what his brother had intended. He didn’t care to think he was so easily manipulated. At least Richard had the good grace not to gloat over his success.
“Now then, why don’t we review the problem again,” Richard suggested. “I’m certain we can arrive at a logical solution. You’re concerned that Miss Linfield might do something rash?”
“Based on our brief conversation yesterday, I believe she’s planning on leaving very soon. Most likely once Miss Adams is better.” Something in the tone of her voice along with her determined expression had him convinced she intended to leave as quickly as possible.
“And that’s bad because?” Richard’s brow furrowed.
“She has nowhere to go!” Daniel bolted to his feet again and hissed at the sharp ache the movement caused. He placed a hand on his side, already wishing it gone. The injury was a nuisance. “Blast it all.”
“Surely she won’t leave until she’s decided where she’s going. I can’t believe she’d choose to live on the street rather than stay with us.” His affronted expression would’ve been amusing under other circumstances. “Doesn’t she like staying at Aberland House?”
“Of course, she does. She adores Caroline.”
“Have I offended her in some manner?”
“No, she simply doesn’t know you well.” Daniel sank into the chair again. “She doesn’t want to be a burden to the two of you.”
“She isn’t a burden at all. In fact, she’s already helped Caroline considerably with preparing the nursery. She’s delightful company.”
“I tried to tell her that, but it didn’t help.”
“Why don’t I speak with her and explain how much Caroline enjoys her staying with us?”
Daniel shook his head. “I don’t think it will make a difference. She’ll think I put you up to it.”
“You do realize she has the freedom to do as she pleases. If she wishes to go, there’s nothing we can do to stop her.”
“There has to be something.” Daniel had spent a sleepless night trying to think of a solution. He’d already been awake, unable to get comfortable. No matter his position, his side hurt along with the rest of his body, and his thoughts raced. He couldn’t release his worry about Beatrice for the life of him.
“If you were to guess, what do you think she will do?” Richard asked.
That was the issue. She’d only mentioned two possibilities. He couldn’t imagine her as a servant in someone’s home. She was a lady for goodness sake. Nor could he imagine her as some man’s wife. The very idea made him shudder. But it would be difficult for her to find a husband so quickly. Did that mean she intended to find employment?
Richard cleared his throat when Daniel didn’t respond. “What do you think she wants to do?”
The rephrasing of the question didn’t provide any answers. From what Daniel knew, she didn’t have a deep yearning to do any particular thing. It was as if she wasn’t certain where her place was in the world, a lost soul who didn’t belong anywhere. The realization made his chest ache in the strangest manner.
Her life had changed significantly in recent months. First the death of her father, then the news that she’d been left penniless, followed by the desertion of her betrothed. Next had come her arrival to London and the situation had worsened from there. No wonder she felt adrift.
“I still think marriage is the best solution.” Richard’s calm statement sent Daniel’s stomach churning and brought a choking sensation to his throat.
“She shouldn’t be a servant in someone’s home,” his brother continued. “She’s attractive, well educated, and has a talent for organization. She’d make the right man a fine wife, don’t you think? Then she could have children of her own and—”
“Enough. I’ll do it.” Daniel rubbed the back of his neck, but it did little to calm the slight panic clawing at him.
“You’ll do what?”
“I’ll marry her.” Why did he feel as if he were doing the right thing for the wrong reasons? He gave himself a mental shake at his convoluted thoughts.
Richard didn’t bother to hide his satisfied smile, leaving Daniel to wonder if that had been Richard’s plan all along. “Excellent notion. When will you ask her?”
“Soon.” Suddenly he couldn’t catch his breath as a new concern flooded his thoughts. What if she said no?
THREE DAYS LATER, BEATRICE watched Mary with dismay as she packed the few things Caroline had provided for her.
“Are you certain you feel well enough to leave?” Beatrice asked.
“Yes.” Mary nodded with enthusiasm as she smiled at Beatrice. “I’m excited about my new position.