Beauty in Breeches by Helen Dickson

your husband—a man who will be hard to ignore.’
    â€˜You should look on it as a favour, Astrid. With Lord Chadwick out of the way, you mother will cease pressurising you on the matter. Although if she had succeeded in pulling off the match, he would have soon seen through you,’ Beatrice said gently.
    Astrid’s head shot up. ‘Why, what do you mean by that?’
    â€˜I don’t think he is the kind of man to marry a woman who is in love with someone else.’ Astrid blushed a deep scarlet. Beatrice smiled. ‘I thought as much. Anyone can see—and I know I am not wrong. You are glowing like a maid in springtime; every time Henry Talbot looks at you he looks as if he wants to eat you alive. I would put a fortune on you being in love with him. I am not wrong, am I, Astrid?’
    She shook her head. ‘No. Henry and I have known one another all our lives, yet it is only recently that we have become close and acknowledged the depth of our feelings for each other. But with Mama being like she is, we have had to be careful not to show it.’
    â€˜You’re to be congratulated, Astrid. Even I did not suspect—until your birthday party.’
    â€˜That’s because your head is always filled with other things and you walk about in blinkers, seeing nothing but what is ahead of you.’
    Beatrice lowered her head. ‘I’m sorry, Astrid. I don’tmean to. And please don’t be ashamed of me for what I am about to do. Where Larkhill is concerned, I am prepared to throw everything—even my immortal soul—into the battle to get it back.’
    â€˜Your desire to have your home returned to you must be very powerful indeed if you will go to such lengths as to marry the man who took it away from you in the first place.’
    â€˜You will never know how powerful. And as for you, you must talk to your mama. When she realises how things really are between you and Henry, perhaps she will relent.’
    â€˜Thank you, Beatrice, but somehow I don’t believe Mama will consent to a marriage between us.’
    â€˜Get George on side. He might be able to talk her round.’
    At that moment the door opened and Aunt Moira came in. Her face was like a stone. Beatrice breathed in deeply. Best get this over with, she thought.

Chapter Four
    â€˜W ell?’ Lady Standish demanded. ‘What have you got to say for yourself, Beatrice? Too ashamed, are you? I am simply astounded that not only did you ask Lord Chadwick to marry you, but you practically demanded that he do so. You have behaved in a thoroughly deceitful manner and I will not have it. In one fell swoop you have broken all the rules.’ Beatrice raised her head and looked at her aunt defiantly, which increased her wrath. ‘How dare you humiliate me and make me look foolish in society? How dare you?’ She was puce with anger and her voice rose until she was almost screeching.
    â€˜I understand that your feelings are hurt and I am sorry to have caused you so much distress, Aunt Moira,’ Beatrice uttered stiffly.
    â€˜Distress? That is putting it mildly,’ Lady Standish said, her aristocratic voice dripping with disdain. ‘Ofcourse as your guardian I can stop this. You do realise that, don’t you?’
    â€˜But why would you want to?’
    â€˜To stop you making a fool of yourself and this family. What will you do if I don’t allow it?’
    Both women were facing each other. Beatrice refused to be bowed. Her sense of outrage kept her anchored to the floor.
    â€˜I’ll do as I wish. You cannot stand in my way. Of late I’ve done a lot of thinking. I am eighteen years old—a woman—and I shall decide my own destiny. Ever since I came to live here you have wanted me off your hands. I am happy to oblige you.’
    â€˜Enough,’ Lady Standish ordered. ‘I am your aunt! How dare you speak to me in this disgraceful manner? I have indulged you