THE MAGIC TOUCH (Historical Romance) by PATRICIA KEYSON Page A

would and she would also check to make sure etiquette prevailed.
    Suddenly there was a commotion on the dance floor and Hope looked up to see Beaumont with his arm around Aunt Constance. James was on the other side as they half-carried her to the edge of the ballroom and sat her gently into a chair. Lady Padstock attended immediately and directed the dancing to continue.
    A screen was placed strategically to provide her with privacy and Constance put a hand to her head. “Aunt,” whispered Hope, “how can I help? Has your headache returned?” Constance nodded and looked tearful.
    “Drink this,” directed Beaumont, holding out a glass of brandy. “I think you exerted yourself too much.”
    He treated the patient with such kindness Hope was near tears. Much as she hated to admit it, she realised her aunt should be taken home without delay. When she voiced her opinion, both Constance and Beaumont agreed. “I’ll get your carriage brought round to the closest entrance,” said Beaumont.
    “Poor Constance,” whispered Lady Padstock. “It was a great pleasure for us that you should come this evening with your dear niece. But now you must return home and rest.”
    Beaumont and Hope help ed Constance to the carriage. Beaumont tucked a rug around her. “I wish you a restful night, Constance.” Holding out his hand to aid Hope into the carriage, her heart fluttered as he drew nearer and she was sure he was about to kiss her. If she acted instinctively, she would move forward and instigate an embrace; if she followed the line of propriety, she’d back away that instant. In the event, she did neither. Beaumont raised her hand to his lips and caressed it before letting go. Hope ducked into the carriage, sure her hammering heartbeat must be audible.
    By the time they arrived at the house, Constance appeared a litt le brighter, but still exhausted.
    With Aunt Constance safely in doors, Hope left her to the ministrations of the servants. Perhaps the doctor should be called in the morning. As Hope readied herself for bed, she was lost in a dream of what might have been if her dance card had been filled with Beaumont’s name and, more excitingly, if she and he had been alone outside the Padstocks’ mansion with the carriage as their refuge.

CHAPTER 8
    When Edna entered the room the following morning, Hope’s first thoughts were of her aunt. “How is Aunt Constance today, Edna?”
    “ She was sitting up in bed and drinking tea. That would seem a good sign.”
    Hope nodded her head. “I’m sure you’ re right. Poor Aunt. If she’d stayed at home last evening she could have had the rest she sorely needs. I feel certain she made a special effort on my behalf.”
    Edna’s eyes lit up. “Was it a wonderful evening? Apart from Her Grace being took poorly, I mean.”
    “It was most enjoyable. I managed to have two dances; one with James Henderson and the other with Beaumont.”
    “Hope, I do envy you. The Honourable James is very attractive, even if he isn’t very exciting.”
    “And what about Beaumont? Don’t you find him striking?”
    “For an older man, certainly he is.” Edna darted around the room tidying Hope’s garments which she’d strewn about the previous night. “I’m sorry I wasn’t available to put your clothes away. I did tap on the door after we’d settled your aunt, but there was no reply.”
    “That’s quite all right, Edna. Aunt Constance must come first. And I should have been more careful with my things. The dress is very elegant, isn’t it?” Hope stretched and rolled out of bed. “Now I must get ready for breakfast.”
    * * *
    Just as she was swallowing her last mouthful of devilled kidneys and toast, she was informed a visitor had arrived to enquire after Her Grace. It must be Lady Padstock, surmised Hope. She rose from the table and went to the drawing room. To her shame, she hadn’t seen her aunt since the previous evening.
    When Hope caught sight of the visitor she nearly