Free Copper Kingdom by Iris Gower Page B

with the fresh sea breeze blowing across the hills.
    His journey was a short one. He was making for the home of James Cardigan; it might be just as well to ask his partner what he felt about the future of the copper industry. Dean smiled to himself, knowing it was merely an excuse, what he really wanted was to see Bea’s beautiful eyes looking up at him with melting sweetness.
    He recognised that it was about time he found himself a bride. He was thirty-five years of age and needed to put down roots. Four fine sons, that’s what he wanted from life, and Bea looked strong and healthy enough to give him as many children as he desired.
    It was about time he broached the subject of the marriage to James. Dean felt certain that the older man would welcome the suggestion with open arms for Bea was past the first flush of youth. But still beautiful enough to stir the senses of any man, he thought wistfully.
    The maid who answered the door to Dean looked up with glowing eyes, her wide smile revealing her pleasure at seeing him. As Dean handed her his hat and riding crop, he winked at her. Bertha did not need telling in which direction his affections lay. She was sensitive to anything that affected her beloved mistress and had a closeness with her that was only usually found between sisters.
    â€˜Fine day it’s turned out to be, Mr Sutton,’ Bertha said warmly. ‘Brought the sunshine, you have.’
    Dean rubbed his hands together. ‘A little too cold for my liking, Bertha, but fine enough for all that. Is Miss Bea at home?’
    Bertha nodded. ‘Yes, sir, she’s in her room, I’ll call her at once.’ She hesitated. ‘Mr Cardigan is in the drawing room, he has company, perhaps you’d like to wait in the conservatory?’
    Dean stared around him, stifled by the plethora of plants. Everything here was so small and so confining, perhaps one day he would return to his homeland and maybe take with him a wife and family.
    He turned as he heard a sound in the doorway. ‘Bea, as lovely as ever.’ He took the hand she held out to him and gently kissed her upturned palm. She smiled warmly at him, her wide, generous mouth curving upwards so that her face was transformed.
    â€˜This is a pleasant surprise, Dean.’ She seated herself in a chair and spread the soft blueness of her skirt around her small feet with a gracious movement of her small hands. He would be the envy of all American society if he took home with him such a prize.
    â€˜You seem so serious, what is it, Dean?’ Bea held her head on one side in a charming gesture and Dean resisted the impulse to sweep her into his arms. He had found from experience that these people liked to move slowly and with decorum.
    â€˜I am serious – about you,’ he said and as her eyes widened, he realised with a sinking feeling that she had never thought of him in the role of suitor.
    â€˜I’ve startled you,’ he said, watching in fascination as the rich blush suffused Bea’s face and throat. He longed to put his mouth where the tiny pulse beat in the hollow of her neck, he just knew that behind that controlled exterior was a passionate woman.
    She looked down at her hands, avoiding his eyes. ‘I suppose I am a little surprised,’ she said softly and Dean could have smiled at such understatement if he had not been feeling so disappointed.
    The door to the drawing room opened and James Cardigan appeared in the hallway, his arm around the shoulder of Sterling Richardson.
    â€˜Come again, any time, my boy.’ James spoke warmly and then both men were looking in through the open doorway of the conservatory.
    â€˜Dean, hello there, I didn’t expect you see you today.’ James came forward, hand outstretched. ‘It’s always a pleasure to have a visit from you.’
    Dean was suddenly aware of Bea catching her breath raggedly at his side. He glanced and saw that her gaze was fixed on