Page 35 of Memories Made At Midnight
“Perhaps you should sit down.” Cassius motioned toward the settee.
Her eyebrows rose higher on her forehead, and she jutted out that adorable, stubborn chin.
“Have you learned nothing about me, Lord Cassius Westbrook? I am not a wilting flower who will swoon or give into hysterics.”
A reluctant grin twitched the corners of his mouth. “No, you most certainly are not.”
She glanced out the large front window and smiled when she spotted two young women walking past.
Their eyes rounded, and they waved at her.
Beatrice returned their friendly greeting before they dipped their heads together, no doubt speaking about her.
“Friends of yours?” Cassius came to stand beside her.
“Yes. Esme Dawkins and Charlotte Hawthorne.” She twirled a lock of hair. “In truth, my only friends in Brighton. I told them you are painting my portrait and the reason. They sympathize with my plight, but as the daughter of a local vicar and granddaughter to a widow, they have no means to assist me.”
Nor would they dare cross the earl.
There was more to the devious man than his immaculate grooming and noble façade. It seems Highbury had a reputation for assuring he had his way.
Turning away from the window, Beatrice cocked her head. “So what did the duke discover? I assume Hargreaves & Drummond Solicitors was a successful lead?”
Cassius tried to subdue the consternation he was certain Beatrice could see on his face. What he had to say would alarm her—probably frighten her as well. He cupped her shoulders. It was bold and mad of him, but he needed to assure her with more than mere words.
He was here for her—would champion and protect her.
“More so than you could imagine, Beatrice.”
Her eyes clear and guileless, she searched his face. “Now I am most curious.”
How to tell her?
He clenched his jaw for half a second.
Straightforward and direct.
That was what she would want.
“Beatrice, you were to come into your inheritance either when you married or when you turned one and twenty. Whichever came first. You’ve been eligible to claim your funds for some time now.”
