about one another. Everything had happened so quickly in the past few months that having a few weeks to gain her bearings and adjust to her new life was a blessing.
Wasn’t it?
“We haven’t discussed it.” Beatrice had no desire to raise the topic with Daniel. “There’s no rush, of course.”
“True. It might be fun to give him time to court you.”
“Court me?” Her stomach dipped at the thought.
“Woo you. Yes, of course.” Caroline appeared delighted at the prospect. “The two of you met under unusual circumstances. I’m sure you’d like to come to know each other better.”
“Yes, I suppose so.” Though there was much she didn’t know about him, she knew the important things—that he was honorable and kind. That he had a good heart. That he was someone of whom her father would’ve not only approved of but liked. That he could stir her with one look.
Would she like to know more? Of course. Learning his likes and dislikes, his moods, his past as well as his dreams for the future would make their married life even better. Perhaps he’d like to know the same of her.
But courting?
Her mouth was dry at the thought of what that might mean. It shifted their relationship from friendly to...something more. That was where the danger to her heart stood. Remaining on friendly terms didn’t seem so difficult. She could keep her feelings tightly reined in and hidden.
But wooing? Thank goodness he’d shown no inclination of doing that.
“THOSE ARE BEAUTIFUL flowers,” Beatrice said as Dawson, the butler, brought in a bouquet to the drawing room the following afternoon where she was assisting Caroline to draw up a list of meals for the coming week.
“For you, Miss Linfield,” the elderly servant advised with a smile as he set them on a nearby table and handed her the card.
“How exciting,” Caroline exclaimed. “From who?”
Beatrice’s heart tripped a beat as she read the message scrawled in a masculine hand.
Something to brighten your day as you do mine.
With my deepest regard,
Daniel
“Oh.” She could hardly catch her breath as she rose to admire the generous bouquet of purple dahlias, pink lilies, peach begonias, and white roses. “Daniel sent them.”
“How thoughtful that man is.” Caroline joined her as she leaned close to breathe in their sweet fragrance.
Beatrice found herself blinking back tears as she stared in awe at the blooms.
“What is it?” Caroline asked with a hand on Beatrice’s shoulder.
“I’ve never before received flowers. These are so gorgeous.” She felt stunned. Flummoxed. Admired. And she had no idea how to deal with any of those unfamiliar emotions.
“He is wooing you.” Caroline’s grin only made Beatrice feel more breathless.
“Wooing.” She repeated the word, still unable to comprehend it.
She’d barely settled her emotions, though she continued to stare at the flowers, when Dawson returned to the doorway.
“Mr. Walker to see you, Miss Linfield.”
Daniel strode into the room, and Beatrice bolted to her feet, flutters lifting her middle at a different pace than her legs.
“Good afternoon, ladies.” His formal bow had her curtsying all while Caroline chuckled quietly.
“And to you, Daniel.” Caroline seemed to understand that Beatrice needed a moment to find her voice. “What brings you by this fine day?”
“I hoped Beatrice might have time to take a ride with me.” He lifted his brow at Beatrice, his golden eyes holding on her.
“I should like that very much.” She gestured toward the flowers. “Thank you for the beautiful bouquet. It was so thoughtful of you.”
“My pleasure. You seemed to enjoy the Banfield garden so much that I thought you might like flowers of your own.”
“I do, indeed. I’ll get my things.” She shared a look with Caroline, appreciating her friendship all the more, for it seemed as if she knew exactly the twist of excitement and nerves that Beatrice felt.
She returned shortly, wearing a bonnet and gloves along with a shawl. “Should I ask Sally to accompany us?”
“I rented an open carriage so we could better enjoy the view.”
No need for a chaperone? Beatrice was thrilled at the prospect of time alone with Daniel. Perhaps courting wasn’t such a terrible idea after all.
Chapter Fifteen
Daniel waited impatiently near the ballroom entrance for Beatrice’s arrival. Or perhaps a more apt description would be nervously. He didn’t understand the anxiousness that filled him.
He’d spent the last few days watching for Finch rather than courting Beatrice. Unfortunately, he couldn’t claim success as Finch had rarely shown himself. Daniel, along with Pierre, had discovered little.
Richard had come by his home for an update and mentioned with