Chapter 19: Regency - Chapter 7
Beth looked up from her breakfast the next morning in surprise as her sister took the seat next to her. Arella never awoke before 9 and rarely left her room until noon unless there were morning callers she wanted to see.
To see Arella sliding into a seat in the small breakfast room at 8 filled Beth with foreboding.
"It is lovely to see you here so early," Beth said casually.
"Oh I know," Arella snapped. "I never grace you with my presence at this unholy hour and you're very curious as to my purpose here today."
"Certainly I am." Beth remained mild and calm, which she had often found the surest way to keep Arella's temper in check. While Arella had a vicious temper, it was usually only displayed when someone baited her or stirred the coals.
Arella sighed and smiled a charming half-smile. "I apologize. I am a bit out of sorts this morning. Wasn't the opera last night exciting? I have never seen so many beautiful people in my life."
"It was lovely. And you attracted quite a bit of attention yourself." Beth added a compliment out of habit. She knew that her sister would be more complacent if she was feeling satisfied with her own beauty.
"There were quite a few visitors to our box during intermission. I wonder if they quite blocked the hallway." She preened happily while Beth focused on finishing her toast and eggs.
Arella spilled her raptures about the opera and what a success she had been for a few minutes with only the occasional nod or brief response from Beth to keep her going. When she had at last exhausted the subject, she brought up a new topic.
"Will you be walking in the park again today? We had such a lovely walk yesterday. Perhaps we should make it part of our daily routine."
Beth had to hide a smile. Clearly this is what had drawn Arella down the stairs so early. She wanted to know if she was going to get to meet her newest conquest again. Alex had not asked Beth about setting up another rendezvous. She had sent him the list of the family's evening engagements for the week, as he had requested at the end of their walk. Now she assumed he would take care of the courting on his own.
Seeing Arella's hopeful smile, Beth spoke carefully. "I had not made any plans to go to the park, but I would be happy to go with you if you so desire."
Arella's face fell, but a bright smile quickly returned. "Surely we will meet all sorts of interesting people, even if. . ." She trailed off and blushed prettily before starting again. "Let us go at the same time as yesterday."
"Of course. I shall be ready," Beth promised. She had finished her meal, so she stood and started her tasks for the day. With Mother focused on Arella's come out, Beth had been given more responsibilities to help with the running of the household.
"If you ever marry," Mother had said with a frown, "you will need to know how to run a household properly. And if, heaven forbid, you remain single, you can at least assist me in my advancing age."
So now Beth had to check with the housekeeper, Mrs. Wilton, regarding a few minor changes Beth had requested. After her chat with Mrs. Wilton, she would join Mother for morning calls. Arella was never required to attend morning calls. Mother worried that interrupting her sleep would spoil her looks. Instead, Beth went with Mother to call on aging dowagers and gossiping women with silly young daughters.
After morning calls, Beth would enjoy a light luncheon, then her walk with Arella. They would return in time for afternoon calls, where Arella would reign over a court of eligible gentlemen while Beth read a book or worked on her sewing.
That evening, they were promised to a small card party one of Mother's dear friends was hosting. It was to be an opportunity for the season's debutantes to get to know each other.
Beth shook her head, already anticipating a fairly boring day, as she joined Mrs. Wilton. Mrs. Wilton was a small, round woman with red cheeks and a cheerful smile. She had been with the family since Beth was young and Beth looked on the woman with fondness.
The morning went quite as expected. Beth's first surprise of the day came during her walk with Arella. She had wondered if Alex would look for them at the park again, and he did indeed attach himself to them within minutes of their entrance to the park.
What was more unexpected was when Alec joined their party only a couple minutes after. He greeted everyone and pulled Beth's arm firmly through his. As they set off again, he slowed down until Alex and Arella were a ways ahead.
"What did he have to say to you yesterday? Was he arranging to meet again today?" Alec's voice held a mixture of concern and curiosity.
"Oh. He wanted a list of our accepted evening engagements for the week." When Alec frowned, she added, "Our meeting here today truly was accidental. . . unless he arranged it with Arella."
"I see. Dare I hope that you refused to send him the list?"
"Why would I do that?" Beth was confused by Alec's dislike for Alex.
Alec sighed. "You are far too good for him, you know." Before she could object, he moved on, raising an eyebrow and asking, "May I ask why I didn't receive a similar list?"
"I didn't think you were interested in attending everything we attend," Beth answered. "And," she added, "It seemed rather presumptuous of me to send you a letter without your permission."
Alec surprised her again when he placed his hand over hers. "You should never be afraid to reach out to me. I am your friend now, am I not?" At her nod, he continued. "I want to know what Alex is doing. Quite frankly, I do not trust him and I would not feel comfortable knowing that you were with him without someone there to protect you."
Beth laughed. The idea was so preposterous. "I don't need protection from Alex!" she exclaimed, still giggling.
Alec just shook his head and looked at her a little sadly. "You haven't known him for years. A man can change quite a bit, you know, in such a length of time."
His very serious expression and words put an end to Beth's mirth. "But I cannot believe he would become so very bad," she said softly, pleadingly.
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