His Grace.”
    “He was a fine man.” Beaumont held out his arm for Hope to take. She hesitated and glanced at the windows of the house before linking her arm with his. They walked back along the path together, with Edna trailing behind. When they reached the entrance he patted her hand.
    “I must leave you now. It has been most