Page 105 of A Single Obsession

“He’s paid out of your income, so he’s your employee. If he won’t give you the help you need, dismiss him. You can’t afford to have a disloyal man at your side, however competent he is. If you come unstuck, send me word and I’ll find a replacement.”

“Thank you. It’s a step in the right direction, but it will still be hard to convince Eliza I want to marry her because I love her, and not because my mother told me to.”

“Have you declared your love for her?”

“She won’t believe me.”

“Ah, I see your problem. Have you kissed her?”

“I have given her several pecks on the cheek—”

“Such as you might give your sister. Have you really kissed her?”

Beau dipped his eyes as he answered. “Just once—but I did not trust myself to do so again.”

Castleford shook his head in despair and took a few moments to choose his next words. “Eliza is not ignorant of the liaisons you’ve had—”

“That’s all over. I regret my past behaviour, but I know God has forgiven me. Eliza taught me I don’t have to carry the weight of old mistakes. I promise I’ll be faithful to my wife. I’ve not thought of another lady since—”

“You’re missing the point. Eliza knows she’s not the first woman in your life, and if you did not kiss her again, you may have sent her the wrong message. That her kisses are deficient. Unless, of course, you had the sense to tell her why you would not kiss her again until you were married.”

“You don’t mince your words, do you?”

“I apologise. It is sometimes better to sacrifice subtlety for clarity, and tact has never been my strong point.”

“Thank you for restraining yourself from telling me to my face what an idiot I’ve been. You need not. I already know. I’m ashamed to admit how much my horses meant to me, that I was willing to enter marriage so lightly in order to save them. Your brother was convinced she loved me. I pray she still does, and I can prove myself worthy of the faith she once had in me.”

He rose to leave, and they shook hands.

“Don’t give up,” Castleford said, before releasing his hold. “You’ve come a long way since I’ve known you. God hasn’t stopped believing in you, and I don’t think Eliza has either.”

Beau hoped he was right.

Chapter 46

Determined to put his plan into action straightaway, Beau called on his mother as soon as he left Warren House. He was fortunate to find Lady Harting at home.

“Have the tenants vacated Langcroft Park as agreed?”

“Yes. Harris sent word yesterday.”

“Good. I want to set things in order there.”

“Then you have resolved your differences with Elizabeth? You wish to prepare the house for your bride? I am so pleased—”

“She likes to be called Eliza, Mother. And you can keep your congratulations. I’ve not been able to persuade Eliza to renew our engagement, and your interference hasn’t helped.”

She pinched in her cheeks, showing her displeasure, but Beau cut off the withering reply he felt sure she was about to utter. “I mean to travel post-haste to Langcroft tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? There’s no need for that. Harris can do all that is necessary. Your place is here in London, fixing your interest with Elizab—”

He glared at her.

“…with Eliza.”

“I want to see the estate for myself. Discuss with Harris what needs to be done.”

His mother flared her nostrils and paused for a moment before answering. “Very well. Perhaps it is not such a bad idea after all.”