Sweet Bea by Sarah Hegger Read Free Book Online Page B

engagements.”
    “Exactly.” Beatrice blinked against the sting at the back of her eyes. The humiliation was a bitter taste in her mouth. “This is my chance to prove to my family I am one of them.”
    “Of course you are one of them. You do not need to prove yourself to them, Bea. Your family loves you.”
    “I know that.” Beatrice dashed her cheeks impatiently. Treacherous tears wouldn’t stop leaking onto her cheeks. “I know they love me, but they do not take me seriously. It is always oh, Beatrice is up to her tricks again, or you know Beatrice.”
    And everything else she’d said or thought dropped away. Beatrice knew this was the real reason. “I need to do this. For my mother, for all of them.”
    “Ah, Bea, it is all in your head.” He released her hand and rubbed the back of his neck. “You think you need to measure up to your family because your father is this big legend and your mother was known everywhere. They are people, like you and me.”
    Beatrice wasn’t going to argue the point with him. There were two sorts of people. Some were made in the image of God and others were nearly Him. “I am going to do this, Tom,” she said. “All you have to decide is whether you are going to stand in my way or help me.”
    Broad face impassive, Tom stilled and searched her eyes.
    Beatrice held her breath.
    “I must be mad.” Tom looked past her at the twilight spilling into the stable and sighed. “My mother, for sure, is going to flay me alive for this. And I would not blame her.” He threw up his hands. “Of course I am going to help you, Bea.”
    “Oh, Tom.” Beatrice finally breathed. Victory. She flung her arms around his neck. There was nowhere a better man than Tom and he was her best friend.
    He wheezed as she tightened her grip.
    “But—” He unwrapped her from his neck. “You are not going alone, because I will go with you.”
    Beatrice didn’t want Tom along. She wanted Garrett. She chewed the inside of her cheek. Tom wouldn’t approve of Garrett and he might be difficult. Then again, it was better than Tom putting a stop to the entire scheme. If he came with her, he would have no opportunity to tell tales on her. “I love you, Tom.”
    Tom bent and grabbed his pitchfork. “Remember you do when my mother gets hold of me.”

Chapter 7
     
    Beatrice opened the door to her mother’s chamber. Lady Mary sat in her bed, propped against a mountain of pillows. Her braid trailed over her shoulder and pooled in her lap. It had once been bright as new gold, but was dulled with age now. Her face, as unlined as a woman half her age, lit in a smile as warm as the sunlight pouring in.
    The chamber smelled of roses. All around were those little touches that spoke of Lady Mary. The huge bowl of flowers by her bed. An embroidered fire screen before the hearth, stitched by her mother’s hand. And fine silks draped over the chest at the foot of the bed.
    Beatrice’s belly churned with the lies she was about to utter.
    “Sweet Bea.” Her mother patted the silver fur bed throw beside her. “Come and tell me what you are planning for today.”
    She couldn’t do that. Beatrice climbed on the bed and tucked her feet into the silky pelt like she had every morning since Lady Mary had been confined to her bed. She would miss her mother. There would be no more morning visits until she got back from London. Her heart gave a sharp twist. “The weather is fine today.”
    “I see so.” Lady Mary gestured toward the open casement. “You should take Simon and little Arthur to collect seashells.”
    “What?” Her mouth dried, and she eyed the cup of tea beside her mother.
    “I said you should take Simon and Arthur to the beach.”
    “I would if they were here.”
    “And they are not here?” Mother raised an eyebrow. Lady’s Mary’s eyes were the same piercing blue as Faye’s. They could strip you to your chainse.
    Beatrice adjusted her skirts over her legs and played for time. She pointed to the