Flirting with His Forbidden Lady--A Regency Family is Reunited by Laura Martin (good novels to read txt) 📕

base of the cliff that he had realised he couldn’t imagine living a single day of his life without Beth by his side. In the short time he’d known her he had started each day thinking of her and wanting to tell her every interesting thing that had happened to him. Leo’s words had resonated, telling him to decide what he wanted and then to go for it.

Even though marriage didn’t fit into his plans, even though it would mean big changes in both their lives, he knew the alternative was unthinkable. He wouldn’t be able to say goodbye to Beth in a few short weeks. It would kill him.

‘You’re going to love India,’ he said as he dipped into the picnic basket and brought out two rosy red apples, offering one to Beth before biting into his own. ‘The climate will take a bit of getting used to, and the culture, but it is such a wonderful country, Beth. I can’t wait to show you it.’ He watched for any sign of uncertainty in her eyes, any sign of doubt. It was a lot to ask of someone, to give up their home, their country and their family to start a life on the other side of the world.

‘You’re wondering if I will regret saying yes to you.’ Beth regarded him as she bit into her own apple.

‘You read me well.’

‘I don’t know if you’re easy to read or if I just know you well.’ She paused, leaning over and taking his hand. ‘I won’t regret it. I won’t change my mind.’

‘You’re giving up a lot for me.’

‘I’m giving up a future of a loveless marriage for something much more wonderful.’

She leaned over and kissed him just as he bit into the apple, coming away giggling.

‘Will your guardian approve of me?’

‘He’ll be ecstatic. He’s always suggesting I might like to settle down. I think he’d almost given up hope I would. Mrs Usbourne will love you too, and she will help you settle in to life in India I’m sure.’

‘I’ll have you and I’ll possibly have Annabelle. Whatever happens, that is all I need.’

They finished their picnic, dipping into the hamper until they were both full and sated and Josh beckoned Beth over to him. He leaned back and she rested her head on his chest. For a long while he was just happy to watch her drooping eyelids as she dozed in the sun, marvelling at how perfect she looked from above as well as every other angle. He felt his own eyelids grow heavy in the afternoon sunshine and allowed himself to succumb to sleep.

They woke with the sun slightly lower in the sky, both unsure how long they had slept.

‘We should head back,’ Beth said, not looking overly keen about her own suggestion. ‘I will have to tell Mother our news and speak to Annabelle.’

‘We will tell your mother together,’ Josh said, squeezing her hand. Beth nodded, biting her lip. He knew she would be nervous, knew she would want to put off the moment when she had to tell her mother she wasn’t going to marry a man who could save their family home, but it would be best to tell her mother quickly. That way the shouting and recriminations could occur, then the dust settle and then they could all begin to move on.

‘She’s going to be so angry.’

‘Remember you didn’t put your family into debt.’

‘No. It wasn’t really Mother’s fault either though. Most of the debts were Father’s.’

‘After she has grown used to the idea, once she’s settled into a nice little house somewhere, she might find it liberating to live without the constant worry of debt hanging over her.’ As soon as he’d said it he wasn’t sure he believed it. Lady Hummingford was a dowager countess, a woman born into the aristocracy who was used to living in luxury and comfort. To someone like her, status and appearance were everything and the thought of living quietly in a comfortable little house would not be palatable.

‘Hmm.’ Beth didn’t sound convinced either. She stood, brushing the sand from her dress and looking down at the crumpled material. It looked as though she had rolled about on a beach in it, which wasn’t far from the truth.

Josh helped her straighten her skirts as best he could and then Beth busied herself tidying her hair, laughing as the gentle wind kept tugging it from her fingers every time it was almost pinned.

‘Can we detour to the village? I promised Annabelle I would pick her up a new book from the shop when we returned to Sussex and with all the preparations for the house party and entertaining the guests the last few days I haven’t got round to it yet.’

‘Of course.’ He knew she was delaying the inevitable, trying to think of any reason not to return home and face her mother, but he wouldn’t say no to a few more hours in Beth’s company.

They climbed up the steep cliff path and headed arm in arm away from the sea. The little village of East Dean was only a short stroll away. Josh didn’t have his pocket watch with him and hoped they would make it to the shop in time before it closed for the evening. In India he could tell the time by the height of the sun in the sky and its heat on his back, but here in England he was not accustomed enough to its patterns.

The clock on the church tower told them it was half past four and Beth hurried him down the high street towards the little row of shops. Only as they approached did Beth stop in her tracks and grip his arm.

‘My mother,’ she said, gesturing down a side street. ‘And my sister.’ Her voice was full of disbelief, as if she couldn’t quite trust what she was seeing. ‘Annabelle has never been into the village before. Never.’

For a moment Beth didn’t move, just stood